Miller, Samuel. An Essay on the Warrant, Nature, and Duties of the office of The Ruling Elder, in the Presbyterian Church. Philadelphia: Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1840. [9653]
Third Edition. Black calf spine, gilt lines & title, black cloth boards, 6 x 4 inches, 324 pp., tight, light foxing. Very good. Hardcover.
This enlarged third edition was first published in 1831, revised by the author.
Miller examines the Old and New Testament use of the term elder, then the Church Fathers, the Albigenses and Waldenses, the Reformers, the Puritans, and men of the 18th century. Then he explains the qualifications, duties and practical aspects of the office of Ruling Elder.
"This is probably the fullest, as we believe it to be the best, treatise written on the subject. The warrant is clearly made out and the duties forcibly stated. No ruling elder should be ignorant of this book." - Descriptive Catalogue of the Publications of the Presbyterian Board of Publication and Sabbath-School Work (1888). p. 107.
Samuel Miller, D.D., LL. D. (1769-1850), b. at Dover, Delaware. Educated at the University of Pennsylvania, he graduated at the top of his class in 1789, and continued his studies at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa. He was a leading light of the Presbyterians in America, and was instrumental in the establishment of Princeton Seminary. He was appointed Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Church Government, which chair he held for 36 years. Dr. Miller was an accomplished theologian, teacher, author, and historian.
