PHILIP II. OF SPAIN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIII, Issue 4425, 19 January 1876, Page 2

PHILIP 11. OF SPAIN.

Me. F. G. Ewisgtojt delivered his lecture on this subject last night, in the large hall oi the Young Men's Christian Association, to a highly respectable and appreciative audience. There were three hundred persona present, and the quality of the lecture may be judged from the fact that it occupied nearly two hours in delivery, and was listened to throughout with unflagging attention. Mr. Ewington was frequently applauded during its delivery, and had certainly chosen a subject with which his audience were in sympathy. Mr. "Win. Eastwood toot the chair, and the Rev. P. H. Cornferd opened and closed the meeting with prayer. During the erening, a choir under Mr. Ryan sang three very acceptable pieces.—Mr. Ewington spoke of the most important events in Philip's reign, and shewed the evil consequences of Ms attempt at universal monarchy. He also dwelt on the Inquisition, and shewed the pernicious effect of trying to check freedom of thought, and while he allowed that the Catholics of Auckland were tolerant in belief, and as upright in daily life as Protestants, he cautioned his audience against believing that Catholics in ' Spain and other countries were to be judged by the same standard. He- cited an extract from the Saturday Review, to shew that in Spain the ' Pope claimed the extinction of Protestantism, and the lecturer, was of opinion that all parties of every creed should be allowed to worship God according to their consciences. On the Armada and the capture of Breda, the lecturer was very happy. A hearty vote of thanks wag ;.i nmi im ously accorded to him for