"Blessed are those who mourn — for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4
We do not usually regard sorrowing people as blessed. Here, however, is a special beatitude for mourners. In particular, Jesus probably meant penitent mourners. In all this world there is nothing so precious before God as tears of contrition; no diamonds or pearls shine with such brilliance in His sight. It was Jesus Himself who said, "there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents". Truly blessed, therefore, are those who in true penitence grieve over their sins; a holy light shines from Heaven upon all such mourners. They are comforted with God's pardon and peace.
But no doubt the beatitude refers also, to those children of God who are in sorrow, from whatever cause. Blessing is never nearer to us — than when we are in affliction. If we do not get comfort — it is because we will not receive it. Some day we shall see that we have gotten our best things from God, not in the days of our earthly joy and gladness — but in the times of trial and affliction.
Tears are lenses through which our dim eyes see more deeply into Heaven, and look more fully upon God's face — than in any other way. Sorrows cleanse our hearts of earthliness, and fertilize our lives. The days of pain really do far more for us — than the days of rejoicing. We grow best when clouds hang over us, because clouds bear rain, and rain refreshes. Then God's comfort is such a rich experience that it is well worth while to endure trial — just to enjoy the sweet and precious comfort which God gives in it.
But to receive from our sorrows their possibilities of blessing — we must accept the affliction as a messenger from God — and pray for true comfort, not the mere drying of our tears — but grace to profit by our affliction, and to get from it the peaceable fruit of righteousness.
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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.