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Review and Herald, Vol. 84, No. 38.

An Hour With Thee
Earlier text: An Hour With Thee

Doing God's Will

By Ellen G. White

MRS. E. G. WHITE
Those who submit to the solemn rite of baptism pledge themselves, before the heavenly universe, to come out from the world. They have taken their position under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel, to be laborers together with God, and as such to make known his will to those who are perishing in sin. They are to search the Scriptures diligently, feeling that it is of the highest importance for them to understand what saith the Lord. Having learned his will, they are to do it heartily, remembering that the truth is the seed they must sow in order to reap a harvest for God. But many of those who claim to believe the truth are not striving as they should for perfection of character.
Christ says, “Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”
In these words our work is plainly outlined. Those who represent Christ must obey God's commandments; for Christ obeyed them.
In order to keep God's commandments, we must have an intelligent knowledge of the Scriptures. We can not obey God until we know what his commandments are. It was that we might understand his will that God gave us the Bible. By a study of its teachings, we learn to deny self and to conform our lives to its requirements.
Dear friends, you are without excuse if you fail of obtaining a clear understanding of God's will. “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.” God has kept back nothing that is necessary for the enlightenment of his children. No one can plead in excuse for transgression that he was left in ignorance, that the way to heaven was not clearly marked out. We have not been left to serve God in a vague, uncertain way.
How can you educate your children in the things of God unless you first know for yourselves what is right and what is wrong; unless you realize that obedience means eternal life, and disobedience eternal death? Make it your life-work to gain an understanding of the will of God. Thus only can you train your children aright. Bring your every word and action into harmony with the Word of God, irrespective of the opinions and practises of those who refuse to obey him.
Had the inhabitants of the old world kept God's law, they would have continued to enjoy his favor. But they disobeyed, and their wickedness became unbearable to him. The words of Jude vividly portray the condition of the world at that time: “These are spots in your feasts of charity, . . . clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.”
God determined to purify the world by a flood; but in mercy and love he gave the antediluvians a probation of one hundred and twenty years. During this time, while the ark was building, the voices of Noah, Methuselah, and many others were heard in warning and entreaty, and every blow struck on the ark was a warning message.
To-day the past is repeated. God is sending men plain warnings. The recent earthquakes show how quickly the ungodly will perish when the judgments of God fall upon the earth. Already, in flood and flame, his judgments are falling upon evil-doers. All who refuse to repent will perish.
Those parents who know the truth, but who do not fulfil the obligations resting upon them, must soon meet the result of their neglect. Those who do not perform the duties that God gives them because it is not convenient to be so particular, so different from the world, are training their children to become more and more like the world, and to perish in disobedience.
Parents, be loyal to God. Represent him in the home life. Look upon the training of your children as a sacred work, entrusted to you by the Most High.

Character Names

By GEO. C. CARY

GEO. C. CARY
“A GOOD NAME is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.”
Many of this world are striving for a great name and worldly honor; but God’s people are striving for an “everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.” In order to get this name we must, by the help of God, perfect characters that meet the approval of heaven.
By learning the given name of a person, one does not become acquainted with him. One must see the daily life, the character of the person.
In olden times the children received character names, either of their own natures or of some experience in the life of the parents. For instance, the name “Sarai” means contentious, and “Jacob” means the supplanter. Sarai’s name was changed by God to Sarah, princess; and Jacob’s name to Israel, prince of God. Jacob received this name after wrestling with God all night for the victory over sin and deception.
I fear if God should name us now, there would be many Sarais and Jacobs. Let us wrestle with God, and gain the victory over every besetting sin, through faith in Christ. By beholding we become changed. Let us behold the meek and lowly Jesus, who went about doing good, and follow his example, his character. His name is recorded in Isa. 9:6 and in Ex. 33:19; 34:5, 6. Moses wished to become acquainted with the Lord, wished to see his glory. “And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee.” “And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.”
What a good character name! Yet we may have that name. “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.”
The experiences we pass through and the difficulties we meet will help us form characters and determine our new name.
How many thoughtlessly use in vain these character names of God; as, “goodness” and “gracious.” By using these words as by-words do we not break the third commandment? Let us learn to reverence his holy name, and drop the use of by-words and idle words. “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” “Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea: Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.”
*“Sitting at the feet of Jesus, O what words I hear him say! Happy place! so near, so precious! May it find me there each day.”*
Bonacca, Spanish Honduras.

