Name/Title
AU Harris, Joseph Hastings - 1895-02-03 letter to Bertha Elizabeth LambertEntry/Object ID
1990.1.18Context
[Ada, OH, to Miss Bertha E. Lambert, Bartlett, Ohio, “Washington Co.”]
Box 479, Ada, O.
Feb. 3, 1895.
Miss Lambert,
Bartlett, O.
Dear Bertha:
At the close of this another day also of another wk., thrilled with rapture all its events, I come to you this evening and ask the favor of a few moments of time, although realizing that my “few moments?” have at times caused you at least some little inconvenience, however you have the advantage of me now, as I have to suffer the torture of using a slow pen when otherwise much more could be said in less time and with infinitely more pleasure; but be that as it may you understand what is meant when I say that no pleasurable inducement would have any influence whatever to deter me from taking this opportunity of sending a note of sentiment to the one in whom my hopes rest and my highest conceptions of life find a ready and generous response.
While no new truth can be discovered in the Universe, yet what a wonderful thing when some truth is revealed to us for the first time.
What poet can paint the change or reveal half the mystery that Love plays in drawing heart to heart?
One yr. ago I could not have realized what a great blessing our Heavenly Father has bestowed upon humanity, endowed with such faculties, capable of finding in those about us that very nature which satisfies our social needs and aesthetic development. I thank God tonight that while the multifarious avenues and blessings of life are innumerable and incomprehensible, yet one stands out with greater brilliance than all others; viz, a Christianity whose very center, motive, and life is love. Love for God, for humanity and all that is good, pure and noble; but they say human love is blind, but for me pure platonic love the blinder the better because if kept on that plane it will remain blind and continue on through eternities of eternity. What is blindness but the mere covering up of faults in the other? i e you don't see my faults, I do not see yours, as the world sees us.
Shall those faults ever be revealed to us as the world sees them? My judgement says no so long as the above named love is exercised.
I realize that this very sheet may be referred to in the future to verify or condemn the above statements, but you are weary of this harangue.
Since our last talk I have had the pleasure of hearing four soul-stirring addresses and lectures two of them last Thursday on the day of prayer an account of which you will note in the Herald.
Last night we listened to the magnificent lecture “up the Rhine and over the Alps” by Major Dane. You may think from this letter that I have not gotten down off the Alps yet, but Prof. Darst brought me down this afternoon by his lecture before the associations on “The Creation.” All were grand indeed. How I wish you might have just heard those four lectures, but perhaps Iddo lectures for you once in a while. I have been rather fortunate in securing seats for lecture this term as I sat between two estimable young ladies the first night, and last night Miss Dickinson, my Latin teacher, smilingly seated herself by my side, and neither of them cost me a cent, however I would much rather have paid the difference and had you in their place; however there is a good time coming by and by, when I hope we may be able to attend a lecture together anyhow.
You may have thought me a little bold in asking the questions I did in regard to our educational plans, but it seemed best to do so, and I cannot refrain admiring the spirit exhibited in your replies, it exhibits more clearly than ever that patient and farsighted frame of mind and character. I thank you for your liberal views, and it causes me to set my mark higher and to go to work with renewed energy, realizing that success is crowned to those only who are willing to endure the tempering of adversity.
I might perhaps be able to give you an idea at least of my plans in this letter but nothing definite, but promise you something definite in the next issue, so you can exercise your patience once more. I trust the protracted effort will result in the bringing in of some of those young men who otherwise would be losing so much of life's blessings. I fear you will become so attached to Mt. Hermon that you will want to buy a farm there. I think there would have to be quite a chemical change if some of these letters should spoil (i e) sour.
I never witnessed time fly so rapidly. I never enjoyed school-work so much. Instead of finding Greek a dull and lagging study, thus far it has been one of the most interesting studies I ever studied, of course it takes much time and patience, but as we were placed under Prof. Michel we have a kind and patient teacher. There are five in class, one lady and four gentlemen. In Latin we have only eight, one of the number being a lady. The Philo Quadrennial reunion will be held commencement wk.
Shall I not get to see you before then? My! What a long time, but I know you are saving expressly for me how many per wk? of those exquisite, indescribable, etc testimonies which can be so elegantly rendered by a gentle pressure of the lips. I am fasting in order to be able to consume them all. But I said nothing about the many thoughts which are constantly bubbling up in your mind which you would like to express but space forbids you now.
Had I the poet's pen tonight, It might perhaps be taught to write, Some little mite, In lines so bright, Of the love I feel for thee. But in my hand, A fountain brand, Thoughts e're so bright as day, Fail to express, My dearest maid, The love I feel for thee. Say I can't write poetry! Well! time to go, but it is rather a dry and unceremonious parting. May God bless us both and crown our efforts this wk. with success. So bidding you a tender good-night, love, I close by planting the sweetest kiss I have in store right [here] (would it were your lips instead) take it off if you can however old it may be? Send one in return if it may please thee. 10 derly thine. J. H. Harris.
P.S. May I ask if you are getting the Herald all O.K.? {J.H.H.}
