The Bellefontaine Republican. [volume] (Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio) 1855-1905, 1900-06-05

spiritual or devotional services OF the church i
have often sat in attitude of criticism to the
best preaching l have been a hard with
those in my employ. l have been cold and even
revengeful toward other members of this church.
I have been a very proud, un-Christian, selfish
In the sight of Cod have been altogether
unworthy member of the church of Christ. do not
take any pride to myself in making this confes-
sion. but feel that it is due to you, and some
thing tells me shall have peace OF mind If
speak to you as have lately prayed o'God.
1t is not necessary, neither have / time nor
strength, to tell you how have been brought to
see my selfshness in all its enormity. 1t Is
enough If l say to you that I most sincerely be-
lieve that / have misunderstood very largely the
right meaning of human existence. l want to
pray with you and for you. You will let me say
this also, bearing with me, as this may be my
last opportunity to say to you what lies in my
heart: Serve the church of Christ, all you who
have taken upon you its VOWS, with enthusiasm
and loyalty Stand by the superintendent of the
Sunday school, attend this week night service
when you can. making it the most important serv
ice Of the week and, than ALL live true
simple, loving Christian lives every day.
1t may seem strange that ! am preaching like
this to you who have probably done your duty far
better than ever did, but wish to say what
lies deep in my heart to say tonight If there
any young men in the meeting tonight, l
want to say to them, become Christians at the
core, not in name simply, as l have been, and,
above all, kneel down every morning, noon and
night and pray to God to keep you from selfish
hfe--such a life as l have Eved-forgetful of
church vows, of the rights Of the working poor, Of
the brother and sister in Christ. Yes, would
be willing that any young man might say, 90
Lord, keep me from living selfish and useless
and proud life Robert Hardy once lvedP'
For that is the truth. No one but God knows
how have suffered at the thought Of the past.
how l suffering at the present moment.
pray that any who afflicted at this present
time may find peace in him who bore the worlds
sorrows in his great heart of love. If 1t were
not for my faith in my Saviour at this time,
should be in despair. AS it Is, l am suffering,
, but it is not the suffering which follows an
eclipse of hope believe in the eternal life and
In the forgiveness Of sins. yea, such sins as
/ mine have been. Forgive so much about myself.
1t is necessary under the circumstances. l ask
your prayers for your petitions go up for
the afflicted and repentant everywhere l am,
/ your brother in Christ, ROBERT HARDY.
The impression made by the reading
of this letter was profound. The still
/ ness that followed was deathlike. Then
one of the oldest men in the room rose
and in a prayer of great power prayed
for the absent man and thanked God
for his guided strength. The prayer
was followed by others, and then one
and another of the members who had
not been on really good terms with Mr..
Hardy arose and confessed and asked
forgiveness. The hearts of the people
were greatly moved. Mr.. Jones, con.
trary to his usual habit, asked as the
meeting drew to a close if there were
any present who wanted to begin that
Christian life at the core Of which Mr.
Hardy spoke.
81 see a number here not processing
Christians. Are there any who would
like to say that they want to become
Christians and will try to live the
Christ life every dayp'
| In the pause that followed James
! CaXton, who had been sitting in the
back seat, felt as If some power within
and without him were forcing him tt
his feet. He grasped his chair as if tt
hold himself down, but the Holy Spirit
whispered to him, "Son, this will bt
the beginning of new life to thee"
I And so James CaXton arose and sait
he wanted to be Christian, and from
that moment he dated his strong, con
secrated life. life that bids fair to be
come famous in the world yet, and hi
action was the beginning of a new life
in that church and community, but w
this history.
| Oh, Robert Hardy, the good God i
blessing thee in this thy week Of trial