LDS Tithing History, Tuesday, Jul 11, 1899

LDS Tithing Chronology

-- Tuesday, Jul 11, 1899
[Apostle Rudger Clawson] The following brethren spoke briefly: Pres. F. D. Richards, Apostles F. M. Lyman, Geo. Teasdale. Besides testifying of their good feelings towards the First Presidency and their brethren of the Twelve, they dwelt somewhat upon the law of tithing and plural marriage. Meeting [adjourned] until 2 p.m. ... Apostle Merrill spoke upon the subject of tithing. Said if the saints would pay their tithing the Church would soon be out of debt. The Church once had plenty of money and would see that day again. The Lord is going to open up the way for the Church to get out of debt. Predicted that the time would never be in this Church when children from plural marriages will not be born. Said he believed that the First Presidency had a right to counsel him in all things, both spiritual and temporal. ... Apostle A. H. Lund made brief remarks. Apostle Cowley spoke upon the law of tithing in brief. Also said he felt in his heart that the day is not far distant when
the Lord will clean out Jackson County and open up the way for the redemption of Zion. ... Apostle A. O. Woodruff spoke of his devotion to the work of God. Also referred to the subject of tithing. Had noticed, he said, one brother in attendance at the Solemn Assembly in the temple, who was a non-tithe-payer, and felt he ought not to have been permitted there. Benediction by myself. (1)

-- Wednesday, Jul 12, 1899
[Apostle Rudger Clawson] Pres. Richards made a few remarks respecting the authority pertaining to a high council of a stake and the First Presidency. I spoke briefly saying that I was in full accord with the Presidency and my brethren of the Twelve. Spoke of tithing and building meeting houses as a test of men's faith. (1)

-- Thursday, Jul 13, 1899
[Apostle Rudger Clawson] Some discussion was indulged in with reference to the payment of tithesâ€"that is, as to the percentage. At 11:00 a.m. the First Presidency came in; also, by invitation, the First Seven Presidents of Seventies. ... The President made brief remarks, saying that he was pleased to have the First Seven Presidents to come in and meet with us. I know that the Lord has revealed to me, said he, that it is our duty to stir up the people to pay their tithing. If this law is not observed, the Church cannot stand. Some discussion followed on the interpretation of the law of tithing. (1)

-- Sunday, Jul 16, 1899
[Apostle Rudger Clawson] Pres. Snow said that he was over 85 years of age and that the little children before him, if they would do right, could live to be 85, 95, 100 years and longer. Advised them to pay tithing on all money they received. ... Pres. Snow was the first speaker and dwelt at some length upon the principle of tithing. Also spoke of the law of consecration and said that sooner or laterâ€"not today or tomorrowâ€"we would have to observe that law. If it had been observed by the people of Jackson County from that day to this, we would now have power over the nations and would be the richest community on earth. There would not be a poor man or woman in the Church. The Church will never get out of debt, the Lord will not allow us to get out of debt, unless we pay a proper tithing. I say to you in the name of the Lord God of Israel that He will not let us pass along in relation to that law as we have done without bringing trouble upon us. If I were going to my death
within an hour, I would leave with you as my dying testimony that which I have said to you. Pres. Snow spoke 53 minutes. I took dinner with Jos. Thurber, who was incarcerated in the penitentiary at the time I was serving my sentence there. ... 2 p.m. Meeting called to order by Pres. Seegmiller. Pres. J. F. Smith followed and spoke in complimentary terms of the new tabernacle. Spoke of the great change and improvement that had taken place in the Sevier Stake in the last 30 years. In speaking of the righteous and the wicked, showed how the former would be blessed and the latter, destroyed. Exhorted the saints to pay their tithing and be blessed. Read from Sec. 82, D.&C., and spoke powerfully. Endorsed the statement of Pres. Snow, wherein he said that the Lord will forgive us for our past neglect of tithing in the past, if we will pay our tithing in the future. ... Apostle F. M. Lyman spoke powerfully upon the subject of tithing. Pres. Cannon spoke and said he hoped the peop
le would receive the word of the Lord as delivered to us through Pres. Snow. Dwelt upon the principle of tithing and bore testimony that it was from God. (1)

Footnotes:
1 - Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993

Mormon Tithing Timeline /Chronology
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/