Name/Title
AU Harris, Joseph Hastings - 1895-01-06 letter to Bertha Elizabeth LambertEntry/Object ID
1990.1.14Context
[Ada, OH, to Miss Bertha Lambert, Bartlett, Ohio, “Wash. Co.”]
Box 479, Ada, Ohio. Jan. 6, 1895.
Miss Lambert,
Bartlett, Ohio.
My Dear Bertha: It is with a deep sense of pleasure that I approach this sacred hr., sacred because in this is involved the representation of the blending of soul with soul in communion of the very elements that go to make up our lives, even though we do not know the thought of the other.
I esteem this privilege above all others save the opportunity of being with you in person. It is now 6:15 and you are making ready for Y.P.C.U., need I tell you how much rather I would be with you in that service than to listen to the eloquent Cincinnati Divine that preaches at the Disciple Church tonight, but so is life, and I feel so thankful that it is my privilege to be here in school and my determinations are stronger now than ever before to struggle on to the best of my ability. The work seems to be progressing quite well. The societies at last report stood 113 to 107 in favor of Philo. The Y.M.C.A. canvass was made yesterday. On my part of the territory I found about one hundred young men and of that number less than twenty are members of the Y.M.C.A.
That says something doesn't it? They have placed in my hand what in this institution seems to be a herculanean [sic] task as most who have tried the work have failed, that of the Personal Work Class. My studies are Logic, Zoology, Latin and Greek, have not commenced voice yet and may not get to take it this term.
The associations will after Tuesday hold daily prayer meetings for a few days.
The Philos will hold their quadrennial union this yr. “see Philo items of Jan. 4,” of course you must come up at that time. It is now church time, will you excuse me or else go with me.
All right once again heard a thrilling address on missions. It stirs my inmost soul, yet space is too limited to say anything. I wrote to Seth today. I think Leonard must be writing to his girl, as he smiles quite a good deal. We talk a great deal on religious subjects and the thought comes why will he still hold out. He seems to know every step of the way and still refuses to yield.
I suppose you commence your work tomorrow. How are those teeth performing? I trust you got some benefit of the sleighing. Wats said this fall he proposed to see that you got a sleigh-ride. I told him go ahead as it would save me a livery bill. No doubt you felt somewhat sad in leaving home and returning to your work, surely there is quite a contrast, yet your contented mind seems to make you happy wherever you may go. Be assured Bertha you have my tenderest sympathy. And your sympathy which I know is devoted inspires every moment of my time. Thank God for such a blessing.
I shall soon have to decide about my work for next yr. and will inform you of any change of plans. I presume you got my letter which was written the evening I came home. May God bless you in your work of labor and love, and prepare us both for usefulness in the world is the sincere plea of your devoted one,
J. H. Harris
