The History and Use of the Tithe

Chapter 1—Mrs. White and the Payment of the Tithe

Nothing is plainer in the E. G. White writings than the clear instruction concerning the faithful payment of the tithe and the fact that it is reserved for the support of the ministry. HUT 27.11

There are a few individuals who use the E. G. White writings and their knowledge of certain special situations in a strange manner. They attempt to circumvent the clear, plain counsels which have guided the church in the matter of handling the tithe, and aim to lead others to assume the responsibility of handling their tithe on their own responsibility. We feel duty-bound to point out a gross distortion of E. G. White teaching. As we do this, it will become clear that there is no justification for certain conclusions drawn and expounded by these detractors. HUT 27.12

First we should establish Mrs. White’s personal relationship to the obligation of the tithe and the manner in which she paid her tithe. Let her speak, as she did in 1890 in a statement published in an early pamphlet: “I pay my tithes gladly and freely, saying as did David, ‘Of thine own have we given thee.’” HUT 28.1

Lest some argue that this statement does not indicate that Mrs. White paid her tithes in the regular way into the conference treasury, we give here the fuller setting: HUT 28.2

“You who have been withholding your means from the cause of God, read the book of Malachi, and see what is spoken there in regard to tithes and offerings. Cannot you see that it is not best under any circumstances to withhold your tithes and offerings because you are not in harmony with everything your brethren do? The tithes and offerings are not the property of any man, but are to be used in doing a certain work for God. Unworthy ministers may receive some of the means thus raised, but dare anyone, because of this, withhold from the treasury and brave the curse of God? I dare not. I pay my tithes gladly and freely, saying, as did David, ‘Of Thine own have we given Thee.’

“A selfish withholding from God will tend to poverty in our own souls. Act your part, my brethren and sisters. God loves you, and He stands at the helm. If the conference business is not managed according to the order of the Lord, that is the sin of the erring ones. The Lord will not hold you responsible for it, if you do what you can to correct the evil. But do not commit sin yourselves by withholding from God His own property. ‘Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord negligently,’ or deceitfully. When persons declare that they will not pay their tithes because the means are not used as they think they ought to be, will the elder of the church or the minister sympathize with the sinners? Will he aid the enemy in his work? Or will he, as a wise man, endued with knowledge, go to work to correct the vile, and thus remove the stumbling-block? But, brethren do not be unfaithful in your lot. Stand in your place. Do not, by your neglect of duty, increase our financial difficulties.”—Special Testimonies, Series A, No. 1, pp. 27, 28 (Aug. 10 1890).