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 6L^nrJ 
 
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 Friends' Library at Hester-St 
 
 BELONGING TO THE 
 
 MO.\THLY MEETING OF \EW-YORK. 
 
 1851. 
 
 B.trx,jes. 
 
 let. As much of the usefulness of a Library depends 
 on the punctual return of books when read, it is expected 
 that no book, even of the largest size, will be kept out 
 longer than four weeks — medium size from one to two 
 weeks. 
 
 2d. Persons taking books from the Library are request- 
 ed not to soil or otherwise injure them, nor lend them out 
 of their house. 
 
 3d. A favor will be conferred on the Librarian by select- 
 ing such books as are desired from the Catalogue, before 
 applying to him He will be iu attendance at the close 
 of the forenoon meeting. 
 
JOURNAL 
 
 OF THE 
 
 LIFE, TRAVELS, LABOURS, 
 
 AND 
 
 RELIGIOUS EXERCISES 
 
 or 
 
 ISAAC MARTIN, 
 
 LATE OF RAIIWAY, IN EAST JERSEY, DECEASEIX 
 
 FEINTED BY WILLIAM P. GIBBOrfS, 
 SIXTH AND CriKRRV STREETS, 
 
 1834. 
 
27-l^'53') 
 
 
JOURNAL &e. 
 
 Uif DER an apprehension of religious duty, I am in- 
 •iiuced to record some occurrences of my life, and to 
 •declare of the Lord's dealings with me from my young 
 and tender years. Having, through Divine merqy, 
 experienced preservation through many difficulties 
 ^nd trials, I have a hope that the same arm of power 
 will sustain me through the various probations that 
 may yet be my lot, in this vale of tears. — Being now 
 in the thirty-fourth year of my age, I begin this work. 
 
 I was born in New York, the IGth of the 1st 
 month, 1758; and was carefully educated in the pro- 
 fession of Truth, as held by the people called Qua* 
 kers. My dear father, Isaac Martin, was an upright, 
 honest Friend; one that feared God, and loved the 
 Truth. Being much concerned on his children's ac- 
 count that they might have the Lord for their portion, 
 he watched over us for our good, — often caused us to 
 read the holy scriptures, and other good books, and 
 look us to religious meetings. He had a dispensation 
 of the gospel ministry committed to him, and hath 
 left a good savour behind him. In his last illness, he 
 expressed that death was no terror to him ; and there 
 is cause to beHeve that he is admitted among the 
 
4 ISAAC MARTI \'S JOURNAL. 
 
 faithful followers of the Lamb, in that ''city which 
 hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God/' 
 
 Having found much benefit from a religious edu- 
 cation, I desire that parents may consider the great 
 importance of their station, and watch over these 
 committed to their care, as such who must give an 
 account, in an awful season. May they endeavour 
 to cultivate every tender sensation that may appear 
 in their ofispring, arising from a conviction of their 
 understandings, by the power of Truth. 
 
 When I was about eight years old, I felt the re- 
 proofs of instruction, to the tendering of my heart. 
 Being tempted to take a nut out of a barrel, at a 
 neighbour's house, when rcacliing after it, I was se- 
 cretly smitten with a conviction th.at it was wrong; 
 so that I durst not take it. A clearer manifestation 
 of the Divine witness, operating in my heart, I have 
 no recollection of since ! Having related the circum- 
 stance in the family, my dear father, like a tender 
 parent, deeply concerned for my present and future 
 welfare, informed me what it was, — even the Spirit 
 of Truth, that had thus niet with, and reproved me; 
 and directed n>e always to take heed unto it. 
 
 About the ninth and tenth years of my age, tlic 
 Lord was pleased to visit me Irequently as I sat in 
 meetings; sometimes immediately by his own holy 
 spirit, and, at other times, through instruments, and 
 my heart was broken and contrited. I used often to 
 read Friends' books, particularly tk.eir d}ing sayings, 
 from which I received much instruction; being ani- 
 mated, at times, with desires to follow the examples 
 of those worthies, especially of children near my own 
 age, whose lives were pious and their end h.appy. 
 These accounts being recorded for the benefit of posr- 
 
terily, the good remembrancer, — the holy spirit was 
 near, to excite me to examine myself, in order that I 
 might see whether I was not short of them in purity ; 
 and also to animate me to a watchful, circumspect 
 walking. 
 
 Thus, the great Shepherd extends the crook of his 
 love to his children, in their infant years^ when, like 
 Samuel, they are not yet acquainted with the voice 
 of the Lord. 
 
 Between this and the sixteenth year of my age, I 
 was too much prone to levity ; yet was, at times, met 
 with, by my inward Teacher, and cries begotten in 
 me after him. Pride, and a hasty temper, would at 
 times make some appearance in me; and once or 
 twice, some evil expressions dropped from my hps ; 
 which were the occasion of deep sorrow. Several 
 other instances also occurred, wherein I erred, and 
 went astray from the law of the Lord written in my 
 heart — But as I turned to him, and found a place of 
 repentance, I felt a hope of his forgiveness. 
 
 About this time, the Lord Almighty, in the riches 
 of his love to me, a poor, unworthy creature, was 
 graciously pleased to visit my soul, and often to break 
 in upon me, in a powerful manner; whereby my heart 
 was greatly tendered and broken before him. Blessed 
 be his holy name. He allured me, and brought me 
 into the wilderness; then was I often led into solitary 
 places, to pour out my prayers before him. After- 
 wards he gave me to taste of the dainties of his table, 
 and furnished my soul from day to day with the in- 
 comes of his heavenly love. He then plainly showed 
 me, that if I would retain those seasons of spiritual 
 consolation, with which he favoured me, I must break 
 off associating with my youthful companions in va- 
 
 A* 
 
nity; otherwise I could not enjoy those blessed ti'me* 
 of refreshment. And I may say, with the apostle, f 
 consulted not with fiesh and blood, but gave up to the 
 Divine requiring. Frequently since, has my soul 
 blessed the Lord my God for pointing out this path ta 
 me, and enabling me to walk therein. For ^ve had 
 begun to corrupt one another, with foolish talking and 
 jesting"; — customs too much indulged in by young 
 people, although the Holy Spirit is grieved thereby. 
 
 Divers of my companions were Friends' children; 
 and although brought up in the form, were yet toa 
 much unacquainted \vith the power of godliness. 
 Some of them afterwards giving way, little by little, 
 and not minding the day of small things, became cap- 
 tivated with divers foolish and hurtful lusts; and by 
 associating with the people of the world, became 
 leavened into its nature. Thus, gradually departing 
 from the plain dress and manners, in which they had 
 been educated, they indulged themselves in following 
 the vain fashions of a wicked world ; whereby a door 
 was opened for associating with persons of irreligious 
 Hves, which proved a snare to them. 
 
 Simplicity and plainness of dress and language^ 
 have often been as a hedge of preservation from much 
 evil, — until the day of God's salvation hath dawned 
 upon the understanding, and brought the mind into 
 covenant with him. 
 
 As I yielded obedience to the discoveries of Divine 
 Light, a holy care was felt, that I might be preserved 
 within the bounds and limitations of the pure Truth, 
 Thus, having tasted of the good word of life, and in 
 nneasure been made partaker of the powers of the 
 world to come, a great fear and care possessed my 
 heart, lest I should fall away, and lose the dew of mj 
 
ISAAC Martin s journal. T 
 
 youth. Finding a holy warfare begun in n^c, I was 
 concerned that it might be carried on; and having 
 felt the reproofs of the Lord for transgression, I saw 
 the necessity of watcliing against the first motions of 
 sin. But I was assaulted with many temptations, and 
 besetments; yet the Lord was gracious unto me, and 
 I was often drawn into quiet retirement, that I might 
 wait upon him for the renewal of my strength; and 
 under these exercises and conflicts my tears wxre 
 often strewed in solitary places. 
 
 About the eighteenth year of my age, my health 
 gradually declined for several months, so that many 
 thought I was going into a consumption. In which 
 time, the Lord was very gracious to me, and took 
 away the fear of death, so that reflections thereon 
 were pleasant to me. Being at this time apprentice 
 to a man who was not in profession with Friends, I 
 found great difficulties and trials among the w^ork- 
 men, who wxre men of wicked lives, and much given 
 to the use of strong drink; but my cries were to tho 
 Lord for preservation, Avho mercifully preserved me 
 from being infected with their evil conduct. 
 
 A concern had been increasingly with me for some 
 time, to request liberty of my master to attend week- 
 day meetings, and I felt a willingness to serve him 
 after the expiration of my apprenticeship, as long as 
 would be equal to the time I should occupy in attend- 
 ing them. At a certain time,, when under an exer- 
 cise to go to a week-day meeting, there came a per- 
 son to the shop on business with my master, and the 
 time of the meeting being near at hand, I believed it 
 my duty to request liberty to go; yet was unwilling^ 
 to break in upon their conversation. But the mai> 
 staying until it was meeting time, I turned my mind 
 
ISAAC MARTIN'S JOURNAL. 
 
 inward, and besought the Lord, who strengthened 
 me to mention my desire, which I did, and it was 
 granted. 
 
 About this time disturbances broke out between 
 England and America, and great numbers moved out 
 of the city. Business of course became dull, and my 
 health being much impaired, my master gave mo 
 liberty to go to a relation's, in the country. It being 
 a time of great commotion, the Lord showed me, 
 that I must take no part in setting up, or pulling down 
 the powers of the earth, — not even to contribute there- 
 to, by any part of my words or actions. When the 
 minds of many appeared unstable as water, and great 
 distress and confusion prevailed, in various places, I 
 found it best for me to have but little to say about 
 state affairs. But while the potsherds of the earth 
 were dashing against one another, I felt resigned to 
 the Lord, who preserved me through all. One in- 
 stance of Divine kindness, which I w^itnessed, among 
 others, was as follows: Being at my relation's, in the 
 country, there came a party of Hessians, who, hav- 
 ing set fire to a neighbouring house, belonging to a 
 member of Congress, — came to ours, and appeared 
 very violent. One of them presented a gun to one of 
 my cousins; and it appeared as though they would 
 have done mischief. We were in great surprise, not 
 knowing to what lengths they might go; but in the 
 height of our anxiety, I took up a bible, and unex- 
 pectedly opened it at a passage which was very suit- 
 able to our present condition. My fears were imme- 
 diately dispelled, and a calmness came over my mind, 
 so that I had no more fear of them, than if they had 
 been children. Soon after this, they went away with- 
 out doing any injury. 
 
9 
 
 In the twenty-first year of my age, I returned to 
 New York, and tbund it necessary to enter into some 
 business. And herein I was brought under great trial ; 
 being by trade a hatter, and not Jiaving freedom in 
 my mind to make fashionable hats, and decorate 
 them with ribbons, lace, and feathers, as was then the 
 custom of the times. Under this exercise, I very 
 much relinquished the thoughts of following my trade; 
 and was minded to go on Long Island, and hire my- 
 self to some honest Friend, and work at the farming 
 business, for a maintenance. But while under these 
 considerations, as I was one day walking the streets, 
 it came into my mind, with a degree of living faith,, 
 that I might follow my trade, and sell plain hats. x\s 
 this intimation, which I bclieyed was a Divine intel- 
 ligence, ran through my mind, I had a hope that a 
 way would be provided for my support; and tho 
 event proved the certainly thereof, altho-ugli to the 
 outward eye, it appeared very doubtful. 
 
 I have found by experience, that it is best to attend 
 to the inward Guide, even in my outward occupation 
 and business, and to beware of the merchandize of 
 Babylon. For, as that faith which overcomet'i tho 
 world, is abode in, a way is cast up, wdiere there ap- 
 peared to be no way, and the mind learns content- 
 ment with a little; because He who fcedeth the ravens^ 
 and clotheth the lilies, is mindful of his humble, de- 
 pending children. And although their faith may be 
 closely proved, yet, as there is a keeping the word of 
 his patience, they will, in due time, bo favoured to 
 see the mountains of dilficulty skip like rams, and tho 
 little hills of opposition, like lambs. For Sion's tra- 
 vellers do well know that there are many of these to 
 be surmounted in their journey from Egypt's darlv- 
 
10 ISAAC martin's journal. 
 
 ness, through the wilderness, toward a better coun- 
 try. 
 
 Oh ! here is the patience of the saints. Here are 
 they that keep the word of God, and the testimony of 
 Jesus. These cannot bow unto the god of this w^orld, 
 nor worship the beast, after whom multitudes are 
 gone astray — sacrificing the precious testim.onies of 
 Truth unto w^orldly mammon as their chiefest good ; 
 whereby their understandings become so darl(«ned 
 that they can see no beauty in holiness. Thus the 
 precious gift of grace, of which all are made par- 
 takers, becomes hid, kept dow^n, and oppressed. For 
 the mind being gone from under the power of the 
 cross, and seeking after fleshly ease, a desire arises 
 in it to be increased wath worldly goods, although the 
 channel through which they are sought may be very 
 impure. Hence also an indulgence in liberties, which 
 they who are brought into the glorious liberty of the 
 children of God dare not allow ; for these, having 
 tasted of the sweet incomes of Divine love, are con- 
 cerned so to live that nothing may prevent its arising 
 and filling their hearts. These are often concerned 
 to bring their deeds to the Light, the just witness of 
 God, which directs and goes before them, even as the 
 pillar of fire and of cloud went before the children of 
 Israel. Hereby, their wills being brought under the 
 government of him who is King of kings and Lord 
 of lords, they learn of him who is meek and lowly in 
 heart. Thus the child's state is brought forth in them, 
 and they can cry, Abba, Father ! feeling a holy hun- 
 ger and thirst after spiritual refreshment. 
 
 Although it is the lot of these, at times, to pass 
 through baptizing seasons, and sometimes to suffer 
 with the Seed, that is under suffering in the hearts of 
 
ISAAC MARTINS JOURNAL. 11 
 
 the unfaithful and disobedient ; yet they are comforted 
 when He cometh, whose presence is their glory, dia- 
 dem, and crown of rejoicing; and abiding in him 
 who is the true Vine, and thus partaking of his life, 
 they are carried through heights and depths, and en- 
 abled to walk by faith, to the overcoming of the many 
 difficulties which lie in their way toward a better 
 state of being. Thus the children of the Lord are all 
 tauo^ht of the Lord ; and he beinsr their leader and 
 teacher, brings all things into a holy order and har- 
 mony, whereby the standard of Truth is exalted by 
 them, and an evidence furnished whose servants they 
 are, and by whom they have been instructed. 
 
 Oh ! that the , children of men, universally, would 
 attend to this inward Teacher ! how would they be 
 preserved in the hour of temptation, and even be fa- 
 voured, when satan presents his alluring baits, with 
 his subtile transformings, to distinguish between the 
 voice of tlie true Shepherd and that which opposes 
 the Lord's w^ork in the heart ! 
 
 It is to be feared that professors of the Christian 
 name are too generally climbing up in their own ima- 
 ginations and comprehensions of the pure, unchange- 
 able Truth ; without coming to Christ, the door, into 
 the true fold of rest, where his flock know him to go 
 in and out before them, and find pasture : yea, they 
 find rest to their souls, even that peace which is an 
 evidence or seal of Divine approbation ; whereby they 
 are enabled to say, " My beloved is mine, and I am 
 his." 
 
 O Lord, draw me more and more into a near union 
 with thyself! that I may ever follow that Divine 
 Light which thou hast caused to shine in my heart ; 
 and which thou hast given me to believe, is sufficient 
 
12 ISAAC martin's journal. 
 
 to carry mc ihrou^rh the wilderness of this world, 
 where are innumerable dangers. Lei me feel ihy 
 presence ; then shall I fear no evil : for thy presence 
 is better than life. Give me a measure of that faith 
 which overcomcth the world : that so I may be kept 
 in times of trial; even w-hcn thou art pleased to with- 
 hold thy cliecring love from being spread abroad in 
 nny heart. And when I stand as in the bottom of 
 Jordan, grant that I may be kept firm, and enabled to 
 bear a living testimony for thee, so as to come up 
 with songs of thanksgiving and praise to thy great 
 name. Even so. Amen. 
 
 In the twenty-third year of my age, I entered into 
 marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph Dela- 
 plaine, of New York. Our marriage was accom- 
 plished, with the unity of Friends, on the 12th of the 
 4th month, 1780. As my mind w^as exercised on 
 this weighty subject, it apj^eared to be of great im- 
 portance; and in order that I might make straight 
 steps therein, I was concerned to ask counsel of the 
 Wonderful Counsellor, that his holy fear might be 
 my preservation* And I can truly say, I sought him 
 with my whole heart, and had evident confirm.aiion 
 of his direction. 
 
 Let all who are engaged in this iniportant concern 
 seek after Divine counsel and approbation : then^ in 
 times of aflliction and trial, they may with satisfac- 
 tion rcmcml^er^ that th-ey entered not therein witliout 
 the guidance of best wisdom. Jn all right marriages, 
 there is a union of spirit experienced, and a harmo- 
 nious labour to promote each others happiness, tem- 
 poral and spiritual. Husbands and wives are thus 
 made a blcssinir to each other and to their children. 
 As they seek for wisdom from above, they become 
 
ISAAC martin's journal. 13 
 
 qualified to cultivate, both by precept and example, 
 the tender minds of their offspring, and to impress them 
 with a sense of the duty they owe to their great Cre- 
 ator, and the necessity and advantage of taking heed 
 to the inward appearance of grace and truth, in early 
 life. Thus, when parents are jointly concerned to di- 
 rect the minds of children to the source of all good, 
 with earnest supplications to the Lord on their behalf, 
 they oftentimes see the travail of their souls, and are 
 satisfied that the blessing which makes us truly rich 
 will continue to attend their labours. 
 
 But for want of this religious concern resting on 
 the minds of parents, how many of the dear youth 
 are in a state of rawness and ignorance, with respect 
 to the great concerns of rehgion. Being thus neg- 
 lected, and becoming much estranged from the testi- 
 monies of Truth professed by us, as branches pro- 
 ceeding from the inward principle of Light and 
 Grace, they are unable to give an answer when asked 
 for a reason of their hope. 
 
 My heart hath been affected in taking a view of 
 the state of our religious society. In divers places, 
 too much ease and lukewarmness have crept in ; and 
 for want of keeping up a faithful watch against a 
 worldly spirit, the minds of many are too deeply im- 
 mersed in the concerns of this life. Yet these con- 
 cerns would be attended with the Lord's blessing, if 
 prosecuted within the bounds of pure wisdom, and 
 •with an eye single to the leadings of Truth ; so that wc 
 should experience in them this language, The Lord 
 our righteousness. Thus would he be unto us wis- 
 dom, whereby we should be instructed how far we 
 might launch into trade and business with safety and 
 propriety. I am persuaded that our desires after 
 B 
 
14 ISAAC martin's journal. [1784 
 
 gain would be less than at present is the case with 
 many. There would not be such an anxious desire 
 in parents to hoard up riches for their children ; which 
 have often proved a snare, and too generally carried 
 them away, as with the wings of vanity, followed by 
 pride and spiritual indifference respecting the best in- 
 terest of the soul, which is of more value than the 
 whole world. 
 
 Until our Sion shall arise and shake herself from 
 the dust of the earth, which she hath contracted by 
 adhering to the pleasant things of this world, the 
 Lord's work will not prosper in such a manner as is 
 consistent with his good pleasure. For he is calling 
 for the hearts of the children of men, where his ho- 
 nour delighteth to dwell But this cannot be while 
 the love of the world has the greatest place there ; as 
 is too much the case with many, whose views and 
 desires after gain are not bounded by pure wisdom. 
 Thus blindness, in part, hath happened unto our Israel, 
 and an eclipse is brought over the understandings of 
 many, so that they see not the beauty and excellency 
 that arc in the pure Truth. Instead of loving the 
 Lord above all things, it is to be feared that these love 
 him the least; manifesting a much greater propensity 
 and care after earthly mammon, than to lay up trea- 
 sure in heaven. 
 
 Having, for a considerable time, believed it right 
 for me to leave the city, I waited to know the mind 
 and will of the Lord, with respect to my removaL 
 After solid consideration, Rahway, in New Jersey, 
 appeared to be pointed out as the place of my settle- 
 ment; I accordingly removed there with my family, 
 in the 9th month, 1784. 
 
 Having, for several years, had to pass through va- 
 
1788J ISAAC MARTINIS JOURNAL. 15 
 
 rious trials and baptizing seasons, under which I be- 
 lieved, at times, I should be called to the work of the 
 free gospel ministry, I was sometimes almost brought 
 to despair, through the weight of those exercises 
 which the Lord permitted to attend me for my refine- 
 ment. But he did not suffer the flames to kindle upon 
 me, when I passed through the fire, nor the waves of 
 afl^liction to overwhelm me. And although my faith 
 was deeply proved, yet his arm was underneath to 
 sustain me, else I had fainted ; and 1 have found " it 
 is good for me that I have been afflicted ;" yea, 
 blessed be the hand that dispensed these trials, in or- 
 der to humble me, and to bring my will into subjec- 
 tion to his holy requirings. After being wrought upon'' 
 by the power of Truth, in my youthful days, I had 
 felt my inward Guide drawing me into quiet retire- 
 ment; and now, at times, wdien in company with 
 Friends whom I much preferred, I felt Truth spread- 
 ing over my mind, and greatly desired that it might 
 reach the company and bring us into a holy silence, 
 BO that we might witness the renewal of our strength 
 in the inner man. But, feeling myself a stripling, I 
 I was too diflident to propose our sitting in silence , 
 although I have since believed it would have contri-^ 
 buted to my strength. 
 
 For some time this concern had been increasing, 
 and as I united therewith and was obedient, these 
 seasons were owned by the sweet incomes of heavenly 
 goodness. In the 1st month, 1788, being at our" 
 Quarterly meeting, at Shrewsbury, I felt a concern 
 to stand up, with a few words; but fearing lest I 
 should be deceived, I earnestly besought the Lord for 
 preservation from going too fast, or not coming up in 
 a faithful discharge of my duty. Under the humbling 
 
10 ISAAC martin's journal. [1788 
 
 ^ dispensations through which I had passed, I had 
 learned a good degree of resignation to the Lord's re- 
 quirings ; and my will being now in subjection, He 
 was pleased to furnish me with a clear evidence of 
 my duty, and that woe would be to me if I gave not 
 
 '"up thereto. Then did I not consult with flesh and 
 blood, but yielded obedience to what the Lord re- 
 quired of me, and was favoured with much calmness 
 of mind. Although I did not feel a very extraordi- 
 nary degree of life and power, whilst speaking, nor 
 yet such precious incomes of love and peace, after 
 sitting down, as some I have read of, (which occa- 
 sioned some exercise to my mind,) yet as I had been 
 for years much in the capacity of a child, who is 
 taught the parent's mind, and has learned obedience 
 through chastisement, as well as by manifest tokens 
 of parental love and regard, for small acts of obe- 
 dience, so I desired to be content ; being conscious I 
 
 Jiad done my duty, and no more. The sweet refresh- 
 ment intended for me w^as withheld about two days, 
 when my heart was unusually tendered and contrited 
 
 .before the Lord. 
 
 After my return home from Shrew- sbury, my mind 
 was sweetly clothed with Divine love, in an extraordi- 
 nary manner. When amongst my friends, visiting them 
 in their families in a social way, the good hand was 
 very near, drawing me into a holy awe before him. 
 As I kept under it, the savour of Divine life and love 
 often overspread the company, and w^e had seasons 
 of refreshment together. In such opportunities my 
 mouth was frequently opened to speak well of the 
 name of the Lord, and to encourage others to draw 
 near unto him in spirit ; which seasons he graciously 
 owned with his loving presence, to my great comfort 
 
1791] ISAAC MARTIX'S JOURNAL. 17 
 
 and confirmation. In meetings, my mind was often 
 overshadowed with heavenly goodness, and I felt 
 concerned to stand up, sometimes without any open- 
 ings further than to arise ; and the Lord hath helped 
 me, with matter, when nothing at first appeared in 
 my view by way of testimony. My friends had 
 unity with my public appearances; and in the 7th 
 month, 1790, I was recommended to, and accepted 
 by the Quarterly meeting, as an approved minister, 
 having stood in the station of an elder from the 1st 
 month, 1786. 
 
 In the fore part of the year 1791, w^ith the concur- 
 rence of our monthly meeting, I performed a visit to 
 most of the families within its hmits ; and was in a 
 good degree owned therein, with that peace and 
 comfort which is preferable to the fading enjoyments 
 of this world — which passeth not away nor groweth 
 dim with the lapse of time. How gloriously w*ould the 
 righteous testimonies of our fathers be upheld, if 
 Friends were to seek continually this inward Com- 
 forter, bestowing to earthly things no more than a 
 just consideration, and having their great desires 
 bent on giving glory to God in the highest, pro- 
 moting [)eace on earth, and good will to all 
 men. 
 
