Moodys Anecdotes and Illustrations | Page 2

1837. He is therefore now, (1896), fifty-nine years old.

IRA D. SANKEY.
Ira David Sankey, known throughout the world as the companion of Mr. Moody, was born in Edenburg, Pa., August 28, 1840. His musical talents were early developed. Political glee clubs at first monopolized his genius, but after his conversion in 1857, the Sunday School and Church opened wider fields, in which he has since labored with increasing usefulness. In June, 1870, at a Christian Convention in Indianapolis, after a morning service, where Mr. Sankey led the singing, he met, for the first time, Mr. Moody. "Where do you live! Are you married? What business are you in?" at once inquired the Evangelist; "I want you." "What for?" "To help me in my work in Chicago." "I cannot leave my business," replied the now astonished singer. "You must," said Moody. "I have been looking for you for the last eight years." And thus was Mr. Sankey "called" to be the companion and helper of the great Evangelist. They have been laboring together, for about a score of years.
[Illustration: Portrait of IRA D. SANKEY]

D. W. WHITTLE.
For many years D. W. Whittle has been engaged in evangelistic work, giving it all his time, talents and energy. His first effort in connection with Mr. Bliss, who afterwards became his companion in the cause, was made over twenty years ago in a small town near Chicago. It was on this occasion that he told the story, "Hold the Fort," which the "Singing Evangelist" has rendered immortal. He is in the prime of life, and earnestly devoted to the Master's cause. His discourses are concise and clear, abounding with Scripture quotations, and, like those of Mr. Moody, interspersed with pointed anecdotes and illustrations. His preaching has been signally blessed wherever he has been called to labor.
[Illustration: Portrait of D. W. WHITTLE]

P. P. BLISS
Philip Paul Bliss, the "Sweet Singer," was born in Clearfield County, Pa., in 1837. It was not until after he had reached the period of manhood that he "felt the stirrings of his musical gift." And then, under the inspiration of his wife, he entered upon the study of musical science, and laid the basis of his immortal "hymns," now sung around the world. In 1864 he removed to Chicago, where his musical talent and Christian character soon placed him in charge of the choir and Sunday School of the First Congregational Church, and where he made the acquaintance of D. W. Whittle, with whom, for the last five years of his life he labored in the great Gospel work. Deep spirituality and persuasiveness pervade all of Mr. Bliss' musical compositions. It is doubtful if the world ever heard sweeter hymns. Had he lived longer we should have heard more, but God, who raised him up for the work, called him:
For those who sleep, And those who weep, Above the portals narrow The mansions rise Beyond the skies-- We're going home to-morrow.

[Illustration: Portrait of P. P. BLISS]

CONTENTS.
A
A Blind Man Preaches to 3,000,000 People A Boy's Mistake--A Sad Reconciliation A Business Man Confessing Christ A Child at Its Mother's Grave A Child Looking for its Lost Mother A Child's Prayer Answered A Child Visits Abraham Lincoln and Saves the Life of a Condemned Soldier A Commercial Traveler A Day of Decision A Defaulter's Confession A Distiller Interrogates Moody A Dream A Dying Infidel's Confession A Father's Love for his Boy A Father's Love Trampled under Foot A Father's Mistake Affection Affliction A Good Excuse A Heavy Draw on Alexander the Great A Little Boy Converts his Mother A Little Boy's Experience A Little Child Converts an Infidel All Right or All Wrong A London Doctor Saved after Fifty Years of Prayer A Long Ladder Tumbles to the Ground Always Happy A Man Drinks up a Farm A Man who Would not Speak to his Wife A Mother Dies that her Boy May Live A Mother's Mistake An Emperor Sets Forty Million Slaves Free Angry at First--Saved at Last An Infidel who would not Talk Infidelity before his Daughter An Irishman Leaps into the Life-boat A Remarkable Case A Rich Father Visits his Dying Prodigal Son in a Garret and Forgives him Arthur P. Oxley! Your Mother Wishes to See You A Rumseller's Son Blows his Brains Out A Sad and Singular Story Assurance A Story Moody Never Will Forget A Voice from the Tomb A Wife's Faith A Zealous Young Lady
B
Believe Bible Study Black-Balled by Man--Saved by Christ Blind Broken Hearts By the Wayside
C
Calling the Roll of Heaven Cast Out but Rescued Child Stories Christian Work Christian Zeal Christ Saves Condemned to be Shot Confessing Christ Conversion
D
Decision Deliverance "Deluged With Blood" Dr. Arnott's Dog "Rover"
E "Emma. This is Papa's Friend" Engaging Rooms Ahead Excused at Last Excuses
F
Faith Faith More Powerful than Gunpowder "Father, Father, Come