Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 276, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 November 1912 — Notice to Stockholders. PASTOR RUSSELL IS CHALLENGED [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Notice to Stockholders.

PASTOR RUSSELL IS CHALLENGED

A Complete Answer to the Query, “Who Ordained Him?” The Whole Subject Clarified For the Public Benefit Clergy and Laity Unscriptural Term*.

Albany, N. T., Nov. 17. —As always, Pastor Russell got the crowds today. We report his discourse on Ministerial Ordination and Titles. Very evidently 11 is a reply to an attack recently Dtmd« upon him by a Mr. W. T. Ellis, field editor of The Continent, and alias,

the “Religious Rambler.” Ellis claims that Pastor Russell’s ordination as Pastor is fraudulent. The address shows that Pastor Russell fully understands the situation. He fully justified his position before bis vast audience and showed up tbe “Rambler” editor in the unenviable light of either being ignorant of the subjects discussed, or attempting to deceive the public. His , text was, “Not of men. neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God tbe Father, who raised Him from the dead” (Gal. i, 1). He said:Tbe time has come for telliug the people what the Bible teaches respecting ordination to teach and preach. The doctrine of Apostolic Succession started in the second century A. D. The bishops claimed that they had the same authority that Jesus gave to the twelve Apostles. Upon this claim they ordained the inferior clergy. This principle is wholly unscriptural. According to the Bible, the Church of Christ Is not composed of two parts, clergy and laity. Jesus declared, “All ye are brethren; One is your Master, Christ.” St. Paul shows that in the early Church tbe ministers were the servants of the flock. They were of the people, chosen by them by the stretchiug fortluof the baud. . Many of the reformers coveted the titles accorded the Catholic clergy. They did not care to tell the congregation that its word was supreme, and that its ministers were merely its servants. Others, realizing that these titles were unscriptural. declined to use them; preferring to be called pastor. My Bible Student associates, knowing my objection to the title “Reverend,” address me as Pastor. I am the elected Pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle congregation, and also of the London Tabernacle congregation, and I fail to see ground for criticism In this respect, nor do 1 attack Christian brethren who accept other and unscriptural titles. Must Pastors Bs Ordained? Ordination is necessary to the office of pastor. The question is. What constitutes an ordination to preach amongst the people of God? This question has received various answers. The Roman, Anglican and Greek Churches, claiming Apostolic Succession, declare that authorization to preach must come through their apostle-bishops, and have not allowed Protestant ministers to enter their pulpits—until the Episcopalians, about a year ago granted this concession. Of course, if their proposition were correct, I am just as much unordained as all other Protestant ministers—and no more so.

Each denomination at its beginning was opposed by all others; yet each taught that the clergy were separate from the laity. Only* since the organization of the Evangelical Alliance (1846) have the different sects of Christendom acknowledged each other’s ordinations. Each denomination makes use of such ceremonies as it deems proper. If, therefore, the congregation of Christian believers in Brooklyn and London ordain or appoint me as their pastor, it is their own choice what ceremonies, if any. shall accompany that ordination. Who can dispute this? No Protestant denomination, surely; for their own ordinations are on this very basis. The subject of ordination seems to have fallen into confusion during the Dark Ages. St. Paul particularly emphasizes the tact that he did not receive his commission as preacher and Apostle of Christ from his brother Apostles, but by Divine authorization. This is the Scriptural principle underlying Divine ordination to the ministry of Christ. No denomination claims that the ordination of its ministers either made or kept them perfect. All admit that there have been sad failures amongst their ordained ministers. Neither would they claim that ordination has given their ministers superior discernment of Divine Truths. On the contrary, it has injured the clergy by making many of them domineering and lordly, contrary to the spirit and teachings of Christ and the Apostles; and the laity by leading them to conclude tbßt merely secular matters should engage their attention. ,. Tits True Ordination. / Finally the Pastor showed the true ordiuatJon to lie the irupartation of the Holy Spirit, Whoever receives this has Cod's j|Uthnrity to be His ambassador and mouthpiece. Such show the work of the Holy Spirit regenerating their minds and hearts, giving them insight into the Scriptures, and enabling them to be God’s mouthpieces, ministers of His Truth. *. ■