 In the 4th month, I laid before the monthly 
 meeting a concern to visit some of the families of 
 Friends, within the verge of Shrewsbury monthly 
 meeting, and obtained a certificate of concurrence 
 therewith. Soon after which, I accompanied Mary 
 Ridgway and Jane Watson to an appointed meeting 
 on Staten Island, in which they were eminently fa- 
 voured to preach the everlasting gospel. They had 
 
 E* 
 
18 ISAAC MARTINIS JOURNAL. [1791 
 
 come from Ireland, in the Lord's service, and were 
 very zealous against a lukev^arm, worldly spirit. I 
 had near unity with them, as also with our friend 
 Samuel Emlen, of Philadelphia, who was at our 
 Quarterly meeting. 
 
 Our beloved friend, Sarah Lundy, having a con- 
 cern to pay a religious visit to some parts of New 
 England and Nova Scotia, my dear wife offered 
 to accompany her; which I encouraged, on ac- 
 count of the near unity I felt with the concern. 
 William Shotwell, of Plainfield, being willing to go 
 with them, I went on to New York with my dear 
 wife, and they all embarked on. board a vessel for 
 Newport, Rhode Island. In a few days after my 
 return home, accompanied by Henry Shotwell, I 
 set out on a visit to the families of Friends, within 
 the limits of Shrewsbury monthly meeting, having 
 the unity of my friends therein. We visited the 
 meeting at Squankum, and all the families belong- 
 ing to it ; also, most of those at Squan ; then came 
 to Shrewsbury, and were at their meeting on First 
 day, in which I was silent. The seed of life ap- 
 peared to me to be much pressed down in many 
 hearts. 
 
 Having visited about thirty-five families at Shrews- 
 bury, and twenty at the other two meetings, I felt re- 
 leased from the service and returned home to my 
 family. In this journey, although poverty of spirit 
 was, at times, my lot to pass through, yet I had cause 
 to adore that good hand which led me forth, opened 
 the way, and often favoured me, in these family visits, 
 to my humbling admiration. 
 
 I live in an age wherein vital Christianity appears 
 
1791] ISAAC martin's journal. 19 
 
 to be at a low ebb in the hearts of many people. Even 
 the society of which I am a member, does not shine 
 in that beauty and lustre which the Lord would en- 
 due it w^ith, if there was a steadfast dAvelHng under his 
 anointing influence. It was this that dignified our 
 worthy predecessors, who, like Paul, were crucified 
 to the w^orld, so that they loved not their lives unto 
 death. How is it with thee, O my soul ! Hast thou 
 contributed to this too general lukew^armness that 
 prevails among thy fellow professors, by neglecting 
 to improve the talent with which thou art intrusted ? 
 
 For some years I have laboured under bodily weak- 
 ness, and from my youth have had many scruples, 
 with respect to living to eat and drink. Sometimes 
 I have been enabled to practice mortification, and to 
 keep my body under ; but though favoured with a 
 good appetite, my w^eak state of health has been such 
 that I have felt a care lest by too much abstinence 
 the body should languish. I have also had a long 
 conflict with the practice of smoking tobacco. In 
 the nineteenth year of my age, it was recommended 
 to me for the removal of several apparent symptoms 
 of a consumption. After these had subsided, I con- 
 tinued the use of the pipe, feehng a strong inclination 
 thereto, only as an amusement. But I found the wit- 
 ness within me opposed to this indulgence ; and was 
 concerned to maintain the watch against it. 
 
 In seasons when my faith has been closely tried, I 
 have been mercifully favoured to feel that I still loved 
 the Lord. And in these times of proving I felt a care 
 that if I could not do much for the Truth, I might be 
 preserved from doing any thing against it. A hope 
 also was sometimes revived that in the Lord's time 
 
20 ISAAC martin's journal. [1791 
 
 truth and righteousness would again flourish, and 
 Sion shine forth in her ancient beauty. 
 
 For the testimony of Jesus, Friends formerly suf- 
 fered the spoiling of their goods, cruel whippings, 
 and imprisonments ; and many sealed their testi- 
 monies with their blood. But too many of their 
 successors lived in affluence, and indulged them- 
 selves as in the sunshine of ease. Mark the conse- 
 quence: dwarfishness respecting the spiritual life en- 
 sued, and many became so much ensnared by earthly 
 mammon, that their spiritual senses were greatly be- 
 numbed, so that they were not in a situation to exalt 
 the standard of the Prince of Peace. Neverthless, a 
 remnant has been preserved, who have been zeal- 
 ous for the Truth, and their lights have shone with 
 brightness, so that a living testimony hath been borne 
 to the glory of Him who is causing light to break 
 forth, to the discovering of the mystery of iniquity in 
 all its workings. And I have faith to believe that the 
 Sun of righteousness will more and more arise upon 
 the nations, dispelling the mists of error and super- 
 stition, until the earth becomes filled with the know- 
 ledge of the Lord. For as people come to believe in 
 the inward principle of grace and truth manifested 
 in the heart, and faithfully adhere to its dictates, they 
 will have bread in their own houses, and water in 
 their own cisterns ; so that they will not need to look 
 to man for direction, but will " sit every man under 
 his vine and fig tree, where nothing shall make them 
 afraid." 
 
 6^// mo. 11 thy 1701. In considering the nature of 
 covetousness, I had this view of its efiects ; — that 
 where it is suffered to have place in the mind, it pre- 
 
1791] ISAAC martin's journal. 21 
 
 vents a right dependence on Him who superintends 
 the universe. It also leavens into a selfish, earthly 
 spirit, in which true love to God, and one to another, 
 becomes less and less the concern of those who are 
 bhnded with it. Now, although to provide for our 
 families is a duty incumbent upon us, yet, through a 
 distrust of the care of Providence, too many become 
 so attached to the gold which perishes, that their con- 
 duct declares it to be the summum homtm of their 
 pursuit. And how^ever some of these may appear 
 with a seeming outside show of religious concern, 
 yet the penetrating eye of perfect purity beholds them 
 as idolaters ; and will plead with them in an awful 
 day, when all coverings will be stripped off, that are 
 not of his spirit. It therefore highly concerns all to 
 consider the uncertainty of their time here, and to 
 seek the wisdom that cometh from above, by which 
 right bounds may be set to their desires of gain, and 
 they be taught to do good, and to be wilUng to com- 
 municate to the necessities of the poor and the dis- 
 tressed. Thus, may those who are intrusted with 
 riches become qualified to act as good stewards, and 
 fill up their stations on earth with a holy propriety. 
 
 21 5^. My wife having been absent about seven 
 weeks, in company with Sarah Lundy, in Truth's 
 service, I received a letter from her dated at New- 
 port, Rhode Island, proposing her going on to Nan- 
 tucket and Nova Scotia. Although I had been fa- 
 voured with a good degree of resignation, in giving 
 her up to go this journey ; yet, as I am subject, at 
 times, to mental depression, which her cheerful and 
 pleasant company has tended to mitigate, the pros- 
 pect of her longer absence occasioned a close exer- 
 
22 ISAAC martin's journal. [1791 
 
 cise, under which, for a time, I let in discourage- 
 ments. But, attending a meeting, appointed by 
 Rebecca .Tones and Rebecca Wright, I felt some 
 satisfaction ; and next morning, calling to see them, 
 they spoke some words of encouragement, which had 
 a reviving effect on my mind. After which, 1 visited 
 a sick brother, and we took a ride about eight miles, 
 for the benefit of the air, which I believe was of use 
 to us both. 
 
 When the Master appears, and lifts up the light of 
 his countenance, it is then tliat Sion's travellers jour- 
 ney forward with delight. But when he withdraws 
 the cheering rays of heavenly love, who can but 
 mourn the privation ? Methinks a dungeon, with the 
 enjoyment of his presence, is far preferable to a 
 palace, when the soul is entirely separated from 
 him. 
 
 2'^'d. Our week-day meeting somewhat dull. — > 
 Surely, if there was a harmonious labour and travail 
 for the arising of the power of Truth, we should ex- 
 perience a nearer access to the throne of grace ; so 
 that we could say, one hour in the Lord's house is 
 better than a thousand elsewhere. 
 
 24t/i. Poverty is my portion ; though not without 
 a hunger and thirst after righteousness. Methinks it 
 is the lot of the saints to experience seasons of strip- 
 ping; for the Master told his disciples that in the 
 world they should have trouble. Now, surely, it 
 must be this that is to wean us from the world, and 
 thus prepare us for a foretaste of that glory which is 
 to come. For Sion's travellers cannot derive conso- 
 lation from the perishing enjoyments of sense ; be- 
 cause these naturally draw the mind from a depend- 
 
1791") ISAAC MARTINIS JOURNAL. 23 
 
 ence upon Him who superintends the universe, and 
 whose power alone can bring into a state of pure re- 
 signation, wherein we can say, Thy will be done. 
 
 26ih, " Having food aud raiment, let us be there- 
 with content," said an inspired apostle. Yet how few 
 professing Christians are willing to have their desires 
 bounded only b}^ things necessary for the comforta- 
 ble support of the body ! 1 hope I have, in good mea- 
 sure, learned to be contented with a little. But Oh ! 
 that my faith may be increased, and that 1 may be 
 more and more devoted to the Lord's service. May 
 the wisdom from above ever set bounds to my de- 
 sires, and limit my wants, so that I may be content 
 in whatever condition,, divine Providence may place 
 me. 
 
 7t/i mo. 1st. For some time past, I have had doubts 
 of the propriety of making high-crowned hats, ac- 
 cording to the present new fashion. As I have re- 
 tired to the Divine teacher within, I feel most easy to 
 forego the profits that might result from the business. 
 And however I may be thereby deprived of much 
 custom, I have a hope that an overruling Providence 
 will still provide for me those things which are need- 
 ful for my support. 
 
 My mind has also been exercised on the subject of 
 oaths. As a religious society, Friends have borne a 
 testimony against oaths, for upwards of a century. 
 Our predecessors suffered deeply, because they could 
 not violate the command of Christ, " Swear not at 
 all." On this account they were exposed to the cruelty 
 of wicked men, and some of them laid down their 
 lives in prisons. I believe the testimony against oaths 
 will yet rise higher. In order thereto, it is worthy of 
 consideration, whether those who are scrupulous of 
 
24 ISAAC martin's journal. [1791 
 
 taking oaths themselves, can, with consistency of 
 conduct, be the means of others swearing on their 
 account. This subject has for years been a matter 
 of weight on my mind; and T never remember being 
 accessary to others taking oaths, though, as to in- 
 terest, a sufferer thereby. 
 
 1th mo. 20th. For several days past, have been 
 much with a sick brother-in-law, who appears near 
 the close of time. Although his life hath been exem- 
 plary, he being what is called an upright man, yet 
 has he found it hard work to come to a state of per- 
 fect resignation to meet the king of terrors. But not- 
 withstanding his faith has been closely tried, I have 
 a hope that his sun will go down clear. Surely, if 
 the righteous scarcely be saved, what will be the end 
 of those who live to themselves, as without God in 
 the world? 
 
 8th mo. 25th. Have been at Shrewsbury, about a 
 week past, visiting some families of Friends, in seve- 
 ral of which the spring of life was felt to flow 
 sweetly, to the refreshing of our spirits, and encour- 
 aging to follow on to know" the Lord. Surely, his 
 works are works of wonder ; not only in the creation 
 of the outward universe, and providing for its various 
 inhabitants, but also in his dealings with the children 
 of men, in order to bring them to an acquaintance 
 with, and entire dependence on himself. Sometimes 
 he withdraws the cheering rays of his love from the 
 sensible enjoyment of the dedicated soul, — permitting 
 fears and doubts to assail it, so that faith seems 
 almost gone. These dispensations have I witnessed ; 
 and close have been the searchings of heart, with de- 
 sires that if any thing in me occasioned these trials, 
 it might be removed. 
 
1791] ISAAC martin's journal. 25 
 
 This day, at our week-day meeting, the beloved of 
 my soul again appeared, dispelling the gloom that 
 had covered my mind, and I v^^as melted into humble 
 contrition before him. In this state, I felt that I loved 
 the inward appearance of the Divine presence more 
 than any other object ; and the language of my heart 
 is. What shall I render unto the Lord for all his un- 
 merited mercies and favours ? Oh ! that neither 
 heights of enjoyment, nor depths of stripping nor suf- 
 fering, may ever separate me from my God, who, in 
 matchless mercy early visited me with his loving 
 kindness, which is indeed better than life. To him 
 I desire unreservedly to commit myself, that I may 
 be further instructed in that knowledge which is life 
 eternal. 
 
 9th mo. 2d. Having read William Law on the 
 Spirit of prayer, I felt my mind nearly united to some 
 truths therein contained, respecting that death to self, 
 and its workings, experienced by the truly regenerate ; 
 and by which the creature becomes humbled" like a 
 little child, with breathing cries after the sincere milk 
 of the Word ; these being the genuine effects of the 
 new birth taking place in the soul. In this state there 
 is a learning of him who is meek and lowly in heart, 
 and thus that rest comes to be experienced, which is 
 a foretaste of the glory hereafter to be revealed. 
 May this be more and more my happy experience. 
 And may the Lord, in his unutterable love, vouchsafe 
 that wisdom which cometh from above, to direct me 
 through the wilderness of this world ,* so that in the 
 hour of temptation I may be preserved in safety, and 
 in every trial and besetment, may I feel that sustain- 
 ing arm of Divine power, which can support and 
 strengthen the soul, in all its conflicts. Thus shall 1 
 C 
 
26 ISAAC martin's journal. [1791 
 
 know that " the Lord on high is mightier than the 
 noise of many waters." "He giveth power to the 
 faint ; and to those who have no might of their own, 
 he increaseth strength." He " is round about his 
 people, as the mountains are round about Jerusalem," 
 and ho will not suffer an hair of their heads to fall to 
 the ground without his permission. How great is 
 the encouragement to trust in him with all our hearts ! 
 Although the times look gloomy, with respect to 
 the increase of the government of the Messiah, yet 
 can he enlarge his kingdom by ways and means un- 
 looked for by short-sighted mortals. Man is inade- 
 quate to the promotion of the glorious cause, until en- 
 dued with power from on high. When this is expe- 
 rienced, and the holy warfare maintained, the eye 
 being kept single to the light, the various workings of 
 those spirits which are opposed to this divine govern- 
 ment are discovered, and victory over the enemy ob- 
 tained. 
 
 I am sometimes under depression of spirit, because 
 I cannot feel greater indwellings of the Redeemer's 
 love ; but I hope to be sustained under these provings 
 by Him who alone can keep me in the faith, and en- 
 able me to grow in the Truth, even in these seasons 
 of inward want. I have been willing to part with 
 every thing that I believed prevented the enjoyment 
 of durable riches and righteousness; and I still feel a 
 necessity to keep up the spiritual watch, lest I should 
 be surprised at unawares, and make work for repent- 
 ance. Too many, who have run well for a season, by 
 not keeping the loins of their minds girt about with 
 Truth, have lost ground, and fallen away. Oh ! that 
 I may press forward unto perfection, and so be en- 
 abled, in an awful season to adopt the language, " O 
 
1791] ISAAC martin's journal. 27 
 
 death, where is thy sting ? O grave, where is thy 
 victory?-' This will abundantly compensate for a 
 few moments of sorrow and trial, which are more or 
 less the lot of those who are travelling toward the 
 heavenly Canaan : for the apostle reckoned " that the 
 sufferings of this .present time are not worthy to be 
 compared with 'the ^lory which shall be revealed in 
 us." 
 
 9th mo. 16th. I attended the circular Quarterly or 
 general meeting at Mendham, and was favoured with 
 ability to point out the great benefit resulting from 
 obedience to the principle of Divine grace, implanted 
 in the heart; by which ability is graciously afforded, 
 to work out our salvation. By this also are discovered 
 the workings of the corrupt root of evil in us, which, 
 if followed, leads away from the purity of Truth, so 
 that the mind at length becomes dark and insensible, 
 like the heath in the desert which knoweth not when 
 good Cometh. 
 
 nth mo. 1st. Was at our Quarterly meeting, held 
 at Shrewsbury, where our friend Robert Nesbit was 
 eminently favoured to preach the gospel to divers 
 states present. Also, in the meeting for discipline, 
 like a skilful surgeon, examining the wound to the 
 bottom, in order to clear out the corrupt matter, he 
 pointed out the causes of deficiency, in a very striking 
 manner, and fervently laboured for a reformation, 
 and the advancement of the testimonies of Truth. 
 May a blessing attend his sincere labours ; he having 
 distinguished himself as a faithful follower of Christ. 
 
 After the Quarterly meeting, Iproceeded to finish 
 the visit, heretofore engaged in, to the families of 
 Friends at Shrewsbury, and was favoured to get 
 through, to a good degree of satisfaction. Althougli 
 
w'*> ISAAC martin's JOURiVAL. 1791] 
 
 a remnant are preserved, who bear testimony to the 
 Truth, in its simplicity and purity, yet many appear 
 to have fallen into a languid state, so as not to see 
 with holy clearness the excellency of abiding in their 
 tents, as described by one formerly: — "How goodlv 
 are thy tents, O Jacob ; andthy tabernacles, O Israel 1 
 As the vallies are they spread forth, as gardens by the 
 river side; and as trees of lign-afoes which the Lord 
 hath planted." Here, the beauty, comeliness, and 
 fruitfulness of the true spiritual Israel are typified ; 
 deriving their sufficiency from the Vine of life, so that 
 none are barren or unfruitful in the works of righteous- 
 ness. 
 
 Having had drawings of spirit to visit the families 
 of Kingwood monthly meeting, and being furnished 
 with a certificate of unity from our own monthly 
 meeting, after a solemn parting with my dear family, 
 I left home the 5th of the 12th month; having the 
 company of Edmund Williams, of Shrewsbury. We 
 attended the monthly meeting held at Hardwich, and 
 proceeded to Pauhns-kill, and thence to a place called 
 the Drowned Lands ; w^here, coming to a friend's house, 
 we found he was from home ; but a messenger going 
 for him, through some misunderstanding he spread 
 notice in the neighbourhood of a meeting for us. This 
 being altogether unexpected by us, occasioned consi- 
 derable exercise ; but after weighty dehberation we 
 felt easy to attend it ; and although I felt myself poor, 
 yet faith was given to believe that the Lord would be 
 with me. About sixty people collected, among whom 
 w^as a Baptist minister, and a judge of the court 
 They all behaved quiet and solid, and ability was fur- 
 nished to preach the gospel, recommending them to 
 the gift of grace which they had received; and in- 
 
1791] ISAAC martin's journal. 29 
 
 fonnlng them that as it was united and cooperated 
 with, they w^ould become acquainted with lliat reli- 
 gion which is produced by the ins})iration of the Al- 
 mighty ; and then they need not look unto, nor depend 
 on man, whose breath is in his nostrils, for direction ; 
 that, as they became obedient to the heavenly vision 
 of light and grace, dawning on their understandings. 
 they w^ould become acquainted with the tender deal- 
 ings of the heavenly Father, and w^ould come to have 
 bread in their own houses, and water in their own 
 cisterns ; and thus come to a well grounded hope of ;i 
 happy eternity. 
 
 After meetings, the priest appeared loving, and staid 
 a little with us ; but I felt drawn into stillness, and 
 found it best to be cautious and guarded in my con- 
 versation, lest I might lay w^aste the doctrine I had 
 delivered to others ; — a watchful attention to the gift, 
 or manifestation of the spirit in the heart, being that 
 on which our safety and happiness very much depend. 
 After visitins^ the families at Paulins-kill and the 
 Drowned Lands, we returned to Ilardwich, and were 
 several days visiting families there : during which 
 time I felt a concern to have a meetinr? at Sussex 
 court-house. This prospect appearing weighty, 1 
 was bowed under the exercise, until I informed my 
 companions of it ; which they united with. My spi- 
 rit craved that the Lord might accompany mo in 
 this weighty undertaking; and I can testify that holy 
 help was near, enabling me to clear myself o-f what 
 appeared to be my duty towards the people. Among 
 others who attended, were a Pi-esbyterian priest and 
 divers ruling men of that society, who were quiet and 
 solid in their deportment, even in the silent part of 
 
30 ISAAC martin's journal. [1792 
 
 the meeting ; — they not being such strangers to silent 
 spiritual worship as, formerly. 
 
 I hope the day will come, when the knowledge of 
 the Lord will more and more cover the earth, and 
 the people more generally become acquainted with 
 the Divine anointing in their hearts : and as they abide 
 under its teachings, they will see the deceit of a hire- 
 ling ministry. May the Lord hasten the day, if it be 
 his holy will, so that thp kingdom of antichrist may 
 be laid waste, and that righteousness which exalteth a 
 nation, more and more abound. 
 
 After this meeting, we continued our religious visits 
 to the families of Hardwich preparative meeting. 
 Near the close of which, as I was riding along the 
 road my mind was sweetly comforted and refreshed,, 
 with the incomes of Divine love ; furnishing an evi- 
 dence that I had been among them, in the discharge 
 of my duty to Him, who is worthy to be served. I 
 returned home the 27th of 12th month and found my 
 family well ; for which I felt thankful to the Father 
 of all our mercies. 
 
 In the 2nd month, 1792, I was much exercised 
 with inward poverty, and frequent conflicts of spirit 
 which brought nae very low^ and willing to be resigned 
 to Divine disposal. In this state, it opened to me, 
 that I must return to Hardwich; which at first, 
 seemed strange, as I had been there so lately. But,, 
 attaining to i^esignation, I was favoured with an evi- 
 dence of peace ; and having opened the concern to 
 some of my friends, who concurred therewith, I left 
 home the 27th, accompanied by Richard Hartshorne. 
 As we passed through Hacketstown, a place where 
 none of our Society reside, it appeared to me that I 
 must appoint a meeting there. So having attended 
 
1792] ISAAC MARTIX'S JOURNAL. 31 
 
 Hardwich week-day meeting, in which I had some 
 service with the unity of Friends, a meeting was ap- 
 pointed at Hacketstown the next day. Sarah Lundy, 
 who had lately returned from a religious visit to Nova- 
 Scotia, and several other Friends went with us; and 
 the meeting was held to good satisfaction. 
 
 We also had a meeting at Sussex court house, and 
 another at the Drowned Lands, about ten miles fur- 
 ther. In that at Sussex, after we had sat a considera- 
 ble time in silence, I felt a concern to stand up; and 
 having delivered a few sentences, there was a great 
 cry of fire in the town, which drew most of the peo- 
 ple out of the house. So I sat down, and was favoured 
 with a good degree of composure, though not without 
 some unpleasant sensations, at intervals. However, 
 in about a quarter of an hour, the people returned, 
 in greater numbers than before ; — they were generally 
 very quiet, and the meeting ended to satisfaction. 
 
 VV^e dined at an inn near the court house, whither 
 eame a woman under orreat exercise of mind. She 
 had been at the meeting, — was much broken in spirit, 
 and expressed her fears that she was a lost sheep. 
 I gave her such advice as I hoped might be to her 
 profit, and left her. In the meeting I had been led to. 
 treat on the compassion of the good Shepherd, who,, 
 during the day of visitation, strives with the children 
 of men, by his spirit on their hearts knocking as for 
 an entrance : and if they would but open to him, he 
 would come in and rule there, first casting out the 
 strong mauj or will of the creature, and spoiling his 
 goods. The great danger of delays in the important 
 concerns of religion, had also been held up to view^ 
 as also the necessity of making our calling and elec-. 
 lion sure while the Almighty, in great mercy, waitetU 
 
32 ISAAC martin's journal. [1793 
 
 long, to be gracious. But yet it is declared that his 
 spirit will not always strive with man : a due con- 
 sideration of which, methinks, is enough to awaken 
 the careless sons and daughters of men, from their spi- 
 ritual slumber, and to alarm them, lest they sleep the 
 sleep of death. 
 
 Li this little joun>ey, I felt unity with the faithful 
 of every society, who endeavour to stand approved in 
 the Divine sight, and according to the light and un- 
 derstanding given them, are occupying and improving 
 the talents committed to them, to the honour and praise 
 of the Giver. The true church is constituted of those 
 who are built upon the revelation of Christ, in their 
 souls ; and nothing short of this will stand us in stead, 
 let our profession be what it may. As Jesus said, 
 those w^ho do the will of his Father, are his brethren: 
 and of such is the church militant here on earth com- 
 posed ; who, persevering in faithfulness, and in well- 
 doing, will, through Divine favour in due time become 
 members of the church triumphant in heaven. 
 
