TENT MEETINGS AT WATERLOO, IOWA.
By M. E. Cornell
SINCE my last report a lecturer on Spiritualism, a Mr. Todd, from Illinois, came to the tent and gave notice that he would lecture on the immortality of the soul. I heard one of his lectures, in which he had frequent reference to our views, and challenged any one to meet him. The people looked to me to meet him, which I had to do or appear to be afraid of him. The following propositions were agreed upon for discussion. 1. Resolved, That modern Spiritualism is a system of moral and religious reform. 2. Resolved, That this so-called philosophy and phenomena has been introduced and carried forward by the aid of the spirits of our departed fellow-beings. These questions were discussed two evenings and then referred by the judges to the audience. Those who thought Mr. Todd had sustained his propositions were to rise up. For about two minutes no one moved except to look back to see if any were up, then the spell was broken by a noted pro-slavery lawyer, who had been threatened for his secession sentiments. A minute more and one or two other men and three or four women stood up. But when the negative was called for, it appeared as if the entire audience were up in an instant, and a general cheering followed. Mr. Todd ridiculed the Bible, and denied that there ever was any Devil or actual evil, and argued that if God had power to extinguish evil and did not, he was guilty of the evil himself. In reply we proved that both moral and physical evil does exist, and hence that according to his position, either, first, there is no God, or, second, he has not power to abolish evil, or third, he is guilty of the evil himself. Mr. Todd admitted that P. B. Randolph renounced Spiritualism and had written against it, but stated that he had been compelled to return again and write in favor of Spiritualism. The spirits took possession of him and compelled him to write on their side, thus admitting that Mr. Randolph is not a free agent, but is "led captive" by spirits. Mr. Todd claimed that according to Uriah Clarke's Register there are now five millions of Spiritualists in this country. He showed that their wonders were multiplying rapidly. Bro. Shortridge arrived on the last evening of the discussion, and did most of the preaching from that to the close. The interest increased, and the meetings closed well. Twenty-two subscribed for the Review, and four for the Instructor. About twenty-five dollars' worth of books were taken, and a brisk investigation was going on to the last. The Disciple preacher in town was convinced of the truth, and at our last meeting gave out an appointment to express his views of the matter. Our brethren have engaged the hall used by the Disciples in which to hold their future meetings, and they earnestly request that they be remembered by our preaching brethren who may travel that way. The weather is so bad we have concluded to hold a few meetings in the churches, and not try to hold another tent meeting. We pitched the tent again at LaPorte City and had a two days' meeting, and seven more were baptized. They have taken hold of the work of the meeting-house in earnest, and desire Bro. and sister White to come and dedicate it when done. Vinton, Iowa, Sept. 16, 1861.