Reverend Doctor!
"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst!" 1 Timothy 1:15
"I am less than the least of all God's people!" Ephesians 3:8
Dear Sir,
I have been grieved by several letters directed to Doctor Newton. I beg you to inform my friends in Scotland, that if any letters come to me addressed to Doctor Newton--I shall be obliged to send them back unopened. I know no such person--I never shall, and I never will, by the grace of God.Do not think I am displeased with you or any of my kind friends, who mean kindness and honor by such an address. I only beg for my peace sake, that such 'titles' may never be repeated.
I have been informed that a college in America, I think in New Jersey, has given me the honorary degree of Doctor. As to the title itself, I renounce it heartily--nor would I willingly be known by it, if all the universities in Europe conferred it upon me!
My youthful years were spent in slavery in Africa, and I ought to take my degrees (if I take any) from thence. Shall such a compound of misery and mischief as I--be called Doctor? Surely not!
I very much denounce the designation, "To the Reverend C.H. Spurgeon," for no reverence is due to me!
Assuredly, 'Reverend' and 'sinner' make a curious combination!
And as I know I am the second, I repudiate the first.
To me, it is surprising that such a flattering title should have been invented--and more amazing still, that good men should be found who are angry if this title is not duly given to them.
Arthur Pink:In ourselves we are poor, sinful erring creatures, and daily do we have occasion to blush and hang our heads in shame.
Therefore we respectfully request that none will address us as Reverend. No worm of the dust is due such a title!
God's Word:"It is the Lord your God you must follow, and Him you must revere." Deuteronomy 13:4
". . . so that you may learn to revere the Lord your God always." Deuteronomy 14:23
". . . revere this glorious and awesome name: the Lord your God." Deuteronomy 28:58
". . . revere Him, all you descendants of Israel!" Psalm 22:23
"Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere Him." Psalm 33:8
". . . holy and reverend is His name." Psalm 111:9
"I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere Him." Ecclesiastes 3:14
"Who should not revere You, O King of the nations? This is Your due." Jeremiah 10:7
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For further reading on this topic:Doctor or Brother (1 page)