"They crucified Him." Mark 15:25
Here we come to the mount of our Redeemer's sufferings, and we should bow our heads in holy reverence as we stand in the silence of astonished love — and gaze upon Him on His cross. Many thoughts will come to us as we contemplate this scene.
What a terrible thing sin is — that its expiation required such a sacrifice! Shall we go on carelessly sinning — when we see what our Savior suffered to save us from our sins?
What wondrous love must there be in the heart of God — to cause Him to give His Son to endure such a death to save sinners!
What wondrous love must there be in the heart of Jesus — that He was willing to make such a sacrifice of His own precious and glorious life to redeem the lost!
What a pattern for all life have we here! The cross, is Jesus giving Himself to bless and save others. The more completely we forget ourselves and live for others — the nearer do we get to the example of Christ. How can we ever complain again of our little privations and sacrifices for the sake of others? The cross, where Christ is giving all, should make us ashamed even to mention again any little thing that we have done or suffered for another.
Crucifixion was such a disgrace at that time, wrapped a name in such ignominy — that one who died thus was buried forever in shame. He never could be mentioned, but with thought and memory of dishonor. But Jesus, instead of being covered and borne down forever by the cross, in the black waters of reproach — lifted the cross itself to glory, until today it is the emblem of hope, of victory, of blessedness, and of joy wherever the Gospel has gone. Let no one be afraid to endure for Christ's sake, for when the cross is taken up in His name — it becomes "an eternal weight of glory."
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J.R. Miller (1840 - 1912)
Prolific author and pastor of Presbyterian churches in Pennsylvania and Illinois, Rev. James Russell Miller served the USCC as a field agent in the Army of the Potomac and Army of the Cumberland.J.R. Miller began contributing articles to religious papers while at Allegheny Seminary. This continued while he was at the First United, Bethany, and New Broadway churches. In 1875, Miller took over from Henry C. McCook, D.D. when the latter discontinued his weekly articles in The Presbyterian, which was published in Philadelphia. J.R. Miller D.D.'s lasting fame is through his over 50 books. Many are still in publication.
James Russell Miller (March 20, 1840 - July 2, 1912) was a popular Christian author, Editorial Superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication, and pastor of several churches in Pennsylvania and Illinois.
In 1857, James entered Beaver Academy and in 1862 he progressed to Westminster College, Pennsylvania, which he graduated in June, 1862. Then in the autumn of that year he entered the theological seminary of the United Presbyterian Church at Allegheny, Pennsylvania. Mr. Miller resumed his interrupted studies at the Allegheny Theological Seminary in the fall of 1865 and completed them in the spring of 1867. That summer he accepted a call from the First United Presbyterian Church of New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. He was ordained and installed on September 11, 1867.
J.R. Miller began contributing articles to religious papers while at Allegheny Seminary. This continued while he was at the First United, Bethany, and New Broadway churches. In 1875, Miller took over from Henry C. McCook, D.D. when the latter discontinued his weekly articles in The Presbyterian, which was published in Philadelphia.
Five years later, in 1880, Dr. Miller became assistant to the Editorial Secretary at the The Presbyterian Board of Publication, also in Philadelphia.