Figures Which Tell Something by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 6, 1906

Figures Which Tell Something

By Editor

The annual report of the Statistical Secretary, Brother H. E. Rogers, is given in this issue of the REVIEW. It represents much patient effort to secure that a complete and accurate statement of the affairs of the denomination so far as they can be presented in this form. The information here given is official, and can be relied upon as accurate.

Our readers will naturally look for the reports from their respective conferences, but we suggest that they should make comparisons between the different fields, and that they should especially note the important summary which will be found on page 9. Some of the items in this summary are of great interest, and tell a story of growth which is most encouraging. Consider them:—

Total tithes in 1905 ........ $858,014.91 Total tithes in 1904 ........ 691,819.33 Increase for 1905 ........... 166,195.58 Offerings for missions in 1905 ........ 169,335.11 Offerings for missions in 1904 ........ 144,712.20 Increase for 1905 ........... 24,622.91 Total tithes and offerings contributed for mission fields in 1905 ........ 267,032.00 Total of similar funds in 1904 ........ 227,743.31 Increase for 1905 ........... 39,288.69 Total amount raised in the denomination in 1905 for evangelistic work ........ 1,180,917.64 Total amount of similar funds for 1904 ........ 856,714.28 Increase for 1905 ........... 324,203.36

Those who are interested in comparisons by percentages may note that the gain in tithes for 1905 was 24.02 per cent, the gain in offerings for missions was 17.01 per cent, and the gain in the total amount raised throughout the denomination for evangelistic work was 37.84 per cent.

It thus appears that there was furnished in 1905 by the believers in this message considerably over a million dollars to be used for the furtherance of this advent movement. The average is $13.25 for each Sabbath-keeper in this denomination. This is in addition to any sums donated specifically for building institutions or for institutional work.

We have no disposition to boast over this showing. We know that money is not the most essential thing in gospel work. We also know that the amount of money expended does not necessarily indicate the degree of success which has attended the work of the denomination; but it is according to the divine order that the Lord’s cause should be supported by tithes and offerings, and faithfulness in paying tithes and in making offerings is an essential part of Christian experience.

Every Seventh-day Adventist ought to be well informed concerning the progress of our work. The information furnished in this statistical report will answer almost any question concerning the advancement of this message in all lands. This report ought to be preserved and studied.