PART IV. "We see but half the causes of our deeds; I. -James Russell Lowell. AND now ensued a remarkable fulfillment of one of her prophecies which at the time of its enunciation was hardly believed to be practicable. As heretofore mentioned, Mr. Berry, after having consulted her with regard to the sick girl in North Cambridge, had visited her again, in company with Mr. Colby, to ascertain whether her medical control was willing she should accept the position of regular medium at his Wednesday evening séances; on that occasion (which was in the winter of 1855,) Dr. Fisher told Mr. Berry that he was soon to change his business; that before long he would commence the publication of a paper in the interests of spirit communion-gave its name as the Banner of Light-told him who would be associated with him in business-when he would issue his prospectus, etc., etc.; and all these predictions in time proved true. Mr. Berry went away from the presence of the Doctor deeply impressed with what had been imparted to him. Certain vague ideas which had been revolving in his mind for sometime, here appeared to take shape, and before long developed into a determination to carry out the project so remarkably traced for him. The first number of the Banner of Light bore date of April 11th, 1857, and was issued by a firm bearing the style of "Luther Colby & Co.," at No. 17 Washington Street, Boston. At the time of its first appearance in the literary world, as is the case with every new venture in the field of periodical literature especially when the matter to be treated is an advanced thought the publishers of the Banner of Light found the pecuniary hill hard to ascend, and were often much disconcerted at the want of means to carry on satisfactorily the project undertaken; but on such occasions application was immediately made for spirit direction through Mrs. Conant, which never failed to be of the most practical sort when given, and was implicitly followed by them; they were thereby led in safety through the most threatening dangers. The history of the Banner of Light, as a bold, honest and unselfish exemplar of the truth of spirit return and communion, is before the world, and can speak always for itself: The object of the present volume is to trace the life-line of Mrs. Conant as it winds, in accordance with circumstances, across the pathway of that journal's existence. While Mr. Berry, as business manager, remained quiescent and obedient, like Paul of old, to "the heavenly vision," all went well; but finally questions of policy arose in which he entertained a different belief from his spiritual advisers through Mrs. Conant, and the breach rapidly widened till he almost bade them defiance, and declared his intention of publishing the paper to suit himself. With a hope of influencing his powerfully materialistic mind, his own guardian band of spirits sent a fearless, determined disembodied intelligence, who gave his name as William Jeffreys, alias Captain (Pirate) Gibbs, to reason with him upon the plane of thought which was the most natural to both—Mr. Berry being, like the sailor, of a bold and dashing temperament which allowed no opposition to daunt him in the carrying out of his projects. But the arguments, and, afterward, threats of Capt. Gibbs, could not influence the positive mind he had to combat, and he finally told Mr. Berry that under the circumstances nothing more could be done with him, but that in less then two years he would shake hands with him on the spirit side of life. The civil war in time broke out, and Mr. Berry, after some preliminary movements, embarked on its sanguinary flood, became a First Lieutenant in the Salem Sharp Shooter Corps, and fell bravely fighting at the head of his company at the battle of Antietam, Md., September 17th, 1862. II. As this powerful invisible intelligence, Capt. Gibbs, has been of much service and assistance to Mrs. Conant, a few examples of his foresight and skill will not be out of place in this connection, though the instances cited occurred later in her experience. He was, at his first coming, very violent in his manifestations, and decidedly dangerous as to his intentions, having on one or two occasions seemingly |