The Life of Dwight L. Moody

Heroes of the Faith

by Dwight L. Moody

Moody lived solely for the glory of God and for the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the earnest prayer of his family that in this record of his career his life's purpose may be conserved.

Mr. Moody was a born teacher. He was also a great learner. His capacity for drawing out information from people with whom he came in contact was marvelous. Early in his public speaking he would gather around him Bible teachers, evangelists, and pastors, secure their best thoughts on some subject upon which he was to speak, and then go directly from such a conference to a meeting to deliver a heart-searching sermon, the actual material for which he had secured from his friends, absorbed, and made his own. In answer to an inquiry how far a young man was at liberty to use other men's thoughts, he replied: “Always give due credit if you can, and if you can't, or if you don't want to mention the man's name, say, `Some one has said.' Don't be afraid of using other men's thoughts. The chances are that the man you get it from read it in some other form. There is practically very little that is original, and it's better to give the best of others' thoughts than what is poor, even if it is original.”

As a preacher D.L. Moody was much criticized from the standpoint of academic homiletics. Nor would any think of defending his preaching method on that ground. But the fact that for thirty-five continuous years, in the centers of culture and of active practical thought in the English speaking world, this self taught preacher drew the greatest audiences which have faced any modern speaker on any theme - this fact, should suggest to teachers of homiletics that possibly they might learn something from him.

Dwight Lyman Moody (1837-1899) was an American evangelist who toured major American and British cities and founded several educational institutions.

Genres: Biography, Christian, Nonfiction, History, Church History

590 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1900

About the author

Dwight Lyman Moody was a predominant evangelist, author, and publisher. Raised on a farm in Massachusetts, he moved first to Boston, where he converted to evangelical Christianity in 1856, and then to Chicago, where he prospered in business. He gave up business in 1860 and engaged in missionary work with the YMCA (1861-73).

He founded Moody Church and preached in the slums, emphasizing literal interpretation of the Bible and the need to prepare for the Second Coming. In 1870 he teamed up with the hymn writer Ira D. Sankey (1840-1908), and they began a series of highly popular revival tours in Britain and the U.S. Moody founded the Northfield School (1879), the Mount Hermon School (1881), and the Chicago Bible Institute (1889; now the Moody Bible Institute).

Reviews

[Deke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moody only received an 8th grade education and yet did so much more for Christ than many PHDs of today. His usage of the English language was poor, yet he was rich in spiritual knowledge & works.

[Ray · Rating 2 out of 5]

The tragic thing about this book, was that I truly believe it had the potential to be interesting. Like any history, a lot depends on the mode of telling, granted this one was chronological (to the best of my understanding) which lends coherency to it's credit. However if I had not been forced to read it for school I'm not sure I would have ever been compelled enough to finish the entire thing, it simply wasn't that engaging of a read.
I don't want to confuse anyone on this point, the title is 'the life of D. L. Moody' and yes, I just said I found it boring, but do not confuse the book with the man himself, I think his life was far from boring and that he held an 'electric' personality. The man himself, not boring. The book, Ooohhh my word yes!

[David Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a long time since a book has moved me like this book. I have been inspired and convicted by the life and example of Mr. D. L. Moody – a great and godly man.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed book full of pictures written by Dwight Moody's son. Dwight's early years were fascinating to read such as how early he left home to find work but always maintained ties with his mother. His zeal and fire for evangelism was so inspiring. I think what I enjoyed most was his work with youth and his love and commitment to them. I loved the descriptions of the youth meetings which were full of praise; testimonies and prayer. Nothing flashy like in our day and no pampered draws to "get the kids interested." Jesus was always the main theme. The book got a little boring towards the end detailing his many travels to Europe but it was wonderful to read how his zeal never waned and he was always upstanding.

[Rob Duguid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Biography of DL Moody by his son

Overall I thought the book was very light on description of the person Dwight Moody. No information about his wife and their love story, and no information about his children and how he treated them. There was a little discussion about his relationship with his grandchildren which was good. Most of the book was quoting newspaper reports on his travels and evangelistic campaigns which was quite boring. Only a handful of personal stories of his interaction with people he preached to. The eulogies by renowned preachers at the end of the book was very good and maybe the most revealing on who Dwight Moody was.

[rachel thorpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The whole time I was reading this book I prayed, Lord, do it again! Do it again Lord! Raise up another Moody, many Moodys! What a dynamo of a man. His singular purpose was to see people saved so they could be in heaven, not hell, when they died. He reached so very many...effectively. He only ever gave all the glory, all the credit to God, to whom it belonged.

[Dustin Witmer]

This book was from the library of my great grandfather, and gifted at his death to my grandfather, and now passed along to me. I’m thankful for the ministry of Moody, and also for the spiritual heritage that brought this book to me.

[W. Austin · Rating 3 out of 5]

can be pretty wordy but i like it

[Rich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many great lessons and encouragements.

God used Moody, because He was a willing vessel.
Then God can use you and I, if we will only be willing vessels.
Notice I did not say perfect. I said willing.

[Linda Callahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very indepth look at D. L. Moody. It is written by his son; which makes more details than most biographies. This contributes to a clearer understanding of Mr. Moody; however at times I felt kept down with so many details which are not important today.