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When N. B. Starr had painted "The Apocalyptic John " for Mr. Peebles, he, the artist, gave him these Clairaudient words:

"Go forth, my son, in the might and power of truth. Dare and do all things for God and humanity; and so am I ever with thee. Amen!

JOHN."

"EAGLE HARBOR, N. Y., Sept. 26, 1870. "MY DEAR BROTHER PEEBLES,-. . . You speak of my being at McLean, the scene of your public labors. Yes; I heard of you everywhere; and, in preparing for your saintship, it would be well to settle the still open question, where you preached your first sermon? I was assured, at Kelloggsville, that it was there. At McLean, I was informed by several, that your first public utterance was heard there; and when I got to Mr. Larned's, at Peruville, he positively assured me that I was in the house and the identical room in which the said first sermon was delivered. Well, wheresoever it was, I was delighted at so much hearty appreciation. . . .

"Yours truly,

"A. C. WOODRUFF."

"We have loved from the cold world apart;

And your trust was too generous and true

For the hate to overthrow, when the slanderer's dart
Was rankling deep in my desolate heart,

I was dearer than ever to you.

"I thank the Great Father for this,

That our love is not lavished in vain;

Each germ in the future will blossom to bliss,

And the forms that we love, and the lips that we kiss,
Never shrink at the shadow of pain.

*

"The Moon's silver hair lies uncurled,

Down the broad-breasted mountains away;

Ere sunset's glories again shall be furled,

On the walls of the West, o'er the plains of the world,
I shall rise in a limitless day."

-James G. Clark.

XVII

THE WORKER AND HIS WORKS

Though seemingly taxed with labors to his full capacity, connected with the Banner of Light correspondence, lecturing, and other duties, Mr. Peebles, nevertheless, projected a book on Spiritualism, whose historic materials he had been patiently gathering for years. But at that time, a singingbook was much needed by the Spiritual public; so he postponed the contemplated work, and set himself to the task of supplying the more immediate demand. He called to his assistance J. O. Barrett and Prof. E. H. Bailey. In one year the task was performed, and the "Spiritual Harp" appeared on the market Sept. 1, 1868; Wm. White & Co., publishers. It immediately gained a wide circulation, and proved a success to the publishers.

The "Harp" finished, Mr. Peebles soon followed it with a biographical sketch of Abram James, and history of his oilwell discoveries in Pennsylvania through spirit direction.

In the autumn of 1868, full of enthusiasm, he determined to complete his great work, "The Seers of the Ages," and having Sunday engagements in Chicago, he went to the home of his friend, J. O. Barrett, at Sycamore, a short ride out from the city, with his piles of manuscript and monster trunk filled with precious books. Sundays were devoted to lectures before large and appreciative audiences in Chicago; week days he was busy with his manuscripts, and in four weeks they were in the hands of the printer. November and December found him in St. Louis, lecturing on his familiar themes.

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Mr. Peebles regards his "Seers of the Ages as one of the best among the numerous books he has published. It comprises nearly four hundred pages, and is divided into six sections or divisions: the spirit of the present age, ancient

Spiritualism, Christian Spiritualism, mediæval Spiritualism, modern Spiritualism, and exegetic Spiritualism. It has become a standard work in this and other countries.

During this same year, 1868, Mr. Peebles undertook the joint editorship with J. O. Barrett of the Lyceum Guide. James G. Clark, the American ballad singer, and Emma Tuttle, the sweet poetess of Berlin Heights, Ohio, were added to the band of authors. This work was brought out by Adams & Co., Boston, and J. Burns, London, simultaneously. The popular demand for the Guide justified the expectations of the authors. We extract from The Banner of Light, Mr. Peebles's summing up of labors, simply for one year.

After alluding to his public writings and private correspondence, and the books just mentioned, he says:

"Have attended several grove-meetings, three State conventions, and the National convention in Rochester, N. Y. Lecturing each Sunday, save one, have spoken in these different localities: Hammonton, Philadelphia, New York, Brooklyn, Charlestown, Boston, Worcester, Buffalo, Pleasantville, Titusville, Milan, Battle Creek, Omaha, Springfield, Topeka, Chicago, and these last two months in St. Louis. Have lectured twenty-two times upon temperance, have attended twenty-nine funerals, and have been present at eight weddings, performing the ceremony.

