Two Music of the Heart Books

I just finished the second of two intriguing "historical novels." Based on history with much imagination weaved in. Beautiful, unbelievably sad stories, but stories of the grace of God worked out in the lives of some of his servants of yesteryear.

You remember John Newton, of course. The Longing Season is a novel based on one of the greatest redemption stories of all time - John Newton and Amazing Grace.

And you remember Horatio Gates Spafford too, right? You don't?? Well, if I mention "It is Well With My Soul", you'll remember him (maybe) as the author of this beautiful hymn sung around the world:

When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea-billows roll,
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say:
"It is well, it is well with my soul."

It is well, (it is well),
It is well, (it is well).
It is well, it is well with my soul.


But it wasn't just the story of Gates (as he was called) and Anna, his beautiful bride. It was also the story of another man by the name of D.L. Moody who in many ways reminded me of someone I once knew. See if in these quotes from the book, you recognize this "someone" like I did.

"The man cared nothing for his personal appearance. Moody was not a man of appearance. He was a man of conviction."

"The dining room door burst open, and Tommy stared in shock as a thickset man. . . bounded across the room. The man was barrel-chested and short waisted with ham-hock hands, and he towered over everyone from a rather average height."

"Tommy found himself in an open carriage . . . gripping the edge of his seat. . . Moody drove like a madman. . . He dodged other carts and waved at acquaintances, regaling his companion all the time with the day's itinerary."

". . . Moody interrupted. "What you need is Christ, my friend." Tommy was shocked silent. The man's audacity in such matters, in such a public place, was intolerable. Was the preacher so single-minded in his purpose that he neglected social propriety?"

"Tommy found Moody's breakneck speed irritating but oddly invigorating. The man did nothing in half measure."

"Moody held up the Bible. 'This book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this
book.' "

Anna (Gates' wife) speaking with her husband, said, "You invited that depraved man (Tommy) into our home? To dine with our most esteemed friends?" "Not I . . . Moody." She stared at her husband, exasperation in every feature. "As long as I live, I shall not understand D.L. Moody." Gates smiled. "Nor shall I."

Of the many characteristics Spafford admired about his friend, it was Moody's belief that no task was beneath him, no duty so disagreeable it should be left undone that drew his regard. He wielded a heavy broom with great vigor . . . his shirt sleeves up. He whistled while he worked. He had entered the room, discovered it undone, and received great joy in quickly accomplishing it."

"The man was not without flaws - he could be dictatorial, insisting on his own way. He was impulsive, blunt, and sometimes lacked perception."

"He sat on his hard seat . . . and thanked God for D.L. Moody - lover of the unlovable."

"Moody was never one for pageantry. So as soon as the formalities had become too much, he'd slipped away and joined the children in their games, teasing and romping with them until they pounced and pinned him to the floor."

"The times Moody had been faced with a difficult, if not impossible, situation, he would say, "Put forth every effort you can, then wait on the Lord."

Amazing!! Do recognize the one I once knew??