Name/Title
AU Lambert, Bertha Elizabeth - 1896-02-09 letter to Joseph Hastings HarrisEntry/Object ID
1990.1.281Context
[Westerville, OH, to Mr. J. H. Harris, Ada, Ohio, Lock Box 28]
Westerville O., Feb. 9, '96.
My Dear Joe: — At the close of this blessed Sabbath day I have come to spend an hour with you. I have attended five services today and consequently have not had much time for reading. What little time I had, I spent the greater part of it in reading “The Reports from Detroit.” I think they are so inspiring, and even more so when I thought perhaps you were reading the same.
I tried to lead the Preparatory prayer-meeting this afternoon. We had a good meeting. Many students who have been taking no active part in such services, now seem so earnest.
Our meeting still continues, but no stir outside of the church. The church and many of the students have been greatly revived. The M.E. church seems to be having a wonderful revival and almost all the town people who do not belong to any church attend there, while our congregation is composed almost entirely of the church and students, and almost all the students make a profession of some kind. In fact I do not know what is the matter unless the church are not filled with the Spirit as they should be. The past week has been a pleasant one to me because Christ was so near in all my work. I rec'd your letter on Fri. evening. I need hardly tell you what effect it had on my mind for I think you can best imagine that. I surely thanked God for a (friend) who was so submissive to God's dealings.
Joe, I knew it would grieve you in one sense, but you were the last thing I had to give to God and without it I could not make the consecration. (Possibly) it is only the willingness of my heart that God wants. But I felt that the sacrifice must be made that night.
But I do not feel that we should worry or grieve over this matter. I think we can surely trust God in all things, and I believe he will lead us while the road is not too rough or thorny.
O, I feel tonight that we should be so thankful and ready if Christ has any special work for us to do.
I trust and hope that God may permit us to labor together in life. But if not I feel that Christ will have his work carried forward by his chosen people, and we should greatly rejoice if we are permitted to assist in that work in any place, or under any circumstances.
I surely thank you for the freedom you offer me. Under no other circumstances, than by the direction of the Holy Spirit would I think of asking such, and may God grant that that may not be required.
Now let us give all into God's hands and I know he will use us in the best way. But to pass from this subject. School is passing very pleasantly with plenty of work to do. I have all my back work made up except a little Greek. We have another lecture this week by Dr. Sperry.
I have been robbed of a part of the enjoyment in the meetings in not being able to sing much as my throat does not get entirely well, but I think it will be all right soon. The oratorical contest was held last Fri. night. Mr. Frankum of Va. won first-honors. If I remember correctly the Y.M.C.A. convention will be held soon. I think perhaps Ira will attend. I wish I might go in his place?
I would indeed be pleased to see you at the end of the term, but do not wish you to make any sacrifice or discommode yourself in any way to come. As Elsie is waiting for me to go to bed with her, I will close leaving all in the hands of God “who is able to keep that which I have committed.”
Your loved One
Bertha Lambert
