As prefatory to this volume, it may be expedient here to introduce the
credentials which I have lately received from the spirit world. With
the medium of their communication, Mr. Lanning, of this city, No. 124
Arch St., I have had but little intercourse, knowing him, however, by
report, as a good man and a zealous spiritualist. The communication
which I owe to his mediumship, was utterly unexpected by me, never
having, in any way, hinted to him, directly or indirectly, that it
would be desirable to receive such an indication of confidence and
approbation.
The first and only knowledge which I had of this, to me, stirring
appeal, is comprised in the following letter from Lanning. The
difference between the style of his own language, though very good
for its purpose, and that which he ascribes to the spirits, must
corroborate his allegation that this address did not originate in his
brain.
On submitting the address to my spirit father, he sanctioned the idea
of its proceeding from spirits.
PHILADELPHIA, June 7, 1855.
_Dear Sir_: I send you the following communication, and think it to be
an emanation from the spirit life. I feel not a little reluctance in
so doing, for it is seldom I can get any thing for others. How it may
suit your mind, I do not know, nor do I wish to impose it upon you for
any thing worthy your consideration. I would hesitate much to instruct
one so much my senior, and whose name I esteem, were it not that I
love a cause so near your heart; and I feel that my mind is only the
channel through which I have every evidence, the unseen in the spirit
life, at times give their thoughts to mortals. I have no idea from
what spirit it came, but _know it did not originate in my own brain_.
Very truly, yours, J. F. LANNING.