Fresh Salmon at Castle Yard

In 1770, the Reverend Mr Wesley preached to a large crowd in Leicester’s Castle Yard, above, in the shadow of that ancient church, St Mary de Castro. His opponents tried to disrupt the gathering, as they often did. Wesley himself records:

"a man was sent to cry “Fresh salmon!” at a little distance; but he might as well have spared the pains, for none took the least notice of him".

Fresh salmon, indeed! More like red herring.

Whatever distracts you from hearing the words of eternal life, whatever pressing duties, necessary responsibilities or exciting alternatives present themselves, be warned. If these come between you and the gospel of Jesus Christ, your fate is worse than stale fish and your prospects less appealing than a caught salmon.