Bible Dictionaries
Man: Natural State of

Spurgeon's Illustration Collection


A musical amateur of eminence, who had often observed Mr. Cadogan's inattention to his performances, said to him one day, 'Come, I am determined to make you feel the power of music, pay particular attention to this piece.' It was played.

'Well, what do you say now?'

'Just what I said before.'

'What! can you hear this and not be charmed? I am surprised at your insensibility! Where are your ears?'

'Bear with me, my lord,' replied Mr. Cadogan, 'since I too have had my surprise; I have from the pulpit set before you the most striking and affecting truths; I have found notes that might have awaked the dead; I have said, Surely he will feel now; but you never seemed charmed with my music, though infinitely more interesting than yours. I too might have said: Where are his ears?'


Man, until sovereign grace opens his ears, is deaf to the heavenly harmonies of the love of God in Christ Jesus, although these are the ravishment of angels and the wonder of eternity.


Bibliography Information
Spurgeon, Charles. Entry for 'Man: Natural State of'. Spurgeon's Illustration Collection. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​fff/​m/man-natural-state-of.html. 1870.