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and true, and if lie will persist in either denying that it is the truth, or in 
refusing to obey it 
Mr. Holyoake. — Have I a right of reply, seeing that this gentleman has 
been attacking me throughout ? 
Mr. Reddie. — Allow me to say that all my remarks have been made in the 
kindest spirit. I think Mr. Holyoake misapprehends my position in 
discussing this Paper. I am not here to raise any personal argument, or 
even to discuss the whole question of the existence of God to-night, though 
necessarily what has been said by Mr. Holyoake has impressed me very pro- 
foundly, and called for some notice. At the same time I am bound in honour 
and honesty to confess, that I do not coincide with Dr. Rigg, as to there 
being any difficulty (even without revelation), in perceiving the necessary 
existence of a Creator. (Hear, hear.) 
The Chairman. — We must observe some rules in conducting these dis- 
cussions. I am quite willing to hear anything Mr. Holyoake may have to 
say in explanation ; but I thought he had expressed his views and closed all 
he had to say ; and any person who does that, is liable to hear his views com- 
mented on fairly by others who speak after him. But if we were in these 
debates to allow people to reply again and again to each other, I do not know 
when our discussions would come to an end. If there is any point on which 
Mr. Holyoake has been misapprehended by any speaker, he has a right of 
explanation, so far as he conceives he has been misapprehended ; but I cannot 
go further and allow him to reply to the arguments which have been used in 
answer to him. How, as I am fully in accordance with Dr. Irons on his 
Paper, I feel that I have nothing I care to say myself in this discussion, and 
as the hour is late, I shall therefore- call on Dr. Irons to reply ; at the same 
time only saying for myself, that I am exceedingly obliged to Mr. Holyoake 
for coming here and stating his opinions so frankly and fairly. It is this kind 
of discussion which we invite ; and I can only express my individual thanks, 
and I am sure others will share my feelings (hear, hear,) for the candid and 
straightforward way in which Mr. Holyoake has stated his difficulties, how- 
ever much we may differ from him. I am only sorry, if there are other 
gentlemen present who also feel difficulties, that the time does not now 
admit of our hearing them. I hoped some of them would have risen 
immediately after Mr. Holyoake. I am now, however, compelled to give 
Dr. Irons the right of reply. 
Dr. Irons. — I will gladly waive my right of reply, if any gentleman, in the 
honesty of his heart, has anything to say like Mr. Holyoake. I am here 
simply in the interest of truth, and if I have said anything inaccurate, 
I shall be the debtor of the man who will point it out, and I will be content 
to leave the truth to stand on its own basis. — As no one rises, however, 
I will occupy your time for a few minutes. I am glad that almost all who 
composed this meeting have been good enough to remain to the close ; but it 
is so late, and I have already taken up such a large portion of your time, 
that it would be unreasonable in me to trespass upon you at any length now. 
With regard to what has fallen from Mr. Holyoake, he will perceive the 
