Barbara Peebles facts for kids

Barbara Peebles was a Scottish woman who lived a long time ago, in the 1660s. She was known as a Presbyterian visionary and prophet. This means she was part of a Christian group called Presbyterians, and she believed she received special messages or visions from God.

Barbara Peebles' Special Visions

Barbara Peebles began having visions in 1660 when she was very sick. She felt a strange power leave her body and for a short time, she couldn't speak.

On July 20, 1660, she shared a vision about people facing hard times and being punished for their beliefs. She also felt that God showed her that the Presbyterian way of organizing the church, called church government, was the right one. People think she was part of a prayer group led by a strong Presbyterian minister.

In December 1666, she wrote in a letter that she had a vision of Christ crying tears of blood because of the King, Charles II. In another vision, Peebles said she visited heaven.

Understanding Her Visions

As a Presbyterian prophet, Barbara was careful to explain her visions in a way that fit her religious beliefs. Some people have said that "Her visions fit the biblical role model of Hulda, the prophetess who served an Old Testament covenanted king." This means her role was like an old prophet from the Bible who spoke to a king who had made a special promise (a covenant) with God. Barbara might have seen her role as speaking directly to King Charles II, hoping to convince him to follow a new agreement with God.

Barbara Peebles' Writings

Barbara Peebles wrote about her own visions. She finished her autobiography on July 20, 1660. It was called The Exercise of a Private Christian, or Barbara Peebles' Trance.

This book was copied by hand and shared, probably among other Presbyterians. Three copies of her writings still exist today. It was quite unusual for a woman at that time to write down her own visions instead of having a man do it for her. This might be why Peebles said God told her to share her visions with church leaders. Records of Peebles' visions are kept in the Wodrow Manuscripts, which are collections of old papers.

What Was Happening in Her Time?

Barbara Peebles' work as a prophet was part of a bigger trend. Many women during her time were sharing prophecies as part of religious discussions and events.

Scottish Presbyterians faced difficult times. They were treated badly during the time when England was ruled by the Commonwealth, and again after King Charles II returned to the throne in 1660. This return is known as the Restoration.

Historians like Louise Yeoman point out that Barbara Peebles' visions in July 1660 happened just two months after King Charles II became king again. Her vision in December 1666 happened right after the Presbyterians lost a battle at Rullion Green. This shows that her visions were often a way of commenting on and explaining the big problems and crises happening around her.

About Barbara Peebles' Life

We don't know exactly when Barbara Peebles was born or when she died. However, she might be the Barbara Peebles who passed away in Edinburgh in 1670. Some of her writings show that she was married.