MEETINGS IN VINTON, IOWA.
By M. E. Cornell
The interest of this meeting is extending considerable distance. Several evenings there have been loads from eight and twelve miles distant, and one man came seventeen miles to hear in the evening, and returned after meeting, reaching home at 3 o'clock in the morning. Two men and their wives came twenty-five miles with an ox team to hear and give us the urgent call of “Come over and help us.” They said the people were very anxious to hear, and if we could not come they must continue to pray for help; for the people are starving for the truth. Last Sabbath for the first, we had a meeting at 10 o'clock, which was attended by about sixty persons, who listened attentively to an account of the rise and progress of the last message. The people called “Disciples” were on hand for battle as usual. It seems that their champion McConnell, had written a letter volunteering his services if they were needed. Some of their members were disciples indeed, and were learning the truth fast. Their preacher seeing that they were in danger of losing several, took a livery team about day-break and started post haste for McConnell. After one day's delay, he came and spoke in the court-house to about sixty persons. His burden was, The law is abolished. At the same time we had about three hundred at the tent. This no-law champion sent up some propositions for discussion which he knew we would not accept, for we told him so in Marion. These were publicly read, and because we would not accept them, they raised the cry of “back out.” One of the propositions was the following: “The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments mark out the first day of the week as a day of religious service.” We told him in Marion that we would affirm as much of Wednesday or any other day. He also sent the following for us to affirm: “The spirit of man is mortal!” We told the people that we regarded the Elder's course as unworthy and insulting; for we had repudiated both these propositions in the presence of several witnesses. But this was a little “fox” game to save a sinking cause. Bro. Snook left last Thursday for Marion, and thence to his family near Fairfield. It was with much regret that I parted with him, to feebly labor on alone the rest of the season. Bro. Snook has many friends here who would rejoice at his return, especially among his former brethren, the Disciples. The tent will remain here this week only. We have not decided where to go next, are awaiting a letter from Rome. Bro. M. F. Sipe, who has had the care of the tent thus far will go home after this meeting. Will state the result here next week. M. E. CORNELL. Vinton, Iowa, August 20, 1860.