Study Our Statistical Report
By Arthur G. Daniells
WE are printing in this week's REVIEW, the statistical report of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination, for the year ending Dec. 31, 1903. A careful study of this report will show that it is the most comprehensive and thoroughly systematized report we have ever made. The statistical secretary has worked a long time with great patience to make this report so complete and so thoroughly reliable that it will be a true representation of our cause, as far as figures can represent it; and also that it may be of value to ministers and to all occupying official positions. Some find little that is of interest in statistical reports. But they have a purpose. The Lord saw wisdom in placing genealogical tables, statistics, and historical records of various kinds in the Bible. As I have glanced over this report from time to time during its preparation, I have found facts worthy of careful study. In some respects, this report presents some truly serious facts. In other respects, it gives every lover of this cause abundant reason to rejoice. It is not the purpose of this note to touch the details of this report. The reader is referred to the notes of explanation and comparisons submitted by the secretary. Read these, study the report, and make a wise, profitable use of the facts. While we truly appreciate the assistance rendered by the army of secretaries who have helped to supply the data for this report, we venture to express the hope that the report for 1904 can be brought out earlier in the year.