The Blog Of Andy Smithyman

Dwight Lyman Moody is a household name in many circles of our faith. Famous stories of this evangelist include his partnership with a singer that added a texture to his work that no other could, a Bible Institute that was established for the training and education of evangelism and its creative outworking, and a publishing work for the distribution of affordable Christian material.

There is a famous quote associated with his early years, voiced first by Henry Varley. After a night long prayer meeting, Henry turned to Moody and said

the world has yet to see what God will do with a man fully consecrated to Him.

It is a quote that lived with him for the rest of his years, and then beyond. Perfectly describing how Moody lived out his life.

Yet there are couple of quotes that I think show another side of Moody that is worth reflecting upon. 

The first is found from an observers comment about Moody during a service

He was one of the unfortunates who had no sense of pitch or harmony, and hence, unable to recognise one tune from another or to sing in unison or harmony. That did not prevent him making a noise like one of the notes of the organ sounding when it ought to be silent.

Thankfully Moody had Sankey to provide the singing.

He also had a cheeky side. After being heckled by an onlooker in one of his meetings who then offered a hand shake, Moody responded 

I suppose if Jesus Christ could eat the Last Supper with a Judas Iscariot, I ought to shake hands with you.

It makes this world-wide evangelist that impacted nations and provoked diverse social action, just a little bit more human.