 In the 5th month, 1792, I left home accompajnied 
 by my friend Henery Shotwell, and went to King- 
 wood. After attending the week day meeting there, 
 and visiting several families of Friends, on the way, 
 we sat with Friends in their 5th day meeting at Hard- 
 w^ich ; also visited several families there much to my^ 
 satisfaction. We then returned to Kingw^ood, and 
 proceeded in the family visit, which occupied seve- 
 ral days, during which I felt deep exercise of mind, on 
 account of the ditliculty^pf coming at the spring of 
 life in some famiUes ; it was indeed an humbhng, b|^t 
 I hope profitable season of instruction to me. 
 
 Rahraij 4th month 14///, 1793. An exercising 
 nneeting, this morning, but towards the coiK:'lusion,. 
 
1793] ISAAC martin's journal. 33 
 
 the case of Naaman was revived with a call to the 
 youth. Invited home to dine with me a poor dis- 
 consolate man, who told me he had no gleam of hope 
 in Divine favour, for some months. I felt a little to 
 impart to him in the way of consolation. In the af- 
 ternoon meeting some light appeared, aflbrding a 
 prospect of a sweet meeting but it soon closed, and 
 a hard travail follow^ed with much inward poverty. 
 At length, I became perfectly resigned thereto, and 
 could say, thy will be done. 
 
 Ibth. Awoke in the morning, unwell; having been 
 long exercised with bodily weakness : but was enabled 
 to look to the source of all good, and to pray for pre- 
 servation. Went to work about three hours, then 
 quit, very much fatigued, and low in mind ; — thought 
 about declining my trade, but saw^ no other business 
 to follow. After dinner w^ent to work again — had 
 conversation with a Baptist on predestination, and 
 gave him Benjamin Holme's Serious Call,, which he 
 kindly accepted. 
 
 10///. Devoted near half an hour this morning to 
 religious contemplation and prayer; and was merci- 
 fully favoured with a contrite heart : Blessed be the 
 Lord. In the evening felt concerned to extend some 
 private labours toward a young Friend, who appeared 
 in danger of being led astray, by a disposition to in- 
 dulge in a vain show. 
 
 Oh! what rawness and ignorance prevail among 
 many of the youth. Are not . the minds of parents 
 too much on the earth ? whereby dimness, yea, blind- 
 ness hath ensued, so that an interest in the truth ap- 
 pears to be of much less concern than worldly riches 
 for their offspring. 
 
 IKth. Attended our monthly meeting, at Plainfield, 
 
34 ISAAC martin's journal. [1793 
 
 which was a favoured meeting. Felt a concern to 
 exhort overseers and other active Friends to a more 
 faithful discharge of duty, in private labour- with the 
 members, for the support and advancement of our 
 Christian testimonies ; in order that the deficiencies 
 so long complained of may be removed, especially 
 with respect to a drowsy disposition when assembled 
 for the purpose of Divine worship, as also in regard 
 to the neglect of attending week-day meetings. 
 
 18/^. Went to New York on business. The pas- 
 sengers in the boat appeared to be very vain and 
 wicked with which I was much tried. Surely the 
 Lord will visit this land, because of the abominations 
 which are found therein. 
 
 21^^. Morning meeting dull: in which I cou^d feel 
 but little of the circulation of Divine life, but an in- 
 ward exercise was maintained, to hunger and thirst 
 after righteousness; which resulted in a quiet mind. 
 I felt strong desires that I might be so preserved as 
 never to grieve the Holy Spirit, and enabled to do 
 that which is right in his sight ; which I saw must 
 be through a death to self, and a perfect surrender of 
 the soul to the will of God. 
 
 The afternoon meeting was more lively. I was tti- 
 sacred to exhort to more faithful obedience to the dis- 
 coveries of Divine grace, in the way of the daily 
 cross ; which being neglected and slighted, there was 
 danger of incurring Divine displeasure. May it ne- 
 ver be said of us as it was of Ephraim of old "he has 
 joined himself to his idols — let him alone. " 
 
 22nd. This evening, J. F. departed this life. He 
 was a young man of circumspect life and conversa- 
 tion. In his illness, he was favoured with resignation 
 to the Divine will, and bore his sickness, being the 
 
1793] ISAAC martin's JOURiYAL. 35 
 
 small-pox, with Christian patience. " Mark, the per- 
 fect man and behold the upright, for the end of that 
 man is peace." 
 
 23rd. Felt poorly with my usual complaint of pain 
 in my head, so that I gave over thoughts of attending 
 the funeral. But as I lay in bed this language ran 
 through my mind ; arise go to the burial of the young 
 man, and preach there the preaching that I bid thee. 
 When I came to the house, our dear friend A. J. was 
 speaking to the people. After which in a living manner 
 she appeared in supplication, in much brokenness of 
 spirit. I felt very poor, but was favoured with inward 
 quiet and followed the corpse to the grave ; where I 
 found it safest for me to sound a warning to those who 
 lived in forgetfulness of their Creator and Judge ; — like- 
 wise to bear testimony to the comfortable frame of 
 mind of our deceased friend, during his illness, as the 
 result of living an upright life. And I fully believe he 
 is released from sorrow, and admitted among the faith- 
 ful followers of the Lamb. 
 
 27th. Select Quarterly meeting. There is great 
 need of keeping -ahve in our spirits, in the mighty 
 concern of reading and answering- queries, lest wc 
 centre in a state of formality. Oh ! that we may 
 dw^ell in a state of deep, inward attention to the pure 
 intimations of Truth, so that we may have ears to 
 hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. 
 
 28^^. A low, stripping season, with me ; but w^as a 
 little strengthened and encouraged in a religious op- 
 portunity in my family, this afternoon, in which Han- 
 nah Cathrall and Ann King, two ministering friends, 
 had each a word of encouragement for myself and 
 my dear companion, under our various exercises. 
 The Lord alone knows how I am to be disposed of. 
 
36 ISAAC martin's journal. [1793 
 
 May these humbling dispensations of affliction be gra- 
 ciously sanctified, and my soul cleave unto the Lord, 
 who, at this time, I feel near to the tendering of my 
 spirit. 
 
 ■ 29th. Attended Quarterly meeting. My sufferings 
 still continue; and my trials, inward and outward, are 
 very great ; and my faith, at times, is at a very low 
 ebb. Oh ! that I may be content ; and that every 
 thought in me may be brought into perfect obedience 
 to the will of my God; so that when he has tried me, 
 I may come forth more purified, and be wholly de- 
 voted to him. 
 
 fiOth. Was at Youth's meeting, and have been fa- 
 voured with more than usual serenity of mind. Had 
 the company of many valuable friends,. and, at the re- 
 quest of John Simpson, a tendering, parting opportu- 
 nity, in which the Lord was pleased to favour us 
 with the lifting up of the light of his countenance. 
 Oh! that I may be formed and fashioned by him, so 
 as to be enabled to say, under every exercise of faith 
 and patience. Thy will be done. 
 
 Sth mo. 1st. Devoted some time in religious retire- 
 ment, waiting upon the Lord for the renewal of my 
 strength;, and I did not wait in vain ; for He was 
 pleased to soften my heart with the arisings of his Di- 
 vine power. Oh! the need I have of his help, for I 
 am a poor, weak creature, unable to think a good 
 thought, without his assistance. I see the work of the 
 soul's perfection is a great and gradual work ; and 
 unless we abide in a state of watchfulness and prayer, 
 how liable we are to sUde into a state of weakness 
 and insensibility? 
 
 I labour under great affliction, with almost constant 
 pain in my head, which has somewhat impaired my 
 
1793] ISAAC martin's journal. 37 
 
 memory. This, I believe, keeps me lower than I 
 should otherwise be. But if it has a good efiect, may 
 I be enabled to bear this humbling dispensation of 
 Him, who " doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the 
 children of men." 
 
 2d. At our week-day meeting, felt the well was 
 deep, and was engaged, as much as I was able to 
 bear, in an inward wrestling for the blessing that 
 makes truly rich. 
 
 4th. Much fatigued after two hours' bodily labour. 
 While in this state of mutability there seems to be a 
 near connexion between soul and body. When the 
 latter is oppressed, the former often partakes with it. 
 Have also suffered much conflict of spirit, when my 
 stock of patience seemed almost exhausted. At length, 
 this instructive passage revived, "Blessed is the man 
 that endureth temptation ; for when he is so tried, he 
 shall receive the crown of life." 
 
 5th. At meeting, after a hard struggle with worldly' 
 concerns, which too much intruded, was favoured to 
 approach the throne of grace ; and the sceptre of Di- 
 vine power and love was graciously held forth. 
 Blessed be the Lord, whose mercies are still con- 
 tinued. 
 
 I5th. Attended the burial of B. Shotwell, who de- 
 ceased with the small pox ; he left a mournful widow 
 and children. A meeting was held, after the inter- 
 ment, at the request of Samuel Smith and Rebecca 
 Jones, who were both favoured in testimony, and 
 spoke of the uncertainty of time, and the great neces- 
 sity of making timely preparation for death. 
 
 18//^. My prospects of making a livelihood by my 
 trade are very dull, being much circumscribed in my 
 business on account of the prevaihng fashions. My- 
 D 
 
r 
 38 ISAAC martin's journal. [1793 
 
 self unable to do much, and fashionable work princi- 
 pally wanted. Bat way has hitherto been made, be- 
 yond my expectations. May I be preserved in the 
 exercise of patience. 
 
 Qth mo. I4th. Jacob vShotwell, an elder of our 
 meeting, being about a mile from home, was thrown 
 out of his chair, and so much hurt by the fall, that he 
 died in about two hours after. Oh! the uncertainty 
 of our time here ! yesterday he spent some time ai 
 my house; but now is summoned almost instantly 
 from works to rewards. But I have faith to believe 
 he is arrived where the wicked cease from troubling 
 and the weary are at rest. 
 
 A day or two after, heard of the death of Isabella 
 Hartshorne ; after about a year's illness, with con- 
 sumption. She appeared to be prepared for her fi- 
 nal change, being of an exemplary life : a steady at- 
 tender of our religous meetings, and concerned to la- 
 bour for the arisings of life, in order to worship the 
 Father in spirit and in truth. 
 
 Thus, within two months, our meeting at Rahway 
 has been stripped of four useful exemplary members. 
 May others be raised up to bear testimony to the 
 power of Divine grace, revealed in the soul, which is 
 able to give victory over sin, and prepare for a res- 
 idence among the saints in hght. 
 
 Having felt drawings of spirit to visit Friends 
 about Shrewsbury, I set out in the latter end of the 
 7th month, and was at the meeting at Shrewsbury 
 on First-day, where I was concerned to exhort the 
 lukewarm professors, to diligence in improving the 
 portions of time mercifully allotted them, lest the day 
 of gracious visitation should pass over. The exer- 
 cised travellers tov/ard the spiritual Canaan, were 
 
1793] ISAAC martin'^s journal. 39 
 
 encouraged to hold on their way, and to keep to the 
 precious gift of Divine grace, which will preserve in 
 the hour of temptation, and enable to overcome all 
 evil. But it is to be feared that too many who are 
 making specious pretences of being the followers of 
 a self denying Saviour, are yet going after their evil 
 covetousness. >Such w411 fare no better than the fool- 
 ish virgins, who lacked oil in their lamps, in the need- 
 ful time ; — a lively figure of the heavenly virtue of 
 Truth, which keeps the souls of those who abide in 
 it, fresh and green, and fruitful, to the praise of their 
 holy Preserver. 
 
 After this meeting I visited a number of persons, 
 who had been disowned from amongst Friends. 
 Unto some of these compassionate regard was felt to 
 flow ; and were they but w^iUing to come under the 
 circumcising power of Truth, it w^ould gather them 
 as from a vast howhng wilderness, and bring them 
 into the fold of heavenly rest and peace. 
 
 After spending about nine days here, and at Squan- 
 kum, I returned home. 
 
 8^^ mo. 2nd. Attended the morning and afternoon 
 meetings in New York, and was enabled to point out 
 the great difference between a hare profession and a 
 real possession, of the blessed Truth ; the former tak- 
 ing in the Jew outw^ard, who observes a round of 
 ceremonies and external performances, wdth much 
 seeming strictness, but at the same time, is in a car- 
 nal, unregenerate state, a stranger to that renova- 
 tion of heart which is brouo;ht about bv the searchinf]^ 
 powerful word of Truth ; but as this living, quick- 
 ening principle is believed in, abode in, and delighted 
 in, by the Jew inward, whose praise is not of men, ho 
 
40 ISAAC MARTINIS JOURWAL. [1793 
 
 has an eye to the recompense of reward, and comes 
 into the real possession of the Truth. 
 
 Oh ! may this all-powerful word be my support 
 through this afflicted pilgrimage, wherein my faith 
 and patience are often deeply tried. I feel hke a so- 
 journer here, in this state of probation, and ought not 
 to take up my rest in fading enjoyments, which are 
 swiftly passing away, and I am hastening towards ar 
 awful scene of everlasting fixedness. 
 
 Toward the latter end of the 8th month, in com- 
 pany with my kinswoman, Sarah Lundy, who was 
 going on a religious visit southward, as far as Caro- 
 Hna and Georgia, I attended Bucks Quarterly Meet- 
 ing held at the Falls. Had also the company of a 
 large committee of Friends, appointed by the Yearly 
 Meeting, to visit the Quarterly and monthly meetings 
 in order to afford such help, as in wisdom might be 
 furnished to stir up the members to a more lively 
 concern in attending to meetings, particularly those 
 near the middle of the week ; — and that when met, a 
 drowsy spirit might be guarded against, as that which 
 frustrates the good purposes, intended by these solemn 
 occasions: — likewise to use their endeavours to dis- 
 courage the distillation, vending, or unnecessary use of 
 spirituous liquors. And as a manifest departure from 
 simplicity and plainness of habit and deportment, 
 was very conspicuous in many of the youth ; these 
 also claimed the solid attention of the committe, and 
 much suitable counsel was given — also to parents 
 and others concerned respecting the extravagant 
 furniture of their houses. All which indicates a de- 
 parture from under that Divine power, manifest in 
 the heart, which, as it is abode in, crucifies the flesh 
 with its affections and lusts, and sets bounds to our 
 
1793] ISAAC martin's journal. 41 
 
 desires. But alas ! the love of money has done us, 
 as a people, abundance of hurt, and is as a corrupt 
 root, whence other evils have proceeded. 
 
 Wi mo. 8t/i. Attended a General Meeting at Mend- 
 ham, where 1 met with our beloved friend John Simp- 
 son, w^ho was largely and livingly led forth in public 
 testimony, suitable to the states of many present, a 
 large number of people being collected, who conducted 
 with sobriety. Next day, we w^ere at their preparative 
 meeting, which was small, but a profitable season — 
 after which I went with John Simpson about 12 miles, 
 to a meeting he had appointed, where no Friends 
 reside — thence I returned home. 
 
 Pure religion is a work, begun and carried on in 
 the heart, by the power of Divine grace, which as it 
 is obediently yielded unto by man, he becomes leav- 
 ened into a meek and heavenly temper, or disposition, 
 and brings forth fruits of righteousness, to the praise of 
 him who is the Author of all good. 
 
 9th mo. \lth. Having had a prospect for several 
 weeks, of attending the Quarterly meetings for Glou- 
 cester and Salem, my mind was much exercised, 
 that I might rightly distinguish the voice of Israel's 
 Shepherd from the imaginations and conceptions of 
 my own mind. But on carefully weighing the con- 
 cern, I was induced to believe the Divine sanction 
 attended it. So I parted with my dear family, and 
 came to my beloved friend Benjamin Clarke's, at Sto- 
 ny Brook. Next day reached Thomas Thome's at 
 1 laddonfield ; where I was informed that three hun- 
 dred persons had been buried in Philadelphia, within 
 three days ; the yellow fever aAvfully prevailing there. 
 19^^. Attended the select Quarterly meeting at 
 Haddonfield ; and trul v it was a very solemn season ; in 
 
42 ISAAC martin's journal. [1793 
 
 an especial manner, when the business of appoint- 
 ing representatives to the Yearly Meeting, came be- 
 fore us. It was thought best not to nominate any to 
 the service ; but for Friends to be very weighty in 
 their spirits, and such as had a prospect of attending 
 the Yearly Meeting, to offer their names. When in 
 a very solemn manner, such as I never before wit- 
 nessed, nine Friends gave up to have their names 
 entered as representatives : though it was agreed, 
 Friends should be left to their religious feelings, when 
 the time came, and not be judged bfemable, if they 
 did not attend. It was truly an affecting time. 
 
 After meeting, dined at Thomas Thome's — then 
 walked into the fields, and humbly spread my cause 
 before the Lord ; my heart being contrite, and greatly 
 desirous to know his mind and will concerning my at- 
 tending the Yearly Meeting, now near at hand. And 
 blessed be his name, he was pleased to strengthen 
 me with his living presence, so that I had a comfort- 
 able belief, it would be well with me if it should 
 please the Lord to take me hence. What shall I 
 render unto him for all his mercies to me, a poor 
 creature. Oh ! that I may serve him faithfully, du- 
 ring my short stay here, in this world of trials and 
 exercises ; so that when I am called hence, I may 
 appear before him with joy. 
 
 Next day, attended the Quarterly meeting for busi- 
 ness at Haddonfield, where suftering, as is frequent in 
 most of these large promiscuous gatherings, was my 
 lot. I believe the time will come, w^hen Friends will 
 find it will conduce to the good of society, to keep 
 these meetings select, and not admit those not pro- 
 fessing with us to sit in the meeting preceding the 
 transaction of business, as there are divers inconve- 
 
1793] ISAAC martin's journal. 48 
 
 niences attending it. But as there is great openness 
 with many to be at our meetings for worship, it 
 seems to me, truth will point out the necessity of 
 faithful labourers appointing meetings amongst these 
 more than has been the case of latter times. 
 
 21 5/. In company with my beloved friend, John 
 Collins, I proceeded to Joseph Kaighn's, where we 
 met our dear friends, Joshua Evans and Elizabeth 
 Collins. Joseph very kindly took us in his boat to 
 Philadelphia. After landing on the wharf, my spirit 
 was awfully covered with a measure of the oversha- 
 dowing of the Divine presence; and standing still with 
 my mind turned unto the Lord, I could say. Thou 
 knowest I have come here in obedience to thy requi- 
 rings ; when a language sweetly ran through my mind. 
 My peace I give unto thee. I then proceeded to 
 Daniel Offley's. He was gone to visit a beloved 
 young woman, Sarah Rodman of Newport, Rhode 
 Island, who was sick, our dear friend Daniel being 
 frequently engaged to visit the sick who are seized 
 with the pestilential disorder, which now awfully 
 prevails in this city, nearly one hundred persons daily 
 departing this life. 
 
 After resting a few minutes, I went to the meeting 
 of ministers and elders, where I met with a number 
 of dear brethren and sisters who had come to this 
 city as with their lives in their hands. There were 
 about twenty women present. Only one representa- 
 tive attended from Burlington quarter, though several 
 were there from each of the other quarters. The 
 Lord our God was graciously pleased to favour us 
 with his blessed presence. All fear of sickness and 
 death seemed taken from us, and an holy, awful calm 
 covered our spirits. The meeting held near four 
 
44 ISAAC martin's journal. [1793 
 
 hours ; and Friends were brought near to one another 
 in the precious fellowship of pure love, which was feh 
 to flow from vessel to vessel, to our mutual rejoice- 
 ing and confirmation. It is good to trust in the Lord, 
 for his mercies endure for ever. He is still mindful of 
 his people; he is with his church, and will yet enlarge 
 her borders, and build up her waste places. Joy and. 
 gladness will be found therein — thanksgiving and the 
 voice of melody. 
 
 Philade/phia, 9th mn. 25th, 1793. Awful indeed, 
 is the present dispensation of Divine Providence, to 
 the inhabitants of this city ; loudly calling for deep 
 humiliation of soul. Now his judgtnents are poured 
 out upon the people, in a very w^onderful manner. 
 Oh ! that the inhabitants may learn righteousness ! 
 Oil ! that they may bow low before him in humility 
 of soul, and cry mightily unto him, if so be, he may 
 stay his hand. May the Lord Almighty keep me, so 
 that whether life or death, I may be resigned un- 
 to him who hath been very gracious unto me, since I 
 came unto this city, being a stay to my mind, which 
 has been preserved in quietude. Blessed be his holy 
 name. 
 
 10th mo. 8th. I left home in company with my es- 
 teemed fi'iend Hugh Davis, and rode to Mendham. 
 Next day reached Hardwich and attended monthly 
 meeting there the day following. After which we 
 visited divers persons who had been disowned ; and 
 they were invited to return unto him who was as wil- 
 ling to gather them as he was Jerusalem's children 
 formerly. On First-day attended meeting at Hard- 
 wich. To me it was a low time — the world has too 
 much place in many hearts. Next day rode to King- 
 wood, where meeting with our kind friend Henry 
 
1793J ISAAC martin's journal. 45 
 
 Cliffton and wife, it was like iron sharpening iron ; 
 found them much exercised on account of the aw- 
 ful dispensation of Providence, at this time of great 
 mortality in Philadelphia. Divers precious servants 
 of the Lord having been removed by death since 
 Yearly Meeting ; among whom were Daniel Offley, 
 Huson Langstroth and Charles Williams, worthy 
 ministers in the prime of life; also Margaret Haines, 
 a spiritually minded elder. 
 
 Joseph Moore, a minister belonging to Kingwood 
 meeting also deceased the 6th of this month. He had 
 been from home several months with divers other 
 Friends to attend the Indian treaty at Sandusky ; and 
 after his return home, went to the Yearly Meeting 
 in Philadelphia where it was thought he took the 
 prevailing disorder, and lived but a few days after 
 his return to his family. He was a valuable friend,, 
 much beloved by those who were acquainted with 
 him. 
 
 20th. Was informed that within a few days past,, 
 the disorder that has raged in Philadelphia, for about 
 two months, is very much abated. A wonderful in- 
 terposition of the Most High ! So great has been the 
 mortahty that it is computed that about four thousand 
 persons have been taken off the stage of this life. 
 
 llth mo. 5th. Favoured with the company and re- 
 ligious labours of Deborah Darby and Rebecca Young, 
 two dear women Friends from England, who arrived 
 in New York about four wrecks since. They had 
 also an evening meeting for those not in membership 
 with us ; which was large and satisfactory. Great 
 have been the favoiu*s extended to this meeting at 
 Rahway, both immediately by the visitations of the 
 Holy Spirit, and instrumentally by servants and hand- 
 
46 ISAAC MARTINIS JOURNAL. [1793 
 
 maids, often sent among us, as clouds distilling heav- 
 enly showers, for the watering of the heritage. But I 
 apprehend, too few are enough sensible of these fa- 
 vours, so as to make suitable returns of gratitude, 
 love, and fidelity, to the Author of these blessings. 
 May there be an increase of watchfulness and care 
 among the members, is what I very much desire. 
 
 ^th. My spirit has been revived this day, in feeling 
 access to the throne of grace, and being divinely sup- 
 ported under deep exercises both of body and mind. 
 I am led to believe that I must bear a faithful testi- 
 mony against the spirit of pride and vanity, not only 
 when called thereunto in public, but, as a seal of the 
 same, I have been constrained to abstain from ma- 
 king or vending such articles of trade, as are inven- 
 ted to gratify the vain minds of the people. Under 
 this restraint, the prospect of maintaining my family 
 at times looks gloomy ; having also for a long time, 
 been much afflicted with a pain in my head, which 
 renders me incapable of much bodily exertion. But 
 Oh ! that my faith may be increased, and strength 
 given me to bear, in holy resignation, whatever may 
 be dispensed by Him, who hath hitherto been my 
 caretaker and preserver ; and if I have but httle of 
 this world's goods, may I still love and adore him 
 above all ; for it is in unerring wisdom that he dis- 
 penses affliction, as the pathway to everlasting glory. 
 May his will be done. 
 
 lOth. Was at New York and attended fore and af- 
 ternoon meetings, which have much increased as to 
 numbers, within a few years past. While I was com- 
 municating some solemn and humbling truths in rela- 
 tion to the shortness and uncertainty of our time here, 
 ^ and the great necessity of m.aking timely preparation 
 
1794] ISAAC martin's journal. 47 
 
 for a better and more enduring inheritance ; my way' 
 seemed to close up, and I sat down, thougli under 
 some discouragement. May I ever be careful to at- 
 tend only to the life, however like a fool I may ap- 
 pear, and close when the current of life closes, as 
 well knowing it is that alone which can qualify for^ 
 true gospel ministry. 
 
