| The Life of Dr. J.R. Miller |
Chapter 5 |
Page 6 |
While his relationship to the Church of his boyhood had ended, his interest in that Church was not an end. Until the close of his life he was quick to acknowledge the great blessings that had come to him through the Church of his fathers. He recognized that although its membership and ministry were comparatively few in number, they were characterized by an intensity of life which made their witness and their service a blessing to the world. He recognized the strength and the sincerity of the convictions which governed its people and the tenacity with which these convictions were held. He made no effort to lead others to follow his example in transferring their membership from one church to the other. His answer to any who sought advice as to such a change was that they should be satisfied as to their own convictions of truth and duty, and then should faithfully follow them. To one who consulted with him in reference to this matter, he said that not even the prospect of greater usefulness should lead one to make such a change, for God only knows where our lives can be most richly blessed; our place is to surrender our lives to God and seek to follow only where He leads.
After resigning his church at New Wilmington, Mr. Miller did not know what was to be his next step. No church had opened to him. But he felt he was following God’s leading, so he was content to wait for further indications of God’s will. He went to Allegheny, where he read and studied for two months.
Then came an invitation from the Bethany Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia to undertake the pastorate. This was one of the very first calls issued after the reunion of the Old School and New School Churches, which was consummated in Pittsburgh, November 12, 1869. The invitation was accepted, and the new pastor began his new work November 21, 1869. On December 4 he was received by the Presbytery of Philadelphia.
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