p. 18 | Tithes From Our Publishing Work by J. H. McEachern

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 16, 1915

Tithes From Our Publishing Work

By J. H. McEachern

On the third page of the Annual Statistical Report of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination for the year 1914, under “Publishing Department,” appear the following inspiring facts:—

“At the close of 1914 there were 38 publishing houses and branches, having assets amounting to $1,602,846.58, in which were employed 735 persons engaged in the production of denominational literature, the sales of which for 1914 amounted to $2,109,834.60. This literature is issued in the form of approximately 375 bound books, 350 pamphlets, 1,300 tracts, and 134 periodicals in 88 different languages. This literature is distributed by 2,076 colporteurs, of whom 885 are engaged in the North American Division, and 1,191 in other countries.”

In addition to the inestimable evangelical influence of our publications throughout the world, it is encouraging to note the financial returns to this cause accruing from the work of our colporteurs and those connected with the manufacture of our literature.

The total sale of all publications for the year was $2,109,834.60. Deducting one third, or $703,278.20, to allow for Sabbath School Quarterlies, tracts, etc., we have $1,406,556.40 as the value of large and small books and magazines. On these the colporteurs receive an average commission of 50 per cent, yielding a gross income of $703,278.20. Discounting one third, or $234,426.06, for delivery expenses, etc., which is a liberal allowance, would leave $468,852.14 as their net earnings. On this basis, the annual tithe from the colporteur (and no man or woman should be engaged to sell our literature who does not pay tithe) would be $46,885.21.

Our publishing houses furnish employment for 735 Sabbath keepers. At an average wage of $10 a week, they earn $382,200 a year. Thus the total annual tithe from colporteurs and publishing house employees, on a conservative estimate, would be $85,105.21. On an average wage of $14 a week, this $85,105.21 tithe would more than support 116 ordained ministers preaching this precious message for one whole year.

When we consider further the large donations made by our publishing houses, in both money and equipment, to foreign fields, together with their liberality last year in giving $1,000 to each of our several colleges; the opportunity afforded by the scholarship plan for hundreds of students to obtain an education; the millions of perishing souls pointed to Jesus through the earnest canvasses given by the consecrated colporteurs as they visit from home to home; and the far-reaching influence of our books in bringing scores to a knowledge of this truth, we are led to see in our publishing work one of the most valuable assets, both spiritually and financially, under the direction of this great cause.

God is blessing every individual and conference officer who stands ready to encourage this precious work; and those who engage in it from right motives will share the rich reward awaiting all who are instrumental in saving souls.

J. H. McEACHERN.