 I2th mo. 24th. Having for some time felt a draft to 
 make a religious visit in the neighbourhood of Shrews- 
 bury ; with the concurrence of Friends, I set out and 
 reached Edmund Williams'. The next evening had 
 a meeting at Poplar Swamp, which was large and 
 measurabty favoured with Divine regard. Next day, 
 had a meeting at Deal, and the day following at Long 
 Branch ; which was a favoured, good meeting. On 
 First-day morning attended Shrewsbury meeting, 
 also had a meeting at Colts Neck in the evening, 
 which was rather hard and laborious. 
 
 On the 31st had a very large meeting at Shrews- 
 bury made up of different societies. The master of^ 
 assemblies was graciously near, being strength in 
 weakness, mouth and wisdom to me. I was concerned 
 to recommend to brotherly love, and to show that 
 individuals by dwelling in the Truth, might be a bles- 
 sing to their families and neighbourhoods, in promo- 
 ting peace and harmony amongst others. Thus, byj 
 learning of him who is meek and lowly of heart, we 
 become qualified to forgive injuries, and to see the in- 
 consistency of war and contention, with the purity of 
 the gospel dispensation. 
 
 On the 2d of 1st month, 1794, had a large meet- 
 ing at Squankum, eminently owned with Divine re- 
 gard ; and one in the evening at B. Jackson's, among 
 
48 ISAAC martin's journal. [1794 
 
 the Methodists, who appeared sohd, and it was a good 
 ^ meeting. Here I was led to declare that all praying, 
 preaching and singing, performed by the mere strength 
 of man, unaided by the pure influence of the Holy 
 Spirit, was no more than sounding brass, or a tink- 
 .^ling cymbal. Next had a meeting at Squan, and 
 was again at Shrewsbury. After which I returned 
 home, mercifully favoured with a measure of that 
 peace which compensates for all our labours and ex- 
 ercises. 
 
 6th mo. 2d. I accompanied a part of the Yearly 
 Meeting's committee in a visit to some of the meet- 
 ings within our Quarter. Were at Rahway, Shrews- 
 bury, Squan and Squankum. Thence with Ann Mif- 
 flin and Philena Lay, to a meeting at Plainfield, and 
 the general meeting at Mendham, also the prepara- 
 tive meeting there. After which had a strengthen- 
 ing, satisfactory opportunity with the people, at Sus- 
 sex court-house. Next day, were at Hardvvich 
 monthly meeting, where things appeared to be low, 
 but Truth favoured with ability to clear ourselves 
 faithfully. Thence to Kingwood, where also we had 
 an appointed meeting. After which J. Sharpless, 
 with the women Friends, went into Bucks county, on 
 their return homeward — and after staying over First- 
 day meeting, I also returned to my family, having 
 been absent about two weeks. 
 
 7th mo. 6th. Departed this life, our beloved friend 
 Mary Haydock, at Philadelphia, whither she had 
 gone on account of a cancer, with which she had been 
 afl^icted about three years. She was an affectionate 
 wife and tender mother j — a kind neighbour, a friend 
 to the sick and afflicted, whom she often visited, com- 
 
1794] ISAAC martin's journal. 49 
 
 municating to tJie necessities of such as were in indi- 
 gent circumstances. She adorned her profession, by 
 a meek, circumspect life and conversation, — was a 
 dilisrent attender of our jelis^ious meetin^^s for wor- 
 ship and discipline, and careful to feel after the arisings 
 of Truth, in the performance of Divine worship. She 
 was generally beloved ; her innocent and exemplary 
 conduct gaining her the esteem of most who knew 
 her. My heart was affected with the account of her 
 death, in consideration of the loss, both to the church 
 and to individuals. But the Lord hath taken her 
 hence, and it remains for us to be resigned to his all- 
 wise dispensations. There is no doubt with me that 
 this our dear friend is admitted into rest, above the 
 reach of sorrow. May we that are left so pass the 
 time of our sojourning here, that when the time comes 
 for us to depart, we may have the evidence of peace 
 and acceptance. 
 
 1th mo. 17th. Having had a prospect for some time 
 past of visiting Friends in Pennsylvania, as far as Red- 
 stone, I laid the same before our monthly meeting ; 
 and my friend William Hartshorne expressing a con- 
 cern to accompany me, we were furnished with cer- 
 tificates of the unity of our friends at home, for that 
 purpose. '^ 
 
 Oh! how deep is Divine wisdom, in qualifying ser- 
 vants and handmaids to go forth and publish the glad 
 tidings of peace and salvation ! Deep baptisms of spi- 
 rit are often necessary for these in order to prepare 
 them for labouring in the church. 
 
 After some days of deep exercise, I left home and 
 rode to Trenton. Lodged at Isaac Collins'. After 
 retiring to bed, I was mercifully favoured with near 
 
 £ 
 
50 ISAAC martin's journal. [1794 
 
 access to the throne of Grace, and the language of 
 my soul was, O Lord ! be with me in this journey 
 from place to place, where my lot may be cast 
 Thou knowest it is in obedience to thy requirings that 
 I have left all, to go forth in fear before thee. Ena- 
 ble me to keep my rank, according to thy all- wise 
 disposal. I feel like a child for the work thou hast en- 
 gaged me in ; let me hear thy voice, and not mistake 
 imagination for revelation : but in all things enable 
 me to conduct agreeably to thy holy will. 
 
 On First-day 8rd of 8th mo. was at Plumstead meet- 
 ing; silent. In the afternoon had a meeting at Robert 
 Kirkbride's, where Truth favoured us. Next day, 
 attended the monthly meeting at Buckingham ; where 
 mourning was my lot, under a sense of the prevalence 
 of earthly mindedness and lukewarmness amongst 
 some of the members. Here I saw that man, with a 
 great deal of worldly wisdom, is inadequate for pro- 
 moting the cause of Truth. When members are ap- 
 pointed to services, who are not distinguished from 
 the world's people, in their dress, such as wearing 
 cross-pockets &c. how can they labour for a refor- 
 mation in the society ? Since I have had a sense of 
 Truth, it has been a burden and exercise to my mind 
 when I have beheld these marks of superfluity, upon 
 the members of our religious Society, The Yearly 
 Meeting has earnestly recommended to monthly meet- 
 ings to labour with the youth and others who deviate 
 from plainness and moderation in their dress and ad-, 
 dress, as being certain indications of a worldly spirit, 
 that is unwilling to bear the cross. May these things 
 be laid to heart. 
 
 5th, Were at Wrightstown monthly meeting, where, 
 
1794] ISAAC martin's JOURJfAL. 51 
 
 in the forepart, a comforLable ray of light and love 
 overspread us. But afterwards, it felt as if there was 
 a great want of weight and depth of spirit, among the 
 members of this meeting, and that many of them 
 were disqualified for complying with the Yearly 
 Meeting's recommendation on the subject of plain- 
 ness and moderation. Oh ! that a search may pass 
 through every rank and station in the church. 
 
 Next morning I awoke at four o'clock, with my 
 mind awfully bowed before the Lord, and he was gra- 
 ciously pleased to favour me with the spirit of prayer 
 and supplication, to the tendering and contriting of 
 my spirit. Attended monthly meeting at the Falls; 
 where my mind was nearly united to a precious seed, 
 and we were favoured with the overshadowings of 
 the Heavenly Father's love. 
 
 1th. Were at Middletown monthly meeting. Al- 
 though here is an exercised remnant, who are con- 
 cerned for the support of our Christian testimonies; 
 yet a worldly spirit, and the love of money, too m.uch 
 bear down the soul, and prevent a daily comm.union 
 with, and participation of, substantial good. Next 
 day, had an appointed meeting at Makefield, which 
 was comfortably owned with the overshadowing of 
 the Divine presence. On the day following, had a 
 meeting at Bristol, where the state of things, in a re- 
 ligious sense, appeared to be very low. 
 
 IQth. Being First-day, we attended Darby meet- 
 ing in the morning ; in which T was silent, but my 
 mind was much turned towards those not professing 
 with us. Being informed, they held an afternoon 
 meeting there, and notice being spread, a considerable 
 number attended, at the fourth hour, when I had au 
 
52 ISAAC martin's journal. [1794 
 
 opportunity of relieving my mind, and left the meet- 
 ing in peace.. Blessed be the Lord for this favour; 
 he is indeed a present helper in the needful time. O 
 my sou^ be encouraged to trust in him, at all times. 
 
 The two following days, attended Quarterly, and 
 youth's meetings at Concord ; but had nothing to im- 
 part publicly, in either. Then, taking meetings at 
 Wilmington, Brandywine, and Appoquinimink, (where 
 about seven families compose the meeting,) we went 
 on, having meetings at Duck Creek, Little Creek, 
 Motherkill, Dover, held in the court-house, and to the 
 Quarterly meeting held at Third-Haven. Lodged at 
 my kinsman, James Wainwright's. Attended the 
 meeting of ministers and elders on Seventh-day, the 
 public meeting on First-day morning, and had a reli- 
 gious opportunity with the black people in the after- 
 noon, to satisfaction. Next day, being the 25th, at- 
 tended the Quarterly meeting for business. I felt 
 nearly united in spirit with a truly exercised remnant, 
 who were engaged to labour in the Lord's harvest. 
 On Third-day, were at the youth's meeting, which 
 was large, many not professing with us attending, and 
 it was a good meeting, in which several living testi- 
 monies were borne. 
 
 After this meeting was over, I felt poor and low, 
 but seeing two of the people called Nicholites, I felt 
 a concern revive in my mind to visit some of their 
 meetings ; and having the approbation of Friends, we 
 set forward toward their settlements. Next day, had 
 a meeting at Marshy-creek, and the day following, 
 attended a meeting of the people called Nicholites; 
 in which my heart was much tendered, and I re- 
 joiced in being at this meeting. The rightly exer- 
 
1794] ISAAC martin's journal. 53: 
 
 cised travellers were encouraged to dwell in the 
 power of Truth, and attend to its openings, day by- 
 day. 
 
 29th. Was at another meeting among the Nichol- 
 ites, at Centre, which was much more exercising; 
 there appeared to be a rest taken up in the outward 
 form of plainness and simplicity. Their clothing is 
 of the natural colour; for they object to dying cloth, 
 esteeming it a superfluous expense, calculated more 
 for ostentation than true usefulness. Next day, was^ 
 at their other meeting at Tuckahoe : where I was led 
 to treat of the call and qualifications of a gospel mi- 
 nister, as proceeding from the pure openings of the 
 Spirit of Truth ; and that those who minister of the 
 holy things of the sanctuary, must be baptized with 
 the Holy Ghost and fire, by the operation of which, 
 their hearts being purified, they can from a feeling 
 sense declare the way of life and salvation unto others, 
 for that which is of God begets unto him. What an 
 inexpressible blessing and favour to have a free gos- 
 pel ministry restored; — a ministry supported by the 
 pure indwelling of Divine love and life in the soul — 
 furnishing with renewed qualifications, from season to 
 season, to minister to the different states of the people ! 
 I afterwards understood there was a cause for this 
 doctrine being delivered amongst them — there being 
 one present who was a speaker, but his conduct in 
 several respects did not comport with a gospel minis- 
 ter. Ihad an inward sense of his unsoundness, and 
 that he had not dwelt long enough in the furnace to 
 be qualified to teach others. Before I arose I fer- 
 vently prayed in secret, that I might not hurt the 
 least babe in the truth. 
 
54 ISAAC martin's journal. [1794 
 
 Among other subjects, the necessity of purity of 
 heart, was pressed home to their consideration, and 
 that they might experience a daily waiting in the 
 inner temple of their hearts, — that the Lord's work 
 might be carried forward in them, and that they 
 might be prepared, through an abiding in and under 
 his divine power manifested there, to draw nigh unto 
 him with acceptance. The formahst was laboured 
 with, not to leave the outward form which is comely 
 and beautiful, but to press the necessity of experienc- 
 ing the saoctifying, cleansing virtue of Truth, which 
 alone can render the soul acceptable to God ; and 
 which quickening power, as it is abode in, will ma- 
 nifest itself by outward works ; — the outward form 
 of religion will show itself in those who partake of 
 the inward life, and feed upon heavenly and divine 
 nourishment. Without this, the most specious outside 
 show of holiness will be of no avail. 
 
 The Nicholites received and entertained us with 
 great kindness. Among them are some tender-spirited 
 people, with whom I felt unity. They profess nearly 
 the same principles as Friends ; many of them being 
 very strict and guarded in their conduct and con- 
 versation. I was pleased in beholding the simphcity 
 of their dress and manners. They are very particu- 
 lar in refraining from dyed stufis ; the women wear- 
 ing white linen bonnets. I believe, beyond doubting, 
 that the Lord has been at work in their hearts by his 
 good spirit. The first of this society, was Joseph 
 Nichols, mentioned in John Woolman's Journal ; he 
 has been dead about twenty years. A great part of 
 them are desirous of joining Friends, but others are 
 
1794] ISAAC martin's journal. 55 
 
 opposed to it ; and as they appear concerned that 
 unity may be maintained amongst themselves, this 
 subject will require time and the exercise of patience, 
 which was recommended to them. 
 
 We next attended Friends' meeting at Tuckahoe 
 Neck, which was a low suffering season for the most 
 part. Thence, after visiting a sick friend, we went on 
 byway of Easton to Bay-side, and lodged at a Friend's 
 house. Next day, crossed Chesapeake Bay to the 
 Western Shore of Maryland, and pursued our jour- 
 ney to Alexandria, in Virginia. The weather being 
 very warm, and the roads but indifferent, we had an 
 uncomfortable ride, which, with the afflicting sense I 
 had of the oppressed state of the poor black people, 
 much depressed my spirits. My heart was unusually 
 sad, and a horror of darkness seemed to overspread 
 me, being measurably dipt into a feeling of the state 
 and condition of their oppressors. In this deep exer- 
 cise, I cried unto the Lord to favour me with the 
 light of his countenance ; and was favoured to feel 
 his presence near. 
 
 Oik mo. 4th. Attended the week-day meeting at 
 Alexandria. Then went on over difficult roads, 
 through Leesburg and Fairfax, to a place called the 
 Gap, where we attended meeting on First-day, in 
 which holy help was afforded. Thence, accompa- 
 nied by John M'Pherson, we proceeded by way of 
 Hopewell, (formerly called Opeckon,) and over the 
 Alleghany mountains to Redstone, where we arrive^ 
 on the evening of the 12th. After a comfortable 
 night's rest, I felt much refreshed in body ; but in 
 mind, much Hke unto an empty vessel. 
 
56 ISAAC MARTINIS JOURNAL. [1794 
 
 I4tk and 15^^. Attended two meetings. Was 
 much exercised under a sense of things being out of 
 order, and that the enemy had sowed discord among 
 them. Which I afterward found to be the case. 
 May the Shepherd of Israel arise, and strengthen 
 with holy help, so that there may be a uniting to- 
 gether in the precious fellowship of pure spiritual 
 love, which remains to be the characteristic mark, 
 distinguishing the followers of Christ from those of 
 anti-Christ. If this divine, cementing bond of union 
 is not felt to keep us together, in a holy travail for 
 Truth^s prosperity, in vain is a profession without it; 
 being only an image without life. 
 
 May the Lord in mercy preserve me, and enable 
 me faithfully to cleave unto his Divine power,, mani- 
 fest in my heart ; so that I may not, in any degree, 
 mar the work whereunto he has called me. 
 
 9t/i mo. 28th. Being First-day, w^ere at Union 
 meeting. The Lord was pleased to appear in power, 
 in which ability was afforded to preach the gospel to 
 divers states present. Many hearts were broken and 
 contrited, and the pure influence of Divine Truth 
 spread over the meeting in a memorable manner. 
 My spirit was bowed in aw^ful, deep reverence, under 
 the precious influence of gospel love. The lame, the 
 maimed, the blind, and the halt, after being faithfully 
 warned of their dangerous state and condition, were 
 invited to return unto Israel's Shepherd ; whose ga- 
 thering crook of Divine power and love, Avas gra- 
 ciously extended, for their restoration into the way 
 of hfe and salvation ; where with the sheep of Christ 
 they might partake of the bread of life. 
 
1794] ISAAC martin's journal. 57 
 
 I now felt as though I might be released from fur- 
 ther service in this part of the country. And although 
 deep baptisms and provings of spirit have been 
 much my lot while here, partly under a sense of 
 weaknesses and wrong things, amongst many of the 
 members of our society, yet the Lord hath sustained 
 and helped me, to my humble admiration. May the 
 praise be ascribed unto him ; and may his fatherly 
 care and loving kindness be still continued toward 
 me. 
 
 Next day we set out, and crossed the Alleghany 
 mountains, in company with divers Friends of Red- 
 stone and Westland monthly meetings, who were 
 going to attend Fairfax Quarterly meeting, of which 
 they are members, distant about one hundred and 
 seventy miles. As we travelled on, we met abun- 
 dance of people, in wagons, moving towards Ken- 
 tucky. We were frequently inquired of respecting 
 the disturbances in Washington, Fayette, and Alle- 
 ghany counties, on account of the unwillingness of 
 the people to comply with the excise laws. But I 
 informed them, I knew but little concerning these 
 matters, my concern being of a different kind, and 
 my delight to see people love one another. 
 
 I may here note the great difficulty of the inhabi- 
 tants of Redstone in procuring salt. Many people 
 travel 120 to 140 miles to obtain it; some with two, 
 three, and four horses, each carrying three or four 
 bushels on their backs ; which by reason of the ex- 
 pense of the journey, is retailed in the Redstone set- 
 tlements at thirty shillings a bushel. Other provi- 
 sions there are generally cheap and plentiful, and 
 their habitations corafortable. 
 
58 ISAAC martin's journal. [1794 
 
 lOth mo. 1st. We proceeded on our journey, and 
 had a meeting at a place called Frankfort. It was 
 held at an inn, and was small, hard, and laborious, 
 being a very rainy day. We afterwards went on 
 through the rain, and got lodging's at a Dutchman's 
 house, where, though crowded for room, having but 
 two beds for eight persons, we passed the night with 
 tolerable comfort. Next day we got to meeting at 
 Bear-Garden, an indulged meeting, among new set- 
 tlers. We then rode twenty miles to our beloved 
 friend Abel Walker's, at Hopewell, where we were 
 kindly received. Thence we proceeded to the Quar- 
 terly meeting at Fairfax, taking Goose Creek meet- 
 ing on our way. 
 
 After the Quarterly meeting, I had several pre- 
 cious, baptizing opportunities in Friends' famihes, to 
 the melting and tendering of our spirits together. Di- 
 vine love flowed as from vessel to vessel, to our mu- 
 tual rejoicing and encouragement, furnishing evidence 
 that the Lord our God is still mindful of us. 
 
 lOth mo. Sth. After attending the week-day meet- 
 ing at Fairfax, to my satisfaction and comfort, we 
 set forward, and next day held a comfortable meet- 
 ing at Bush-Creek, in Maryland. Divers Friends 
 from Redstone, Fairfax, and its neighbourhood, were 
 with us, on their way to the Yearly Meeting to be 
 held at Baltimore; where there has been a time of 
 great mortality, with a pestilential disorder, similar 
 to that in Philadelphia, last year. My mind was much 
 exercised respecting attending the service of the 
 Yearly Meeting, and very desirous of being rightly 
 directed therein. At length, I became fully resigned 
 
1794] ISAAC martin's journal. 59 
 
 to go, and proceeded some distance toward Balti- 
 more; when I was taken very unwell on the road. 
 My heart was made contrite, and I was given to be- 
 lieve that the resignation of my mind was accepted, 
 instead of the deed, after which, I felt perfectly easy 
 to go on to Little Falls, and was favoured with 
 sweet peace, in a belief that I was in the w^ay of 
 my duty. We then went on, crossed the river Sus- 
 quehanna and lodged at George Churchman's, at 
 East Nottingham. He was gone to the Yearly 
 Meeting at Baltimorcy. but we . had a comfortable 
 opportunity with his children in the evening. Next 
 day we dined at Williani Jackson's, and, in com- 
 pany with Jacob Lindley, went on to Samuel Can- 
 by's at Brandywine, where we lodged. After this, 
 passing through Philadelphia, I reached home the 
 21st of the 10th month, and was joyfully received by 
 my wife, children and friends ; having been absent 
 upwards of eleven weeks, attended fifty-six meetings 
 and travelled about twelve hundred and fifty miles. 
 
 On the 25th of 10th month, I attended our Quarter- 
 ly meeting at Shrewsbury, after which, in company 
 with Joseph Cloud, of North Carolina, attended meet- 
 ings appointed at Squan, Squankum, Deal, Poplar 
 Swamp, Long Branch, and Colt's Neck, to the reUef 
 and comfort of my mind. A few, days after my re- 
 turn home, I set out for Mendham, Hardwich and 
 some other places — also, in company with Richard 
 Dell, had meetings in Paulins-kill, and the Drowned 
 Lands ; also one at Hackctts-town, to a good degree 
 of satisfaction. Then after attending their First-day 
 meeting at Mendham, I returned home. 
 
60 ISAAC MARTIN*S JOURNAL. [1794 
 
 While out on this journey, I was led to treat on the 
 call and qualifications of a true gospel minister, and 
 to show that in the discharge of so important and 
 weighty a trust, a minister should be actuated by a 
 sense of duty to God, and pure love to the souls of 
 mankind. Such are made willing through the con- 
 straining influence of the gospel spirit, to leave all the 
 nearest outward connexions in life, as husbands, 
 wives, or children, when called by him who is the 
 true Shepherd of the sheep; and their labour in gath- 
 ering souls unto Christ, is availing. While those who 
 make a trade of preaching often leave the poor flock 
 to take care of themselves, when a higher call, (viz. 
 more money,) is presented to them. By which they 
 manifest a greater love for the gain of this world 
 than for the welfare of their fellow creatures. 
 
 Other subjects treated on were the universality of 
 Divine grace, election and reprobation. The power 
 of choice being conferred on the children of men, by 
 their great Creator, those who open the door of their 
 hearts unto Christ, the Redeemer, and are faithful 
 unto him, being the elect. On the contrary, those who 
 resist, quench and do despite to his Spiril, through an 
 unwiUingness to bear the cross, which would crucify 
 the disorderly working of the flesh, or old man with 
 his deeds; these not liking to retain God in their 
 knowledge, become more and more hardened through 
 disobedience, and fall into a state of reprobation. 
 
 Not feeling clear of Pennsylvania, with the unity of 
 Friends, 1 left home on the 12th of 12th month, and 
 attended a meeting at the Falls, in Bucks county; 
 thence went to see my beloved friends Deborah Darby 
 and Rebecca Young, from England, now engaged in a 
 
1794] ISAAC martin's journal, 61 
 
 family visit to the members of Horsham meeting. We 
 were comforted together under a sense of the Lord's 
 goodness, who allots to his servants their different 
 portions of labour in his harv^est of ingathering, and 
 none of them are dissatisfied with the wages furnished 
 by so good and bountiful a master. 
 
 From Horsham with my beloved friend Jonathan 
 Kirkbride, I went to Richland monthly meeting; also 
 visited a Friend who had been so afl^ected in his mind 
 as to decline conversation, for about four months. 
 The Lord opened to me his state and condition, and 
 showed me that he was under a strong temptation 
 and delusion, which I was enabled clearly to point 
 out to him, in the authority of Truth, as we were col- 
 lected with his family in the evening. After which I 
 was constrained to kneel down and supplicate the 
 Most High, as also to ascribe praises to his great and 
 glorious name. The poor Friend was strengthen- 
 ed, and before bed-time entered into innocent con- 
 versation with us. He also went with me, very ac- 
 ceptably, about a week, and attended divers meetings. 
 After which we parted in n^ar aflection ; I went to 
 East Calm, where I attended meeting on First-day 
 in silence. I then visited all the meetings in the West- 
 ern Quarter, the last of which was East Nottingham. 
 Thence with a peaceful mind, rode to West Grove, 
 not knowing but I might return home, under the pre- 
 cious sensations of heavenly goodness accompanying 
 me. 
 
 Here, in my usual daily retirement, waiting upon 
 the Lord for the renewal of my strength, I was brought 
 under deep exercise of mind, occasioning a thorough 
 search to discover the cause. At length it opened to 
 
63 ISAAC martin's journal. [1795 
 
 me, with Divine sweetness, as a duty, to visit the fa- 
 milies of West Grove meeting. And though I felt in 
 a state of deep, inward poverty, insufficient of myself 
 for such an arduous service, yet was enabled to re- 
 sign thereunto, trusting in Him who requires no more 
 than he gives ability to perform. 
 
 The 21st of the 1st month, 1795, accompanied by 
 my beloved friend, William Jackson, I entered on the 
 service of this family visit, and continued therein till 
 the 25th, which being First-day, I attended meeting 
 there ; and was favoured to feel the Lord's presence 
 to the contriting of my spirit. A blessed evidence 
 was afforded me that I was in a state of favour, peace, 
 and acceptance with him, the beloved of my soul : 
 and I was enabled to worship and adore him, in awful 
 silence ; as well as publicly to supplicate his great and 
 glorious name, and reverently to praise him. 
 
