| The Life of Dr. J.R. Miller |
Chapter 9 |
Page 4 |
To one who spoke of the constant recurrence of the comforting, soothing note in his sermons, Dr. Miller once said, “I have long made it a rule never to preach one sermon on any subject without putting in it, somewhere, a message of comfort for the sorrowing and the overborne.” And to one who commended his books he wrote words that told the secret of his life:
“You speak specially of the uplifting influence, the cheering and encouraging tone of my work. I feel that it is one of the highest missions of the Christian teacher to be an inspirer of others. Enough people write the sad words, the depressing words, which make life heavier and harder for those who are meeting its responsibilities and enduring its struggles. Those who sing always in a minor key, and breathe out sad and dispiriting words, do not know how much harm they are doing in the world, what hurt they are giving to other lives. It seems to me that those who know Christ should sing the note of gladness and joy. Life is sad enough even at its best. As we go forth each morning we meet on every hand those whose hearts are burdened, who are carrying heavy loads, who find the battle too sore for them. If we speak discouraging words or if we even refrain from speaking glad and joyous words, we are making life a little harder for those people. But if we have in our hearts the cheer of Christ, the encouragement of Christ, we shall be all the better helpers of others. I have been greatly impressed by a word in the prophecy of Isaiah, referring to the Messiah, in which the prophet says, ‘He shall not fail nor be discouraged.’ As you study the life of Christ you find that He never was discouraged. All His days He met life’s trials and persecutions and sorrows with a shining face and a courageous heart. I never believed that old tradition which said that He never smiled – I believe that on His face there was always that sweet smile which told of peace within. It is our duty, therefore, as far as we possibly can, to be encouragers of others, never discouragers.”
Page 4