Name/Title
AU Harris, Joseph Hastings - 1896-05-10 letter to Bertha Elizabeth LambertEntry/Object ID
1990.1.97Context
[Ada, OH, to Miss Bertha Lambert, Westerville, Ohio, “Franklin Co.”]
9:10 A.M.
Ada, O. May 10, 1896.
Miss Lambert,
Westerville, Ohio.
My Loving Bertha: I am happy this morning to embrace this opportunity but however much I may enjoy this I would much rather you were the object to be embraced, but I know that would make you smile, so I suppose I must be content to write.
This is such a balmy morning I think one should be happy in any and all circumstances, but in addition to all this as I sit here I am thrilled to ecstasy to think of the blessing of being united in purpose, sympathy and thought with such a soul, such a “Loved One” as you, Bertha. I sometimes wonder yet how you came to condescend to bestow your affections upon me, but I know that you have done so and that is sufficient. The thought sometimes comes is it possible that in my keeping are placed the pure and unreserved affections of the one whom I have for so long revered? Yes all this is true and a blessed treasure it is too, and the thought comes what kind of person ought I to be since I am steward of all this? I want to let Jesus live His life in me and then I know all will end well. You should not express your feelings so audibly if you don't want Carrie to laugh at you. I hope you may be one of your Geneva delegates although if we thought the world's missionary conferences would be held any ways near us at all I want you to make calculations on going sure. It will be held in Feb. or March '97. I was gone six days at Detroit and it cost only $5. I have not calculated to go, but have had in mind ever since our decision that you should go but I trust we may both attend as we have some time yet to make arrangements. I was pleased to know of your ideas on the city mission work and perhaps you may have such an opportunity. The thought came to mind again that perhaps we may both be placed so we can be together and at the same time each receive the training necessary. Let us ask God to direct us in this and place us where it may please Him. You spoke of the Herald: I am sure it will be a pleasure to send it just as long as you enjoy it, but if there are other things that would be more beneficial I think that is the plan to pursue.
I have been working some at odd hrs on that Bible study and find it both pleasant and profitable and expect to work the school and town ere leaving here. Unless something better strikes me I think I shall take up the work for the summer. I think we can trust God to direct us and since we have placed ourselves in His hands I believe the way will be opened to us. I know you are anxious to do something but do not worry about it “Dear.” God knows what you have in view and He has the means and I believe if we simply do our best every day we need not worry about the future. It certainly would be nice if we could be together at least once a wk. during our vacation. If you leave home what kind of work would you prefer doing? I hope you may not undertake anything but that in the long run may be advantageous to you in your work and that you may have the opportunity of taking the nicest care of those “dear peepers” and your health in general.
When we meet again I wish we might make some arrangement some way to prepare some kind of missionary charts and maps this Summer. I expect to come direct to you as soon as I am through here, but I cannot say just how long it will take to get through here.
One of the girls said she wanted to sell the studies at her home town so I shall set her to work.
If not too personal may I ask what and where Ottie is working and what Ira thinks of doing this Summer?
The contest was good resulting as the paper states A,D,C, [E/D] tie. This wk. of course closes school and my work at the same time. It is likely I shall be here the first wk. of the term, so perhaps I may be able to be with you two wks from today. You are getting such good training in comm. work that you will be prepared for a long session. If possible I will come so as to be with you over Sunday and in this way not disturb your regular work. As soon as I find anything definite about affairs you shall know about it.
Be a good girl and you shall be rewarded for your long waiting and patience. I think you have been so very considerate in all our separation and I trust that next yr. every day may be gladdened by having the privilege of looking into each other's lives and I long for the time when we may sit at our own study table and read from the same book and share each other's joys. May we both be led by the Spirit to the work that we should do.
This has been an inspiring hr. to me and I trust that you may glean something from these pages that will comfort and help you in some little degree at least.
Your own true Lover,
J. H. Harris.
