"Doctor"
The craving of some men after titles is singularly disgraceful and shows their small caliber. The great ten-thousand-dollar "pastors" of the big city earnestly strive to advertise themselves as "Dr. So and So". Like gods of Athens, it is easier to find a "Doctor" among them than a man. But they are not "doctors"--possibly would not know quinine from calomel, except by tasting it.
But it may be suggested that "Doctor" means "Teacher" and that they are teachers. This gets them into worse trouble than simply being fake "doctors". The word "Doctor", "Teacher", and "Rabbi" mean the same. Cruden's Concordance says: "Rab, Rabbin, Rabban, Rabbam; a name of divinity among the Hebrews, signifying Doctor, or Master." No man should presume to wear "a name of divinity".
"But all their works they do to be seen of men." These great high-salaried clergymen are not as busy as they make out they are. They parade before their "official board" and show their rich members how busy they are. But why should they be busy? They do nothing or little of nothing that is of any importance. The main thing that gives them anything at all to do is courting two or three rich men who boss the congregation and retain them in their jobs.
"For they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments." Long-tailed coats, "preacher coats", collars that do not open in front, but button behind, like the dress of a woman; a crucifix, a skullcap, a robe that reaches to the ground, that the average citizen cannot distinguish from a Mother Hubbard; a silver slipper, easily removed, so the stupid devotee may kiss the toe, a ring upon the hand, said ring designed especially to be kissed by those who should have sense enough to be ashamed to do it--all these things come within the category.
"And love the chief place at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and the salutations in the market places, and to be called of men, Rabbi." Must keep themselves before the public. If another preacher comes to hold a "revival", must sit upon the rostrum with him, must have him continually refer to them complimentarily. Must be called "Doctor" or "Rabbi".
"But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your teacher, and all ye are brethren." Humble and loyal preachers of the gospel of Christ, who preach where they think they can do the most good, regardless of the money, do not let themselves be called "Doctor", or any other name that distinguishes them from their brethren. Nor do they permit themselves, if they can help it, to be called "minister", "evangelist", or "elder". The early preachers in New Testament times did not go as "Elder So and So", "Minister So and So", or "Evangelist So and So". The great apostle to the Gentiles was just plain Paul.
And call no man your father on the earth: for one is your Father, even he who is in heaven." Will our Catholic friends kindly notice? With them it is "Father So and So", which is a direct violation of the command of Christ. The word "Pope" or "Patriarch" is the same as "Father". To say "Pope So and So" is the same as to say "Father So and So".
"Neither be ye called masters: for one is your master, even the Christ." (See Matt. 23:5-10.) All such titles belong to God, not to man. The basic principle is for man to recognize that God is God. One of the characteristics of "the man of sin", "the son of perdition", is that he "opposeth and exalteth himself against all that is called God or that is worshipped; so that he sitteth in the temple of God, setting himself forth as God." (2 Thess. 2:4) To presume to give laws, to presume to do anything as worship Or service to God that God, as Lawgiver and Ruler, has not commanded, or to wear names that belong only to God, is popery. This forever binds all who recognize God as God, and as Lawgiver and Ruler, to what is authorized and commanded in God's word. It is admitted that God does not command mechanical music in the worship or man-made organizations in the work of the church. If there was nothing else, that forever settles it.
It is blasphemous for a man to call himself "Reverend". This great and dread word belongs to God. "He hath sent redemption unto his people; he hath commanded his covenant forever: holy and reverend in his name." (Ps. 11:9) Yet, gentle readers, go and look at the sign on the door of some fashionable church. It reads: "Rev. So and So, D. D." "DAD." means "Doctor of Divinity". That man blasphemes at both ends of his name. It is no wonder they sprinkle water on babies, teach sprinkling for baptism, build up man-made denominations, introduce mechanical music and human societies, etc. The spirit that does it is shown at both ends of the name of the "pastor".
-Apostolic Times October, 1933