Some of the people have looked upon the law of tithing as a kind of tax and burthen laid upon them, but who is it for? Our tithing, our labor, and all that we do in the kingdom of God, who is it all for? The tithing is not to exalt the Lord, or feed or clothe him, he has had his endowments long ago; it is thousands and millions of years since he received his blessings, and if he had not received them, we could not give them to him, for he is far in advance of us. I want the brethren to understand this one thing, that our tithing, our labour, our works are not for the exaltation of the Almighty, but they are for us. Not but what the Lord is pleased to see us obey his command- ments, because by doing this it will place us in a position that will fulfil and accomplish the object of our creation, and bring about the end designed by our coming to take tabernacles here in the flesh. Again, when we do wrong the Lord knows we shall inherit sorrow and misery if we con- tinue in that wrong. Then I say, brethren, let us understand this as it is and we shall do well. In paying our tithing, in obeying every law that is given to exalt us and to do us good, it is all for our individual benefit and the benefit of our chil- dren, and it is not of any particular benefit to the Lord, only as he is pleased in the faithfulness of his children and desires to see them walk in the path which leads to salvation and eternal life.

If we look upon things in this light we shall do every thing cheerfully, and whatever calls are made upon us we shall gladly respond, and then the channels will be opened, there will be no ob- struction in the edification of the body of Christ, and light and intelligence will flowfrom the fountain head unto the people, then when a man speaks the people will, by their prayers and faith, draw forth the word of the Lord from him, and they will have their minds upon the things of God and not upon everything else as it has been heretofore.