Elliott, David. Letters, on the General Structure, Government, Laws and Discipline of the Church; Embracing some Remarks on Creeds and Confessions of Faith; Addressed to the People of His Charge. Chambersburg: Printed for the Author, by G. K. Harper, 1826. First Edition. [10433]
Full sheep with black calf title label in gilt, 7 x 4 3/8 inches, signature of Patrick McDowell on the ffep. 199 pp., tight, errata on last page. A little wear at the spine ends and joints, boards well-attached; foxed throughout. Good. Hardcover.
The book presents strong arguments for what one might call creedal Presbyterianism, with the necessity of Creeds and Confessions explained and defended. The work is partly in response to Rev. John M. Duncan of Baltimore's book, Remarks on the Rise, Use, and Unlawfulness of Creeds and Confessions of Faith, in the Church of God.
David Elliott, D.D., LL.D. (1787-1874), “a Presbyterian minister, was born in Sherman’s Valley, Perry Co., Pa…To the age of sixteen he had only the educational advantages of the rural district in which he lived; but in 1802 he entered the classical school in Tuscarora Valley, and in the spring of 1804 went to another in the town of Mifflin, where he spent one year. In 1805 he became assistant of Rev. Matthew Brown, in the academy of Washington, at the same time making preparation to enter the junior class of Dickinson College, where he graduated Sept. 28, 1808. He studied theology with Rev. John Linn, Rev. Dr. Culbertson, of Zanesville, O., and Rev. Joshua Williams, D.D., of Newville, Pa. He was licensed to preach as a probationer by the Presbytery of Carlisle, Sept. 26, 1811; and Feb. 19, 1812, received a call to settle as pastor of the Church of Mercersburg, where he served until Oct. 29, 1829. His second pastorate was at Washington, lasting until 1836. For a time he was acting president of Washington College and professor of moral philosophy. In 1836 the Assembly called him to take a professorship in the Western Theological Seminary of Pennsylvania. In 1849 he was again solicited to become president of Washington College, but declined. He was often sent as a member to the General Assembly, and was moderator of the synod in 1831, 1834, and 1838…Dr. Elliott was successful as a preacher and pastor, a thorough student, successful educator, wise in the management of all affairs in the assembly, equal to the most trying crisis, a man greatly loved and honored by all.” – M’Clintock & Strong.
