An Able and Faithful Ministry: Samuel Miller and the Pastoral Office

“James Garretson’s An Able and Faithful Ministry: Samuel Miller and the Pastoral Office enhances the growing study of Old Princeton by bringing to our attention Samuel Millers contributions to theological education. His courses Composition and Delivery of Sermons’ and ‘Pastoral Care’ show how Miller and his colleagues construed pastoral ministry as a spiritual calling. With ample illustrations, Miller unfolds the ministry’s ‘Grand Design’ as ‘preaching the Gospel.’ His detailed lectures on sermon content and delivery focused on careful explication of the text and applying the truth of the Bible to daily life. Garretson thereby demonstrates Princeton’s view of Christian ministry before it was professionalized in the twentieth century.”

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“Samuel Miller, Old School Presbyterian minister and Princeton Seminary’s unsung hero, was both an intellectual and experiential Christian, and a servant of Christ armed with both truth and power. James Garretson’s fitting combination of biography and wise counsel allows Professor Miller to mentor us still today in a host of ways. This fascinating volume is a tour de force for practical theology; I devoured every word. Every pastor, elder, seminary professor, and seminary student should read this book, and return to it again and again for direction and encouragement.”

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“For those of us like myself who knew Samuel Miller primarily as a historical author, this book is worth its weight in gold. As James Garretson demonstrates through careful research and pellucid prose, Miller has much to teach moderns when it comes to biblical theology, sermon preparation and delivery, and ministerial character and deportment. All in all, a highly extremely helpful work for anyone concerned about pastoral ministry or seriously considering such a calling.”

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“James Garretson has already provided erudite and welcome additions to the history of American pastoral theology with his work on Archibald Alexander. Now he has moved on to look at the life and teaching of another Old Princeton giant, Samuel Miller. Once again, his contribution to antebellum American religious history is remarkable. By contextualizing Miller’s pastoral teaching within his larger life and historical setting, Garretson reveals much to us about why Miller was so hugely influential among Presbyterians (and others) during his lifetime. Miller himself would appreciate Garretson’s emphasis on the practical uses of religious biography and history for contemporary readers. It is a profoundly welcome work on an Old Princeton figure who has received far less attention today than he deserves.”

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