EPC Australia

Rabbi signifies Master, not a domestic or civil master, having servants or subjects under him, but a master of pupils, a leader, a teacher, having disciples who admire and follow him. It was not an ancient title; we scarcely read of it before the coming of the Messiah. The Scribes and Pharisees were exceedingly fond of this name. "They love," says our Lord, "greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi." "But," adds he, "be not ye called Rabbi."

The Apostles followed this admonition. "We have no dominion," said they, "over your faith, but are helpers of your joy." They did not lord it over God's heritage, but fed them with knowledge and understanding, and were ensamples to the flock. They considered themselves as messengers, deriving all their authority from their employer, and always referred their people from themselves to him. They delivered nothing but what they had received; and called upon those they addressed, not to believe in them implicitly, but to search the Scriptures, to prove all things, and hold fast that which was good. They were offended if persons thought too highly of them, or wished to be named after them. "Was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as God gave to every man?" "So, then, neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase."

It is now hardly possible to avoid religious names; but we lament that they were ever introduced. Why should parties be called Calvinists, Arminians, Lutherans, Baxterians, or by any other denomination? If the sentiments held by any of these men are not found in the Sacred Writings, they are not binding upon the conscience, whoever sanctions them; and if they are, why should it be intimated that they have any other origin? Let us be satisfied with the words the Holy Ghost useth, without attaching salvation or damnation to men's definitions of them. The documents are divine and infallible; but who can pronounce the explications to be so?

If we call ourselves by the name of any human authority, let it be an inspired one. Let us call ourselves Paulites, after Paul; or Johnites, after John. But no: the worthy name by which we will be called, is Christians, after Christ. All we are brethren, but he IS our Master, and the voice from the most excellent glory cries, "Hear ye him." His authority was proved by miracles, wonders, and signs. "In him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." All he delivers to us is truth — truth unmixed with error — truth of the mightiest importance — truth that can make us free — truth that can make us holy — truth that can make us blessed for evermore. And as to the mode of his tuition, none teaches like him, so tenderly, so effectually, so perseveringly.

Will ye also go away? "Lord, to whom should we go, but unto thee?"

Will ye also be his disciples? O my soul, refuse not the privilege. Henceforth may I hear him, watching daily at his gates, and waiting at the posts of his doors. "Lead me in thy truth, and guide me; for thou art the God of my salvation: on Thee do I wait all the day."

Morning Exercises For Everyday In The Year
By Rev. William Jay