49. “Β.,” Dublin. Our want of space would be a sufficient reason for our not entering upon the subject of the Revised New Testament, even if we were disposed to do so. Many persons, both in this country and America, have written critically upon it. While there are still some serious defects, we are thankful to find that many of the errors which have been well known to bible students for many years, and often referred to in publications, have been corrected.
50. “R. N.,” Jarrow. Your question as to a Christian being a member of a “trades’ union,” is a very serious one. If your fellow-workmen merely demanded a tax to allow you to work, this, though unjust on their part, you might submit to. But if by paying, even if you receive no benefit in case of strikes, &c, you are considered a member of the union, then the word of God speaks in unmistakeable words. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.” (2 Cor. 6:1414Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14).) Now to be a member of a trades’ union is to be so yoked. And it seems clear, a Christian would thus become guilty by association, of every act, or outrage, the union might commit.
It further seems to us, that the principle of trades’ unions is contrary to the relation of masters and servants as recognized in the word of God. That relationship is reversed, and the servants combine to be masters; and dictate terms both to their masters, and their fellow-workmen.
We need not then tell a Christian that it cannot possibly be right, or for his good, or for God’s glory, to act contrary to the word of God.