Count the Mercies

By Mary D. James

COUNT the mercies! count the mercies! Number all the gifts of love; Keep a faithful daily record Of the comforts from above. Look at all the lovely green spots In life's weary desert way; Think how many cooling fountains Cheer our fainting hearts each day. Count the mercies! count the mercies! See them strewn along our way.
Count the mercies, though the trials Seem to number more each day; Count the trials, too, as mercies, Add them to the grand array. Trials are God's richest blessings, Sent to prompt our upward flight, As the eagles' nest, all broken, Makes them fly to loftier height. Count them mercies, count them mercies, That bring heaven within our sight.
Let us number all our jewels, Let us estimate their worth; Let us thank the gracious Giver, Strewing blessings o'er the earth; Let our hearts o'erflow with gladness, Let us tell the wonders o'er, Till our multiplying treasures Seem a countless, boundless store. Then let praises, grateful praises, Be our language evermore.
—Mrs. Mary D. James, in Christian Work.

EVA M. SHIVELY, M. D

By Eva M. Shively

A Plea for Bible Study—No. 1

EVA M. SHIVELY, M. D

The Christian's hope is that he may be again allowed the companionship of God and angels, and dwell in the earth made new, spending the time throughout eternal ages in the study of God's Word and works, and in pure and unselfish worship of the great Creator of the universe.
That this hope may be realized, what course must we as seekers for eternal life pursue? May we not with profit begin here, by way of preparation, the course of study we expect to continue when eternal life is granted us? We have here God's Word and works, and the promise of his Spirit to guide us in our preparation for citizenship in the better world.
In regard to the study of his Word our Saviour says: “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Deut. 8:3; Matt. 4:4); or, “by every word of God.” Luke 4:4.
From my office window, at the foot of the mountains of Colorado, I can look out and see piles of stone which have been taken from the earth; and during the summer, I often hear the boom of dynamite explosions, and see men digging down into the bowels of the earth in untiring search for her treasures. If they strike a rich vein, what constant and careful attention is given to procure and guard these treasures, which, should their greatest hopes be realized, can obtain for them only worldly comfort and pleasure.
And which of us, should we be so fortunate as to possess one of these rich, precious, ore-yielding mines, and could know that each effort made would be rewarded with valuable gems or ore, would not put forth unceasing effort to gather to ourselves these treasures? And should we know that this mine was inexhaustible, growing richer the deeper we go, how earnestly would we labor to obtain those precious stones requiring only our effort to uncover. Would a single day or hour pass in which we left these treasures uncared for or unguarded?
But I hear you say, “The earth has never given to us such a mine of wealth.” Nay! but have we not such a one? The judgments of God, “more to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold.” Ps. 19:10. Is not here the valuable and unfailing mine of wealth that we seek in vain for elsewhere? And never are we disappointed in delving for its treasures.
In order to be good citizens of any country, an understanding of, and obedience to, its laws are necessary. In order to be good citizens in harmony with the government of God, a perfect understanding of, and obedience to, his laws are necessary. This good citizenship the Creator intended in the beginning should be accomplished by a personal companionship in which we might be taught by God and angels the requirements of the heavenly land. And while living under this government, Eccl. 3:11, 12, tells us what our condition and purpose of life should be: “He hath made everything beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, . . . for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.”
In this life of joy and gladness under a government perfect in its preparations for its subjects, there was no need for defensive measures until man wilfully threw aside this blessed companionship, and placed himself at variance with the government by breaking its law. “The harmony of creation depends upon the perfect conformity of all beings, of everything animate and inanimate, to the law of the Creator.” “Everything is under fixed laws, which can not be disregarded.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 52.
Now that the transgressor had cut himself off from companionship with God, no more could he daily be taught by this sweet communion, but instead of casting us off as we deserved, in greatest kindness our precious Saviour gave his own life, calling us to accept redemption through his blood. Instead of personal companionship with God and angels, he sent to us his written Word to tell us of this immutable law and the plan by which we may again be reinstated in his presence. This mine of untold wealth, the Word of God, which promises us home, communion with God, everything that pertains to life and godliness; which pleads with us (Deut. 5:29) to have a heart inclined to God, to keep his commandments (ever promising the strength) that it may be well with us—shall we neglect to seek for its gems of great price?
All soldiers must know how to use their sword, and our great Commander calls his would-be soldiers to careful and systematic drill. This drill will consist in obtaining and using a knowledge of this Word.
Ps. 1:2 tells us to meditate day and night. Deut. 6:6, 7, says: “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” “Praying . . . and watching . . . with all perseverance.” Eph. 6:18. Then, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Tim. 2:15.
Boulder, Colo.

