Name/Title
AU Harris, Joseph Hastings - 1896-04-19 letter to Bertha Elizabeth LambertEntry/Object ID
1990.1.94Context
[Ada, OH, to Miss Bertha E. Lambert, Westerville, Ohio, “Franklin Co.”]
Ada, O. April 19, 1896.
Miss Lambert,
Westerville, O.
My Loving Bertha: I come again to talk with you and what a pleasant task it is too, but how much more I would enjoy being at Westerville this morning and attend the services with you. We just closed the training recitation Jno 6:22-71. It is such an excellent lesson too. That is the nicest class I have had anything to do with. There are twelve earnest and bright young men in it who are seeking to lead pure and useful lives. I have had charge of the class for seven terms in succession and have [deried] great benefit from it.
Your “inspiration” came to hand yesterday morning and of course I had a feast at once although it was so near dinner time. I think you must be a busy little girl. You must not work too hard or I must punish(?) you again. The time is passing very rapidly indeed and very soon I suppose it will be necessary to face the frowns of the world, but my experience in the past will perhaps aid me in that respect. I hope to be able to reflect some sunshine wherever I may go for surely this poor old world needs all the light possible.
Four wks closes this term and should I leave at contest only a little more than two wks are left to finish the work which God would have me do in this institution.
As I think of my work here it brings a feeling of satisfaction in one sense and in another sense there is a feeling of regret. I would like to have left the influence of Jesus Christ in the lives of more fellows and to have developed a deeper spiritual nature, but the time is past with its opportunities and the present is here and wherever my lot may be cast this summer I want to be a missionary in the true sense of the word.
I am glad to know that those papers were useful to you. I have a catalogue now of that Institute and think the work is nice. I will either send or bring it to you, of course you will say bring it and since you are such a loving creature I would prefer that myself. Yes we have considerable time of course, but I think we could be so much more definite in our preparation and plans if we could come to some conclusion in that respect. Of course I only send those papers etc with the idea of our studying the field of work. I think much will depend upon the work of this vacation and I look forward with quite a degree of faith and will try to follow it up with works. I expect to review some this summer in cooking in order to be ready to board myself next yr. Now if you are a cook and want to make some money this is your chance for giving lessons.
You spoke of going to Athens Co. I think that will be nice provided you do not have to stay there too long, but what will those people think and say to see you making such preparations as that?
It makes me sad to think of how they will be disappointed for I would enjoy the thought of the time being so near at hand. I had thought of going home this Spring, but think I shall wait now to see if there is any fruit.
I was pleased with the results of your talk with your parents. I have felt perfect peace in that direction since our visit and shall make full calculations on going to some field and then if God turns us in another direction all will be well anyhow. I think it well to commence a thorough study of the subject. What would you think about our preparing ourselves so we can present the work to the people the best we can wherever we go? I know a person must be very humble and careful about it and a careful study of the work and the great leaders surely will make us feel that humility.
What do you think about our signing the volunteer card soon? Miss Dickinson will address the Associations this afternoon on “the [claims] of missions on Christian students as a life word.”
I am so lost without you that every day there is such a longing for your presence that to be simply in your presence would be a sweet inspiration indeed to say nothing of the thought expressed in conversation & winning manner, and then to press those pure and guarded lips as a token of pure affection. The thought of you makes me better and I look forward with delight to when we shall be side by side in our thought, study and daily duties. I feel somewhat loathe to think of taking up any line of work that would not permit us to be side by side a good portion of the time and I believe if we are obedient we will be so placed in some way. Let us lead the Christ life whatever may come and I like to claim the promises of Ps 91 and Ps 37:5. May the dear Lord keep you my “Love” and bless the work he has committed to you.
Your Lover,
J. H. Harris.
