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The Right Way of Tithing

Improvement Era, vol. 31, no. 8, June 1928, p. 646

Lyman, Albert R.

The Right Way of Tithing By Albert R. Lyman URELY for anything as important as paying tithing, there is a right way and a wrong way. The right way proves to be the easiest way, to most people it is the only possible way and if they are too slow to find it they become discouraged and quit. The right way of tithing is to pay it when it comes in, at least to put it aside at that time for tithing, and to refrain from using it in any other way. It should be paid at least once a month. Tithing naturally becomes due on the earliest date after which • it is in the hands of those who owe it, and the net gain should then be ascertained and paid or set aside. Overdue tithing is in a variety of dangers. In the first place, it is likely to be turned to another purpose, and be difficult or impossible to find again for payment. The tithing overdue for a long period is not likely to be correctly remembered, and a dishonestly small amount made to suffice. One man who began paying promptly every month surprised himself with the large amount he paid and the ease with which he paid it. Delay of tithing, as of any other duty, is demoralizing, we lose the spirit of it, we become dangerously selfish. After delaying payment a long time, we have neither the habit nor the spirit of paying. In many cases, the man who waits till the end of the year to pay would not believe he owed so much even if he were told. He has not provided himself with the due amount, and settles his obligation to the Lord on a lower standard of honor than he prides himself in maintaining in his dealings with men. If we recognize the tithe as due when it comes into our hands, it is easy to pay, much easier then than if we wait till it is larger. Paying promptly forms the habit, brings the good spirit, and, being up to date in our duty, we have a clear conscience, which we can never enjoy while we are haunted with a sense of neglect. Humility Before honor goeth humility. Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth. Pride goeth before destruction; and a haughty spirit before a fall. Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled: and whosoever shall humble him¬ self shall be exalted. Whosoever would become great among you shall be your minister; and whosoever would be first among you shall be your servant.