 2&th. I am still mercifully favoured to feel that the 
 Shepherd of Israel is with me. Upon him I lean for 
 wisdom and strength ; and while I have a being, am 
 desirous to be devoted to him, who is the never fail- 
 ing helper of his depending children. 
 
 2d mo. 1st. Attended London Grove meeting, which 
 was exercising andiarge. On the 4th, I was at West 
 Grove meeting, where 1 had good service, and hav- 
 ing finished the family visit, I took an affectionate 
 farewell of Friends there, to some of whom my spirit 
 was nearly united, in the pure fellowship of gospel 
 love. In the afternoon, visited Friends' school ; and 
 next day was at New Garden week-day meeting. After 
 dinner, I mounted my horse, not seeing any more ser- 
 vice in these parts ; but was presently brought under 
 much exercise; and an opening presented to stay 
 
1795] ISAAC martin's journal. 63 
 
 monthly meeting there, which I did, and Friends en- 
 dorsed my certificate. Seeing no way clear to go 
 homewards, I continued in the neighbourhood till 
 after the Quarterly meeting at London Grove, which 
 I attended, in silence. After the -youth's meeting 
 there, my way opened to visit the families of New- 
 Garden meeting; in which I w^as accompanied by 
 Hannah Lindley, of whose company I was truly glad. 
 
 When this family visit was accom.plished, way 
 opened for my return homewards. On First-day. 
 was at Concord meeting, which was a favoured, 
 strengthening time. Thence, passing through Ches- 
 ter, Darby and Philadelphia, I went on to the Falls, 
 in Bucks county; where Richard Dell, of Mendham, 
 was engaged in visiting families. 
 
 3d mo. I2th. After attending their week-day meet- 
 ing, w^hich was a season of Divine favour, I was 
 drawn to unite wdth Friends in the family visit. After 
 it was finished to my satisfaction, I attended the 
 meeting there on First-day, which w^as a refreshing 
 time ; then crossed the Delaware, and rode to Robert 
 White's, at Stony-brook, where I was kindly enter- 
 tained. Next day reached home, and was joyfully 
 received by my family, after an absence of more 
 than three months. 
 
 7th mo. 2Sth. Under humbling exercises of soul, I 
 have seen that there is an increasing 'evil, which has 
 done abundance of hurt in our religious society, viz. 
 covetousness, or an anxious desire after the riches of 
 this world. It appeared to me, that the understand- 
 ings of many have thereby become so darkened, as 
 not to see the beauty and excellency of the pure 
 Truth, nor to enjoy its precious, heavenly influen«ce, 
 
64 ISAAC martin's journal. [1795 
 
 as the chiefest good attainable on this side the grave. 
 The god of this world is presenting the glory of it 
 to those who have escaped its gross pollutions, and 
 under many plausible pretences many are caught 
 with its gilded baits, or are in great danger thereof. 
 A command was given me, to bear a faithful testi- 
 mony against that spirit which is eagerly pursuing 
 the riches and greatness of this world. 
 
 In the 10th month, I attended the monthly meeting 
 in New York. It was small ; great numbers of 
 Friends and others having left the city on account of 
 a pestilential disorder prevailing there. It seemed 
 an awful time ; but my mind, through gracious help, 
 was preserved in a state of calmness and confidence 
 in God, the incomes of whose Hfe-giving presence 
 supported my soul above the fear of pestilence or 
 death. 
 
 Of latter time, it has appeared to me, that the 
 Lord has arisen to chastise the inhabitants of North 
 America, in divers places, in a pecuhar manner ; but, in 
 a general way, they seem to make light of these visita- 
 tions. Corruption, I fear, increases in the land, and too 
 few lay it to heart : so that one w^oe after another may 
 still await us. O my soul! cleave faithfully unto the 
 Lord thy God, who hitherto has helped thee, and 
 who continues, from time to time, to reveal his 
 saving arm of power for thy preservation and sup- 
 port. 
 
 2Sd. After attending our Quarterly meeting at 
 Shrewsbury, and faithfully discharging my duty 
 therein, I had meetings at Rumsen, Poplar, Mane- 
 squan, Squankum, over Squan river, at I^ong Branch 
 and Colt's Neck, which were attended by great num- 
 
1796] ISAAC martin's journal. 05 
 
 bers of other societies. The Lord's presence, which 
 is the joy of my life, was with me from day to day, 
 and I retm'ned home wdth the comfortable evidence 
 of having been in my proper place. Oh blessed sen- 
 sation ! Oh inestimable blessing, to have our adop- 
 tion .sealed to us by the eternal spirit of God ! 
 
 l5^ mo. 9th, 1796. Have been engaged for above 
 a month, in a religious visit to the families of Friends, 
 belonging to Kingwood monthly meeting. The ser- 
 vice was truly arduous ; and had it not been for the 
 Omnipotent Arm, which bore up my spirit above the 
 billows and waves of discouragement, I had turned 
 back. But the Lord, who requires no service but 
 what he abilitates to perform, as our dependance is 
 steadily fixed upon him, was graciously pleased to 
 strengthen in the needful time. My soul was bowed, 
 from day to day, under a sense of the low state of 
 many of the members, who, for want of keeping up 
 the watch, according to our Lord's injunction, are 
 too much absorbed in the love of this perishing world. 
 Hence, love to God, and its natural effect, love one 
 to another, have very much abated. 
 
 An outside, superficial friendship may be kept up, 
 by mere natural men and women ; but a true union 
 of spirit, that seeks each other's welfare, growth and 
 establishment in the Truth, and the peace and favour 
 of our Almighty Benefactor, — is only to be expe- 
 rienced, by a dying to our corrupt wills and inclina- 
 tions. As this operation is submitted to, we witness 
 the heavenly gift of grace, — the plant of renown to 
 grow, spread, and prevail in our hearts, producing 
 the blessed fruits, described by the apostle, " lov^e, 
 joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith. 
 
66 ISAAC martin's journal. [1796 
 
 meekness, temperance." These are the virtues which 
 spring up in the soul, as it becomes leavened into the 
 heavenly nature. Then, instead of rejoicing at the 
 failings of those who depart from the paths of recti- 
 tude, or watching for evil, and spreading the report 
 thereof when committed, there is a disposition to 
 mourn and lament because of it, — and in the spirit of 
 meekness, to labour for the reclaiming and restora- 
 tion of such. 
 
 Here, the order and government of the church is 
 maintained ; and pure love, being the spring of ac- 
 tion, quaUfies the members to labour for the promo- 
 tion of righteousness on the earth. 
 
 But, at the present, does not iniquity greatly 
 abound in the land ? And is not the Holy Spirit con- 
 tinually grieved at the crying sins and abominations 
 of the inhabitants ? O North America ! thou hast 
 been chastised in thy borders, and yet hast not hum- 
 bled thyself. Thy corruptions increase, though thou 
 hast been visited, both in judgment and in great mer- 
 cies. 
 
 O my soul ! draw nigh unto thy God, and wait 
 upon him for the renewing of his quickening power, 
 by which thou mayst be borne above the world, and 
 all its perishing enjoyments, as well as momentary 
 afflictions. His heavenly love is graciously vouch- 
 safed for thy support, in this thy afflicted pilgrimage, 
 so that thou canst say. Good is the Lord, and worthy 
 to be trusted, honoured, and obeyed, now and for 
 ever more. 
 
 In the 2d month 1796, with the concurrence of the 
 monthly meeting, I visited the families of our particu- 
 lar meeting of Rahway, in the performance of which 
 
1797] ISAAC martin's journal. 67 
 
 I was favoured with the evidence of peace. Soon af- 
 ter, I visited the meetings of Shrewsbury, Squan and 
 Squankum ; also had appointed meetings at Benjamin 
 Jackson's, Poplar Swamp, Long Branch, Colt's Neck, 
 Rumsen, and over Squan River. At several of these 
 places the people were called to repentance, under a 
 sense of their dark state and condition. Yet, I be- 
 lieved there were a few, who were seeking the way to 
 the kingdom, and I felt concerned to impress upon them 
 the absolute necessity of seeking it within them, that so 
 they might find righteousness, peace, and joy in the 
 Holy Spirit, to spring up and grow in their hearts. 
 Thus every thing contrary th{ reto being subdued, 
 and cast out, the Lord's heavenly kingdom would 
 come in them, and he alone have the dominion and 
 the glory, who is forever worthy. 
 
 llth mo. 226Z, 1797. My mind of late, hath often 
 been deeply impressed with an awful sense, that a 
 time of great distress draweth near. A pestilential 
 disorder hath already swept away many people, but 
 the living do not enough lay it to heart. Vice and 
 immorality very much prevail. A time of great di- 
 vision and rending is approaching, and a noise of 
 parties, contending for pre-eminence and rule: vexing 
 and tormenting one another. These views have been 
 much the companion of my mind, but I have hope in 
 the nerer failing refuge of the righteous. 
 
 9th mo. V2th, 1798. What an awful time ! the pes- 
 tilence doth greatly prevail in different parts of this 
 country. The city of Philadelphia is again visited ; 
 and near four-fifths of the inhabitants are said to have 
 fled into the country, as from a terrible destroying 
 enemy. About one half of the citizens of New York 
 
68 ISAAC martin's journal. [1798 
 
 have also fled as for their Hves, into the country round 
 about — the yellow fever having again prevailed there. 
 
 The worldly wise may study and search into the 
 natural causes, and endeavour, by human reasonings, 
 to, account for these sore calamities. But when vice 
 and corruption are prevailing and spreading in the 
 land, what reason have we to expect to be exempt 
 from the chastisements of the Almighty ? Surely it is 
 high time for us as a religious society, to be less 
 anxious after wealth ; for by the too eager pursuit of 
 perishing riches, our love to God is diminished, and 
 we depart from the genuine spirit of the gospel. 
 
 9th mo. I9th. Whilst waiting upon God, it was liv- 
 ingly opened on my mind, that through great calami- 
 ties and overturnings, many who have accumulated 
 great estates, will be reduced to poverty. It has been 
 a time of outward prosperity, for a number of years 
 past ; wherein large opportunities of obtaining wealth 
 have offered, of which too many have availed them- 
 selves. The testimony our worthy predecessors bore 
 against worldly mindedness, and against trading in 
 superfluities which are calculated to support pride 
 and vanity, has been sorrowfully departed from ; 
 whereby the divine lustre and beauty once eminently 
 conspicuous in our religious society, is much eclipsed, 
 and spiritual ease and lukewarm.ness have ensued. 
 There is however, a living remnant preserved in 
 many places, unto whom Truth is precious, and its 
 testimonies dearer than any outward enjoyments. 
 Unto these my spirit is united in near and dear fel- 
 lowship. May the Lord Almighty strengthen and 
 support them, under the various baptisms and suffer- 
 ings which may attend them. 
 
1799] ISAAC martin's journal. 69 
 
 5tk mo. nth, 1799. My wife and I were sent for 
 to New York, on account of the indisposition of our 
 dear father, Joseph Delaplaine. We went, and con- 
 tinued with him upwards of four weeks, until his close; 
 during which time I thought it best to preserve some 
 of his expressions, in writing, which are as follows : 
 
 5mo. llth. He said, " I expect my peace is made, 
 lam' only waiting to enter into rest." Then, after a 
 little pause, he said to several Friends present, "Love 
 silent meetings. Silence was the ground upon which 
 our predecessors first moved in order to worship God. 
 A slavish fear has sometimes presented to my mind 
 lest the flock should sustain loss through a lack of 
 vocal testimonies : but as I have dwelt in pure resig- 
 nation to the Divine will, ^reat has been my peace. 
 Let life be the spring of all your movements in the 
 church ; generally speakings it hath been my concern 
 to wait for it, to put me forth in the service thereof.** 
 
 His bodily pain being great, he acknowledged the 
 Lord's wisdom therein, and expressed his resignation; 
 several times saying, he was ready and willing to 
 leave this world, waiting the Lord's time, that he 
 might join the heavenly host, in adoration, praise, and 
 thanksgiving. 
 
 20^/i. Being in great pain, he said, "Oh ! the wisdom 
 of the Creator ! not only his judgments, but his ways 
 are past finding out." 
 
 2Qth. Being recovered from fainting, occasioned by 
 the violence of his disorder, he said: "In all these ex- 
 tremities of pain, and fits of fainting, the power of 
 Divine Love is over alL" 
 
 21th. This evening he earnestly desired his son to 
 seek the Lord, whilst he was to be found ; mention- 
 
70 ISAAC martin's journal. [1799 
 
 ing the great concern he had often felt for his well- 
 being — and that he felt peace, in the discharge of his 
 duty towards him in time past. He said that many 
 had slighted Divine visitations to their souls ; and 
 mentioned the great danger there was in putting off 
 the necessary preparation for death until a time of 
 sickness, concluding with these words : "Wait O my 
 soul, in patience, the Lord's time — a little longer. 
 The end of all things is at hand ; and I am endeavour- 
 ing to fix mine eye upon the object of the saints' faith." 
 
 SOth. He said, "You see the distress I am in." I an- 
 swered. Yes : and we feel for thee, but cannot help 
 thee. He replied, "The true spirit of sympathy is 
 internal. It is seen but little, and feels much." Next 
 day he said to a friend, " The Lord is gracious ; his 
 promises are yea and amen forever." 
 
 6th mo. I si. Something being proposed, by way of 
 medicine, he mentioned the improbability of being 
 able to endure its operation ; saying, " I would rath- 
 er pass quietly away ; but if you (meaning his family) 
 cannot be easy without trying, 1 am willing to sub- 
 mit." His grand-daughter coming to his bed side, he 
 said to her, " I hope thou wilt be a dutiful child, a lov- 
 er of Truth, and a good example to thy own sex in 
 general." 
 
 3d. Our dear friend, Jervis Johnson, from Ireland, 
 coming to see him, he spoke as follows : " J. y mind 
 enjoys much sweetness : but my body is in great dis- 
 tress. 1 should have been glad to have been with 
 you, at the late Annual Meeting, but it has been or- 
 dered otherwise, in the wisdom of God, to whom be 
 all praise : his mercies endure forever." 
 
 Next day, as I was sitting by his bed side with his 
 
1799] ISAAC martin's journal. 71 
 
 son, he lay very quiet for some time, then said to us, 
 "We sometimes sHp away very suddenly; and if it 
 should be so with me, tell J. S. to make for me a plain, 
 decent, pine cofiin." After a little pause, he asked 
 earnestlv, " Do you understand me ?" I answered, 
 Yes. 
 
 QtJu He broke forth in prayer, in the following 
 manner : — " If it be consistent with thy will, O God 
 of all grace, mercy, and love, put an end to this dis- 
 tress." His voice, through weakness, being very 
 low, what followed could not be distinctly understood. 
 Afterwards he spoke intelligibly, saying, " Am I not 
 going the w^ay of all flesh?" He was answered. It 
 appears so. He then said, " Lord, hasten the time ;'* 
 and, after a pause — " Surely, I am the clay, and he 
 the potter. Our dear Lord and Master assigns no 
 more than he abilitates to bear. His ways are all in 
 wisdom." 
 
 He continued in a patient, resigned frame of mind, 
 waiting for his final change, until about the third 
 hour in the morning of the 11th of the 6th month, 
 1799, when he quietly departed this life, being in the 
 seventy-fourth year of his age; and, no doubt, is 
 gone from a world of trials, to receive a crown of 
 life that fadeth not away. 
 
 For about fifty years he had manifeste'd a godly 
 concern for the advancement of Truth and righteous- 
 ness in the earth. Great was his concern for the 
 support of our Christian testimonies, on various sub- 
 jects, particularly in the guarded, religious education 
 of his children and servants, being careful to bring 
 them up in plainness and moderation. He was often 
 engaged to discourage superfluities, in every respect, 
 
72 ISAAC martin's journal. [1799 
 
 as well in the accumulating of riches, as in house- 
 hold furniture and apparel. On these accounts he 
 was unwearied in his labours, both in public and pri- 
 vate ; and his example corresponding, conveyed a 
 language to others, " Follow me, as I follow Christ." 
 
 I may here add, that about three years before, he 
 was brought very low, to appearance near his end, 
 when he manifested an entire resignation to the 
 Lord's will, whether life or death. Some of his ex- 
 pressions at that time being preserved, are as fol- 
 lows : — 
 
 He earnestly and affectionately advised his grand 
 daughter, to love the truth, to keep out of the vain 
 fashions of the world, to remember his example, and 
 to observe plainness in her dress. 
 
 Some of his children being sent for> and coming to 
 his bed side, he said, " I am waiting for the joyful 
 time," meaning his final change. He also expressed 
 his resignation to the Divine will, and that he was in 
 the faith that the Lord would raise up standard 
 bearers for his Truth, who would bear a faithful tes- 
 timony against the spirit of the world in its various 
 appearances, in meetings, dwelling-houses and shops, 
 as well as other places. " Oh !" said he, " how my 
 spirit has been grieved, in beholding the stairs and 
 floors of houses, covered w^th costly carpets ! But 
 the Lord is on my right hand, I shall not be moved." 
 
 Speaking of some, who had told him before his ill- 
 ness, that he dwelt too much on the dark side, he 
 said, " The world is the dark side, — Truth is the 
 light side." Also said, he did not wish to quit his 
 post, until the right time, although by some it is 
 called dwelling on the dark side. 
 
1799] ISAAC martin's journal. 73 
 
 He likewise expressed his concern, on account of 
 appointing members of our society to services in the 
 church, whose conduct respecting superfluities did 
 not comport with the purity of Truth. 
 
 At another time, he mentioned his exercise on ac- 
 count of the costly apparel of some of our members, 
 although it was otherwise plain. 
 
 Thus far I, felt easy to preserve the foregoing ac- 
 counts of my dear father-in-law, whom I much loved, 
 and whose gospel labours, accompanied by a life and 
 conversation consistent with our holy profession, have 
 been a blessing to the church. 
 
 Having felt a concern for a considerable time to 
 visit Friends in the northern parts of New York 
 State, and received a certificate from our monthly 
 meeting for that purpose, I left home the Slst of the 
 12th month, 1799, with my beloved friend Henry 
 Shot well as a companion. To undertake such a 
 journey at this cold season of the year, appeared very 
 arduous, considering my feeble state of health, and 
 occasioned weighty exercise of spirit ; but Divine 
 support was mercifully vouchsafed, and I had an evi- 
 dence of being in my proper place. 
 
 The first day's journey, on horseback, was very 
 fatiguing, but we reached Richard Dell's, at Mend- 
 ham, thence proceeded on to Hardv^'ich, having an 
 opportunity with a sick friend and some others, by 
 the way, in which my heart was so filled with the 
 love of God, that it was as a vessel wanting vent ; 
 and when my mouth was opened in testimony among 
 them, I could utter but a few words at a time, being, 
 as it were, swallowed up in the pure overshadowings. 
 
74 ISAAC martin's journal. [1800 
 
 Tof Divine life. In this state, I was renewcdly 
 strengthened, and Hving praises ascended unto Him 
 who sits upon the throne, and who hath redeemed 
 my soul, producing a wilhngness in me to be wholly 
 
 ^iven up to all his requirings. 
 
 On the 2d of the first month 1800, we attended 
 Hardwich monthly meeting, and the next day had a 
 meeting at Hacketts-town ; where the Lord enabled 
 me to discharge my duty, which was followed by hea- 
 venly peace to my soul, under the influence of Di- 
 vine love, in anunusual manner. 
 
 Uh. of the month, being First-day, we attended a 
 meeting at the Drowned Lands. Notice having been 
 spread in the neighbourhood, it was mostly made up 
 of other Societies, very few Friends residing there. 
 Almost as soon as I took my seat, my heart was fil- 
 led with the power of Divine love ; and when I rose 
 on my feet. Truth was in dominion and the people 
 were very attentive. In this meeting I believe divers 
 were made sensible of that Divine Power without 
 which there can ' be no gathering of people unto the 
 Shepherd and Bishop of souls. Many may be amu-. 
 sed with a sound of words, by which no real benefit 
 is witnessed. A cold, dead, lifeless ministry, too much 
 abounds in Christendom ; being the study of those 
 who do not wait for the power of God to influence 
 them, in this great w^ork. It is the spirit that quick- 
 ens; and where this is wanting, preaching or speak- 
 ing is of no more avail than sounding brass or a tink- 
 ling cymbal. 
 
 We had another meeting in the evening, about five 
 miles further on our way. In riding along the road, my 
 mind was divinely strengthened, my spirit contrited, 
 
1800] ISAAC martin's JOURyAL. 75 
 
 and in deep prostration my soul worshiped the great 
 I Am for his goodness manifested to me, a poor crea- 
 ture. In this meeting my heart was again filled with 
 the loving kindness of my God, so that tears of glad- 
 ness flowed from my eyes ; and I was enabled in the 
 power and spirit of Divine love to declare gospel truths 
 among the people : about four-score of whom attend- 
 ed, manifesting much solemnity and tenderness. Af- 
 ter I sat down, the spirit of supplication was poured 
 upon me, and it was a tendering, baptizing season ; 
 the Lord's power and presence being the crown of 
 this meeting. What shall I render unto thee, O Lord ! 
 for thy abundant mercies and loving kindness, which 
 attend me, day by day ! 
 
 Qth, The weather being very cold, we pursued our 
 journey about eighteen miles, under much bodily fa- 
 tigue ; but I felt that the Shepherd of Israel was my 
 support under my varied afllictions and trials. On the 
 8th, we attended meeting at Smith's Clove, where the 
 Lord my God still favoured me with the incomes of 
 his love, and gave ability to show forth his praise. 
 Next day attended New Cornwall meeting, which was 
 exercising. My spirit was baptized into a feeling of 
 tlie states of some who had revolted from the right 
 way, and gone astray. But my Divine guide strength- 
 ened me to warn these, and set their danger before 
 them, as also the means for their heahng and restor- 
 ation. There are however a number of precious 
 Friends here, with whom I felt united in spirit, though 
 poverty was my lot. 
 
 The following evening, we had a meeting at New- 
 burgh, held in the academy. My soul was deeply 
 bowed before the Lord, on the wav thither, and as I 
 
76 ISAAC martin's journal. [1800 
 
 entered the house. It was supposed about one hun- 
 dred and fifty of the inhabitants attended. And 
 though Truth did not rise into dominion so high as in 
 some days past, yet I was enabled to bear testimony 
 against sin and iniquity, especially swearing and 
 drunkenness ; and to point out the consequences re- 
 sulting therefrom, both here and hereafter. My be- 
 loved friend, C. W., of Cornwall, had a share in the 
 pubUc labour, after me; of which I was glad, fully 
 believing at this time that two were better than one. 
 lOth. On our way to a meeting appointed at New- 
 burgh Valley, the roads being very icy, my horse fell 
 and caught one of my legs under his body ; which, 
 however w^as not much hurt, although my wrist was 
 strained so as to occasion much pain and swelling. 
 Friends were very kind in assisting and nursing me. 
 In the afternoon we attended the meeting, though still 
 in pain. A glorious meeting it was ; my soul being 
 filled with the love of God, which made hard things 
 easy. He put a new song in my mouth, and enabled 
 me to preach the gospel in the demonstration of the 
 spirit and with power. My life is not dear to me, 
 if happily I may finish my course with joy. Life and 
 death are alike welcome to me, as may be agreeable 
 to the will of my God. This meeting ended in sup- 
 plication, and living praises unto the Majesty of 
 Heaven, whose I am, and whom I have covenanted 
 to serve, with the aid of his grace, through time; and 
 I fully believe my soul will live to praise God and 
 the Lamb in an endless eternity. Oh ! the manifold 
 exercises and trials which the Lord hath brought me 
 through, both inward and outward 1 magnified bejiis 
 Holy name forever more* 
 
1800] ISAAC martin's journal. 77 
 
 The ensuing night was an ahnost sleepless one, by rea • 
 son of the pain in my wrist ; but I was perfectly easy in 
 mind. Next day had a meeting at Gideon Mollineux, 
 at New Paltz, which was silent, except a few words' 
 near the close merely to inform the people that my 
 way was shut up from preaching, and to request theirj 
 attendance next day which was First-day, the 12th of 
 the month. Accordingly a considerable number assem- 
 bled ; but it was an exercising time to me, on account 
 of some who had been anointed for the work of the 
 ministry, and who for want of keeping close to the 
 heavenly Guide, were in danger of marring the work 
 they had been called to promote. For, when any, 
 through a slavish fear lest some should go av/ay with- 
 out being benefitted by coming to meetings, presume to 
 put forth a hand to stay the ark, without a Divine 
 command, it assuredly brings death. 
 
