The Weber Literary Journal Obedience to the Law of Tithing By Eileen Agren "Bring ye all your tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house and prove me now, herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room to receive it." Since the beginning of Biblical history, this law the law of tithing has been a divine mandate which all saints have been asked to obey. Thru the various dispensations from Adam to Pres. Heber J. Grant, it has been a law, though only voluntary, to all members of Christ's church. When it has been obeyed, people have prospered, been contented and happy; when it has been dishonored, individuals and nations have sorrowed and fallen. It is well that we pause and consider, therefore, first, the historical significance of tithing; second, the divine purpose for which it was instituted; and, third, the rewards which we shall inherit thru faithful obedience thereto. The practice of tithing dates back even before the Mosaic dispensation. Cain and Able gave tithes in the form of offerings of the firstlings of the flock and the fruits of the ground. Abraham, returning from a victorious battle, met Melchizedek, priest of the Lord, and recognizing his authority, gave him tithes of all the spoils of war. Jacob made a voluntary vow with the Lord to give a tenth of all that should come into his possession. The children of Israel were commanded by Moses to pay a tithe of the land, "whether it be of the seed of the land or the fruit of the tree, it is the Lord's; it is holy unto the Lord." Unto the people of today the law of tithing has been given in specific language: "Behold, now it is called to-day, (until the coming of the Son of Man), and verily it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people." "Those who gather unto the land of Zion shall observe this law or they shall not be found worthy to abide among you. And if my people observe not this law and by this law sanctify the land of Zion unto me it shall not be a land of Zion unto you." From the very first, then, this law has been one of God's commandments. As the Gospel has always been preached for 34 The Weber Literary Journal the saving of souls, so tithing has always been taught for the "perfecting of the ministry, and for the edifying of the body of Christ." The law of tithing is a test, by which the people as individuals are proven. Any man who fails to observe the law shall be known as a man who cares not for the welfare of Zion, who throws away his privileges as a member of the Church, and who fails in helping to achieve that goal of the Kingdom of God. Another great purpose for tithing is that of revenue. Every state, every nation, every organization, of any kind, for any purpose of importance, must have revenue. Likewise, the Church needs revenue for the carrying out of its work. Men who spend the whole of their time in the work of the Lord must have something on which to live. The laborer is certainly worthy of his hire, therefore a portion of tithing is earned by these men. The Lord commands that "tithing shall be used for the priesthood, and for the debts of the presidency of my church, and for the building of mine house." In accordance with these instructions, the tithing is used for the building and maintenance of temples. The temples are the houses of the Lord, and are necessary for the growth of Zion. They are places of instruction for those who are called to the work of the ministry. They are for the salvation of Zion, and for the place of sacred thanksgiving. Still another great use for tithing is that of education. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are used annually in educating the children in the church school system. Here they are taught to respect parents, honor their country, and to obey God. In the school of Weber alone, over $60,000 are used this very year, most of which comes from tithing. Tithing will contribute $150,000.00 to the Weber gymnasium. Ought we not, therefore, to appreciate the nobleness and wisdom of its enactment? Again, thousands of dollars are used in caring for the poor and feeble. If they are worthy church members and are tithe payers, they are entitled to help in time of need. Not only does tithing make it possible for the work of the Gospel to go forward to a successful conclusion, but those who 35