God’s Mercies and Blessings

By Mrs. H. E. Sawyer-Hopkins

MRS. H. E. SAWYER-HOPKINS
How merciful and long-suffering is our Heavenly Father! He is indeed, “the Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.” In Eph. 3:20 we read that he “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” David says, “For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him;” and again, “The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting.”
How good the Lord is! so plenteous in mercy! He daily crowneth us with blessings; and should we attempt to count them, our astonishment would be great; they are innumerable.
God bestowed a great blessing upon us in the gift of his dear Son, whom he sent into the world to redeem us from sin. We have, besides, the light of his precious truth to shine on our pathway; we have the companionship of holy angels to guard and protect us from evil and danger; we have life and health.
Space is not sufficient to enumerate all God’s bountiful gifts that are literally showered upon us. If any one thinks he has none, a little reflection will prove to the contrary. A continual brooding over what might be, affords no gain to one; it may rather result in a terrible loss. We may thereby grieve away the Spirit of God, and drive from us guardian angels. Evil angels will then come to help us fill up the cup of gloom and unhappiness. The result is, no one is benefited. We are hindered in perfecting Christian character; life is a burden, and we are miserable.
Instead of mourning because of blessings withheld, let us consider the many we have, and we shall enjoy life better, and the approving smile of our Heavenly Father may rest upon us.
My experience is that life is largely what we make it. We can be miserable, or we can be happy. To be happy we must look on the bright side, for it is the right side, and make the best of everything. If the day looks dark and cloudy, remember that the cloud above has a silver lining.
“Never look sad, for there’s nothing so bad As getting familiar with Sorrow; Treat him to-day in a cavalier way— He’ll seek other quarters to-morrow.”
These lines have been a great help to me, as years ago I was tempted to look on the dark side. Words fail to express my gratitude that God, through his love and mercy, enabled me to accept the principles of health, and thus rise above those feelings of despondency. The Lord is good and full of mercy. What shall we render to him for all his benefits? To merely say, “Yes, we are thankful for all the light,” is not sufficient; we must love and serve him with all our powers, regarding every principle of healthful living. The all-wise Father knew we needed instruction of this kind, else he would not have given it.
Pomona, Cal.