"Hope to accomplish more during 1869. The field is the world. Spiritualism is the great living movement of the age. Its watchword progress, its triumph is certain. What the recompense for untiring labors in the reform-fields of the times? Let the patriotic and self-sacrificing Garibaldi answer: In recompense for the love you may show your country, I offer you hunger, thirst, cold, war, and death; who accepts these terms, let them follow me.'

"The future is all star-gemmed and rainbow-crowned. Let us on, then, brave soldiers, fighting the good fight of faith, wielding the sword of the Spirit. Under and in sympathy with the bannered hosts of God over us, let us on to victory."

The following, from friendly letters meant only for private

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eyes, index the business of the man in the sphere he fills; whose example here will certainly evoke ambition to "Go thou, and do likewise":—

"BATTLE CREEK, Dec. 29, 1858.

"The day is dark and dull, but my spirit is bright and strong to battle for the right, and the upbuilding of the Harmonial Dispensation. Last Sunday, labored in Chicago. Had a good time. Saw Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, of LaSalle, Ill., mediums. He is a fine spirit portrait-painter. Through him, in an hour and about three minutes, I got a picture of Powhattan, my dear Indian friend. He is a noble-looking spirit, though an Indian all over. Tell Nellie' to send back my sister's heart. Spiritualists should not steal."

"NORTH COLLINS, PA., July 5, 1864.

"MY DEAR CHARLIE,-. . . My lectures in New York (thanks to John and the circle) were a perfect success. When I was through the second evening, Brother A. J. Davis came on to the rostrum, and said these kind words: 'You dear brother, you have baptized us with the very love-dews of heaven. You have twined yourself around all our hearts, and left your blessing with us forever.' I had a splendid time at his house. His nature combines the simplicity of a child with the metaphysical acumen of the philosopher. I spent some time with Judge Edmonds and Madame d'Obeney, the greatest woman traveler of the age. Her description of Mt. Vesuvius and the Pyramids was grand. Oh, I almost want to run away, and travel in Asia!"

"PROVIDENCE, Dec. 14, 1864. "Senator Sprague is a Liberalist; his mother, a very devoted Spiritualist. To-morrow I spend the afternoon at their greenhouse. In winter, a greenhouse is next door to heaven." "NEW YORK, Feb. 9, 1865.

"J. M. is himself again. Has passed the second watch, and, though roughly handled, trusting in his guide, reached 'Mount Repose.' . . .

"Last Sunday, ten mediums gave me their cards, offering

to give me their 'sittings;' but I think some of them, in their souls, wanted me to 'puff' them in The Banner of Light more than anything else. Still, I appreciate their kindness, and should more, if they did not 'daub' on the flattery so thick. I am not an angel scattering sunshine,' but an angular and inharmonious man, doing what I can, as aided by my invisible circle, for humanity. . .

"Oh, that I had a body that my soul could use! The truth is, I am too submitting, too much afraid of making people trouble. . . . It was very kind in you, brother, to inquire after my 'purse.' I need somebody to keep it for me, and always did. It costs me nearly all I make to pay traveling expenses and give to those poorer than myself.

"Be cautious, my brother, what you say to women and men. Think before you speak."

"MILWAUKEE, April 10, 1865.

"The bells are ringing and cannon thundering in honor of the surrender of Lee's army to Grant. Well, I shall rejoice in peace; for deep in my soul do I love it."

"SHEBOYGAN FALLS, WIS., April 20, 1865.

"My life has been a struggle, a battle. It probably ever will be, though mediums are continually volunteering their services to point out flowers, smiles, and prosperity just ahead. I am coldly unmoved and skeptical to their beautiful pictures. It is Emersonian to accommodate one's self to fate. . . . I would rather talk with Aaron Nite than eat, or drink, when thirsty; but I find I can live and enjoy myself without any verbal conversation with him. It is probably at times best, as it inspires me to entertain myself, and further acquaint myself with the knowledge and book-wisdom of this world, knowing there is an eternity for me 'Over the River' to study its mysteries under the teachership of 'John the Beloved.' I suppose the self-poised, well-balanced man is never alone, never inclined to give up or despair; for he feels that law, destiny, fate, are over all, and 'all is for the best.' . . . I laugh at each pang. 'Better that I suffer than cause any one else to suffer.'"

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