Abu Daawud As-Sijistaanee (rahimahullaah) said:

”The gatherings of Ahmad Ibn Hanbal used to be gatherings of (remembrance) of the afterlife and the worldly things were not mention in them.  I have never seen Ahamd Ibn Hanbal speak about the worldly things.” 

Ahmad (rahimahullaah) said:

”The story tellers and the seducers are the biggest liars amongst the people.”

[Chapter: A mention of those who followed the followers of the companions: Source: Seeratus Salaf As-Saaleh by: Imaam Ismaaeel Bin Muhammad Bin Fadl Al-Asbahaanee (535AH)]