Statistical Report of Seventh-day Adventist Conferences and Missions

By H. E. Rogers

For the Year Ending December 31, 1906

The Statistical Report for 1906

There is presented herewith the statistical report for 1906. A careful study of the items presented, and a comparison with former reports, will be of value to those interested in the progress of this work, and will show with unmistakable certainty the rapid advancement this cause is making in many lands.
The adjoining column gives the main features of the report, showing, by grand totals, the funds, membership, net gain, per cent of gain, etc. This report is presented under three tables, the first being the regular statistical report, for 1906, while Table No. 2 gives a summary of the main items of our reports from the organization of the General Conference down to the present time. This will be found valuable for comparative study. Table No. 3 gives a brief report of institutions.
Accurate returns have been received from all the conferences and missions reported in Table No. 1, with the exception of the following: British Guiana, East Caribbean, South Caribbean, West Caribbean, Central America, and Hayti. The figures for these fields were estimated on a conservative basis, so that they should show considerable gain in the report for 1907. The delay in issuing this report has come from the delinquency of many secretaries in furnishing prompt reports.
The main report which is comprehended under Tables Nos. 1 and 2 deals only with the work carried forward in evangelistic lines, and does not touch the work of denominational institutions. A statement showing the resources and liabilities of all such institutions could be given, but would be very voluminous. For the present purpose it will be sufficient to summarize the resources of denominational institutions, by union conferences, as follows:—

Denominational Resources, by Union Conferences

Union conference Amount
District of Columbia $642,434.04
Atlantic 248,724.49
Canadian 36,261.73
Southern 256,088.53
Lake 417,516.59
Northern 125,948.27
Central 743,787.46
Southwestern 43,609.41
Pacific 802,953.74
North Pacific 258,136.07
Australasian 464,360.33
German 290,291.96
Scandinavian 210,758.90
British 143,855.24
Latin 115,379.85
Levant 1,475.00
South African (estimated) 75,000.00
South American (estimated) 15,000.00
West Indies (estimated) 10,000.00
Miscellaneous 22,346.05
Total for 1906................$4,923,927.66 Total for 1905................ 3,799,419.51 Gain for 1906................$1,124,508.15
The above figures show something of the strength which this cause has attained in the way of material facilities for the advancement of this message. From a very humble beginning this increase has come gradually, the ratio being more rapid during recent years. The complete consecration of all those connected with the organizations and institutions which these facilities represent, and the blessing of God resting upon their efforts for the promulgation of the message for which these institutions stand, will bring more rapid progress to the cause for the future. That this may be so, and that the cause may triumph speedily, is the ardent, sincere desire of every loyal believer.
H. E. Rogers, Statistical Secretary. Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. Sept. 19, 1907.

Tithes

Tithes paid by Sabbath-keepers in North American Union Conferences in 1906........$765,255.86 Tithes paid by Sabbath-keepers in all other fields............................... 233,019.96 Grand total tithes paid in 1906.................................................$998,275.82 Grand total tithes paid in 1905................................................. 858,014.91 Net gain for 1906...............................................................$140,260.91 Per cent of gain................................................................ 16.35% Average for each Sabbath-keeper in 1906............................................$10.91 Average for each Sabbath-keeper in 1905............................................ 9.83 Increase per capita................................................................ 1.08

Offerings

Total offerings to missions, all sources, except Sabbath-school offerings........$134,139.72 Total Sabbath-school offerings to missions........................................ 58,866.14 Total offerings to missions from the entire field...............................$193,005.86 Total of similar offerings for 1905.............................................. 169,335.11 Net increase for 1906...............................................................$23,670.75 Per cent of gain................................................................ 13.98%

Special Funds

Tithes appropriated by North American Conferences for evangelistic work in mission fields in 1906............................................................$117,395.99 Amount raised in all other fields.................................................. 22,976.27 Total for 1906....................................................................$140,372.26 Total “offerings” noted above...................................................... 193,005.86 Grand total contributed for mission fields, 1906.................................$333,378.12 Total of similar funds for 1905.................................................... 267,032.00 Net increase for 1906...............................................................$66,346.12

Contributions for Special Work

Contributed by North American Conferences for special work, such as support of orphanages, religious liberty work, work for colored people in the Southern States, etc., where the funds are sent outside the church, but not to a foreign mission field (reported incompletely, however)........................................$113,473.27 Contributed by all other fields for similar purposes.............................. 31,784.46 Total amount for 1906............................................................$145,257.73 Total amount for 1905............................................................ 107,685.85 Net gain for 1906.................................................................$37,571.88

