There is an anecdote told of Dr. Emmons, one of the most able of New
England divines, meeting a Pantheistical physician at the house of a sick
parishioner. It was no place for a dispute. It was no place for any
unbecoming familiarity with the minister. It was no place for a physician
to inquire into the age of the minister, especially with any intent of
entangling him in a debate; and, above all, where the querist was too
visionary for any logical discussion. But the abrupt question of the
Pantheist was, "Mr. Emmons, how old are you?"
"Sixty, sir; and how old are you?" came the quick reply.
"As old as creation, sir," was the triumphant response.
"Then you are of the same age with Adam and Eve."
"Certainly; I was in the garden when they were."
"I have always heard that there was a third party in the garden with them,
but I never knew before that it was you."