LECTURE ON ETERNAL SUFFERING.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2008, 31 July 1880, Page 3

LECTURE ON ETERNAL SUFFERING.

At tho Oddfellows’ Hall, last evening, Mr B. Cass delivered his promised lecture —“ Th Doctrine of Eternal Suffering Considered.” There was a large attendance, every seat in the hall being occupied. Tho Rev. H. O. M. Watson presided, and His Worship the Mayor and other gentlemen wore on tho platform. The proceedings wore opened with prayer, after which the chairman offered a few remarks, in which he explained the doctrine of the Church of England. Mr Casa then delivered his lecture, attempting to prove that man is not necessarily immortal, in support of which he quoted numerous texts of Scripture. A discussion followed, several gentlemen in tho room putting questions to the lecturer, and opposing his views. It occasionally happened that more than one gentleman spoke at once, and tho effect was somewhat peculiar. Towards the end of the meeting the Rev. Mr Orewes came forward, and stated that Mr Cass had challenged him to a public discussion on this subject, after having been informed by him (Mr Crewes) that ho could not find the time necessary to accept the task, and knowing that the challenge would not be accepted. Mr Casa then asked Mr Crewes to come on the platform and discuss the question then, to which the rev. gentleman replied that as each point raised by Mr Cass would take a whole evening to debate, he must decline altogether to meet him, not having the six nights which would be required at his disposal. Shortly after this Mr Cass gave a brief statement of his views, which included a belief as to the second coming of Christ, and that event ho believed to be near at hand, from certain

“unmistakable signs” he had observed, and he added that this was one of his principal reasons for offering his business for sale. Roars of laughter hailed this statement, and the meeting then rose. A vote of thanks was then passed to MrOass, and also one to the chairman ; the Mayor, in seconding the latter motion, making a brief but humourous address, in which he delicately hinted with reference to the disputants on the points at issue, that “much learning had made them mad,” and that they did not know any more about the matter than himself, which he confessed was not much. The meeting then dispersed.