WCP2558

[1]

5. City Road

Chester.

Friday 14. April [18]76

Dear Sir

Many thanks for your prompt reply (which was predicted by the spirits to the very day it would arrive.) What you remarked about '[2 capitalized words illeg.]' only serves to show how similar our feelings were. I also, though I believed in a God, always maintained that there were most extraordinary and impossible things in the Bible. Now you see what a likeness there was between us! Another thing is, — the spirits can read an atheists soul and their opinion or idea of an atheist is different to ours. (I am keeping an accurate account of every séance, whether commonplace or not, and when I have completed the book, I shall be most happy to send it [to] you to read, if you take an interest in it).. I have had another séance, since I wrote to you, and the spirits say that you must have nothing to do with the publication of the séances. They say I am to manage it alone, and that I am to send notes of the really instructive séances to the editor of the "Spiritualistic News" [.]

[2] St. Peter has prophesied that the editor will insert them. They moreover told me to wait till my 20th séance before I publish them. (I think I told you that St. Peter promised to come and answer any serious biblical questions in writing. One would naturally conclude that this would be worth publication!).

I have several reasons for believing in these spirits. 1st. They have made several statements which have unexpectedly come true. 2nd. 'Ruth' & 'Bob' who died at the ages of 15 & 18 own that their knowledge is comparatively nothing as they are only starting in the intellectual journey of the spirit world.

3rd. I started as one of the hardest sceptics to convince, i.e. I belonged to a set known as "awfully fast" who when anything but earthly amusements were concerned refused even to listen to reason[.] When we began our séances, although our thoughts were revealed; although prophecies were made and came to pass; still I could not allow that spirits were concerned. Finally I was forced to admit it. Even then I began to think and say 'Satan' or some evil spirit was playing practical jokes. At the very next séance St. Peter came, and said he had advice for me. The advice was "Pray to God for faith in the goodness of spirits' [.]

[3] I did take the advice, and to my own astonishment because [I am] a staunch believer. St. Peter said also, when I am in difficulties if I pray God to send him (St. Peter) to clear me, he will come. The other day, a séance we had was an utter failure. I then went to my room and prayed to God that St. Peter might come and tell us what was wrong.

Upon returning that table moved well & clearly in answer to my questions. It was St. Peter. He said that one of the gentlemen present had fallen back into scepticism, after having protested his firm belief. An evil spirit was in him tempting him to doubt, and until he had conquered and driven away the evil spirit the séances could not go on. Now I appeal to your common sense. Supposing there were 'low class' spirits <upon> that day (of the unsuccessful spirit séance) when I prayed to the Almighty to send a good & wise spirit do you think it consistent with his well known mercy, that he should suffer a 'low class' spirit to come and delude us in the above manner? I think not! I must tell you that this same gentlemen (a well known engineer) candidly owned his doubts, but was persuaded to pray for faith [4] and received it. Periodically I call upon St. Peter to answer some serious question, and at the same time make enquiries concerning my other sympathetic spirits. I am unfortunately unable to argue with eloquence, (not yet having reached the age of 20!) but I trust you will not give a decided opinion until you have read this manuscript book (which will shortly be filled). After my 17th séance I will — if you wish — write an account to you — not as a publication, but as a private letter. These prophecies concerning my powers were confirmed by Peter! The chief reason for my belief is — from a fast and reckless life, I have suddenly sobered down into a steady quiet one, and this fact alone has made several of my relations believe (a little) in spiritualism as a power which has made me do what nothing else would! I shall always feel honoured with any advice you may have, and trusting that you will take an interest in my séances, when the prophecies begin to take place [.]

I remain | Yours sincerely | Geo. <P. Pickells> [signature]¹