 At length after a long painful travail, life arose, and 
 strength was mercifully furnished to declare the way 
 of salvation, through the cross, which crucifies every- 
 thing that hath its origin from the unmortified will of 
 the creature. Oh ! the unspeakable loss many sus- 
 tain, for want of patience under the forming hand of 
 Almighty Power ! The creaturely part is too apt to 
 seek relief from the creatures, when a perfect surren- 
 der of the will is called for; and when the soul seems 
 to be deprived of the enjoyment of Divine light and 
 life ; then is the time the holy watch is necessary — 
 then the transformer often presents something for 
 present relief or to mitigate the anguish of this spi- 
 ritual baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire, which would 
 make thorough work in separating the precious from 
 the vile, if patience was faithfully maintained. 
 
78 ISAAC martin's journal. [1800 
 
 Next day we had a meeting at Little Esopus, held 
 in a dwelling house ; the opportunity was divinely 
 owned, and many hearts Were tendered. The gos- 
 pel was preached to the people, who appeared to be 
 impressed with a sense of the power of Truth accom- 
 panying the ministry. Early in the meeting, and also 
 near its close, I was livingly engaged in solemn vo- 
 cal supplication, when most present were bowed in 
 mind under a sense of the power of the word of life, 
 which flowed as precious ointment. Praises be given 
 unto my God, and magnified be his name for ever. 
 
 1st mo. 14th, We crossed the North river on the 
 ice, and went to Crum -Elbow, where we had a meet- 
 
 *lng next day. It appeared to me there were some 
 apostate spirits who had greatly revolted, and some 
 deists present. After sitting near an hour, I felt au- 
 thorised to address them, and mentioned my belief 
 that there never were any of this class, but such as 
 had repeatedly violated the righteous law of God, 
 written in their hearts ; and having thus rejected the 
 visitations of Divine Light and Love, they centred 
 in this dark, bewildered state. Yet I felt fervent de- 
 sires for their restoration, through deep humiliation 
 and repentance. After a short communication to 
 this class, I sat down in poverty of spirit. The im- 
 portance of appointing meetings was brought to my 
 view, but I endeavoured after inward stillness and 
 resignation, and saw that it would not do to give way 
 
 j^to discouragements, even in seasons of pinching po- 
 verty and want. 
 
 The evening was spent at Jordan Frost's, whose 
 wife deceased a year ago, leaving five children, who 
 felt very near to me. In an opportunity of silent 
 
1800] ISAAC martin's journal, 79 
 
 waiting, several Friends being present, the Lord re- 
 newedly visited my soul with his love and life-giving 
 presence ; the spirit of supplication was poured upon 
 me, and we were comforted and edified together. 
 Blessed be his name for ever. 
 
 I6th. Rode to R. Hart's, at Rhinebeck; and in 
 the evening had a religious opportunity with his fa- 
 mily, a young woman being there who had been sick 
 near three weeks ; several other young people were 
 also present. I was led to set before them the great 
 advantages of early piety, and the uncertainty of 
 earthly enjoyments, such as life, health, substance 
 &c. They were earnestly and affectionately en- 
 treated to devote the prime of their days to the 
 Lord's service, by bearing the yoke in their youths 
 and assured that in so doing great would be their 
 peace. 
 
 Next day we rode to Hudson and lodged at John 
 Alsop's. Poverty of spirit still attends me ; but the 
 fervent desire of my soul is, that the Lord may enable 
 me to endure his all-wise allotments, and preserve me 
 through heights and depths, until my warfare is ac- 
 compUshed. Rested here till First-day, the 19th, when 
 near nieeting time, T felt the sweet spring of life to 
 flow, and my spirit was contrited and melted into 
 tenderness. Fervent have been my supplications to 
 the Most High, to endue me with patience and re- 
 signation to his blessed will ; and he has brought me 
 into such a state that I (eel content in his all-wise dis- 
 posal. I attended Hudson meeting in peaceful si- 
 lence. Then went on through Claverick to Klinckill. 
 
 1st mo. 20th. Attended a meeting appointed there, 
 in which was measurably favoured with the over- 
 
80 ISAAC martin's journal. [1800 
 
 * shadowing of heavenly good. Under its blessed in- 
 fluence I had something to conimunicate ; and when 
 I felt the gentle current of life to stop, I sat down in 
 ^ peace. After dinner, had an opportunity with the 
 family, and parted in near affection. Thence to Lit- 
 tle Britain, where next day we had a meeting, in 
 which Divine help was afforded to preach the gospel 
 Although I do not feel the aboundings of heavenly 
 life and virtue for some days past, in so eminent a 
 mariner as in divers meetings on the west side of the 
 river, yet the Lord knows what is best for me. Being 
 about to set out from the friend's house where we 
 dined, I felt my mind turned towards his numerous 
 family, and several others who Vvcre not members. 
 In this religious opportunity I felt particularly con- 
 cerned for a state, that had widely deviated from the 
 truth, also to encourage the thirsty soul to trust in 
 the Lord. After we came away, I was informed of 
 a person there who had been disowned for reproach- 
 ful conduct. 
 
 We went on about two miles, and visited a widow 
 and her daughter ; then to Reuben Barned's, where, 
 in the evening, we had a precious, refreshing season, 
 with the family. My soul was bowed in deep hu- 
 mility and reverence before the Most High, who thus 
 favoured me, after proving my faith and love for a 
 number of days. Next day, on our way toward East 
 Hoosack, we called at the hoirse of a Baptist, where 
 I had some religious conversation with his wife, to 
 my satisfaction. I gave her my reasons for travel- 
 ling in this inclement season, being in a poor state of 
 health, namely, duty to my God, and love and good 
 will to the people ; apprehending myself called upon 
 
1800] ISAAC MARTINIS JOURNAL. 81 
 
 to publish the glad tidings of the gospel, without mo- 
 ney and without price. She remarked with respect 
 to my poor state of health, that we did not serve a 
 hard master; intimating a doubt whether it could be 
 required of one in such a weak state of health to tra- 
 vel so far. I told her he was a good master ; he re- 
 warded me with the sweet incomes of his love ; and 
 that w^as an abundant compensation for my labour 
 and toil under affliction. She appeared to be a 
 thoughtful person, and very kindly invited us to stay 
 all night. I recommended her to the Word nigh in 
 the heart, whereby she might know dehverance from 
 evil, and a growth in a state of favour with the 
 Almighty. 
 
 2Sd. Had a very trying meeting at East Hoosack? 
 But at length a way opened to relieve my mind, be- 
 ginning with the words of the apostle, " Let him that 
 thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall." I men-j 
 tioned my belief that there were some present, who, 
 through unwatchfulness, had very much lost that sa- 
 vour of Divine love which once seasoned their spirits ; 
 and, having left their first love, and chosen this pre- 
 sent world, blindness had come upon them. But by 
 bringing their deeds to the Light, and walking in it, 
 such was the compassion of Him with whom we have 
 to do, that they might yet be restored, and brought 
 again into his favour. It further appeared to me, that 
 there were too many who were preferring the world 
 and the things of it, to that treasure which is durable 
 and heavenly, and will stand the soul in stead when 
 done with time here. 
 
 Feeling desirous of seeing the widow and children 
 of that faithful servant of the Lord, Robert Nesbit, 
 
82 ISAAC martin's journal. [1800 
 
 who had been dead several years, we went there, 
 and had a comfortable season; she having joined 
 Friends since the decease of her husband. Thence 
 we went to see an ancient man, about eighty-five 
 years of age, who had been a member of the Baptist 
 society, but had lately left them, and inclined to 
 Friends, acknowledging that what he had formerly 
 been building and depending on, he now found insuf- 
 ficient, and appeared in a tender state of mind. 
 
 24th. Rode to Pittstown in a sleigh, which greatly 
 fatigued me. On taking a view of my weak state of 
 body, I was ready to conclude nature must yield. I 
 looked toward my dissolution, if it should please the 
 Lord to bring it about in these northern parts, sepa- 
 rate from my dear wife and children, and felt an un- 
 disturbed evidence that it would be well with me ; 
 although, for a few moments, the thoughts of being 
 thus separated from my nearest connexions, was try- 
 ing. But good is the Lord, and worthy to be served ; 
 he makes hard things easy, and bitter things sweet, 
 and can reconcile all dispensations to the soul that 
 stands singly devoted to him. 
 
 2&th. Attended Pittstown meeting, where in a 
 gentle spring of life I laboured among the people. 
 Truth hath not arisen into such dominion in meetings 
 since I came this side the North river, as I have often 
 witnessed ; but I desire to be resigned. For, unless 
 the quickening power of the Holy Spirit influence my 
 heart to preach the gospel, I have long been confirmed 
 that every attempt, without it, will be utterly unavail- 
 able. It would be but a dead form of words, which 
 possibly might am«se itching ears, but would not 
 reach the witness of Truth in the heart§ of the peo- 
 
1800] ISAAC martin's journal. 83 
 
 pie, nor stir up the pure mind, by way of remem- 
 brance, of the things which belong to their peace, 
 
 28t/i. Was at an appointed meeting at White Creek 
 where many attended, who were not of our Society, 
 After near an hour's silent waiting I felt my heart re- 
 freshed with the master's presence, and laboured honest- 
 ly with the lukewarm and careless professors, in the 
 ability given ; had also a few words of encourage- 
 ment to the rightly exercised traveller. Then went 
 on to Nathan Eddy's, at Easton, and felt recruited in 
 my bodily strength. 
 
 I have been made sensible, from day to day, of the 
 great loss many sustain, through the inordinate love 
 of the lawful things of this world. Oh! the need of more 
 living members ; such whose love to Truth exceeds that 
 of every other object. I believe this is the state into 
 which all might come. But alas ! blindness in part 
 hath happened, and it will continue, unless the Lord's 
 visited children faithfully follow the Holy Guide, and 
 dihgently attend to the instructions of the Spirit of 
 Truth, so as to obtain victory over every hurtful, hin- 
 dering thing. 
 
 30th. Attended Easton week-day meeting, in silence 
 and much suffering of spirit. But in a family oppor- 
 tunity afterwards I was favoured with the renewal of 
 heart- tendering goodness ; under the influence of which 
 I was led to exhort to a firm trust and reliance upon 
 the Lord our God, endeavouring patiently to bear his 
 all-wise dispensations : for according to his wisdom, 
 he lifts up the poor and needy ; and again lays them 
 low, as in the dust. He opens and none can shut. 
 He shutteth and none can open. His works are works 
 of wonder ; causing admiration and praise in those 
 
84 ISAAC martin's journal. [1800 
 
 who faithfully follow him. I have often found the 
 enemy, in low, stripping seasons, endeavouring to de- 
 press my spirits below the Divine standard. But I 
 have always found as I waited for him in patience, 
 that the Beloved of my soul would again appear to 
 my refreshment, and great consolation ; even from 
 my very young and tender years, unto this day. Oh ! 
 magnified and praised be the name of the Lord, for 
 his mercies endure forever. 
 
 Toward evening, we crossed the North riyer, and 
 lodged at Isaac Leggett's, at Saratoga; and the day 
 following, passed by the noted medical springs, on 
 our way to Greenfield, where we had a comfortable 
 meeting. Life arose into dominion, and my soul re- 
 joiced in reverent thankfulness to the Author of all 
 good, who enabled me to bear testimony to the power 
 and efficacy of his Spirit, the manifestation of which 
 is given to every man to profit withal. Went that 
 evening, through a snow storm, to Galway. 
 
 2d of 2d month, being first of the week, were at 
 'Galway meeting. Soon after Lsat down, I felt Truth 
 rise, in a precious degree, affording a comfortable 
 hope of a good meeting. After waiting, I suppose 
 about half an hour, under the swe,et influence of Di- 
 vine love, I believed it required of me, to bear a pub- 
 lic testimony amongst the people; but had not pro- 
 ceeded many minutes, before I found my way closing 
 up — that Divdne power, which is the proper quahfi- 
 cation for a gospel minister, abating, I took my seat, 
 unexpectedly to myself, and I believe to many others ; 
 not daring to utter words without, life. 
 
 This meeting, I apprehend sustained great loss by 
 the unsettlement occasioned by frequently going to 
 
1800] ISAAC martin's journal. 85 
 
 the fires to warm, shuffling of the children's feet &c. 
 Near the close I informed them how it had been with 
 me, and recommended these practices to their serious 
 consideration, which afforded some relief. 
 
 Lodged at Philip Mackumber's, whose wife and 
 son, above two years ago, as they were returning from 
 meeting, both on one horse, were killed by the falling 
 of a tree on them, during a high wind; the horse also 
 was killed. An awful circumstance ! Before leaving 
 this family, we had a heart tendering season with them. 
 
 From Galway, we rode to Ball-town, where very 
 few members of our Society reside. Here we had a 
 small, and exercising meeting ; in which I said a few 
 words, and mourned in secret on account of the de- 
 parture of some from Truth's preserving power. We 
 returned to our lodgings, and before we parted, had 
 a comfortable opportunity in the Friend's family. The 
 Lord condescended to lift up the light of his counte- 
 nance upon us. He promised me, by his inspeaking 
 Word in my soul, before I left home, that in all places 
 whithersoever he should lead me, he would be with 
 me; and he hath graciously thus far fulfilled his pro- 
 mise. Blessed be his name. 
 
 Most of the meetings since I first crossed the North 
 river, have been trying and laborious ; yet before I 
 have left the neighbourhoods, through the Lord's good- 
 ness, my heart hath been sweetly tendered and com- 
 forted, in families where my lot hath been cast. I 
 have thought my services in meetings have been very 
 small indeed, and have been ready to marvel at my 
 being sent forth in the work of visiting meetings; — 
 yet when I have remembered the condescending love 
 of my Heavenly Father, in favouring me with his pre- 
 sence, enabling me to declare of his goodness, and to 
 H 
 
86 ISAAC martin's journal. [1800 
 
 exhort my dear friends, in their famiUes, to a faithful 
 dedication of heart to his service — as also to encourage 
 the honest, upright traveller Zion-ward, to hold on his 
 way, — it hath been enough. My soul is satisfied, and 
 can praise him, even for leading me in such an exer- 
 cising path. Let me be united unto thee, O Lord my 
 God, and devoted to thee, whilst I have a being. 
 
 2d mo. 4th. When I rose in the morning, felt very 
 poor in spirit, yet could say, " Thy will be done." In 
 this state, set out to the week-day meeting at Sarato- 
 ga, and both on the road and in the meeting Divine 
 love filled my heart, enabling me to praise the name 
 of the Lord, and to breathe to him for preservation. 
 The sweet savour of hfe thus mercifully attending 
 and increasing, was a great comfort to me, as an evi- 
 dence that God still owned me. Oh ! how great is 
 his goodness, and ever worthy to be trusted ! After 
 this meeting we visited some families, and had com- 
 fortable opportunities of waiting upOn the Lord — a 
 little bread being broken, and handed forth, whereby 
 we were refreshed. Blessed be the Helper of Israel, 
 saith my soul. 
 
 2d mo. 5th. Were at a meeting, appointed at New- 
 town, or Half-Moon Valley, where many attended ; 
 'but I was shut up as to the ministry. Just at the close 
 I stood up and said, "I have no doubt, it appears strange 
 to some, that a meeting should be appointed, and held 
 in silence. It was no premeditated thing ; but unless 
 the spirit and power of God authorise and qualify to 
 utter gospel truths, the body — the church, cannot be 
 edified; and we judge it best, when that is wanting, 
 to worship in solemn silence." 
 
 Next day, we rode forty miles, crossing the Mo- 
 hawk on the ice, and came to Coeyman's Patent. 
 
1800] iSAA martin's journal. 87 
 
 Felt poverty almost all this day, and was looking for 
 my way to close up, and to return home. I have 
 mourned over the low state of society, in divers pla- 
 ces, as to the life of religion. The eager desire after 
 wealth operates greatly against its progress, and 
 chokes the good seed of the kingdom. I have beheld 
 its destructive effects, in many who possess but little 
 of this w^orld's riches, but who are earnestly striving 
 after an increase thereof This disposition strongly 
 indulged, most assuredly hinders the soul's growth in 
 tiie Divine life. The doctrines of the gospel are utter- 
 ly opposed to covetousness, and experience abund- 
 antly proves, that as the mind becomes absorbed in 
 the pursuit of worldly mammon, it becomes weak 
 in its love to him, who of right demands an entire 
 dedication and obedience from his creature man. 
 No partial yielding of the affections will serve — no 
 division of the heart between him and the creatures, 
 will be acceptable. In the truly regenerate soul, thc^ 
 language is, " I am crucified with Christ: neverthe- 
 less I live , yet not I, but Christ hveth in me: and the 
 life that I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of 
 the son of God." 
 
 Oh! blessed, happy state! Dwell here, O my soul. 
 And you who have enlisted under the Lamb's ban- 
 ner, rest not satisfied short of a pure union of soul with 
 your Creator ; so that, through a perfect submission 
 to his will in all things, you may know him become 
 your '• all in all :" and, as the clay, be formed and 
 fashioned by him, the heavenly Potter, to show forth 
 his praise. • 
 
 9t/i. Having rested one day, I attended the meet- 
 ing'at Coeyman's, being First-day. The Lord helped 
 me to discharge my duty, as a watchman, toward 
 
88 ISAAC martin's journal. [1800 
 
 several states present. Next day, crossed the North 
 river on the ice, to Hudson. It was a day of much 
 poverty of spirit; under w^hich the language of my 
 soul was, O Lord, I freely give thee my heart. Thine 
 it is, without reserve. Command me, and I will obey 
 thy voice. Let neither things present, nor things to 
 come, separate me from thy love. The day follow- 
 ing we rode about forty miles, to Paul Upton's, near 
 Creek meeting, which we attended next day in suffer- 
 ing silence. I had secretly to mourn over the deso- 
 lations of a worldly spirit. Great have been the ex- 
 ercises of my soul, for some time past, on this ac- 
 count. Oh! this subtle adversary of man's happi- 
 ness! How artful the stratagems which beguile the 
 traveller, even in the lawful things of this world, when 
 the soul cannot be enticed into gross evils. How 
 many perish in the wilderness, for want of obediently 
 cleaving to their spiritual Guide, the Light of Christ 
 within them, which leads its faithful followers through 
 the wilderness into the promised land. 
 
 But Oh! the dangers, even to the. visited and 
 enlightened mind, by looking for relief from the 
 things of this life, in times of trial and besetment. 
 These are the seasons for the soul to stand firm, or 
 go forward toward perfection. Sufficient is that Al- 
 mighty power who first visited it, to carry on the 
 work of redemption, and enable the dedicated mind to 
 conquer sin and satan. For, by submitting to the 
 death of the cross, every thought, word, and action, 
 which hath its origin from the corrupt root, will be 
 crucified and slain; and instead thereof, new thoughts, 
 new desires, and heavenly affections will be restored. 
 Old things being thus done away, all things become 
 new, and all things of God. 
 
1800] ISAAC martin's journal. 89 
 
 O my God, carry on thy work in my soul ! Let 
 me be thine, in time and in eternity. Enable me to 
 bear stormy, wintry seasons, so that my faith may be 
 immoveable. Suffer me not to give out, when my 
 poor soul is tried with pinching poverty, — when all 
 around looks dark and gloomy. Oh! then, in times 
 of extremity, be pleased to arise, and cause thy hea- 
 venly light to dispel the darkness ; that so my soul 
 may be brought- forth, magnifying thy holy name, 
 and rejoicing in thy goodness, which hitherto hath 
 been vouchsafed to me. 
 
 In the afternoon had a favoured, strengthening 
 season, with the family of Paul Upton, and some 
 others; in which I was largely and livingly drawn 
 forth to several states present, to the contriting of our 
 spirits together. After which, rode to Nine Partners, 
 and lodged at Isaac Thome's. Next morning felt 
 very empty and poor, and passed several hours un- 
 der deep exercise of mind. But as mine eye was 
 kept single to my God, he looked down upon me in 
 my distress, and again lifted up the light of his coun- 
 tenance ; so that my heart was contrited before him. 
 
 Having passed through deep and inexpressible ex- 
 ercise of soul, I found my God had a purpose in it, 
 even to prepare me for further service. And when 
 he saw it was enough, he visited my soul afresh, and 
 caused my heart to sing for joy. Marvellous was 
 the change! When a language sweetly and livingly 
 ran through my mind. Thou must visit thy brethren 
 and sisters of this meeting, in their families, as way 
 may open in the light. With this intimation, the 
 cloud was removed, his life-giving presence shined 
 gloriously upon my tabernacle, and removed all my 
 fears. Oh ! the sweetness of his love ! It was as pre- 
 
90 ISAAC martin's journal. [1800 
 
 cious ointment, after my sore conflicts of spirit. 1 
 laid up this concern in my heart, and went to meet- 
 ing, under a humbling sense of the Lord's goodness. 
 Being strengthened by his grace, I was favoured to 
 utter gospel truths, I trust to the edification of some 
 present; and my soul was satisfied, and I praised 
 God. At the close of the meeting, I communicated 
 my concern to visit families, unto the elders, and 
 they united therewith, which was a confirmation to 
 me of its rectitude. In the afternoon we visited 
 Friends' boarding school at Nine Partners. I spent 
 about half an hour in the boys' department, and was 
 much pleased with the order and government main- 
 tained amongst them, as well as the proficiency of 
 many in useful learning. When I first went into the 
 room, and beheld the boys, the language of my heart 
 was. The Lord bless the lads. 
 
 Afterwards we went into the girls' school, where 
 several samples of their writing and arithmetic were 
 shown me. As I was viewing them with s-atisfaction, 
 unexpectedly I felt the power of Truth arising in my 
 heart, and bringing me into awful silence and contri- 
 tion of spirit ; insomuch that tears trickled down my 
 face. It being near the time of closing school, the 
 superintendent directed the girls to lay by their em- 
 ployments. While we sat in silence, the spirit of sup- 
 plication came upon me, and it was a tendering sea- 
 son, both to myself and divers of the children. After- 
 wards, I communicated a few sentences to them, 
 desiring they might be preserved low and humble, 
 walking in the Truth, and then the blessing of the 
 Lord would rest upon them. 
 
 I left the school with great satisfaction, desiring 
 that the children might grow in grace, and in the 
 
1800] ISAAC martin's jour.val. 91 
 
 saving knowledge of the Truth, as they improved in 
 useful learning to qualify them for business, in this 
 world. We had also a precious opportunity in the 
 evening, in the family of Isaac Thorne, where we 
 lodged. 
 
 2d mo. 22d. Have been pretty diligently engaged in 
 visiting the families of Friends, of this meeting ; and 
 have had some laborious seasons, in some families, 
 where there has been a want of living near the Truth, 
 but in others, where they dwell under its precious in- 
 fluence, have been divinely comforted. This day we 
 visited dear Mary Griffin, a lively minister, in the nine- 
 tieth year of her age. We had a precious, heart ten- 
 dering opportunity together. She is lively and green, 
 now in her advanced age; — attends meetings, at 
 three miles distance, going on horseback : and when 
 there, is frequently favoured with a living testimony. 
 She performed a religious visit to the Cohoez country, 
 in her eighty-second year, and travelled on horseback 
 by computation between five and six hundred miles. 
 I was truly glad of the visit to this handmaid of the 
 Lord, and blessed his Holy name on her behalf, who 
 had preserved her thus far through her pilgrimage, 
 to his praise. 
 
 23d. Attended the evening meeting, at the board- 
 ing school ; which was eminently owned with the 
 Lord's presence. In much brokenness and contrition 
 of spirit, I was hvingly drawn forth in the power of 
 the gospel, which flowed in a copious manner, most- 
 ly towards the young women, and those advancing 
 near that state ; amongst whom great tenderness ap- 
 peared. It was a precious watering season : and I 
 believe some of them will long remember the blessed 
 opportunity. My soul was bowed as in the dust, un- 
 
92 ISAAC martin's JOURN'At. [1800 
 
 der a grateful, humbling sense t)f the Lord's good- 
 ness, and filled with living praises, to his name through 
 the power of his grace. 
 
