TRADES’ UNIONS
Toronto, Ontario, Sept. 5, 1899.
Dear brother Armet:
... As to the cases you ask about I would say, that I quite agree with the judgment arrived at in your brothers’ meeting respecting the first; namely that a brother belonging to one of these oath bound secret societies having religious forms connected with them should clear himself of his connection with this before being received. Such connection is not only a link with a worldly order, and so an unequal yoke, but it is also identification with a form of religious mummery carried on by confessedly unconverted men in many instances, if not all, and which, if it is anything at all, is connected with the power of Satan. How can a true Christian remain in connection with such, and at the same time go on with God?
As to the other case, I am just as fully convinced that a Christian ought not to belong to a labor union, as that he should not belong to an oath bound secret society. But I am not clear that such a one should be refused, or put away, because of such connection, under certain circumstances. If he took an active part in their movements, strikes, etc., I would not think it could be tolerated. But where a man cannot get work in his trade without such membership, paying his dues, etc., I do not see that he could be put away, if he refrained from active participation in their lawlessness, etc. If such a one were simple in his faith, he would “come out from among them,” counting on God to care for him, as He surely would; but even Christians are often weak, and lack simplicity in their faith, and it is a question how far they can be borne with in such cases. 2 Corinthians 6:17-1817Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:17‑18) is a blessed word for all who in such cases can act in simple faith. “Come out from among them and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean” is as clear as a sunbeam, and if acted on would not leave a single Christian in any of these societies. And look at the blessed pledge given by “the Lord Almighty.” “I will receive you, and will be a father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters.” It is not here the question of our divine birth relationship; but to those who separate themselves morally from worldly association, the Lord Almighty pledges Himself to be a father to them, that is, to act the part of a father, in caring for them. And if He does that what has any soul to fear. He has no lack of resources, and can meet the need of every one who trusts Him for himself and his family. This ought to satisfy every Christian. If we can trust the Lord for our salvation why cannot we trust Him for the path and all its difficulties, without tying ourselves up in these unclean worldly societies? Scripture is clear, and it is only faith that is lacking; and perhaps we may say, the willingness to take up our cross in a path where we are called to self-denial. I trust you may all have the Lord’s mind in handling these cases, so that He may be glorified.
I have been at work most of the time 200 miles east of here, where there has been a critical state of things growing out of local difficulties, which resulted in destroying confidence and fellowship as between gatherings. Through the Lord’s mercy, the difficulties have been removed, and fellowship restored, all winding up with a conference which was attended by almost all of four assemblies which are near each other, with a few also from Ottawa. The heavy clouds have broken in blessing and several have been added to the meetings, and I think quite a number of others will come in. Two-hundred-fifty or 300 were present for the gospel Lord’s day afternoon, and a large number at night also, and blessing at both meetings. Dunlop is there and expects to remain for a while.
Affectionately in Christ,