9. What statement of Christ shows that man is not an original owner, but a steward of God's goods?
“For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.” Matt. 25:14. See 1 Cor. 4:7.
10. How early in the history of the world do we read of tithe-paying?
“For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all.” Heb. 7:1, 2. See Gen. 14:17-20.
11. What vow did Jacob make at Bethel?
“And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, so that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God: ... and of all that Thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto Thee.” Gen. 28:20-22.
Note.—It is thus evident that the duty of paying tithes was recognized by the patriarchs as a religious obligation.
12. After what order was Christ made a high priest?
“Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest forever after the order of Melchisedec.” Heb. 6:20.
Note.—As Christ's priesthood succeeded the Aaronic or Levitical priesthood, which was supported by the tithes of Israel; and as Christ was made a priest after the order of Melchisedec, who received tithes of the patriarchs before the Levitical priesthood was ordained, it is but logical and natural to conclude that the ministry under Christ's priesthood should be supported by the same means as were both of these priesthoods,—the tithes of God's people.