More About Rev. Samuel Moody Sprague's Journal of Maine History Vol. 6 May, June, July 1918 No. 1 page 30 More About Rev. Samuel Moody Reference in the journal (Vol. 5, pp. 217-18) was made to Rev- erend Samuel Moody locally known as "Parson" Moody and who flourished in York, Maine more than two hundred years ago. Laura E. Richards in her latest book "Abagail Adams and her Times," quotes the following in a letter from Abigail's husband to her. John Adams was the second President of the United States, and when a young man made frequent visits to Falmouth and York, Maine. This town of York is a curiosity, in several views. The people here are great idolaters of the memory of their former minister, Mr. Moody. Dr. Sayward(1) says and the rest of them generally think, that Mr. Moody was one of the greatest men and best saints who, have lived since the days of the Apostles. He had an ascendency and authority over the people here, as absolute as that of any prince in Europe, not excepting his holiness. This he acquired by a variety of means. In the first place he settled in the place without any contract. His professed principle was that no man, should be hired to preach the Gospel, but that they should depend oil the charity, generosity and benevolence of the people. This was very flattering to their pride, and left room for their ambition to display itself in an emulation among them which should be the most bountiful and ministerial. In the next place, he acquired the character of firm trust in Providence. A number of gentlemen came in one day, when they had nothing in the house. His wife was very anxious, they say, and asked him what they should do. Oh. never fear, trust Providence, make a fire in the oven and you will have something. Very soon, a variety of everything, that was good was sent in, and by one o'clock they had a splendid dinner. He also had the reputation of enjoying intimate communication with the Deity, and of having a great interest in the Court of Heaven by his prayers. He always kept his musket in order and was fond of hunting. On a time, they say, lie was out of provisions. There came along two wild geese. He takes his gun and cries, "If it please God, I will kill both, I will send the fattest to the poorest person in the parish." He shot and killed both; or- dered them plucked and ;then sent the fattest to a poor widow, leaving the other, which was a very poor one at home-to the great mortification of his lady. But his maxim was, Perform unto the Lord thy vow. But the best story I have heard yet was his doctrine in a sermon from this text, "Lord, what shall we do?" The doctrine was that when a person or people are in perplexity and know not what to do, they ought never to do they know not what. This is, applicable to, the times. (1) See the journal (vol. 1. pp. 148) for "Notes on judge Jonathan Sayward of York, Maine," by Honorable Frank D. Marshall. Was "Dr." Sayward the same person referred to by Mr. Marshall? Will not some one of the many who are well versed in the history of the old York families inform us? (EDITOR.) (c) 1998 Courtesy of the Androscoggin Historical Society ************************************************* * * * * NOTICE: Printing the files within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. * * * * The USGenWeb Project makes no claims or estimates of the validity of the information submitted and reminds you that each new piece of information must be researched and proved or disproved by weight of evidence. It is always best to consult the original material for verification.