Name/Title
AU Harris, Joseph Hastings - 1896-01-24 letter to Bertha Elizabeth LambertEntry/Object ID
1990.1.80Context
[Ada, OH, to Miss Bertha E. Lambert, Westerville, Ohio, “Franklin Co.”]
Ada, O. Jan. 24, 1896.
Miss Lambert,
Westerville, O.
My Loving Bertha: Your message came to hand this afternoon and found me grinding away in Livy, but I forgot all about Livy when I saw the letter and was soon listening with attentive ear to your loving words. I was at society tonight, but excused myself from criticizing the rehearsing class in order that I might talk with you a few moments. It is now 10 o'clock and quite likely you are yet about the fire, but if you are in dreamland and my thoughts are communicated to you, I know you must be having happy dreams.
I certainly was much pleased to know that you are getting better and I trust you may not have to be bothered much more with that kind of grip(pe) however I myself am fond of inflicting that penalty(?) whether it is against natures laws or not.
I shall not worry more this time, but I want you to take good care of my treasure during my absence. How I would delight to spend the time from now 'till Monday with you. In our short visits we just seem to get that kind of a feeling of strangeness worn off and then we have to say good bye. There are so many fields of thought in which I know we both love to dwell that we have never been privileged to speak of. If Providence makes it meet that we should be in school together, I think our social intercourse can be made a great factor in our lives.
I received a catalogue from North-Western U. and expect one from Chicago U. soon. I shall try to consider every thing carefully and decide on the plan that will be most conducive to our mutual welfare in our life plans. I sent a letter to Howard on Monday and learned Wed. that he had left Athens on Monday. I am glad he decided to go for it will be a great benefit to him to say nothing of the visit. It is sad to hear of death's ruthless hand, yet if our life has been spent for God why need we care or worry although I find that when the thought comes “should my loved one be called” there arises a feeling that I am unable to analyze. This leads me to think of our talk on missions and is one reason why I write tonight. I feel that the time is near at hand when I shall decide definitely concerning my specific work. As you are aware it has been my expectation to enter some line of Christian work. Perhaps that is sufficient, but somehow I think if a person knew definitely, they could do much more while we are preparing for the work. I know that were I a volunteer there is a vast field to work here in spreading this sentiment. I believe that I can say truly that my highest aim (cost what it may) is to do the will of God in this question, but I must be sure that it is the will of God, before I can take hold of the work. Perhaps here is where I am wrong. It may be a weakness in my nature, a lack of decision. It may be that I am allowing Satan to keep me from my life work, just as he tried to hinder Christ, Paul and every true Christian, but my daily prayer is that the Spirit may have it sway.
I realize that in college life the great tendency is to court popular favor and to seek that line of pursuit that tends to popularity and money hoarding. I think you know how far I think this disposition is all right and has its proper place, but so often I think we allow our spirituality to be burned out for sake of the other.
I trust that we may both listen very carefully to the word of the Spirit and that we may be obedient to His voice. I trust that you may not hesitate to express any leading of the Spirit in any direction regardless of our relations. You need not hesitate to be bold in making your decision known whenever they are made. I send the enclosed letter which I think you will enjoy reading. You might send it back sometime or just leave it until I visit you again. I wrote Mr. Mayne, inviting him to attend the State Convention. I am not a Pres. yet, but the thought has occurred that should we decide to go to some other institution than O.U. it might have a tendency to cause a change to some other denomination. I accept those blots according to Carrie's meaning and think you may find an abundance of them in this letter.
If you can spare a few moments to answer this soon we can arrange so you can have your regular time for writing by next Sab. however I enjoy this rapid correspondence very much. I am committing your Bible outline. Will copy it soon and return. However I want to study it all once from your own hand writing as that alone is an inspiration to me. May you continue to be blest with that same sweet disposition portraying so much the spirit of Christ.
Your Lover,
J. H. Harris.
