The Book of Commandments
The Book of Commandments Section 16 - Tithing
1Thus Sayeth the Lord; the tithing of my children shall be as a light unto the soul.
2Tithes of offering shall be accepted only from a worthy and willing heart, for the offerings of their fruits must not be polluted nor forced by coercion.
3Tithes of promise shall be brought to the house of the Lord only through acceptance of salvation therein.
4A man shall offer his tithes with full purpose of his heart and with a clear mind, committed to the betterment of his fellow man and of Zion.
5The Lord doth not require money for his works; for the Lord has all things in his hands. Though the money may be a point of challenge amongst men, thou shalt remember that all money is in the hands of the Lord.
6Tithes of free will shall only be offered and accepted when a man believes in the mission of the church. For if a man doth not hold in his heart that the mission of my church is true, then his offerings shall be of none effect.
7And again, tithing is an Holy covenant, between man and God; the first must be established trust and love before the tithes of man can commence.
8Tithes shall not be coerced or forced in any way, but given freely with a clear mind and a pure heart.
9The priests of my church must lead in righteousness. They must endeavour to be an example of holiness, kindness, purity, faithfulness, chastity and wisdom in me.
10My priests must inspire my children in the light of my gospel and my word, So as they do not lose their way and fall victim to the wicked one.
11Should my priests falter in their mission, which is to build up Zion upon the hills and gather Israel therein, the tithes of my people shall waver and pause until such a time as another leader be appointed in their stead.
12The leaders of my church, even the priests, shall be men both schooled in my word but also filled with the light of my countenance. They will be men who have chosen righteousness again and again, in the face of their many trials. Their works and their own countenance shall bear witness of the state of their souls. For, by their fruits shall they be known; by their light shall they be seen.
13Even so, Amen.