Moody and the Rationalist
Dogmatic debate is not always the most effectual defense of truth. A rationalist, sure of his logic, once accosted D. L. Moody with this challenge:— “Mr. Moody, will you meet me in argument on this whole question?” “No,” said Moody; “I will not.” “Just as I expected. You can dogmatize ad libitum at the Tabernacle, but you dare not meet the tests of reason.” “Look here, my friend,” said Moody, “you are an educated man, and have a wide range of learning; now, do you suppose you could make a fly understand all that you know?” “No; of course I could not.” “Well, the difference between you and God is a million times greater than the difference between you and a fly. Would it not be more in keeping if you would not deny what you know that God said to you through your own conscience? settle that quarrel of yours with God, and you’ll have enough to do.” There was no answer to this, because the man knew that he was having just that battle on hand. Many a sinner tries to dry up his convictions by adverse argument.—Sel.