in the spirit-world, addressed him beautiful poetry, from which we quote: 'Mediums "Steady, earnest, firm of purpose, Thine the power to aid and guide Souls, that, wavering, stand beside thee, dear sufferers in this fighting world, precious links in the living chain let down from angels- everywhere receive Mr. Peebles's deepest sympathy and co-operation. Better than all others, they sun themselves in the spheres of the benevolent. CHAPTER XVII. THE WORKER AND HIS WORKS. "Some souls are descended directly from the line of archangels who have tasted the fruits of the gods, and are alone immortal."- CORA L. V. TAPPAN. THOUGH taxed with labors in a thousand ways, connected with "The Banner of Light," correspondence, lecturing, and other duties, Mr. Peebles resolved to edit a book on "Spiritualism," whose historic materials he had been gleaning for years. We suggested that another work was then more essential for the spiritual public, —a singingbook. Both of us seemed to be blind to the responsibility. A certain angel was accustomed to play upon a harp; so he said "Call it 'The Spiritual Harp." One year of great toil, with the co-operation of Prof. E. H. Bailey, and the brain-wearying task was performed. It appeared in the market Sept. 1, 1868: Wm. White & Co., publishers. 66 'It is a success," said Theodore Tilton, of the New-York "Independent ;" and so it has proved. The "Harp" finished, Mr. Peebles immediately wrote a sparkling pamphlet, entitled, "The Practical of Spiritualism: a Biographical Sketch of Abraham James, and Historic Description of his Oil-Well Discoveries in Pleasantville, Pa., through Spirit Direction." Here was a happy blending of the spiritual with the practical, demonstrating that the spiritual philosophy is destined to open up the hidden wealth of earth in mines, oils, gases, plants, jewels, and be, in the hands of inventors and mechanics, the science and rule of new improvements in human industries. In September of 1868, full of enthusiasm as ever, Mr. Peebles determined to complete his great work, and came to our " sweet home " in Sycamore, Ill., with his huge piles of manuscripts and monster trunk, whose weight of precious books has caused many a hackman and porter to swear with an unction of blessing right in his face, one fellow suggesting that his punishment be to "carry that trunk on his back all over hell once a year!" Traveling with many books is a sin against muscles and economy. "Light luggage as possible with convenience" was the after motto of the "Pilgrim : "beware how we provoke profanity!" Sundays he lectured in Chicago to increasing audiences; week-days he was at our table, both working, vis-avis, under a power of inspiration that seemed to open the flood-gates of heaven. In four weeks the manuscripts of the "Seers of the Ages" were in the hands of the printers. Presto change! Off again he flew to St. Louis for a masterly effort there, lecturing on the angel gospels. "Seers of the Ages" is read in every part of the enlightened world, and is cherished with gratitude to the author for his "pure and lofty sentiment." When all these books were in the market, another duty was imposed by the angels. It was a "Thus saith John." We both felt a cloud of tears that burst overhead. The "Lyceum Guide," whose name "suggested itself," is "the prophetic charge, battle, and victory." With this promise we pressed forward, the angels selecting for us the necessary help to give it diversity. James G. Clark, the American ballad-singer, and Emma Tuttle, the sweet poetess of Berlin Heights, Ohio, were added to the band of authors. With perfect harmony we all wrought, each in an appropriate sphere, for a full year; the patterns being given "on the Mount," with instructions to preserve the Lyceum system, projected from the spirit-world, and impressed upon the sensitive mind of A. J. Davis and others. It has made its debut in the critical market, and is running the race demarked by the heavenly counsellors: Adams & Co. of Boston, with J. Burns of London, imprint, its guardian publishers. 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 attended twentynine 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 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 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 for ever.' 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. Tomorrow I spend the afternoon at their green-house. In winter a green-house 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 any thing 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 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. "Be cautious, my brother, what you say to women and men. speak." Think before you "MILWAUKIE, 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;' so says John." "My more ancient spirit-friends have kept me among the rubbish of old historians with reference to the ancient civilizations, say twelve and fifteen thousand years ago. "I am crowded with business, - so crowded that I know not which way to turn. During last week, I had invitations to attend four grove-meetings (Dewitt, Charlotte, Livonia, and one in Indiana). I refused them all, and also a pressing invitation to attend the two-days' anniversary in Sturgis this week,— Saturday and Sunday. Must write, instead of tramp, tramp, so much! "On the Fourth, I deliver an oration in Laphamville, Mich.; am also urged to give a temperance address in Valparaiso, at a festival. There's no end to these calls: I should like to be in the spirit-world, and have about five mediums to control; think I could keep them all busy, after getting the 'hang' of the machines." "I like some of Dr. C. A. Andros's spirit-controls much. One, an ancient Jew, is keen and sharp as steel, and he fairly got the better of me on one point in an argument." "BOSTON, MASS., Monday after Convention at Providence, R.I. "Am weary and worn out, tired of shaking hands, tired of being on committees, tired of talking, and sigh for the quiet of a pleasant old pine forest. The convention was a great success: you ought to have been present. It accomplished much. Report will be in the 'Banner.' The convention was high-toned. Father Pierpont was in his glory. He has since gone to glory! Dear saint, he: I loved, still love him." "WORCESTER, Aug. 23, 1865. .. “I have visited my dear parents, spending several days, and shall go again. Father is feeble. . . . I am with Dr. O. Martin, where I always enjoy myself gloriously. His garden is full of pears, reminding me constantly of Brother Nite; his house full of books; he has always a seat for me in his carriage. He has removed the obstruction in my ear, just forward of the tympanum, with an instrument and by syringing with warm water, so that I can hear all right. The doctor knows something; but I would give any thing to have Dr. Schwailbach take him 'down the banks' medically —just once. |