ndwich do na individ ral nature

that is generously endowed, it is rather the result of accident than of either a recognition of physical and psychological laws, or of any accurate knowledge of a profound and intricate subject. Hitherto our presence has scarcely darkened the vestibule of that temple of mystery in which the subtile principles and essential elements of individual life are blend

BRITTAN'S JOURNAL.

SPIRITUAL SCIENCE,

LITERATURE, ART AND INSPIRATION.

Vol. II.

APRIL, 1874.

No. 2.

IT

JAMES M. PEEBLES.

BY S. B. BRITTAN.

T is always interesting to study the history of families that have produced distinguished persons, and to trace the influences that have resulted in the centralization of organic peculiarities, moral powers and intellectual attainments. The elements that enter into the composition of remarkable characters are often discernible in their remote ancestors; or they may be traced to the combination of physical forces, mental faculties, and temperamental conditions, resulting from the intermingling of the blood of different families in the marriage relation. But it must be conceded that, as a rule, when such combinations are fortunately expressed in the production of an individual nature that is generously endowed, it is rather the result of accident than of either a recognition of physical and psychological laws, or of any accurate knowledge of a profound and intricate subject. Hitherto our presence has scarcely darkened the vestibule of that temple of mystery in which the subtile principles and essential elements of individual life are blend

ed, the characters of nations fashioned, and the history of races determined.

In the Lowlands of Scotland, on the north bank of the Tweed, is the royal old borough of PEEBLES. The situation is elevated and picturesque, and the historic associations of the place interesting. In Scotland the progress of commerce and the prospective advantages of trade, are the usual considerations that determine the creation of royal boroughs. But it appears from authentic history that it was rather the generous sacrifices of the inhabitants of the district and the fact that the kings and royal families of Scotland made Peebles a summer resort-that the place, in 1341, secured this eminence.* The name of the Peebles family became distinguished. With the blood of the old Romans and the warlike Scots in their veins-peoples whose history illustrates the extremes of barbarism and civilization-they, naturally enough, exhibited some strong characteristics; and John Peebles, a Scottish Earl, is described, by Sir Walter Scott, as a person whose daring nature and irresistible impulses found expression in rash purposes and impetuous

action.

The Tweed at Peebles is not a deep river, but a babbling stream, that chants its liquid melodies over rocky bars, in sunshine and shadow, and goes singing away among green vallevs and wooded hills.

"There's music in the air,"

and the spirit of poesy dwells by hillside, and lake, and

* Edward Baliol having dismembered his kingdom in the interest of the English, his subjects became disloyal. David II., King of Scotland-who had found refuge in France during the reign of Edward, suddenly returned to reässert his claims to the throne. When near Durham, and after achieving a partial success in a contest with the enemy, he was taken prisoner, and Edward demanded a great price for his liberty, and as a condition of the recognition of his sovereignty. It was on that occasion that the people of the district contributed so liberally to this ransom that the old town of Peebles was erected into a royal borough with a representation in Parliament.