Name/Title
AU Harris, Joseph Hastings - 1894-12-09 letter to Bertha Elizabeth LambertEntry/Object ID
1990.1.10Scope and Content
Letter from Joseph Hastings Harris (Ada, Ohio) to Bertha Elizabeth Lambert (Plantsville, Ohio), 9 December 1894Context
[Ada, OH, to Miss Bertha Lambert, Plantsville, Ohio, "Morgan Co."]
Box 479, Ada, Ohio.
Dec. 9, 1894.
Miss Lambert,
Plantsville, Ohio.
Dear Bertha: This beautiful Sabbath morning finds me enjoying life in the highest degree, and while you are at church I will take this opportunity of opening my thoughts to you. We just came from S.S. where Prof. Fess so ably discussed the lesson, did not stay for preaching services as you are aware we can not attend all the services. My mind runs back to old Mt. Hermon this morning. I can see you all in your respective places and would so much enjoy being with you, although the opportunities and privileges seem so meager.
The S.S.'s as usual here are grand indeed. Our collection last Sab. was over $28, and near four hundred pupils. Everything seems to be moving along first rate, a large attendance and the usual enthusiasm. Society spirit is rife and I predict a very stormy yr., as unseen shoals are very near the surface. It is to be hoped there will be no trouble as it seems to so affect the Christian Associations. You know how that is.
It seems strange to have to form so many new acquaintances, but we are gradually becoming acquainted. We are rooming at the “Foit House” 58 S. Johnson, have a very nice room and kind people. I roomed here two yrs. ago. We board at Zeigler's, the next house north, first-rate board, but as most of the club are Pharmacy and Law students they are very rough and seem to have very little regard for sacred things. Of course I am accustomed to meeting that class of society, but not generally in Ada boarding clubs. We are frequently called upon to defend the Y.M.C.A. against unjust attacks. I have been pondering in my mind as to whether from a “Christian standpoint of view” I ought to stay there next term. May I ask what you think of that principle?
You spoke of happy College days; yes immeasurably so, but I never have been able to see why they should be the happiest, following your line of thought we are then only prepared to enjoy life.
I anticipate that (with correct views of life) as we grow older life will become sweeter, fountains of Bliss unexplored in earlier yrs. will open their portals. We believe in a progressive Christianity. It seems to me the central idea of education is the development of the immortal spirit within us to the likeness of Christ, having the same mind. Phil 2:5; I Jno. 2:6; I Peter 4:1-2; Col. 3:3. Our school days looking from a worldly or temporal standpoint may be the happiest; but I doubt that even; but you are looking to a more sublime and glorious fountain than the temporal view can afford.
I believe you are seeking that depth of Bliss that caused David Brainerd to say, “Here I am, Lord. Send me to the ends of the earth. Send me to the rough and savage pagans of the wilderness. Send me from all that is called comfort in the earth, send me even to death, if it be but in thy service and to promote thy kingdom.”
My studies are Cicero and Latin prose composition. Have taken four lessons in Voice “jist a flyin too” here is a sample lesson “sing” the scale using “we wo wy away and away went we” as do, on the musical scale. Prof. doesn't allow me to sing any yet, afraid I might ruin some of the finer qualities of my voice? So you must not ask me to sing a solo the first time you see me. I found the Latin pretty hard, but am gaining. I joined their mission band and will likely continue with it next term.
About eight of the older students among the young men have organized a club to meet at 2:30 Sab. afternoons for the discussion of some religious or social question. We choose our subj. one wk ahead. Our subj. for this afternoon is the “Salvation Army.” I think it will be a benefit to us. Leonard seems to be in high glee as he is writing to his “best girl.” He is doing good work and inspires a person to hard study.
Well this is evening, attended our club & Y.M.C.A. this afternoon. The boys gave excellent reports of the recent convention and I presume the ladies did also. While I enjoy this privilege ever so much, yet how much more pleasant it would be to be with you in person this evening, but perhaps that would be no advantage to your school work tomorrow?
I have to pay my board-bill here and livery bill?—well I just simply walk. You perhaps may think that in the rush of work, inspiration, and coming in contact with the hundreds of students, my mind would become so absorbed in this way as in some measure to be diverted from you, but never before as now have I had so many reasons for turning my mind to you. Your life and character, your aims and hopes are such an inspiration to every new resolve. And then I think of how much you would enjoy these opportunities. Let me say also that 'mid all the inspiration that seems to pervade this institution there is no time so fraught with inspiration and real pleasure as when your welcome and thoughtful missives are read.
We have two wks of school yet and then the long wk of vacation. I shall hardly entertain the idea of going home as there is much work here to do. I presume you still think of going home for vacation. You told me when you thought of starting for home but I have forgotten when it was, but of course you will take advantage of the Holiday rates.
If it be your pleasure still, I shall (so far as can be seen now) be pleased to make the visit we spoke of.
I have made no definite arrangements of Holiday work and can likely leave as well at one time as another so, fearing that my next letter may not reach you before you should start for home, I will say make your arrangements to suit your own convenience and when you reach home if it suits your pleasure just send a line if you please, but do not allow my coming to interfere with any plan you may have in view after reaching home. Do you remember what time the South Bound C A & C trains reach Col.? I believe the North bound trains leave at 6, 1 and 4.
Ada has plenty of mud, so much on the sidewalks that on going down Main St yesterday morning I lost one of my overshoes and could not find it. Had I tied them on with brick cord cut with a match I should not have suffered this loss. I talk so much it is now church time.
Once again I take the pen. Just listened to fine music by the choir and an excellent address on “Woman's future” by Prof. Fess at the Pres. Church. I think more of the ladies now than usual and think I will become a ladies' or lady's man?
I was pleased to hear of the success of the Y.P.C.U. entertainment. The result of that society must be for good.
I found the lost letter all right. I think you will be pleased to read the letters in the Herald this wk.
I am still striving to know the will of God concerning me. May the Holy Spirit continue to lead you and help you in your noble endeavors for the advancement of the race.
Surely but for the noble aim you have in view your work would become quite monotonous and tiresome.
But if you do not become impatient in reading this letter you are well adapted to teaching school.
Trusting this short note may find you enjoying yourself as usual, I remain you sincere and devoted friend.
J. H. Harris.
