Excerpt from Two Nights Public Discussion Between Thomas Cooper and Mr. C. Bradlaugh: On the Being of a God as the Maker and Moral Governor of the Universe, Held at the Hall of Science, London, February 1st and 3rd, 1864

The chairman said I have consented to take the chair to-night, both by request of Mr. Cooper and some friends, and with the consent of Mr. Charles Bradlaugh; and I think I shall have your consent also during the discussion which takes place this evenin'r You well know that the duty and power of a chairman is very limited, being entirely confined to the preservation of order; and unless he has the support of those over whom he presides, his authority is of little avail. I trust, therefore, that you will listen to the arguments that will be addressed to you to-night. There mus' or course, be great difference of Opinion on every abstract question, otherwise there would be no reason for discussion; so that every lady and gentleman who comes here may be presumed to have formed an opinion beforehand but trusting to your forbearance, have no doubt that we shall be able to get through the business 01 the evening without any unseemly interruption. I feel it is a very important matter that we have under discussion, respecting not only us who have met to take a part, but humanity in general It is Whether there be a God And I hope that whatever arguments may be adduced, you will patiently hear the speaker to the end (hear, hear), that a speech shall not be inter rupted in the middle of a sentence; that you will listen thought fully and decide candidly. If we act on this principle, if we eu tertain this spirit, we shall be conscious that we have not lost our evening. I am sure that you will hear both parties fully out, and support any decision at which I may arrive under the circumstances (hear, hear.) Mr. Cooper will occupy half-an hour in introducing the subject For the Being of God, as Maker Of the Universe, and for the Being of God as the Grover: nor of the Universe. Mr. Bradlaugh will then state the Argu ment on the Negative side, and will also occupy half-ao-hour. After that each speaker will occupy a quarter of an hour, or as much less time as he pleases. In that case, it is the more neces sary that a speaker should not be stopped in the midst of a sen tence which the argument may require to be completed no should he be called to time at the exact moment the quarter 0 an hour has elapsed. I mention this that no gentleman ma think I am dealing with one more favnu rablv than the other. Now call on Mr. Cooper, who will take the affirmative of ca statement, to state the case on his side, but not to exceed a peri of time beyond half-an-hour. (hear and cheers.)

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