| The Life of Dr. J.R. Miller |
Chapter 6 |
Page 7 |
The mails always played an important part in Dr. Miller’s pastoral work. The printed letters were merely an incident; his daily habit was the writing of a number – sometimes scores – of letters to members who needed them. To discouraged workers the postman would deliver a letter of cheer. Young Christians would be given an opportunity to read a message of counsel or suggestion. Those struggling with temptation would be apt to find that the pastor had in some mysterious way become possessed of their secret and had written to them in their need. All sick members of the church would receive a letter on the afternoon of Saturday before communion. Those about to unite with the church were sure of a letter. No exception was made to this rule even when he was on his vacation in Europe. Learning through an officer of the church the names of those who were to confess Christ at the communion during his absence, he wrote an encouraging letter to each one, and gave instructions that a helpful booklet should be sent to each as a memorial of the service. After the communion another letter was always mailed to those whose names he had placed on the roll of the church. Here is one of the after-communion letters:
“No words can tell my pleasure at the privilege which I have of receiving you into the church. I know how earnest and sincere your life has been. It gives me, therefore, the greatest pleasure to be permitted to take you by the hand and welcome you into the communion of the church and the fellowship of Christian people. I know well that while you have been happy in your religious experience, you will find new blessing and new joy in taking this public step. It is always so – however earnest one may have been as a Christian and however sincere, there is something in the public confession of Christ which always brings a blessing with it. You will therefore have great joy and deep peace and I am sure your influence and usefulness will be largely extended. May God bless you and your dear wife and your children all.”
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