Contributions for Local Church Work

Contributed by North American Conferences for local church work, such as distribution of literature, assisting needy poor, church expenses, and all other local missionary work or enterprises (reported incompletely, however)................................................$33,555.56 By all other fields............................................................... 8,064.55 Total for all fields for 1906...................................................$41,620.11 Total Sabbath-school donations not included in offerings to missions, but expended by local Sabbath-schools and State Sabbath-school Department tithes, for North America............................................................ 14,071.91 Total for all other fields........................................................ 2,130.50 Total for all fields in 1906.....................................................$16,202.41

Grand Total

Grand total of all funds raised by the Seventh-day Adventist denomination in 1906, for evangelistic work........................................................$1,394,361.93 Total of similar funds for 1905................................................. 1,180,917.64 Net increase for 1906.............................................................$213,444.29 Per cent of increase.............................................................. 18.07% Per capita for the entire field, for 1906.........................................$15.23 Per capita for 1905............................................................... 13.52

Membership

Total Sabbath-keepers in North American Conferences............................... 66,378 Standing for 1905................................................................ 65,186 Total Sabbath-keepers in all other fields, 1906................................... 25,153 Standing for 1905................................................................ 22,125 Grand total Sabbath-keepers for 1906............................................... 91,531 Grand total for 1905............................................................... 87,311 Net gain for 1906.................................................................. 4,220 Per cent of gain.................................................................. 4.83%

Statistical Report of Seventh-day Adventist Conferences and Missions

Table No. 1 — For the Year Ending Dec. 31, 1906
The statistical table contains the following columns: Name of Conference or Mission; Organized; Area in Square Miles; Population; Number of Churches; Membership; Number of Companies; Membership; Number of Isolated Sabbath-keepers; Total Sabbath-keepers; Tithe per Capita; Per Cent of Gain in Total Sabbath-keepers; Number of Sabbath-schools; Membership; Number of Church Buildings; Total Ministers Given Credentials; Licensed Ministers; Licensed Missionaries or Bible Workers; Book and Periodical Canvassers; Total Laborers.
The table then lists the conferences and missions, with totals for 1906, totals for 1905, and gains for 1906, including District of Columbia; Atlantic Union Conference; Canadian Union Conference; Southern Union Conference; Lake Union Conference; Northern Union Conference; Central Union Conference; Southwestern Union Conference; Pacific Union Conference; North Pacific Union; Australasian Union Conference; German Union Conference; Scandinavian Union Conference; British Union Conference; Latin Union Mission; Levant Union Mission; South African Union Conference; South American Union Conference; West Indian Union Conference; and Miscellaneous Missions.
## For the Year Ending Dec. 31, 1906—Table No. 1 (Continued)
The continuation of Table No. 1 gives the educational and financial columns: Total Laborers on Conference Pay-roll; Number of Church Schools; Number of Teachers; Total Enrolment; Number of Intermediate Schools; Number of Teachers; Total Enrolment; Number of Colleges and Academies; Number of Teachers; Total Enrolment; Grand Total; Total Tithe Receipts; Amount of Tithe Appropriated to Fields Outside of Conference; Total Offerings to Foreign Missions (except as noted under 36); Total Sabbath-school Offerings; Total Sabbath-school Offerings to Foreign Missions; Total Contributions for Special Work; Total Contributions for Local Church Work; and Retail Value of Book and Periodical Sales.
The printed rows continue the figures for the Atlantic, Canadian, Southern, Lake, Northern, Central, Southwestern, and Pacific Union Conferences, followed by their respective totals for 1906, totals for 1905, and gains for 1906.
The table continues with Pacific Union Conference, North Pacific Union, Australasian Union Conference, German Union Conference, Scandinavian Union Conference, and British Union Conference. The detailed rows include Utah; British Columbia; Montana; Upper Columbia; Western Oregon; Western Washington; Alaska; Hawaii; New South Wales; New Zealand; North Queensland; Queensland; South Australia; Tasmania; Victoria; West Australia; Fiji; Norfolk Island; Philippines; Finland; Rarotonga; Samoa; Singapore; Sumatra; Tahiti; Tonga; Java; the German districts; Denmark; Norway; Sweden; Finland; Iceland; Greenland; North England; South England; Ireland; Scotland; Wales; and British East Africa.
The tables continue with Levant Union Mission, South African Union Conference, South American Union Conference, West Indian Union Conference, and Miscellaneous Missions. The rows include Egypt, Syria, Turkey, Greece, Cape Colony, Natal-Transvaal, Barotseland Mission, Kolo, Plainfield Mission, Solusi Mission, Somabula Mission, Argentine, Rio Grande, Santa Catharina and Parana, Chile-Bolivian Mission, Ecuador Mission, South Brazil Mission, Peruvian Mission, San Paulo Mission, Upper Parana Mission, Uruguay Mission, British Guiana, East Caribbean, Jamaica, South Caribbean, West Caribbean, Central America, Cuba, Hayti, Porto Rico, Bermuda, British West Africa, China, India, Japan, Korea, and Mexico.

