| The Life of Dr. J.R. Miller |
Chapter 4 |
Page 9 |
Soon after this communion service Mr. Miller was called to Philadelphia and Baltimore, then to Washington, where, to his own tasks for the Army of the Shenandoah, he added the direction of the Commission’s work in the Army of the Potomac and Sherman’s Army. These heavy duties were so well performed that in July it was possible for him to resign his commission. The resignation took effect on July 15.
During the last weeks of service he suffered from fever, brought on by overwork. In July he went to Atlantic City for a few days of rest and change. The sea breeze proved to be the tonic he needed. Within a few days he once more felt strong and well.
The days at Atlantic City gave him leisure to think back on the past and forward to the future. He spoke of his experience thus:
“It has been a good service to me, in that it has fitted me better for my life’s great work. Some young men enter their professional life too early. Especially do those who enter the university do so before they are fitted for their work… I came into the army just soon enough to prevent myself entering life at this same unfit age. Now I have seen a good deal of life… and I think I see a course that will fit me for more and greater usefulness. I have had opportunities of learning to read human nature, and perhaps know a little of the art of dealing with men… I am satisfied with the dispensation that holds me back from early follies…
“I can truly say that I have had such views of Christ’s character, and I have learned such love of Christ himself here, as I should not have gained for years anywhere else than in the army.”
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