Jesus has left the city: Is probably headed for Washington. Told his friends he planned to go there sometime. The churches and ministers are all tremendously encouraged by his presence here. No one can estimate the value of his stay. An air of victory always surrounded him. Now that he has gone, the city begins to realize his wonderful power. His work was constructive and will abide. The action already begun against the liquor establishments and selfish methods of money getting are destined to grow into a volume of practical deeds that the city cannot measure. A great demand will be made by the ministers to secure Jesus’s presence here again, and he has promised the leaders in the great World Congress, which is to meet here in October, that he will be present. The greatest event in the history of New York is the visit of Jesus and his words and doings while here. No one can yet estimate into what it will all grow.

This was from one of the more radical independent papers. Other copies spoke in various tones of comment, but all of them declared Jesus had left the city by the statement and on the authority of the ministers to whom he had entrusted his future plans, and with whom he had counseled concerning his next movements.

Jasper Carter did not know any of the ministers in New York, but an impulse came over him as he read to go and see one and find out at firsthand if Jesus had left the city—and also, he said to himself as a newspaperman, to secure an unbiased opinion from the church of Jesus on his work. The entire thought of it all was interwoven into his entire restless driving of his soul into the presence and knowledge of this remarkable personality called Jesus.

He went back to the hotel, called up one of the ministers, and frankly told him who he was and what he wanted. The minister cordially asked him to meet that afternoon at the Central YMCA.

Accordingly, Carter kept the appointment, and the minute the men came together, in his blunt, almost rough manner, Carter began to ask questions which were answered with enthusiasm.

“In the first place, tell me plainly: do you have any doubt in your mind as to the reality of Jesus?”

“Doubt as to his reality? There cannot be any. Have you ever met him?”

“Yes, several times.”

“How does he impress you?”

Carter did not answer at once, then said, “I don’t care to answer. I wanted to get your opinion. Will you tell me how he is generally regarded by the ministers?”