The unwillingness of people to believe the gospel is well illustrated in the story of an eccentric Irish landlord on whose vast estate dwelt a number of very needy tenants.
There came a day when this very wealthy man was converted to Christ. Anxious to make clear to his people too the marvelous provision God had made for their salvation, he evolved the following plan.
He posted in prominent places on his wide domain notices which declared that on a certain day he would be in his office down by the lodge gates from ten o'clock in the morning until 12 noon. During that time, he would be prepared to pay the debts of all tenants who brought him their unpaid bills.
The notices caused much excitement. People discussed the strange offer. Some declared it to be a hoax. Others were certain "there must be a catch somewhere." A few even thought that the landlord was going out of his mind, for "who had ever heard of any sane man making such an offer?"
When the stated day came, many could be seen making their way to the office, and as the hour of ten approached a considerable crowd had gathered about the door.
Promptly at ten the landlord and his secretary arrived at the gate, and without a word to anyone entered the office and closed the door. A great discussion began outside. Was there anything to it? Did he really mean it? Would he only make a fool of one who brought him his bills to pay?
Some insisted that it was the landlord's signature at the bottom of the notice, and that he would surely honor his name.
But an hour passed and no one had gone in to present his claim. When one man suggested to another to venture in, he was met with the angry reply: "I don't owe so very much. I have no need to go in. Let someone else try it first— someone who owes more than I do!" And so the precious moments slipped away.
Finally, when it was nearing twelve o'clock, an aged couple from the farthest bound of the estate came hobbling up arm in arm. Tightly clutched in one hand the old man carried a bundle of bills.
"Is it true that the landlord be paying all the debts of all who come today?" he inquired.
"He ain't paid none yet," said one of the crowd. "We think it is just a cruel joke," said another. The eyes of the old couple filled with tears.
"Is it all a mistake?" they said. "We hoped it was true and thought how good it would be to die free of debt." They were turning disconsolately away, when someone said: "No one has tried the landlord yet. Why not go in? If he pays your bills, come out quickly and tell us and we'll go in too."
To this the old folks agreed and timidly opened the door and went in. They were warmly received, and in answer to their question as to whether the notice was true, the secretary said: "Do you think that the landlord would deceive you? Let me see your bills."
When they were presented and carefully tabulated, a check was made out in the landlord's name to cover them all. Overwhelmed with gratitude the old man and his wife were about to leave when the secretary said, "Just be seated. You must remain till the office closes at noon."
The old couple explained that the crowd outside was waiting for confirmation of the strange offer. But the landlord said: "No, you took me at my word. They must do the same."
And so the minutes passed. Outside the people moved restlessly about watching the closed door; but none lifted the latch. As the clock struck noon the door opened and the old couple emerged first. The crowd surrounded them and asked, "Did he keep his word?"
"Yes, neighbors, here is his check and it's as good as gold."
"Why didn't you come out and tell us?"
"The landlord said we must wait inside, and that you must come as we did and take him at his word."
A moment later the landlord and his secretary came out and hurried to the waiting vehicle while the crowd pressed about them, holding out hands full of bills and crying, "Won't you do for us as you did for those folks?" The landlord said: "It's too late now. I gave you every opportunity. I would have paid your bills for you all, but you would not believe me.
He then likened the events of the morning to the way men treat God's offer to cancel the sinner's debt of sin— through simply believing His word in the gospel.
Solemnly the landlord warned them of the folly of doubting God's word and neglecting so great salvation until the day of grace ends and it is forever too late to be saved.
END