 Oh ! the longings of my soul, on behaU' of the chil- 
 dren generally, that they might be kept from evil, and 
 brought into an acquaintance with silent worship, in 
 their young and tender years — a mystery hid from 
 ages and generations ! But glory to God in the high- 
 est, who hath raised up, in this and the last century, 
 a host of witnesses, who by giving up their hearts to 
 be wrought upon, and disposed according to his holy 
 will, have livingly experienced, in silent meetings, 
 an abstraction from all worldly objects, and a being 
 centred in him. In this state of holy sequestration, 
 they are at times filled with Divine love, by which 
 they arc enabled to worship the Father in spirit and 
 in truth, as he may be pleased to influence them ; — 
 sometimes in holy admiration at the wonders of his 
 love, mercy, and goodness ; or in contemplating, with 
 aw^fulness, upon the greatness of his power and majes- 
 ty; — at other times, they are bowed before the 
 vthrone of grace, in the deepest prostration, interced- 
 ing with the Father of mercies for themselves, and 
 for the whole bulk of mankind, that the blessing of 
 preservation may attend them. Again, they are filled 
 with spiritual songs, singing, making melody, in their 
 hearts unto the Lord. They also know, from living 
 experience, that all this may be performed, without 
 a word being vocally uttered : — yea, they know what 
 it is to sit together in heavenly places, and to be sat- 
 isfied with the goodness of the Lord. Here, they en- 
 joy communion with the Father, and with the son, 
 spiritually ;— eating of that bread which comes down 
 from God out of heaven, and drinking the new wine 
 of the kingdom., to their unspeakable refreshment. 
 
1800] ISAAC martin's journal. 93 
 
 Many blessed and glorious seasons hath my soul 
 enjoyed, in solemn silence. Blessed be the Lord, who 
 hath made me a witness and partaker thereof. Every 
 day of my Hfe, my spirit is exercised in silent worship ; 
 and I hope never to depart from this indispensable 
 duty to my God ; and when by his spirit, he draws 
 me either to preach or praise, in a vocal manner, 
 may I ever obey him : and may I never attempt 
 either, without his sacred influence. Amen. 
 
 36? mo. 8th. This day, finished the family visit to 
 Friends, amounting to ninety-five families of members; 
 and ten more, part of which were such as were inclin- 
 ing to Friends ; and part consisting of such as had been 
 disowned. The labour hath been arduous, and very 
 trying, in divers places ; though at other times we 
 were favoured as with a brook by the way, and ena- 
 bled to praise the Lord for his goodness. Next day 
 attended Nine Partners meeting, and the day follow- 
 ing went on to Chesnut Ridge, accompanied by my 
 dear friend Trip Mosher, who was with us through 
 most of the family visit. On the 11th, had a meeting 
 at this place, which was comfortably owned. Next 
 day, attended Oswego week-day meeting, and return- 
 ed to Nine Partners, desirous to sit once more with 
 Friends there, before my return home. The day fol- 
 lowing, was at their week-day meeting, in which my 
 spirit was refreshed, and I offered something among 
 them, which was to my humiUation. Next morning 
 went to the boarding school to take leave of the heads 
 of the family there, also to Isaac Thome's. At both 
 places my heart was contrited, and the Lord in his 
 goodness owned us together with his blessed presence, 
 to the praise of his holy name. 
 
94 ISAAC martin's journal. [1800 
 
 IGih. Being first day, I was stt Amawalk meeting. 
 Here, the Lord in his mercy, favoured me with his 
 hving presence, and was to me mouth and wisdom, 
 tongue and utterance. Blessed be his name. In the 
 11th month last, it was twenty-one years, since I was 
 at this meeting. I then uttered a few words there in 
 public testimony for the first time, being in the twenty- 
 first year of my age. A short time after which, I ap- 
 j)eared in meetings, twice more ; and then felt no con- 
 cern of this kind, until the thirtieth year of my age. 
 I believe it was so ordered in Divine wisdom, and it had 
 a very humbling effect on my mind ; until at length the 
 Lord saw meet frequently to engage me to open my 
 mouth in public testimony for Truth, and to declare 
 of his goodness, and of his dealings with my soul. 
 
 Next day we rode to Croton, and had a meeting in 
 the evening at Robert Underbill's, which was in a 
 good degree favoured with the master's presence. 
 The day following, being stormy, and I somewhat 
 indisposed, kept house. 16th, set out towards King's 
 ferry, but was taken unwell on the road, and return- 
 ed back to Croton. Next day I was so far recovered 
 as to attend the week-day meeting there, in which I 
 had some public service. But my disorder continu- 
 ing, and seeing no way to cross the North river, on 
 account of the ice, my mind was drawn to attend 
 Shappaqua meeting, which on First-day, the 23d, we 
 were at, and my lot was suffering silence; being 
 poorly in body and mind, much stripped of the sensi- 
 ble enjoyment of the Beloved of my soul, and my 
 faith closely proved. But in the afternoon, several 
 Friends being present, in a season of retirement togeth- 
 er, the Lord's presence was felt ; my heart was melt- 
 ed with his goodness, and it was a refreshing season. 
 
1804 J ISAAC martin's journal. 95 
 
 24tth. I rode to my kinsman, Jacob Undcrhill's, 
 where I resided about twenty months when I was a 
 lad, it being in the time of the troubles in America, 
 It was a comfort to me, once more to see him and 
 his wife, w^ith whom I had formerly lived in much love 
 and harmony. Here I remained several days, much 
 confined to the house on account of indisposition. 
 
 2Sth. Attended Shappaqua week-day meeting, in 
 silence. On the 30th was at a meeting appointed at 
 Sing Sing, among other professors, where I had con- 
 siderable openness, and found relief. Next day, was 
 again at Shappaqua meeting, where, I hope, my la- 
 bours tended to stir up the pure mind. Afterwards 
 visited a sick friend, and had a comfortable opportu- 
 nity in the family; having also performed several 
 such visits during last week. 
 
 4:tfi mo. 2d. Had a meeting at Westchester, where 
 a number attended not professing with us. I was 
 exercised in close labour with the careless and luke- 
 warm, and came away in peace. That afternoon 
 rode to New York, and next day home, after an ab- 
 sence of three months and four days. I found my 
 family in usual health, and was joyfully received by 
 them and my friends. Blessed be the Lord for this 
 and all other his mercies towards me. 
 
 1804. I have been very much confined these four 
 years past, within the compass of our own Quarterly 
 meeting, and principally in our monthly meeting of 
 Rahway and Plainfield, by reason of bodily indispo- 
 sition, and a pain and dizziness in my head which 
 has been very afflicting. The Lord knows how much, 
 and what is best for me to endure. I have seen that 
 it is necessary for me to pass through the trials allot- 
 ted ; and if the best life is mercifully preserved, it 
 will be through adorable kindness. 
 
96 ISAAC martin's journal. [1804 
 
 In the 4th month, I attended our Yearly Meeting at 
 Philadelphia, and in the 5th month that at New York, 
 to my satisfaction and comfort. I was enabled to 
 attend nearly all the sittings in both, which I esteem- 
 ed a great favour. 
 
 Having in prospect to take a journey to the Springs 
 at Ballston and Saratoga, on account of my poor 
 state of health, and expecting to be at some meetings 
 in New York State, I obtained a certificate of the 
 concurrence of our monthly meeting, in the 6th 
 month, 1804. On the 27th, accompanied by my dear 
 wife, I left home, and went by way of New York, 
 Purchase, and Shappaqua, where I staid a few days, 
 visiting our relations, my health being improved. 
 Thence went on by way of Amawalk to Nine Part- 
 ners, and attended meeting there to the relief of my 
 mind : was also at the school meeting with the chil- 
 dren, to my comfort. Taking Hudson in our way 
 toward Saratoga, w^e there met with Ann Alexander, 
 from England, on a religious visit to this country : 
 also attended week-day meeting there, and had a fa- 
 voured, open time. 
 
 1th mo. \4t/i. Reached Saratoga, and were kindly 
 received by our friend, Isaac Leggett. Was at 
 Easton meeting on First-day, and attended meetings 
 at Saratoga and Ballston, during about two weeks 
 stay — in which I drank freely of the waters, which, 
 with the change of air, revived me so that I felt con- 
 siderably better. 
 
 29th. Set out homewards, taking meetings at Troy, 
 Albany, and Little Nine Partners ; also the Quarterly 
 meeting at Nine Partners, at which were Elias Hicks, 
 Silas Downing, and divers other Friends from Long 
 Island. I had to leave the meeting for discipline, by 
 
1805] ISAAC martin's journal. 97 
 
 reason of pain in my head, which greatly increased 
 until one o'clock in the night, being the hardest at- 
 tack I ever had. Great was my bodily distress. I 
 looked toward my dissolution, and had nothing to 
 struggle with but bodily pain. Blessed be the Lord, 
 ^othing appeared in my way. Toward morning, I 
 .. was relieved by the application of plasters of shoe- 
 maker's wax, made of rosin and tallow, applied to the 
 hollow part of my feet : which I continued to use 
 with great success, for a considerable time. 
 
 llth mo. 28tli, 1805. I have passed through much 
 distress and pain of body for a considerable time past, 
 so that I have been able to attend but few meetings. 
 Was to-day at our week-day meeting, which was 
 greatly blessed to me; and when I have not been 
 able to get out through indisposition, the Lord has 
 condescended to favour me with his life-giving pre- 
 sence, whilst waiting upon him in reverential silence. 
 1 have been learning to be content in all conditions, 
 ascribing unto him thanksgiving and praise, even for 
 the sharpest afflictions dispensed to me. 
 
 For some days past, I have had a renewed, com- 
 fortable evidence that my sins are forgiven, and that 
 my soul, through adorable mercy, will be admitted 
 amongst the redeemed followers of the Lamb, where 
 all sorrow will for ever cease. 
 
 I am certain man must be a co-worker with the 
 grace of God, otherwise he will have received it in 
 vain. The Holy Spirit may be resisted, quenched, 
 and disobeyed, till man procures his own destruction. 
 But if he yields unreserved obedience to the grace 
 that is given him, it will draw him nearer and nearer 
 unto God. He will experience more and more of 
 the blessed tempers of patience, meekness, and calm 
 
 I 
 
98 ISAAC iMartin's journal. [1811 
 
 resignation, to abound in him, and thus become con- 
 
 fornr 
 
 ther. 
 
 formed in all things to the will of his Heavenlv Fa 
 
 6th 7no. I2th, 1811. I resume my pen, after de- 
 clining to write any account of my life for several 
 years. They have been years of much bodily afflic- 
 tion. I believe I have not been seven miles from 
 home in all that time, until within a month past, but 
 have endeavoured to attend our own meeting, when 
 strength admitted; perhaps have been at about one 
 in four in that space of time. 
 
 I now come to a relation of the most afflictive part 
 of my life — the loss of my dearly beloved wife. She 
 had been afflicted with an asthmatic cough for more 
 than ten years; but no alarming s^nnptoms appeared 
 until the 2d month, 1810, when she took a severe 
 cold, which greatly reduced her strength. After be- 
 ing confined nearly three months, she grew better, so 
 that in the course of last summer she attended four 
 meetings, though still very weak. Cold weather com- 
 ing on, her disorder increased, until she became se- 
 riously ill. 
 During her sickness, many precious words proceeded 
 from her mouth; frequently saying, "All is well with 
 me." And again, "All will be well with me. I feel that 
 which satisfies me." One day, as I was sitting by 
 her, she said, "Give my dear love in the gospel, to 
 all my dear friends, and tell them, all will be well 
 with me." A few days before her death, her voice 
 being very low through w^eakness, I queried what 
 kind of drink she would have; she then spoke audibly 
 thus: "I want to be within the walls of the New Je- 
 rusalem." The same day, on a similar occasion, she 
 
1811] ISAAC martin's journal. 99 
 
 said, " I want to be in heaven." In the morning she 
 told me the Lord had been very gracious to her, the 
 preceding night. 
 
 Throughout her sickness, she was much retired, 
 waiting upon the Lord, expressing her desires to be 
 resigned to his will, and that she was in no wise 
 alarmed at the prospect of death. She said her great- 
 est trial was, to leave me in such a poor state of 
 health; but had no doubts of the Lord's protecting 
 care over me; and hoped we should meet again, 
 never more to part. And when she understood that 
 I was enabled to resign her up, she said it increased 
 her joy. 
 
 She gave much excellent advice, on divers impor- 
 tant subjects, to several Friends who came to see 
 her; particularly to parents, urging the necessity of 
 bringing up their children in plainness, consistent with 
 our holy profession, and showing the duty incumbent 
 on them to restrain them, when suitable advice and 
 counsel were rejected. 
 
 She departed this life, the 14th of the 2d month, 
 1811, in a blissful state of mind, without a groan or 
 struggle, in the fifty-fifth year of her age ; and I have 
 not the least doubt has entered into that glorious 
 kingdom of rest, prepared for the righteous. I have 
 often blessed the Lord, who brought us together, for 
 giving me so precious a companion ; and now, for 
 wise purposes, has taken her from me. May the aid 
 of his holy spirit be mercifully granted me, to bear 
 up my soul under this trying dispensation. 
 
 Having been for several months, much confined to 
 the house with the pain and distress in my head, whiclj 
 I had laboured under for more than thirty years, and 
 which had increased for the last ten or twelve years, 
 
100 ISAAC martin's journal. [1811 
 
 a few weeks before the death of my dear wife, my 
 right eye began to be very painful. A high state of in- 
 flammation ensued, and the pain was excrutiating, com- 
 parable, I thought, to a pin being run through the ball. 
 Through the violence of my distress I slept scarcely 
 any for several days and nights, till nature seemed al- 
 most exhausted. At length there was a great discharge 
 of water from it day and night; and when I got a 
 little sleep, my eye-lids would stick together, confin- 
 ing the watery humour, so that I soon awoke in ex- 
 treme misery, with the pain. Ten weeks passed in 
 this deeply trying condition, and I had persons to 
 watch with me for near four of them ; having dis- 
 covered that when I slept but one hour at a time, my 
 eye-lids were more easily separated, and a smaller 
 quantity of water collected, so as to occasion less 
 pain. 
 
 During this affliction, the distress in my head was 
 often so great that it unfitted me for calmly waiting 
 upon my God, for the renewal of my strength. I had 
 passed through scenes of great bodily affliction before, 
 but now it seemed more than doubled upon me. My 
 soul was also depressed, and I cried unto the Lord, 
 and said , " O Lord, thou knowest that I love thee 
 above all visible enjoyments. Support my poor soul, 
 and let me not perish, I beseech thee." Sometimes 
 however, I was favoured with the presence of my 
 God, for a short season ; but most of the time I felt a 
 sense of great desertion. But as the dispensations of 
 the Almighty are most wise, and, I believe, intended 
 for good ; so I desire to improve thereby, and trust 
 that, sooner or later, substantial benefit will be pro- 
 duced. 
 
 In about six weeks after the death of my wife, I 
 
1811] ISAAC martin's JOURNAL. 101 
 
 was able to walk to the street door — the pain left my 
 eye, though the sight was impaired — and the distress 
 and dizziness in my head very much abated, supposed 
 to be by reason of the discharge of water from my 
 eyes, so that my sufferings from that source became 
 less than they had been for some years. 
 
 Having, heretofore, found great benefit from a sail 
 up the North river, as soon as my strength of body 
 permitted, being about the middle of the 5th month, I 
 went to New York, and thence on board a boat going 
 to Newburgh, my kind friend J. N. accompanying me. 
 We were set ashore at New Cornwall landing, and 
 went to visit my dear friend, David Sands. Also at- 
 tended Cornwall week-day meeting, w^ich was a 
 heavenly time to me, not having been at a meeting 
 for nearly five months. I likewise staid meeting 
 there on First-day following ; and notice having been 
 spread, considerable many attended. The Lord was 
 with me, as in days past ; and strengthened my soul 
 with heavenly might, to sound forth his salvation. 
 
 20th of 5ih month, in company with David Sands, 
 I returned to New York, by boat, and attended meet- 
 ings there on fourth and fifth days, in which I felt 
 Divine help in a precious degree attend my soul, and 
 was renewedly strengthened and animated, after 
 months of almost constant depression of spirit. The 
 loss of my much loved companion, and extreme bo- 
 dily misery, had almost overwhelmed me ; but through 
 these severe trials, the Lord, the mighty God alone, 
 preserved me from sinking into despair. Let living 
 praises be ascribed to his most adorable and glorious 
 name. I also attended several sittings of the Yearly 
 Meeting, and was much comforted, in the company 
 
102 ISAAC MARTINIS JOURIVAL. [1811 
 
 of many dear friends, collected from different and 
 distant parts. 
 
 The 1st of the 6th month I came home, and for 
 several days, felt sensibly benefitted by the journey, 
 with an increase of appetite and strength. I attended 
 our meeting on First-day morning ; and next day, 
 visited several of my neighbours and friends, to my 
 comfort. Shortly after, I was attacked with a rheu- 
 matic affection, that prevented my getting out much, 
 for some time. I have had much of this disorder, for 
 a number of years ; and have thought the distress in 
 my head, though originating from a broken skull, 
 when I was a child, was often increased by therheu- 
 matism. ^ 
 
 Of latter time, I have had some glorious seasons of 
 Divine enjoyment, wherein all fear of death has been 
 taken away, with a belief that my name is written in 
 the Lamb's book of hfe ; so that sometimes I have 
 found it difficult to suppress desires to be released 
 from the conflicts of mortality, before the allotted 
 time. May the Lord of heaven continue to preserve 
 my tribulated soul, through the few remaining days 
 appointed me, until my warfare is accomplished, and 
 my spirit divinely prepared to join with angels and 
 archangels, in ascribing glory, honour and praise, 
 unto Him that sits upon the throne, and unto the 
 Lamb for ever more. Amen. 
 
 1th mo. 2d. This morning, on reflecting upon my 
 past life, I was ready to conclude, that in bearing a 
 faithful testimony against the spirit of the world, par- 
 ticularly as manifest in the pride of life, it had been 
 amongst the greatest trials of my life. For many 
 years I was, on this account, straitened in my busi- 
 ness. When extraordinary prospects of obtaining 
 
1811] ISAAC martin's journal. 103 
 
 wealth were presented, I was under the necessity of 
 decUning them, for the sake of sweet, heavenly peace 
 of mmd. Many have been my straits; deep and 
 painful my provings. I have been a spectacle to an- 
 gels and to men ; few, very few, to strengthen my 
 hands. Yet the eternal God hath been my refuge ; 
 and the little " meal in the barrel," and the " oil in 
 the cruise," have not failed. I frequently think that 
 half an hour in heaven will richly compensate for a 
 life of many afflictions and trials. 
 
 1th mo. Sd. Many years of my life, beginning at 
 the age of nineteen, I was not free to use West India 
 sugar and molasses, nor to trade therein. But for 
 several years past have felt more liberty to use those 
 articles, on account of my very poor state of health. 
 I much desire that Friends may attend to tlieir reli- 
 gious scruples and the mind of Truth herein ; and by 
 all means do that which will make for their peace; 
 not too implicitly following the example of others 
 herein, but weighing the subject in the balance of 
 truth and righteousness, manifested in their own 
 hearts. Thus will they be wisely directed what to 
 choose, and what to refuse ; and how to support the 
 testimony of Truth in their own particular. Several 
 other kinds of produce, raised by the labour of the 
 unhappy and degraded slaves, are marked as con- 
 nected with the gain of oppression. Wisdom, pure 
 wisdom, will instruct the rightly concerned how far 
 to go, and where to draw the line. Faith may be 
 tried — love may be proved ; but the great object 
 must be kept in view, to do the things that will make 
 for peace. 
 
 It is cause of thankfulness, that the great trade to 
 Africa for slaves is aboUshed, both in Great Britain, 
 
104 ISAAC MARTIX'S JOURNAL. [1812 
 
 and in these American states. Behold, how great a 
 blessing has resulted from the exercise and faithful 
 labours of (at first) a very few individuals of our so- 
 ciety, whose hearts were deeply affected with the 
 cruel oppression of that people. 
 
 9th rno. \2lh, 1812. I again take up the pen to give 
 some further account of my life. During last winter 
 I was confined at home, about two weeks, through 
 indisposition ; being ill with a fever. Tow^ards spring 
 a concern weightily attended my mind, that as soon 
 as health admitted, I must appoint meetings in divers 
 places, within a few miles of Railway. Accordingly 
 I had four such meetings, and was laid by for some 
 time with the rheumatism — when I recovered, I ap- 
 pointed three more. All of which were satisfactory, 
 fav^ourcf'. opportunities, except one. The people ap- 
 peared solid and satisfied, and my soul was renewed- 
 ly strengthened to praise the Lord. Soon after, I 
 went to New York and Westchester, by water, and 
 was at several meetings, much to my comfort. After- 
 wards was at Flushing on Long Island, and staid 
 near a week attending meetings. Then returned home, 
 and in a short time after went to Philadelphia, and 
 to see my son, about four miles further. Attended 
 Arch street meeting in the city, and was strengthen- 
 ed to publish the gospel of salvation. Oh! the precious 
 savour that attended me, when I was led to declare 
 liberty to the captive, and the opening of the prison 
 to them that are bound. The mourners in Zion were 
 comforted, and a precious remnant, who are near to 
 my life, were encouraged to confide in the name and 
 power of Israel's God. 
 
 A few days after the meeting, I left my son's in 
 order to return home ; but suffered mnch bodily pain 
 
1813] ISAAC martin's journal. 105 
 
 and fatigue in the journey : so that after arriving at 
 my own habitation, I was confined to my bed, most 
 of the time for five days. 
 
 The prospect of having meetings among those not of 
 our society continuing with me, and increasing, I left 
 home the 11th of the 1st month, 1813, and had sever- 
 al appointed meetings from among Friends, at and 
 about New Brunswick, Scotch Plains, and several other 
 places, this concern spreading more extensively than 
 I had before known. Divers of these were favoured 
 opportunities, there being great openness to hear gos- 
 pel truths declared. After I returned home, a woman, 
 who Hved near our village, sent an invitation to me 
 to attend the burial of her husband and preach a 
 funeral sermon. I returned answer, that I never had 
 gone to a meeting with intention to preach there ; it 
 was inconsistent with my ideas of the ministry to take 
 thought beforehand what to say to the people. I 
 however, attended the funeral; — a holy solemnity 
 prevailed ; — the gospel of Christ was preached freely, 
 and Truth reigned gloriously. A number of Me- 
 thodists were present, and divers of them expressed 
 satisfaction with my communication. May the Lord 
 have the praise ; to whom only it is due. In his love- 
 ing kindness he hath divinely aided me in all those 
 meetings, which were appointed in his fear. To him 
 I desire to devote the residue of my days, for he is 
 worthy to be served and adored forever. 
 
 In the 4th month, I concluded again to take a sail 
 up the North river, for the benefit of my health. It 
 also appeared to me that a further service for Truth, 
 would be required of me, in the journey by the appoint- 
 ment of meetings from place to place, amongst those 
 not of our society. As I gave up to this concern, a 
 
106 ISAAC martin's journal. [1813 
 
 precious, heavenly tranquillity pervaded my mind, — 
 and a quietude, that human reason was utterly in- 
 competent to produce, attended me. Before I became 
 resigned to this prospect, my mind had been much 
 distressed from divers causes and circumstances ; but 
 now they were not suffered to annoy me. Blessed 
 be the name of the Lord, which is indeed a strong 
 tower. 
 
 In company with my dear friend Henry Shotwell, 
 and with the unity of our friends at home, set out the 
 1st of the 5th month, and got on board a boat bound 
 for Sing-Sing, where w^e landed the next afternoon. 
 On the voyage, had some very interesting religious 
 conversation with some of the passengers, who I 
 believed had been with Jesus, spiritually. The Lord's 
 children are made near and dear to each other, 
 although they frequently differ wdth respect to the out- 
 ward forms of religion, and may have adopted differ- 
 ent modes of worshipping the Soverign of heaven and 
 earth. Oh ! that all might labour to feel after God, 
 if happily they may find him, a teacher in their hearts. 
 How many glorious, heavenly seasons, would many 
 enjoy, were they enough watchful unto prayer ! Men- 
 tal prayer — entering into the closet, and shutting to 
 the door of the heart — introduces the soul into the 
 presence of an omnipresent Being ; who w^ould often 
 condescend to bless with the overshadowing of his 
 love, if he was sufficiently sought and w^aited upon ; 
 and thus would enable us to offer up living prayers 
 and praises unto him the living God w^ho is ever 
 worthy. 
 
 Next day, though very poorly, I attended Shappa- 
 qua meeting, to my great consolation. The Lord's 
 power arose, and strengthened me in body and mind. 
 
1813] ISAAC martin's journal. 107 
 
 Praised be his holy name. In the evening of the 3d, 
 had a meeting in the Presbyterian meeting house, at 
 Sing-Sing. I beUeve I stood near two hours, and the 
 people were very attentive. After meeting, the priest 
 used some expressions which indicated he thought 
 our meeting held too long ; but a considerable num- 
 ber of his hearers were so much dissatisfied with his 
 reflections on us, that they left him in disgust, signi- 
 fying that they could have been wilUng to stay at our 
 meeting all night. 
 
