Elder Earl C. Tingey
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"The doctrine of paying tithing is woven like a tapestry throughout the scriptures. Abraham paid tithing to Melchizedek. The children of Israel were taught to bring their tithes to the Lord.
"The amount of tithing we pay is the most perfect and equitable arrangement of which I know. It is one-tenth of our increase. All, from the poorest to the richest, pay the same percentage.
"In this dispensation, the Lord has established the law of tithing as the law of revenue of his church. Without it, we could not carry out the eternal purposes of the Lord. It is also a law by which we show our loyalty to the Lord and prove ourselves worthy for privileges, ordinances and blessings."
The law was given to the Latter-day Saints in July 1838 when persecution of the church was strong.
"I thought to myself that the law of tithing could not have been received by the members of the church at a less opportune time than then. But they received it, and the members commenced living this new law at a time when they were losing possessions and, in some cases, their lives.
"I would offer a word of counsel to the many thousands of members joining the church today . . . Exercise your faith. Pay your tithing . . . nothing you do as a new convert will more completely prepare you to enjoy the wonderful blessings that await you — even temple blessings — than paying your tithing.
"As we pay and teach our children to pay tithing, we develop a family that is deeply rooted in making and keeping temple covenants."
