An Able and Faithful Ministry

Samuel Miller (1769–1850) played an integral part in founding Princeton Theological Seminary, which became one of the most influential training grounds for Presbyterian ministers in the nineteenth century. While Miller is most commonly remembered for his writings on church office, he also played a significant role instructing students and shaping their theology of preaching and pastoral ministry.

In the present volume, Jim Garretson highlights the narrative of Miller’s life and the major ministerial emphases found in his published writings, sermons, and unpublished lecture notes. As a result, readers will come to know the spiritual convictions of Miller’s heart and understand the theology of ministry he imparted over the course of his lifetime.

Contents:
Introduction
Part One: Life and Ministry
1. Heritage of Piety
2. Pastoral Ministry in New York City: 1793–1803
3. Pastoral Ministry in New York City: 1804–1813
4. Plans for a Presbyterian Theological Seminary
5. An Able and Faithful Ministry
6. Seminary Professor: 1813–1850
7. Confessional Churchman
8. Preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
9. Gospel Promises and The Hope of Christian Missions
Part Two: Theological Foundations for the Gospel Ministry
10. The Importance of the Gospel Ministry
11. The Importance of Mature Preparatory Study
12. Sermon Preparation: An Introductory Overview
13. Preparation of Sermon: Texts
14. Preparation of a Sermon: Style
15. Preparation of a Sermon: Parts of a Discourse
16. Holding Fast the Faithful Word
17. Spiritual Weapons for a Spiritual Battle
18. Preaching the Gospel in Great Cities
19. A Theology of Public Worship
Part Three: Ministerial Deportment and the Work of the Christian Ministry
20. Clerical Manners and Habits
21. Final Days
22. A Life Well Lived