Like the Publican
- Author: Sparks

One Sunday afternoon a man came into C. H. Spurgeon?'s Tabernacle in London and went to the top gallery, as far back as he could. His life was ruined by drink and godless living, but he wanted to hear the preacher that his brother talked about.

The atmosphere of the Tabernacle convicted him. He felt that he was unfit to be there, so he remained in the back of the gallery and leaned against the wall. Several people invited him to sit down, but he refused. He said to himself, "I am unworthy to be here. I?'ll stay as far away as I can."

To his surprise, Spurgeon announced his text: "And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying ?God, be merciful to me, a sinner."

Then Spurgeon said: "You that stand farthest off in the Tabernacle, and dare not sit down because you feel your guilt to be so great, you are the man God has sent me today, and He bids you come to Christ and find mercy!"

The Spirit used the Word to pierce that man?'s heart, and he was instantly converted to Christ.