"Dr. Abbott," I asked, "it is quite possible that there are other worlds in the sky—that, also, the rest of the planets either are or will be, homes for souls, for living beings equal to or higher than our present human grade of development?"
"Yes, yes, that is quite probable."
"Well, then, God, to prove a just God, would have to send his Son to be crucified a million times—once for each world ... for, if He did not, then the souls on these worlds would either be damned without a chance for salvation, or, if God made an exception in their case, that would be an unfair deal—for us to suffer from a fault other worlds are free of."
Dr. Abbott hemmed and hawed.
"It is not yet proven that there are other inhabited worlds. I an only dealing with questions of practical theology," he answered, with some heat and an attempt to be sarcastic.
The members of the Y.M.C.A. were indignant at me for putting a maladroit question.
"It doesn't do to invite Gregory anywhere. You can't tell what stuff he might pull."
"A legitimate question—" egged on Travers at my side, "bump the old boy again, Johnnie."
But I was not given another chance. After a short but painful silence the Secretary rose and put a suave and stereotyped query ... and others filled the breach in rapid succession. And the prestige of the great theologian was salvaged.
Commencement day approached. There came to deliver the address for the day, George Harvey, then editor of Harper's Weekly. Travers was assigned to interview Harvey....