John Watkins

The Duties and Qualifications of Ruling Elders: Part I

Watkins was born in Virginia in 1844, and studied at Union Theological Seminary from 1869 to 1872 under Robert L. Dabney and Thomas E. Peck. He was afterwards pastor at Roanoke, Va., Raleigh, N. C., and Spartanburg, S. C. The following is excerpted from his A Hand-Book for Ruling Elders, published…

The Duties and Qualifications of Ruling Elders: Part II

Ruling elders should take careful oversight of the children of their flock. Many of us who are rulers fail to realize the peculiarity of our relation to the children under our care. The offspring of believing parents are admitted into the church by baptism, and this gives them special claims upon…