This story happened in London when the famous missionary Roland Hill (1744 – 1833) was preparing to preach at Christmas.
Posters were posted throughout the city. The service was to take place in a large drama theater.
On that day, the famous English star, actress Mrs. Temple passed by the theatre.
She read the poster and thought: “I will go and see what’s going on there.”
And she entered the theater. The hall accommodated 10,000 people. There was a lot of people. Even the aisles were packed, but when people saw the great star – the actress, they made room for her and the woman stepped closer to the pulpit.
She was politely seated and she sat down.
Seeing her, the preacher thought: “This is the opportunity, and perhaps the only opportunity, to testify to this woman about the crucified Christ.”
Praying in his mind, he suddenly said as he turned to the hall:
“Mrs. Temple’s life is for sale – who wants to buy it?”
The actress froze, surprised and not knowing how to react to it. But the preacher continued, as if on behalf of the buyer:
– ME!
– And who are you?
– I’m Success!
– And what do you give for Mrs. Temple’s life?
– I give her honor! Respect! Pleasures! Public recognition! She will be exalted!
– “Good price,” said the preacher. “But what do you give her after death?”
– I have nothing to give after death. She dies…
– No Success, we’re not selling her to you!
– Who else wants to buy Mrs. Temple’s life?
– ME!
– And who are you?
– I’m Wealth!
– What are you giving for her life?
– “I will give her everything she wants! I’ll cover her with gold! I will make her richer than King Solomon…
– Your ransom is even more tempting… And what do you give her after death?
– After death – nothing, she dies…
– No, we’re not selling Mrs. Temple’s life to you either!
– Who else wants to buy her life?
– ME!
– Who are you?
– I ‘m the devil!
– What are you giving for her life?
– I’ll give her the whole world…
– Wow, you value her a lot! .. And where is she after death?
– After her death, she will die with me in the lake of fire.
– No, devil, we’re not selling her to you!
– Who else wants to buy Mrs. Temple’s life?
– ME!
– Who are you?
– I am the Christ!
– What are you giving for his life?
– For her life I will leave the glory of heaven, descend upon the sinful earth, and take the form of a slave. I will suffer many things for her, and I lay down my life on the cross, that she might live without sin. I do not promise that her road here on earth will be covered with roses, but she will have peace in Me.
– What will you give her after death?
– After death, I will bring to life all who love Me! I give her eternal life! She will always be with me! The eyes have not seen, the ears have not heard, and the things that I have prepared for her have not entered into a human beings heart. She will receive joy that never ends!
– The preacher turned to the actress and asked: Are you willing to “sell” your life to Jesus Christ?
Immediately the woman jumped up from her seat and knelt, tears of tenderness and repentance in her eyes, and she received her Savior.
Dozens more turned to the Lord that night to give their hearts and lives to Christ…