Was tithing 10% required or encouraged by the early church?

I cannot find in the New Testament an obligation on Christians to tithe 10% of their income. Instead I read that it is up the individual to decide: > [2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV1984)](http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%209:7&version=NIV1984) > Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Is there a church tradition established by the early church to encourage everyone to tithe 10%? What was the early church's view on tithing?