| The Life of Dr. J.R. Miller |
Chapter 7 |
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But God was planning for him the joy of combining the pastorate and editorial work. During the remainder of his seminary days and while he was at New Wilmington, Bethany Church, Philadelphia, and Rock Island, articles from his pen were welcomed by the religious papers. When – in 1875 – Henry C. McCook, D.D., of Philadelphia, discontinued his weekly articles on the International Sunday School Lessons for the Presbyterian, published in Philadelphia, he recommended Dr. Miller as his successor. The lessons of the new writer were prepared in such a helpful manner that when the Presbyterian Board of Publication began to look for an assistant to work with John W. Dulles, D.D., the Editorial Secretary, and Dr. McCook suggested the young pastor at Rock Island. Dr. McCook had planned the early periodical publications of the Board, had suggested their name – “The Westminster Lesson Helps” – and had been for a time their editor. So the recommendation was favourably considered, and on March 15, 1880, Dr. Dulles wrote to Dr. Miller asking him if he would consider becoming assistant to the Editorial Secretary. He said frankly that the position would not be conspicuous, but assured him that there would be opportunity for abundant service.
The call to service always meant more to Dr. Miller than conspicuous place, so he did not hesitate to reply favourably. On March 23 Dr. Dulles wrote a second letter, defining the position more clearly, stating his feeling that while an old editor may be as hard for an assistant to get along with as an old pastor, he felt there could be no room for friction, since both editor and assistant had one aim only – not self, but results for the kingdom of Christ.
His belief in Dr. Miller was justified. The two worked together in harmony and affection so long as Dr. Dulles had strength for his duties. The experiment was so successful that Dr. McCook later wrote:
“I am sure that there is nothing which I have done, directly or indirectly, or nothing which I have influenced to be done, which I regard as so well done as the recommendation of you for the position you now hold.”
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