| The Life of Dr. J.R. Miller |
Chapter 5 |
Page 9 |
“You can help to make this chapel a warm, loving place, into which the weary, the sorrowing, the poor, the friendless, and the stranger will love to come. It costs but little to be kind, to reach out a cordial hand, to speak a few welcoming words; and yet whole families have been won by just such simple courtesies in church aisles. Do not wait for introductions. Those who enter our church doors are our guests, and we must make them feel at home.
“I desire to have a place in your confidence, and in you affections. The work of a true pastor is more, far more, than the faithful preaching of the Word. He is a physician of souls, and his work must be largely personal. I desire, therefore, to become the close, personal friend of everyone. I invite you to come to me freely for counsel and prayer in every matter that may concern your spiritual welfare. In sickness I want you to send for me. If you are in trouble, I claim the privilege of sharing it with you. I shall ever have a warm, ready sympathy, and a brother’s helping hand for each of you when any burden presses, or any sorrow tries you. And in turn, I ask from you continual prayer, large patience, the firmest, truest friendship, a place in each home and heart, and ready cooperation in all the Master’s work.”
The mission was organized as a church March 24, 1882. Dr. Miller was installed pastor April 23, 1882. At that time the church reported 259 members, while there were 1,024 in the Sunday school. During the sixteen months of the pastorate the church grew rapidly, both in numbers and influence.
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