J. W. McGarvey's Treatise on the Eldership was originally published as a series of editorial articles in the Apostolic Times of which he was editor from 1850-1865. This classic work includes the following chapters:

• There is Such an Office?
• Titles of the Office
• The Titles Explained
• Duties of the Office
• How to Be Examples
• How to Be Shepherds
• How to Be Overseers
• How to Withdraw the Disorderly
• How to Be Teachers
• Primitive Mode of Teaching
• Qualifications for the Office
• Intellectual Qualifications
• Plurality of Elders
• Selection and Appointment
• Regular Meetings
• Want of Time

This edition is a reprint of the 1870 edition with a biographical sketch of the author by L. L. Brigance.