The pastor of a prominent church in a southern city was passing a large department store. Following a sudden impulse, he went in to talk to the proprietor on the subject of his salvation. Finding him, he said: "Mr. Thornton, I've talked beds and carpets and bookcases with you, but I've never talked my business with you. Would you give me a few minutes to do so?"
Invited into the private office, the minister took out his New Testament. From passage after passage he brought before that business man his need of the Savior and his duty to accept Jesus Christ.
Finally the tears began to roll down the merchant's cheeks, and he said to the pastor: "I'm seventy years of age. I was born in this city and know nearly everyone here. More than a hundred ministers, and over five hundred church officers have known me as you have in a business way. Our dealings have been pleasant and profitable, but in all these years, you are the first man who ever spoke to me about my soul.
"Friend, you have sold me a precious bill of goods. I humbly confess my negligence and my need of the Savior. Right now I want to sign on the dotted line that I gladly accept His offer of mercy to the poor lost sinner that I am."