The Clapper Who Cracked the Bell
A CLAPPER in an old church tower professed to be greatly grieved because the bell it hung in was cracked. It was ever and anon telling of its grief in most dolorous tones, which excited the sympathy of many unsophisticated people. But the ghost of Diogenes coming along said, “Cease your whining, Master Clapper; remember in the first place that you cracked the bell, and in the second place nobody would know it was cracked if you didn’t tell them.” When you meet a man that is always complaining of the coldness of the church and the want of harmony among its members, tell him this fable. Those who make the most complaint are often those who are the most to blame. How is it with you, any way, is there a cracked bell in your church, and are you the clapper?