Recapitulation of Conferences and Missions

The recapitulation summarizes the North American Unions, Australasian Union, European Unions, and Miscellaneous Fields, followed by totals for 1906, totals for 1905, gains, and per cents of gain.
## For the Year Ending Dec. 31, 1906—Table No. 1 (Continued)
The continuation supplies the corresponding educational and financial totals for the Levant, South African, South American, West Indian, and miscellaneous fields. The grand totals include total laborers, church schools, teachers, enrolment, colleges and academies, tithe receipts, foreign-mission offerings, Sabbath-school offerings, contributions for special work, contributions for local church work, and the retail value of books and periodicals.
## Statistical Report of Seventh-day Adventist Conferences and Missions—Recapitulation (Cont’d)

European Union Conferences

German Union; Scandinavian Union; British Union; Latin Union Mission; Levant Union Mission; Total for 1906; Total for 1905; Gain for 1906; Per cent of Gain.

Miscellaneous Union Conferences

South African Union; South American Union Conference; West Indian Union Conference; Miscellaneous Mission Fields; Total for 1906; Total for 1905; Gain for 1906; Per cent of Gain.

Grand Totals

North American Unions; Australasian Union; European Unions; Miscellaneous Fields; Grand Total for 1906; Grand Total for 1905; Net Gain for 1906; Net Gain for 1905; Per cent of Gain 1906; Per cent of Gain 1905.
The grand total for 1906 is 91,531 Sabbath-keepers, with total tithes of $998,275.82 and offerings to missions of $193,005.86.

Summary of Statistical Reports, 1863 to 1906—Table No. 2

The summary table gives, by year, the number of union conferences, local conferences, missions, ministers, licentiates, licensed missionaries, canvassers, total laborers, churches, membership, Sabbath-keepers, tithe, per capita, offerings to missions, total Sabbath-school offerings, and book and periodical sales. It covers the years 1863 through 1906, with subtotals for the ten-year periods 1863–1872, 1873–1882, and 1883–1892, a subtotal for 1893–1902, a subtotal for 1903–1906, grand totals, and a grand total of tithes and offerings.
## For the Year Ending Dec. 31, 1906—Table No. 1 (Continued)
The final continuation presents the remaining educational and financial figures of Table No. 1 and repeats the consolidated totals for the several unions and missions.
The final printed table gives the consolidated figures for the educational and financial columns, including total laborers on conference pay-roll, church schools, teachers, enrolment, intermediate schools, colleges and academies, grand totals, tithe receipts, appropriations, offerings, contributions, and book and periodical sales.

