A Cheerful View by A. S. Hutchins

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 29, 1877

A Cheerful View.

By A. S. Hutchins

The tithing system was understood and practiced as far back as the days of Abram. Gen. 14. Says Paul, in speaking of Melchisedec, “Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.” Heb. 7: 4.

Immediately following, and while under the direct influence of a sweet communion with God, Jacob vowed, saying, “If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God: and this stone which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house; and of all that thou shalt give me, I will surely give the tenth unto thee.” Gen. 28: 20–22.

Tithes were also required under the Levitical priesthood. In the 27th chapter of Leviticus the subject of tithes is spoken of as a matter well understood, and cheerfully regarded by the people of God. Under the present dispensation, a regular system of giving was established by the apostle. 1 Cor. 16: 1, 2. And if the same writer does not clearly teach the perpetuity of the tithing system in Hebrews 7: 8, it is difficult to tell what he does mean. In speaking of the Melchisedec and the Levitical priesthood, he says, “And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.” By the expression here, he must refer to the Levitical priesthood. By the word there, to that of Melchisedec. And every one must admit that to-day we live under the true Melchisedec priesthood. When, and where, then, did the tithing system cease?

To all who admit our obligation to give unto the Lord one-tenth of our increase and income: Let us remember the words of the apostle, “If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that he hath, and not according to that he hath not.” 2 Cor. 8: 12.

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver.” 2 Cor. 9: 6, 7. And those of Ecclesiasticus 35: 9, 10: “In all thy gifts show a cheerful countenance, and dedicate thy tithes with gladness. Give unto the Most High according as he hath enriched thee, and as thou hast gotten, give with a cheerful eye.” A. S. HUTCHINS.