Report from Michigan Tent.
By I. D. Van Horn
Bro. White: While the tent was in Ionia, we had almost everything in the shape of hindrances to contend with. In the first place two circuses pitched along side, and with their bewitching fooleries enticed the minds of the people from the truth. Then followed the great war cry, which excited the patriotic feelings of the populace to such a degree that they could not listen to anything on any other subject. But the worst of all hindrances was the low under-current of the clergy, who dare not show their heads in the tent, but in their sly and artful way were successful in keeping their several flocks from the tent. Thus our congregations were small, and but little interest manifested until near the close of the meeting, when the interest began to rise, and a few took a stand on the truth. Our efforts in Ionia closed up with a discussion between Bro. Hull and Uriah Clark (Spiritualist), formerly editor of the Spiritual Clarion, Auburn, N. Y. Mr. Clark challenged Bro. Hull to discuss the following resolution: Resolved, That man has a spirit which exists in a conscious state after the body is dead, and is capable of returning and communicating with the inhabitants of earth; and that the teachings derived from such a source are more reliable, and better adapted to the moral advancement of the human family, than the teachings of the Bible." Mr. Clark affirmed; Bro. Hull denied. The discussion lasted three evenings, and was attended by large and attentive audiences, numbering usually about 1000. Each disputant delivered three speeches each evening, of twenty minutes length. At the close of the first evening Mr. Clark acknowledged that he did not do anything toward proving his point, but said the next evening he would bring forward his proof for the conscious existence of man in death; but to the astonishment of all present he moved around in the same circle he did the previous evening. The third evening the people were as much disappointed as before. Even those who were instrumental in getting Mr. Clark to discuss the question, acknowledged that he did not meet their expectations. The degrading influences of Spiritualism were thoroughly exposed by Bro. Hull, and the people could all see the great delusion in its true colors. The discussion resulted in favor of the truth. It served to establish some on the side of the Lord who were halting between two opinions. We were some discouraged in the fore part of our meeting, but at the close our courage began to rise, and we can truly say that our tent-meeting in Ionia has not been in vain. We are still striving to do our duty, and the Lord is helping. Lowell, Kent Co., Mich., Aug. 18, 1862.