William Duncan, who later became “The Apostle of Alaska,” when a young
man newly converted, encountered an aged commercial traveler, a
well-known agnostic, but a stranger to young Duncan, and a battle royal
of argument on religion ensued.
The disciple of Taine and Voltaire was getting the better of
the discussion with the young novice, when, leaping to his feet
and looking his adversary squarely in the eye, Duncan said:
“Sir, you are twice my age. I will ask you on your honor as a
gentleman to answer me honestly this question: Here I am a young
man. I have grown up in the Christian faith, and am happy in it.
Would you advise me to give it all up and come over to where
you stand, without God, without faith, and without hope?” “No,
young man,” said the old agnostic; “when you put it that way, I
can not advise you to drop your religion and faith. Keep them
and be happy.” Duncan retorted: “Don’t you see you are standing
on a rotten bridge that will break down, while I am standing on
a solid bridge? Your heart belies your head, and you admit that
your arguments are empty words.” (Text.)
(996)
=Experience, The Test of=--See PROOF BY EXPERIENCE.