The tithe

REV. E. B. STEWART Pastor Third United Presbyterian Church Chicago, Ill.
FOURTH THOUSAND
INTRODUCTION BY LAYMAN
THE WINONA PUBLISHING CO. CHICAGO, ILL. WINONA LAKE, IND.
COPYRIGHT, 1903 BY THE WINONA PUBLISHING CO.
THE TITHE
There has been no attempt in this brief work to record every mention of the tithe that may be found in ancient writings. Some have called attention to a large group of references which lie in the era contemporaneous with the history of Israel. Items of history, for example, from 500 to 800 B. C. are interesting, but would not add materially to the argument. In a way they may help to solve the question as to the meaning of terms used in the pre-Mosaic period. Many prefer to be cautious about asserting that there was a religious tithe in this remote period. Mr. Johns in his valuable work, “Assyrian Deeds and Documents” Vol. III, says, for example, (pp. 347-349), that to translate a certain word “tithe” as some do is to “assume that there was a tithe.” He admits, however, that this view “agrees admirably with that universally adopted custom among Semitic peoples of paying a tithe to the government.” On the other hand Prof. Sayce positively asserts that there is a word which should be translated tithe. The cautious ones say that he jumps at conclusions. Some who do not jump stand ever still and reach no conclusions. Which is better, I do not undertake to say. It has been the aim of this work to take a broad view of tribute, not distinctly as paid to a priest, but to kings as well. Rulers often assumed the function of a priest and appropriated the revenue to themselves. While the meaning of terms and the use of revenue may be in a somewhat doubtful state, there seems to be no question but that the proportion of the tenth prevailed as has been stated.
Acknowledgment is gratefully made of the kind help of Dr. R. F. Harper, Prof. of Assyriology, and Dr. J. H. Breasted, Professor of Egyptology in the University of Chicago, for valuable direction as to books that might be read to advantage. I desire to express my appreciation of the advice and encouragement of Mr. Thos. Kane and other friends who have urged me to present this study to the public. I trust it may increase the tribute to the King of glory, the Head of the Church.