Foot-notes for Table No. 1

1. The tithe per capita is based upon the total Sabbath-keepers.
2. By “total laborers” in column 20 is meant the number of persons employed in the conference or mission field, including not only the four classes named, but all other persons not specified.
3. Full returns have not yet been secured for columns 37 and 38.
4. In column 39 is shown the retail value of book and periodical sales. In unions where periodical sales were not already accounted for, they have been conservatively estimated, and the amount shown in the line for each union. These sales are not duplicated by the local conferences. In the Canadian and Southern Union book sales are also reported by the union publishing house, since they deal directly, and not through an intermediate organization.
5. Tithe for Western New York for only that portion of year after it was organized; hence the small per capita. Because of the division of the New York and Western New York Conferences during 1906, the per cent of gain can not be shown.
6. Mission fields are indicated by proper indentations in the columns where these names appear. They are unorganized, hence the dates given do not indicate the time they were organized, but when the work in each field was first reported separately.
7. Including institutional laborers not counted elsewhere.
8. Under General Conference are included those engaged in general labor as well as the amount of tithes and offerings not accounted for elsewhere in this report.
9. The four quarterly reports which the Sabbath-school Department has published for 1906 show the following: Total Sabbath-school contributions, $74,775.26; donations to missions, $57,913.71. This annual report shows, respectively, $75,068.55 and $58,866.14. The difference is accounted for by the difference of time in making out the reports. The annual report closes December 31. Furthermore, the quarterly reports include reports from foreign fields one quarter behind those in the United States; hence as the time of reporting does not correspond, the amounts do not agree.

Foot-notes for Table No. 2

1. Estimated conservatively.
2. By the term “mission” is meant a local field not yet organized into a conference, whether in the United States or elsewhere.
3. In the column showing total laborers are included all persons specified in preceding columns as well as all other laborers not thus specified.
4. Beginning with 1900 the report shows the number of Sabbath-keepers, as well as the church-membership. The difference is made up of members of companies and isolated believers. From this point the tithe per capita is based on the Sabbath-keepers.
5. From 1887 to 1906 the amount given to missions, and included in preceding column, was $515,722.33, while $53,104.40 was given through this particular avenue to the Haskell Home for Orphans from 1897 to 1906, leaving $262,670.24 as the amount retained by local schools.

Institutional Report

Table No. 3.

There is given below a condensed report regarding the institutions of the denomination, covering the three main lines of work carried on by institutional effort; namely, publishing houses, educational institutions, and sanitariums. The report, although brief, will indicate quite fully the present standing of each of these lines of work, showing the approximate number of persons engaged in each branch, the value of resources employed, as well as other items of general interest to the reader. By reference to other portions of this report, especially the grand totals of Table No. 1, it will be observed that the growth of educational institutions has been at a very much more rapid rate than the growth in most other lines of work. The increase of publishing houses and sanitariums during recent years has been at the same ratio, and even greater in the latter instance.

Publishing Houses

Number of publishing houses........................ 22
Approximate number of employees.................. 425
Persons regularly engaged in the distribution of denominational literature........................ 1,218
Number of weekly, monthly, and quarterly denominational journals issued........................ 98
Number of languages in which denominational literature of all kinds is issued........................ 52
Approximate value of resources of the twenty-two denominational publishing houses........................ $866,261.96
Value of literature distributed in 1906........................ $824,027.69

Educational Institutions

Number of colleges, 12; academies, 23; intermediate schools, 23. Total........................ 58
Number of buildings........................ 170
Approximate value........................ $1,088,178.62
Capacity........................ 4,487
Number of acres under control........................ 6,177
Enrolment during 1906........................ 4,123
Number of teachers employed........................ 255
Number of primary, or church-schools........................ 434
Enrolment during 1906........................ 7,784
Number of teachers employed........................ 498
Grand total enrolment, 1906........................ 11,907

Sanitariums

Number of sanitariums........................ 66
Approximate number of physicians........................ 250
Approximate number of nurses........................ 1,000
Approximate value of resources in sanitariums........................ $1,800,000.00
Number of treatment-rooms, approximately........................ 50

Grand Total

Total assets of publishing houses, educational institutions, and sanitariums........................ $3,754,440.58
Approximate value of other institutions devoted to other purposes........................ $1,169,487.08
Grand total assets of denominational institutions........................ $4,923,927.66

For the Year Ending Dec. 31, 1906—Table No. 1 (Cont'd)

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