[6] John xiv, 28. [7] John v, 22. [8] John viii, 16. [9] John xii, 47. [10] John x, 39. [11] John vi, 53-58. [12] Matt. xi, 25. [13] Mark x, 15. [14] Matt. xi, 30. [15] Matt. v, 16. [16] Matt. vi, 1. [17] Matt. v, 17-18. [18] John xvi, 8-11. [19] John xvi, 25. [20] Luke viii, 10. [21] Mark iv, 11-12. DEFICIENT INSTRUCTIONS In a number of instances the teachings of Jesus are so incomplete, or so inappropriate, as to render no assistance in meeting similar situations in modern life. Either his meaning is not clear, or his instructions are too primitive to be applicable to our civilization. _Labor_ The relation between employer and employee is one that requires practical guidance. Let us see what information Jesus gave on this important subject. The parable of the laborers[1] relates that an employer hired men to work in his vineyard for twelve hours for a penny, and that he paid the same wage to other workers who toiled only nine, six, three and one hour. When those who had worked longest resented this treatment, as modern strikers would, the employer answered, apparently with Jesus' approval: "Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last." This parable may be a comfort to autocratic employers, sustaining them in their determination to dominate labor, but the principles enunciated are lacking in social vision. Equal pay for unequal work is approved, and the employer is vindicated in regulating wages and hours as he sees fit without regard for justice or the needs of the workers. In the manner of modern employers, the "goodman" calls his worker "Friend" but treats him with contempt. Jesus taught that the workers were wrong in demanding justice, that the employer was justified in acting erratically, as the money paid was his. He presented the issues between capital and labor and sided with capital. He stated the fact that the first shall be last, but said nothing to remedy that unfortunate situation. He did not explain how workers could obtain proper compensation for their labor. Jesus assumed a fair attitude when he said, "The labourer is worthy of his hire", and, "It is enough for the disciple to be as his master, and the servant as his lord", but he continued with doubtful logic: "If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household", implying that if an employer is worldly-minded his servants will be even worse. Little respect is shown for employees in the remark, "The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep."[2] Probably in those days as now many an employee stuck to his post nobly to do his duty.