Name/Title
AU Harris, Joseph Hastings - 1896-04-12 letter to Bertha Elizabeth LambertEntry/Object ID
1990.1.93Context
[Ada, OH, to Miss Bertha Lambert, Westerville, Ohio, “Franklin Co.”]
Ada, O. April 12, 1896.
Miss Lambert,
Westerville, Ohio.
My Darling Bertha: Training is over and having spent some time dwelling on the promises of Ps. 91, I now turn my attention to the, what is to me, dearest object on earth.
Your message of love came to hand last evening. Mr. Fisher brought it from the office at supper time and he going out immediately after supper left me to bathe my thoughts in your message.
I read it three times before putting it in my pocket and it brought such a feeling of perfect satisfaction that I have felt better ever since. You breathed such an atmosphere of sunshine and love that it could not do otherwise to one sustaining such relations to you.
I looked for your letter earlier in the wk. but as it did not come I supposed you were waiting until today. No, if it is any more convenient at all for you to write on Sab. I shall insist on you taking that time, and I think perhaps it is more convenient for you, since your studies during the wk. makes all or more than your eyes ought to endure and I know that you would write to me, even if you did have to write late at night when those dear peepers ought to be closed in rest after the day's work.
My work is such that I can write at one time about as well as another so you need not be afraid of imposing(?) on me. I am glad to know that your eyes are improving. I am sure your eyes did not inconvenience me in the least and I have never thought of it in that light although of course it made me sad to see you suffer.
I would be pleased to get such language grades as you did. I don't know what any of my grades were last term. You surely have enough work without another branch. I want to take Am. Literature outside of school as the Normal term is the only term they have that here I have not taken it. You are getting to be quite a literary lady but it was too bad that you had to betray your 16 yr. old look for an office.
Yes I think we get much more good from our training in that way than we have any idea of. Of course Mr. Snyder will think that I am the cause of all his tribulations, but I did not mean to say anything derogatory to your relations, but since you seem to be relieved by so bringing your relations to a close I am perfectly content as it now stands. I think the girls here are naughty(?) as they have the audacity to ask why I should need to go clear to W. Miss Henry (my table partner) said she thought I was quite devoted to her until I left so suddenly. Miss Dickinson is as bad as any of them. I tell them it is all jealousy on their part. But this is enough foolishness now. I have the reputation of being the only one in our club who does not blush when teased. I was glad you were favorable to the plan suggested as to our future. I shall be glad when we can name a certain time to look forward to as the date of our union. I do not think it necessary to keep ourselves separated longer that the time named.
I don't see that it will cost us any more by our being together than it will to be separate and if we have to cut our training short we will be in better condition then than the majority, but I have faith enough to believe that we will not be cut short in our training. I have no other thought in view than that you shall take some kind of training so you can be at my side for I feel that the interest of your training is tantamount to my own, and I have pondered quite a good deal over the plan that might be suggested in this respect if I prepare for medicine, but a thought struck me yesterday as I glanced over some papers I had here. The International Medical Missionary Institute of Chicago offers a combined Theological and Medical course of four yrs of nine months each at a remarkably low figure for medical work.
Notice pp 23, 39, 43, & 48 particularly, in Medical Mission Herald which I send by mail. Mr. Smith sent them to me some time ago. I have sent for new copies and catalogues. It seems to me that would be a good place for both of us as you could take all the course except the direct medical work and I have no doubt you would enjoy it and you could have almost unlimited opportunity for mission work. It will do no harm for us to investigate the work anyhow and we can both go there nine months for less than what it would cost me alone in a Cincinnati Med College for six months. I have only one objection, except in time, to the work at W. and that in the main is they certainly are behind in the sciences, but you may rest easy, Dear, for everything will come out all right yet. If I can get employment at Col. I think it would be better in the long run to take the course at W. I cannot think of being separated from my Darling as we have been so far. I do not feel like saying however that I will come until I get my work done here and see what disposition they will make of it there.
I have not seen Prof. Lehr further about my work and I don't know how he would want to substitute, but I am more concerned now about getting out and making things sure for next yr's school than I am for a diploma, however had I the means and time I would like to go out with the class, but if I take a diploma from here I want it from the U. Course.
I am thinking now of closing my work if possible by contest, May 7, so you see that will soon roll around. I cannot say how soon I will be able to see you, but assure you you will not be forgotten. You wonder perhaps what I am going to do. I will tell you how the affair stands and then we will trust God to bring all things right.
I am corresponding with different contractors but cannot expect anything very definite for a little while. You will laugh perhaps, but I have taken an agency to work at just when and how much I please. It is a machine for holding in shape and stretching in perfect order men's suits. My territory is Athens, Col. and W. If I can get brick work I want to work at it and then canvass at odd hrs. If I want to preserve my reputation doubtless it will be well to keep shy of W. as an agent. I shall do all I can and will keep you informed as to what progress I make. You are much interested I know and it makes me feel more courageous for the work to know that such a loving heart beats in unison with mine.
I hope you may have a pleasant term of school and doubtless when your school is out a field will open for your spending a pleasant summer.
Mr. Fisher has an opportunity to secure aid from the church board and goes to see about it tomorrow. I think he will not stop short of Princeton.
I would much rather sit close beside you and whisper all this into your ear, but since that is denied me it is an esteemed privilege to use this medium.
I feel so satisfied with our decision and I am daily asking God to clear the way and bring all things about in a way to honor Christ. Asking the Father to care for my “Good One” while we are separated I remain your Constant Lover,
J. H. Harris,
P.S. Perhaps you had better use my box No.(Lock 28), as there is another J. H. Harris here somewhere. (J.H.H.)
