Preacher, Inattention of Men to the – Charles Spurgeon

THE most of men remind us of the old story in Strabo, of the musician who thought himself very wonderfully gifted with power to create melody. Before his audience he was pouring forth his notes, and as he thought holding them all spell bound, but just then the market bell, with its vile tinkle was heard, and all his admirers except one person left him, for they could not afford to lose the chance of the market. The musician turned to his solitary listener, and complimented him upon having a soul above mere merchandise, and an ear which could appreciate music, so that he was not drawn away by the tinkling of a market bell. Master,” said the man, “I am hard of hearing, did you say the market bell had rung?” “Yes.” “Then I must be off, or I shall be too late.” And away went the last man, unrestrained by the bonds of harmony. So when we preach up Jesus Christ, there will be some who will listen to us, and we perhaps think, “Now we shall surely win them,” but ah! tomorrow’s market bell—I will not say market bell—to-morrow’s bell of sin, and bell of iniquity, the bell that rings to frivolities, and rings to transgressions, they will go after that. Anything that pleases the flesh will secure them. It may be, there is one who has heard with unusual attention, and we begin to say, “This man has a nobler spirit;” but then, perhaps, he has not yet felt the force of temptation, and when he feels it he will go too. What urgent need there is for the Spirit of God to illuminate the dark judgments of the sons of men. May he do so; may he begin with you, if hitherto you have been blind. May he give you faith, and the promises, and Christ Jesus. It is my heart’s deepest wish.