Name/Title
AU Harris, Joseph Hastings - 1895-03-24 letter to Bertha Elizabeth LambertEntry/Object ID
1990.1.25Context
[Ada, OH, to Miss Bertha E. Lambert, Plantsville, Ohio, “Morgan Co.”]
Ada, O. March 24, 1895.
Miss Lambert,
Plantsville, O.
Dear Bertha: — As the evening shades hover o'er the close of a beautiful Sab. day I dismiss from my mind the cares and anxieties of the wk. and spend a few inspiring moments with you through the medium of the pen.
As the students have been enjoying the balmy day in walking and looking about, it made me long to be with you and spend a while in the same way, but what time I have not spent arranging Y.M.C.A. work and at S.S. has been spent in my room, as the work of giving a 20 min. report of our Convention devolved upon me.
I don't know when I ever heard such a lecture as Prof. Fess gave at S.S. this morning. Somehow I came from that room a somewhat different person than when I entered it. It seems that scarcely a wk. rolls by but that something strikes a person which rather lifts him up a step so that he gets a faint glimmer of the reality of life; even though he may fall back again, yet it gives a burning desire to climb up again. It seems strange that we are so blind to perceive these wonderful truths, I wonder sometimes if it shall not be that at sometime these things these truths which we so much crave and feel sometimes that we almost grasp, shall be presented to us in all their fullness, if so, life is sweeter and more sublime every day of its onward sweep. If it be that in eternity we keep on progressing in knowledge and truth, how can we afford to allow the glory of the world, the lust of the flesh, the pride of life, to detract our attention from that which is eternal?
I trust this has been a pleasant day to you as from the tone of your last message you are again more like yourself in health. Medical advice usually costs more than mere thanks, but since you sent with the thanks what is worth more to me than money “a kiss” we will just call it even.
This has been a very short and pleasant wk. to me, although quite busy. You said you had nine wks of school yet, eight now I suppose, so you will get out the same time our term closes.
You seem rather undecided as yet about how to spend your vacation. I hope it may be in a pleasant and profitable way to you, however you may chose to spend it.
If you don't find something better and would feel justified in so doing, I think you would find it profitable to spend the Normal Term with us, as it commences the next Tues. after school closes and close July 18, but of course you feel like attending school at home.
Ha! I guess you are thinking about holidays too, that is just what has been on my mind, I don't wonder that you become a little lonesome, situated as you are. You cannot imagine just how much it thrills me to know that you are looking forward to a holiday on our own account. In May sometime two of us attend the conference for Y.M.C.A. presidents to be held I think at Oberlin.
If our lecture course is a success some of us will attend the Summer School at Northfield. If I am here at that time I am likely of course to be one of the number to go there also. However if I can get work at that time I may instead of going to the Summer School go out the last three wks of Normal Term and also the vacation term. If I can see my way clear at anytime ere that I shall certainly embrace the opportunity of meeting you face to face, for I certainly feel that nothing must be done that would detract any influence from the bond which now exists, and while speaking of this permit me to say that at any time you should feel the effects of our long separation, will you kindly and without hesitation, mention the same. Perhaps I may be wrong but it seems to me that there is a great difference in the disposition of persons in this respect..
I certainly reassure you of my devotion and tender regard for you, and trust that Providence may so arrange our affairs that we may not only go forward in our work, but have the opportunity of being together soon. The latter part of this term will likely find me alone as Leonard thinks he does not want to stay as soon as the weather opens up, so you need not be surprised to see him come in in about two or three wks. He said not to tell the folks at home about it when I write, but suppose it is no harm to tell you. I should have been much pleased to take an oyster with Howard.
You spoke of being with the young folks there. Yes, I think you have the correct view, we can make ourselves at home and make others feel that we are at home with them and in so doing win and influence them to a higher life. I think that is the true mission spirit. O yes the Y.M.C.A. gives a reception this wk.
Judging from the number of words, I have written the longer letter, but it doesn't affect me half so much as your letters do. Asking that the Holy Spirit may keep us this wk. I bid? you our usual good night. With love, I remain yours,
J. H. Harris.
