| The Life of Dr. J.R. Miller |
Chapter 1 |
Page 7 |
The writer of this letter was looked up to as a leader by the members of the household and by his boy friends from other homes. A younger companion was deeply impressed by his earnestness of purpose and his integrity of character. In a letter written years later this companion said:
“You have been a constant uplift to me all my days. You know that naturally I was a shiftless creature. My only ambition in the early days of my existence was for a broomstick horse. Your example and gentle influence did much to wake me up, and it has been a mighty inspiration to me ever since. If my life has been of any service to the world, this is owing to God’s blessing on your life.”
One day James chiseled his name most neatly on a great stone near the Calcutta home. The companion just mentioned saw the letters and carved his initials beneath those of the one whom he desired to imitate. Other boys followed his example, leaving their initials on the stone, not always with the same neatness and skill, but in a way that showed the power of example. That stone, with its silent testimony to the influence of one earnest youth on his companions, may still be seen by visitors.
For three years after going to Calcutta James attended a district school during the short winter months and worked on the farm during the summer. Many of his evenings were spent in private study. Thus, in 1857, he was well prepared for entering Beaver Academy in his native county.
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