
"Do you believe that there is such a thing as gravitation?" the preacher asked.
"Certainly, I do."
"Well, what is it?"
"I believe philosophers define it as being an invisible force by which all matter is drawn to the center of the earth."
The preacher stepped to the window. "Come here," he said. "Do you see those gilt balls?" pointing to the pawnbroker's sign across the street.
"Yes."
"How about the power of gravitation now? You say that it draws all matter to the center of the earth, and yet those balls have been hanging there for three years."
"Oh, well!" said the young man, his face flushing, "they are fastened to that iron rod."
"Yes," replied the preacher, "and it is so with the men of whom you speak. One is bound fast by the lusts of the flesh; and still another find his business an iron rod that holds him fast."
Christ draws all men where He is lifted up to their view, but they can resist Him if they will.
written by Mattie M Boteler, page 33 in One Thousand Evangelistic Illustrations, edited by Webb, A. (1924). New York: Harper & Brothers Publishers