Misnomers.
It seems that this age is devoted to titles. One is astonished at the number of “Captains” “Majors,” “Colonels” and “Generals” to be met with in a day. And those that are so unfortunate as not to be so honored often have a liking for and a longing after, the same. This was well demonstrated by that traveler who stood unknown on the deck of a vessel just setting sail from San Francisco, while the other passengers were bidding farewell to relatives and friends ; but who, being determined to have some sympathy, took off his hat as the vessel pushed off and cried out, bowing to the bystanders, “Goodbye, Colonel,” when in response, “Colonel, Good-bye,” came from a thousand throats.
The church has caught the contagion. Many have titles, and many more long for them. Notwithstanding the plain injunction of the humble Son of man, yet his disciples love to be called Rabbi. We speak not of that old and oft condemned practice of appropriating divine prerogatives.
We are not apt to call one of our number “pope” when the Scripture says, call no man your father.” We are not likely to apply “Reverend” to man instead of God, when it is written, “Holy and sacred is His name.” All such have justly been denounced and discarded by the brethren. But there are some brethren who are very willing to have the “aching void” filled with some title.
The cheapest, commonest, most uncouth, the poorest, most pitiful and pusillanimous, the dirtiest, most indecent and downright slanderous is the pet of a thing “Parson.” You ugly thing! Born in the dark ages, christened by the clergy, and consecrated by Brownlow. I never again dare enter my ears. Stick pins in me at school, tickle my car with straws, turn my hot coffee into my lap, pull all my jaw teeth, preach no long sermons on an empty stomach, and pray me long prayers when sleepy—call me coward, call me coon, yes, call me ‘possum’; but please never call me Parson.
The Christian church has enough titles. Christ gave just enough—no more, no less. Deacons, elders, evangelists only can be applied now. Figuratively, we may sometimes supply their places by ministers, servants, overseers, bishops, pastors, preachers etc. But where is the Scripture or common sense for calling a beardless youth “Elder” or “pastor”? Hardly a preacher’s name can venture from home without the titular guide “Elder” and the city preacher adds the honorary term “pastor,” to have a leader and driver too! A title ought to be a sign of office instead of a mere mark of honor.
J.M. Wilmeth
McKinney, Texas.
Gospel Advocate vol.17, 1/11/75, # pg. 109