Anecdotes Of His Earlier Years Of Service
ANECDOTES OF HIS EARLIER YEARS OF SERVICE
Dr. Edward Eggleston has told the following stories about Mr. Moody: "I have heard Mr. Moody tell how while in the Christian Commission service he was propounding his thorough question to a Tennessee planter, but, as the man was deaf, the repeated vociferation of 'Are you a Christian?' failed to bring a reply. Turning to the black man who stood by he asked, 'Is your master a Christian?' 'No, Massa, he is a Presbyterian.'
"It was not uncommon in those days for Mr. Moody to assail suddenly a strange young man with this blank query. Of course, he soon became noted for his zeal and eccentricity. A young man from the country who had held a situation in the city for just three weeks, was thus accosted by him in the street, 'Are you a Christian?' He replied, 'It is none of your business.' 'Yes it is.'
'Then you must be D. L. Moody,' said the stranger.
"'Madam,' said Moody to an Irishwoman, 'Won't you go to church to-night?'
'Whose is it? Is it Moody's Church?' 'No, it is God's Church, but Moody goes there.' 'Troth, thin I won't go.' With this she began to charge Moody with divers crimes, not knowing to whom she spoke. 'You better be careful,' said he presently, 'my name is Moody.' 'Tut, tut', said she with Irish dexterity and effrontery, 'I know'd Moody afore you was born.'"
A volume could be written of the things which the friends of this mighty man of God have said since his death. The words of two representative men may, however, with peculiar appropriateness be presented.