Question Corner by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Nov 5, 1896

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 22, No. 44.

Question Corner.

By Editor

No. 433. Born of Water.

PLEASE explain John 3:5. If literal water was meant, what agency, if any, has it in the new birth?

Our Lord was carrying out just what John predicted. John baptized with water alone. Jesus declared that man must be born of the Spirit as well as of water. The water in believer's baptism is that symbol of faith which indicates the belief of the one baptized in the efficiency of Christ's offering, and the power of God, not only to create anew, but to preserve unto the end. See Rom. 6:3-5. It shows faith in Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Baptism is the marriage ceremony, the outward symbol to the world of an inward work.

No. 434. A Question of Tithing.

Is IT right for a farmer to pay tithe on the whole of the profits of his farm before dividing with his wife and children, each of which has an equal share in the profits, and some of which do not think it binding upon them to pay tithe? Or should the profits be divided, letting each member of the family pay tithe or not, as they see fit, the farmer paying tithe only on his share?

We can not answer such questions dogmatically. If the husband and father stands at the head of the family, conducting the farm, taking charge of business, we see no reason why he should not render to the Lord first what is the Lord's due from the income of the farm. If his children are not of age, of course they would have no legal right to regulate the payment of the tithe, and morally it belongs to God anyway. As regards the wife it would depend on circumstances, such as her share in the transaction, in the labor and business, and as regards previous and other arrangements in respect to property, income, etc. There are many questions involved which the writer does not know. 'If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.' Pray for wisdom and for courage and grace to do as unto Christ just what is duty.

But what is meant by 'profits'? The tithe of the land and the field is the Lord's. Of course this would be exclusive of rent if the farm were hired; interest, if the farm were incumbered; hired help, over and above the labor of the tithe-payer. These would be deducted from the gross income. A tithe of the balance is the Lord's.