Philadelphia, Pa., June 6th.
1903
Index
Miss Florence Minch
Naperville, Ill.
My dear friend:
God has landed me safely
in Philadelphia, and I am just as happy as I can be, in spite
of a long and hard journey. Going as a missionary is not as I
once supposed it would be. I really did look forward to
heartaches, trials, and suffering, but it is so very
different. My heart is so filled with joy and peace, that at
times I can hardly keep from shouting. I know that this is a
special preparation come from God, at a time when it is so
very necessary. I think you will agree with me that while I
was at Naperville last Tuesday, there were no anxious cares
troubling me, no heartaches to make me sad, and that was but a
few hours after I had bidden farewell to my dear father and
mother, perhaps for the last time on earth, God only knows. I
know of times when I left home for only a few months, and for
several days there would be a constant pain gnawing at my
heart, giving me no rest no matter what I undertook to do. Why
then should there be such a great difference now. Surely it is
God who looketh after His children. And now let me say this
much for your comfort. Do not look forward with anxiety. I am
sure you have a firmer trust in God than I ever did have, and
if He is so gloriously upholding me, he will certainly uphold
you. It does seem as though it must be awful to leave father
and mother, and friends, and home and country. Oh it would be
awful if one were going on any other mission than to carry the
Gospel of Christ, but with Him it is joy and gladness of
heart.
I am sure I was glad to spend those few
moments with the friends at Naperville. I believe God provided
that as a means to make me feel glad and happy. I hope I have
not left any impressions upon the Volunteers that going forth
is anything but joy. And now Florence you will have to excuse
me for passing you by as I did. Some of the boys were watching
me very closely, and one even said that he heard I had been
writing to you quite often, and of course had I paid the least
attentions to you, there would have been at once suspicions
which might have been unpleasant to you. I would not have
cared about it as far as I am concerned, and tried to avoid
such suspicions simply for your sake. I left that note with
you that you should not be disappointed. I think I have
succeeded in getting away without leaving suspicions so you
are free to answer as before God. I am sure we could spend
life together in Africa in a most pleasant way, but only upon
the condition that we are doing his will. I have not urged you
to answer and do not now, because I want nothing but that His
desires be fulfilled. I wrote to you simply because I felt God
would have it so. You are the one now who must decide. Do not
answer until God has made it plain. He surely will not leave
you to decide a question upon which you wish to please Him,
and then let you decide wrong. I asked you to write to me some
time before the 20th. It would be very convenient
for me if you could answer, the sooner the better, but do not
be hasty. It is too important a matter. I would rather wait
ten years, and receive His answer than to receive the wrong
answer now.
I certainly had a very pleasant journey.
After I got beyond the Ohio River I found that it was very dry
and dusty and quite warm, but the scenery was so very pretty,
that I forgot all about the dust and dirt. In West Virginia
especially was the scenery fine, and on the Potomac River. Our
train went for miles and miles on the banks of the Potomac,
and the sun was just sinking. On either side of the river were
mountains covered with pretty trees and flowers, and on places
millions of ferns. The country just seemed to be in its full
glory. This with the thought of Revolutionary Times made it
very interesting. I spent one day at Washington City, and
arrived here last night at 4 o’clock. At the station I was met
by three men. Mr. Aetinger Vice P. of Philadelphia Missionary
Council, J.D. Adams Sec. of Africa Inland Mission, and Mr.
George Rhoad. I only wish you could have seen these men. My
heart was beating fast as the train pulled in. Would I meet
pious dignified looking men or would it be brothers. It did
not take long to decide. I had no more than reached the
car-step when three men had hold of me. They almost carried me
up to the waiting room. There was no strange feelings
whatever. They made me feel just as though I had always known
them. Later I met several other men, and they certainly are
the most pleasant people I could ever wish to meet. God is so
very good to me in giving me such good friends. My letter is
getting too long but I would like to write a few sheets more
if I thought you would read them and tell you about Mr. George
Rhoad. While coming up from Washington I was praying to God to
make him my dearest friend. Oh how that prayer has been
answered. I have not seen him this morning yet, but I can
hardly wait until he comes. If I can cross the ocean in his
company it will seem like heaven. I could hardly keep from
crying when I saw his face. He is so very pleasant, smart, and
Christ-like. I am sure we shall be able to go on our journey
with the best of friendship. But Florence now I must close.
There are so many good things I could tell you that I am
afraid you will want to quit school at once and go to the
field. I don’t want to make you impatient, but it certainly is
a grand privilege to go on Christ’s mission to foreign lands.
Hoping I may be able to hear from you soon
I am faithfully yours,
John.
Address me 926 North Broad Street, instead
of 9630 Thompson.
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