dccanon
Doctrine & Covenants
Section 119
Jehovah issues the law of tithing as a covenant prerequisite for Zion. The sequence is deliberate: first, surplus property consecrated to establish the foundation — the house, the priesthood, the debts of governance — then an ongoing tenth of annual increase as a standing law. The law is not merely fiscal; it is the sanctifying instrument by which the land of Zion is set apart unto Jehovah. Those who gather to Zion must observe it or they cannot abide there. Zion is withheld from any people who do not keep this covenant — it does not become Zion's land without it.
1
Verily, thus saith the Lord, I require all their surplus property to be put into the hands of the bishop of my church in Zion,
2
For the building of mine house, and for the laying of the foundation of Zion and for the priesthood, and for the debts of the Presidency of my Church.
3
And this shall be the beginning of the tithing of my people.
4
And after that, those who have thus been tithed shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord.
5
Verily I say unto you, it shall come to pass that all those who gather unto the land of Zion shall be tithed of their surplus properties, and shall observe this law, or they shall not be found worthy to abide among you.
6
And I say unto you, if my people observe not this law, to keep it holy, and by this law sanctify the land of Zion unto me, that my statutes and my judgments may be kept thereon, that it may be most holy, behold, verily I say unto you, it shall not be a land of Zion unto you.
7
And this shall be an ensample unto all the stakes of Zion. Even so. Amen.