 I continued in these parts about nineteen days, ap- 
 pointing meetings in villages, and other places ; w^as 
 also at four meetings of Friends. I was often very 
 unwell, but the power of the Lord strengthened me, 
 at times, in a manner I had never before experienced. 
 The gospel was preached, I trust, to the warning of 
 some and the comforting of others. Truth was in 
 dominion, and my soul magnified the Lord, who was 
 a present helper in the needful time. I may here note 
 that during this journey, I have had a longer respite 
 from the distressing feelings in my head, than for eight 
 or nine years before ; and I ascribe it to the Lord's 
 goodness, marvellous in mine eyes. But I have been 
 learning to be thankful, as well for the most trying 
 dispensations of his providence, as for the greatest 
 comforts that ever my soul enjoyed. Oh! that I may 
 ever abide here ; as I don't conclude, by any means, 
 that I am out of the reach of danger, but am sensible 
 the holy watch must be kept up, during my continu- 
 ance here in this probationary state. 
 
 On the 22d of the 5th month, I returned to New 
 York by water, in company with divers Friends, on 
 their way to the Yearly Meeting. I felt a concern 
 to have a meeting on board the sloop w4th the pas- 
 
108 ISAAC martin's journal. [1813 
 
 sengers, several who were not members being pre- 
 sent, and a good season it was. I staid in New York, 
 and attended nearly all the sittings of the Yearly 
 Meeting. It was a comfortable, favoured meeting, 
 and I was strengthened with my dear friends. Oh! 
 how precious is that love which unites the Lord's 
 children, when met together ! and when separated, 
 they are as epistles, written on one another's hearts, 
 which neither length of time, nor distance of place, 
 can erase. 
 
 About a week after my return home, I felt a con- 
 cern to appoint a meeting at New Brunswick. It 
 was held in the court house, in the evening. The 
 Presbyterian priest and about one hundred and forty 
 of the inhabitants attended ; and it was a blessed, good 
 meeting. The prejudices of people in this place are 
 much removed, and they are much more disposed to 
 attend our meetings than was the case some years 
 ago. I am sometimes induced to believe there will 
 be a meeting of Friends in this city, there being now 
 about seven families and parts of families of Friends 
 there. 
 
 During the 6th month, I appointed several meetings 
 with those not of our society; one about two miles 
 from our village, another at Westfield, about five 
 miles : also, one at Woodbridge, and was at a meet- 
 ing at Bound Brook appointed by E. K. of Philadel- 
 phia. Most of these were held in the Presbyterian 
 meeting houses, and I had conversation with several 
 of their priests to my satisfaction. The 3d of 7th 
 month, had a meeting at Metutching, where there 
 never had been a Friends' meeting held. By desire 
 of the priest, it was held in the Presbyterian meeting 
 house; I don't remember that I ever enjoyed the Di- 
 
1813] ISAAC martin's journal. 109 
 
 vine presence in so eminent a degree in any meeting 
 ing 1 ever appointed, as in this. The glorious gospel was 
 preached to several states, and honour and praise 
 were ascribed unto God most high. The priest, at 
 whose house I took some refreshment, was very kind, 
 and said he hoped what had been communicated 
 would prove a blessing to his congregation. He has 
 been a remarkably exercised man, and I am told, 
 does not feel free to study his sermons. 
 
 1th mo. 20th. I w'as led to devote more time than 
 usual in my chamber, in waiting upon God; w^ho 
 was graciously pleased, after some days veiling his 
 presence in a great measure from my soul, to appear 
 again in glorious power, enabling me to praise his 
 Divine Majesty, in awful, reverential silence. 
 
 29th. My old disorder of pain and dizziness in my 
 head, has returned, as severe as ever, so that I have 
 found it very difficult, at times, to keep my mind 
 stayed upon the Lord. But he has not left me com- 
 fortless; no — his arm hath wrought my salvation. I 
 have no wish to have my health otherwise. An all- 
 merciful God is my helper; he makes hard things 
 easy, and bitter things sweet. In him will I put my 
 trust. 
 
 Yesterday, I wrote the following letter to a young 
 woman in poor health — her disorder thought to be a 
 consumption, now making a rapid progress. 
 
 Rahway, 7th mo. 28th, 1813. 
 My dear Friend — Being lately informed that 
 ihou wast in very ill health, and not having it in- my 
 power to visit thee personally, as T am confined to my 
 bed, with much bodily pain and great weakness, I 
 thought best to address thee with a few lines, in the 
 K 
 
lid ISAAC martin's journal. [1813 
 
 love of the gospel ; — desiring that the present afflictive 
 dispensation of Divine Providence, maybe submitted 
 to in humility, patience, and resignation. 
 
 Oh ! what an unspeakable blessing will redound to 
 thy soul, from the present bitter cup of affliction, if 
 thou humblest thyself before the Lord, and implores 
 the aid of his grace to enable thee to do his blessed 
 will. Thus thou may bring glory to him, by doing 
 those things which are well pleasing in his sight. For 
 the Lord thy God is willing to strengthen thy weak 
 endeavours to serve him. 
 
 I have no doubt, dear friend, that thy mind has 
 been, at times, very seriously affected in viewing the 
 progress of thy disorder. But how many poor crea- 
 tures are taken out of time, and scarce a moment's 
 warning allowed them to prepare for an endless state; 
 their conduct, when in health, being such as dis- 
 honoured the Lord! Thou hast time; and thou hast 
 a merciful Creator, who is willing to help thee. Avail 
 thyself of the high favour conferred on thee. Resign 
 thyself to his will as much as is in thy power. Be 
 faithful to every intimation of duty, made known to 
 thee. 
 
 Thus, as thou submittest thy will, and resignest thy- 
 self unto the Lord thy God, he will bring thee by a 
 way that thou knew not, and lead thee in paths that 
 thou hast not known. He will make darkness light 
 before thee, and thou wilt know, by blessed expe- 
 rience, that "these light afflictions, which are but for 
 a moment," will work for thee " a far more exceed- 
 ing and eternal weight of glory." 
 
 I feel much solicitude that the present trial may be 
 blessed and sanctified to thee. Oh! wait upon the 
 Lord ; seek him within thee ; enter the closet of thine 
 
1813] ISAAC martin's journal. Ill 
 
 heart, and pray unto him : there he is to be found ; 
 there his glorious power and presence is to be felt, 
 supporting through all, and blessing every trial of 
 faith and patience, to the confirmation of those who 
 love him. 
 
 The common enemy of man may suggest, that 
 thou hast too long delayed time, — that thou didst not 
 early enough, follow the Guide of thy youth, — and 
 that he has forsaken thee. But believe him not. He 
 loves to discourage every appearance of good. Draw 
 nigh unto God, and I fully beheve he will draw nigh 
 unto thee, and help thee from his holy sanctuary. 
 
 With desires for thy present and eternal felicity, I 
 remain thy affectionate friend, 
 
 ISAAC MARTIX. 
 
 The 26th of the 8th month, this dear young woman 
 departed this life, in a comfortable state of mind ; having 
 expressed that she had no desire to stay here. On 
 the 28th I attended the funeral. It was a large gath- 
 ering ; in which after being deprived of the opportu- 
 nity of attending meetings for more than six weeks, 
 the Lord dealt bountifully with me ; — filling my heart 
 with heavenly love, and enabling me again publicly 
 to espouse his cause. It was a heart tendering season 
 and I trust, will not soon be forgotten by some. • 
 
 Next day being First-day, I attended our meeting^ 
 at Rahway ; where after about an hour's silent wait- 
 ing on the Lord, in which my mind was sweetly 
 favoured with the enjoyment of heavenly good, I 
 thought it right for me to stand up and express these 
 words: "There is a. way which seemeth good unto 
 a man, but the end thereof is death." I soon felt the 
 withdrawings of hfe, but could not see my way to, 
 
112 ISAAC martin's journal. [1815 
 
 ''close, so stood a few minutes longer, endeavouring to 
 keep my eye to the Lord. But the power of grace 
 
 1. and truth not rising, but decreasing, I took my seat. 
 
 r Afterward my mind became deeply afflicted on 
 account of my offering, and I was ready to wish I 
 had expressed no more than the text above mentioned; 
 knowing the Lord can bless a little as well as much. 
 The idea of ministering to the people, without the 
 precious savour of Divine life attending, has always, 
 since capable of proper reflection on the subject, 
 appeared very awful to me. For although a man 
 may utter the words of Christ, yet if they are not at- 
 tended with Christ's spirit, they cannot bring souls to 
 
 ^ Christ. 
 
 The following reflections occurred, on an aflfecting 
 case of outgoing in marriage. 
 
 Oh ! the great loss, which we, as a society, have 
 sustained by mixed marriages. Hereby, a foundation 
 has often been laid, for great trouble and sorrow to 
 the parties thus connected. The husband sometimes 
 going to one place of worship, and his wife to another. 
 And if they should be blessed with children, the difli- 
 culty then increases. If the parents are religiously 
 concerned, the father often desires the children to 
 attend with him, and the mother with her ; — each 
 solicitous on account of their children's welfare, and 
 each partial to their own mode of worship ; as if they 
 thought the everlasting welfare of themselves and 
 their children was nearly concerned therein. The 
 solemn engagement, into which the parents have enter- 
 ed of being loving to each other until death, is now 
 brought to the test. May the consideration of these 
 things have timely place on the minds of all concern- 
 
1813J ISAAC martin's journal. 113 
 
 ed in this weighty affair, so as to prevent the evils 
 that otherwise may follow. 
 
 In the lOlh month, my health being better, I set 
 out to visit Kingvvood meeting and some other places. 
 Was at Kingwood on First-day, 'where Truth was in 
 dominion. Had also two appointed meetings, one 
 on second day, at the house of a person called Major 
 Everitt, where perhaps sixty people of other societies 
 attended, who appeared soUd, and divers were serious- 
 ly affected. The other was at Pottstown, a blessed 
 season ; and on fifth day was at their monthly meet- 
 ing. Then went on to Hardwich, where I had not 
 been for about fourteen years. On First-day was at 
 meeting there, and a precious, heavenly season it 
 was. My God was strength in weakness : he richly 
 compensated me for my bodily suffering in riding 
 here, and Friends were glad to see me once more. 
 Next day, through some difficulty, I reached Mend- 
 ham, and had a meeting there in the afternoon, which 
 was favoured, so that it made up for all the trials in 
 getting to it. The liOrd is good ; — a never failing help- 
 er to all who put their trust in him. 
 
 After getting home, I was at meeting a few times, 
 but grew worse in health, so that I was prevented at- 
 tending meetings for about three-quarters of a year. 
 After which, recovering a little, I felt a concern for 
 the coloured people, living within reach of our meet- 
 ing house, where they were collected on First-day 
 afternoon, to a considerable number. I imparted to 
 them such counsel as the Lord enabled me, and felt 
 much relief and comfort in the opportunity. 
 
 Soon after, a weighty concern attended my mind 
 on account of a tax on shop keepers, who dealt in 
 foreign articles, to be appropriated towards carrying 
 
114 ' ISAAC martin's journal. [1813 
 
 on the war against England. I felt much scrupulous 
 in my mind, respecting the consistency thereof with 
 our peaceable principles. For about ten years I had 
 kept an apothecary shop ; which business suited my 
 inclination and capacity ; being from my youth cir- 
 cumscribed, both in shop-keeping and my trade of a 
 hatter, on account of the prevailing fashions. After 
 much seeking to the Lord for counsel and direction, 
 I believed my peace of mind would be affected, if I 
 paid the said tax. So I resigned myself to the Lord's 
 will, let the event be as it may. But scarcely a day 
 passed, that I had not to turn customers away, who 
 applied for articles which I had on hand, but could 
 not sell, on account of the heavy penalty. But I am 
 well satisfied, feeUng the testimony against war to be 
 very precious, and worth suffering for, if thereby the 
 peaceable government of the Messiah may be pro-^ 
 moted. 
 
 How shocking the carnage and miseries of war ! I 
 am informed that within about two years and a half, 
 near fifty thousand lives have been lost in the present 
 wars between this country and England. How awful 
 the reflection, that so many precious souls should be 
 thus hurried into an endless eternity, to meet the 
 Judge of quick and dead I Where shall we find the 
 least spark of Christian love, in the spirit of war ? Nay 
 a diabohcal spirit is the author and promoter thereof; 
 and it tends mightily to strengthen the kingdom of 
 darkness, and to lay waste every Christian virtue, 
 every spark of redeeming grace and love in the souls 
 of those who are instrumental in promoting, or carry- 
 ing it on. Yet, Oh how lamentable ! that those who 
 assume the title of Christ's ministers should aid in 
 person, and by what is called preaching ! Some of 
 
[1815 ISAAC martin's journal. 115 
 
 whom, if not all, I believe know better than they 
 practise ; but the fear of man, or perhaps the loss of 
 their yearly salary, turns the scale of true judgement 
 in their hearts. Thus, the leaders of the people cause 
 them to err, and the blessed cause of truth and right- 
 eousness in the earth is frustrated by them. 
 
 2dmo'nthy 1815. In looking over my Journal, find 
 I have frequently mentioned my being much indis- 
 posed with pain and dizziness in my head; I may 
 here give some account of the cause. Before I was 
 •five years old, I fell out of a second story window 
 into the street, and by the fall my skull was broken. 
 A skilful surgeon trepanned me ; but as the fracture 
 extended down my head, within about one inch of 
 my eye, he concluded to leave a little of the fracture 
 nearest the eye, without extracting it, apprehending, 
 if he did, I should lose the sight of that eye ; but 
 thought I might enjoy pretty good health with leaving 
 it in. It has proved a source of great suffering through 
 life, to the present time. After three or four hours 
 sleep at night, the blood hath not circulated freely, 
 and a numbness, with excruciating pain, hath often 
 ensued ; so that many times I have been unable to 
 rise and dress myself for several hours. 
 
 My mind having been impressed for many months 
 with a belief, that my duty to a most gracious Crea- 
 tor constrained me to enter upon the service of ap- 
 pointing meetings in many places, among different 
 societies of professing Christians; I had become so en- 
 tirely weaned from my home, that I felt it more like 
 a prison to me, than . a comfortable habitation. I 
 therefore left it on the 3d of the 12th month, 1815, 
 being a very cold day, and rode to Plainfield. Next 
 day, attended their week-day meeting in silence. In 
 
116 ISAAC MARTIN'S JOURNAL. [1815 
 
 the evening had an appointed meeting at the house of 
 a Baptist, where I had one several years before. 
 Many young people of the neighbourhood being pre- 
 sent, as well as those more advanced, we had a ten- 
 dering season together. Precious was the influence 
 of Divine love, qualifying me to declare gospel truths 
 among them. A sweet solemnity prevailed, I believe, 
 on almost every mind. Blessed be the Lord, my m.ost 
 merciful helper, who thus confirmed me in the behef 
 that he had called me forth to labour in his vineyard 
 for the good of souls. 
 
 I continued about five weeks in the neighbourhood 
 of Plainfield ; attended their First-day and week-day 
 meetings in course, and had sixteen appointed meet- 
 ings within about fourteen miles distance ; also at- 
 tended the burial of a person who had once belonged 
 among Friends : in which opportunity my heart was 
 filled with the power of the Word of Life. I stood 
 forth among them under its heavenly influence, and 
 was enabled to proclaim the Lord's controversy 
 against sin and iniquity, and divers vices which alien- 
 ate the soul from God ; showing also the inconsistency 
 of wars and fightings, with the purity of the gospel 
 dispensation. I told them I would much rather that my 
 life was taken from me, than, in endeavouring to save 
 it, I should be the means of plunging a fellow crea- 
 ture, unprepared, into an endless eternity. 
 
 In the evening, I had a meeting in the Presbyte- 
 rians' house at Bound Brook. The weather was very 
 cold, 3^et many attended. I felt considerable relief, 
 hut not so much as at some other times. The priest, 
 being unwell, was not able to attend. Next morning 
 I went to see him. He informed me he had never 
 
1815] ISAAC martin's journal. 117 
 
 been at a Friends' meeting, having lately removed 
 here, from Berkley, in Virginia. He also interrogat- 
 ed me on various important subjects relating to our 
 religious' principles, I thought more from a desire of 
 information, than disputation. He appeared pretty 
 well satisfied with my answers, till the subject of war 
 was mentioned. He then said, "You .know we are 
 commanded to submit to every ordinance of man, for 
 the Lord's sake." I replied, I remember the passage 
 well. But I also remember that Darius, king of the 
 Modes and Persians, had ordained that no petition 
 should be made to any god or man, for the space of 
 thirty days, save unto him, upon the penalty of being 
 cast into the lion's den : and thou may find that 
 Daniel did not submit to his decree, because it op- 
 posed his duty to his God. Neither could those call- 
 ed the three children, Shadrach, Meshech, and Abed- 
 nego, submit to the ordinance of king Nebuchadnez- 
 zar, in falling down and worshipping the golden image 
 he had set up; although a dreadful punishment was 
 to follow, even to be cast into a burning fiery furnace. 
 Also, the apostles, when it was ordained that they 
 should not teach nor preach, in the name of Jesus, 
 did not submit to the ordinance, but answered. We 
 ought to obey God, rather than men. I concluded 
 with saying — It is not in thy power, nor in the power 
 of any man, to support war, upon the principles of 
 Christianity. He then said, " I wish the whole world 
 were of your principles in that respect." 
 
 He then informed me there was to be a society 
 meeting that evening in the academy, and wished I 
 would stay and attend it. I told him I would rather 
 not interfere with the religious worship of other so- 
 cieties. A little while after, he said, the meeting 
 
118 ISAAC martin's journal. [1815 
 
 would be composed of the more religious part of his 
 congregation, and if I could see my way to attend 
 with them, he should be glad. I answered much as 
 before. After a pause, he said. If you will attend 
 meeting this evening, I will give up the service wholly 
 to you. After weighing the subject, I informed him 
 I should be willing, upon those terms. He then went 
 to the academy, and made the arrangement for a 
 meeting on my account. 
 
 In the course of our conversation, he spoke much 
 in favour of the necessity of the influence of the holy 
 Spirit, in religious concerns ; and stated, that he had 
 divers times stood up to preach to the people, when 
 he felt very unfit, for want thereof. He appeared to 
 lament this lack of Divine assistance, but said the 
 people expected preaching and prayer, and would be 
 much disappointed without these exercises. He also 
 said, that sometimes he felt this sacred influence to 
 attend his mind, or, as he termed it, " the spirit to 
 move him;" and he then felt like another man; being 
 much more strengthened and authorized when^ he 
 could enjoy it. In which I believe he was very sin- 
 cere. 
 
 At dinner, he proposed to me, to perform the usual 
 ceremony of what is called saying grace. I told 
 him, I felt a thankful heart for the blessing of food 
 before usr but could not publicly invoke the Divine 
 Being without a special influence of grace to enable 
 me. I spent about two-thirds of the day with him, 
 to considerable satisfaction. In the evening he went 
 with me to the academy, where I obtained some re- 
 lief to my mind, but not abundant. The priest ex- 
 pressed his satisfaction with the meeting. 
 
 Next day, which was very cold, I rode to Spring- 
 
]815] ISAAC martin's journal. 119 
 
 field, and put up at the house of one who had once 
 been a member among Friends ; there being no other 
 in that thriving town professing with us, and never a 
 Friends meeting held ■ there, though Daniel Offley of 
 .Philadelphia, accompanied by David Cooper, in the 
 2nd month, 1788, had one, a littlQ out of the town, 
 which I then attended. The friends who went with 
 me, went out to obtain a place for a meeting. The 
 priest and one or two other noted persons proposed 
 the academy, but mentioned that a deaconwho lived 
 at the upper end of the town waato have a society- 
 meeting that evening. He was applied to, but refused 
 to give it up. After dinner it came weightily on me 
 to accompany Friends and the priest, to see the deacon. 
 As we rode along, I asked the priest whether he had 
 ever attended Friends' meeting. He replied once, 
 in the northern parts of New York State ; in which, 
 he said a man spoke a few sentences, and was follow-^ 
 ed by a woman who appeared very animated, and 
 her discourse suitably adapted. I told him the man 
 might have been an eminent minister of the gospel, 
 though he then said but few words ; for it sometimes 
 so happened. Our ministers can speak only as the 
 Spirit gives them utterance ; sometimes it may be 
 but a few minutes, at other times, several hours. 
 
 When we arrived at the deacon's house, the priest 
 and he entered into conversation for some time. Par- 
 tial notice had been given of the meeting in the even- 
 ing, and the afternoon being short, I grew uneasy. 
 So when they stopped a few moments, I inquired re- 
 specting the meeting ; — the deacon still said he ex- 
 pected to have a society meeting that evening. I told 
 him it was with me a duty which I held more dear 
 than my natural life, to appoint these meetings, and 
 
120 ISAAC MARTINIS JOURNAL. [1815 
 
 had felt great peace in so doing ; that I knew nothing 
 of their arrangements before coming, or I might have 
 waited till another time. He then said, " I will drop 
 my meeting till next week, so as to be no obstruction 
 to you." He then questioned me what kind of preach- . 
 ing Friends practiced ; whether it was practical, or 
 doctrinal. I told him it was both ; and added — it is 
 sometimes practical, and sometimes doctrinal; at 
 other times both. 
 
 r The priest then said, " Why don't Friends call the 
 scriptures the word of God?" (Several of the dea- 
 con's family being present, his wife and children with 
 their eyes fixed on me,) I said, " Christ is the Word of 
 God. It is written in the Revelation, ' Out of his 
 mouth goeth a sharp sword: and his name is called 
 The Word of God.' And in the first chapter of John, 
 it is written, ' In the beginning was the Word, and 
 the Word was with God ; and the Word was God.' 
 And again, ' The Word of God is quick and power- 
 ful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing 
 to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the 
 joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts 
 and intents of the heart.' Now, all this would be 
 very absurd to apply to the holy scriptures ; although 
 we consider them the best book that ever was writ- 
 ten, and press the diligent perusal of them." He re- 
 plied, "Be sure — take all the words from Genesis to 
 the Revelations, and call them the word of God, I 
 don't know that it would be correct. I don't know 
 ^that there is much difference between us." He then 
 attacked me on the subject of war. I made some 
 apologies respecting my feeble state of health, and a 
 wish to have a little repose before the meeting, as the 
 time was short, nevertheless that I was willing to 
 
1816] ISAAC martin's journal. 121 
 
 answer any question he might ask as far as I was ca- 
 pable. I then recited the words of Christ on that 
 subject, namely — loving our enemies, doing good for 
 evil, praying for them that persecute us &c.; also the 
 expressions of the apostle James, " Whence come 
 wars and fightings among you? Come they not hence, 
 even of your lusts that war in your members ?" And 
 feeling myself divinely strengthened, I said to him, " it 
 is not in thy power, nor that of any other man, to 
 support war upon the principles of Christianity." He 
 then informed the company how he had been conscien- 
 tiously straitened in his mind, some time ago, on a 
 subject of a military nature. After some further con- 
 versation we parted. 
 
 In the evening, I attended the meeting, which was 
 crowded, the priest and deacon also being there. I 
 very soon felt the Shepherd of Israel near ; — his 
 blessed presence was in dominion in my soul. • Divers 
 subjects were treated on, and divers states addressed, 
 in the power of the gospel. Much tenderness and 
 brokenness appeared, especially among the youth. 
 Near the close of my communication, I addressed 
 those who of latter time, had been under Divine visi- 
 tations, — who had felt the holy influence of the religion 
 of Jesus, in their hearts, producing some change in 
 them, and who had at times, felt its consoling effects; 
 entreating them not to lay too great stress, or put too 
 much dependence upon past experience : for, it was 
 not enough for them who had once known the holy, 
 benign influence of grace upon their souls, to conclude 
 they ever shoul-d remain in it; for this cannot be the 
 case, but through much watching and prayer ; — closet 
 prayer, shutting the door of the heart, so that no 
 earthly objects may enter. Hereby an intercourse witii 
 
 L 
 
122 ISAAC Martin's journal. [181 G 
 
 the Father of spirits is experienced, and the soul is 
 kept alive and fruitful, being renewedly strengthened 
 to ^maintain the warfare, until all evil is overcome. 
 Oh! this secret silent prayer and travail is greatly 
 wanting, even among the better kind of people. 
 Many glorious opportunities of divine enjoyment are 
 missed, for want of patiently continuing therein, from 
 day to day, and many weaknesses gain the ascendeo- 
 cy over the soul, for lack thereof. 
 
 When I took my seat, the priest addressed the 
 people, expressing his belief that the mind may be 
 profitably employed in times of silence, and fully con- 
 curring with what I had said. After which my mind 
 was clothed with a heavenly feeling, w^hich I can no 
 more obtain of myself, than I can command the clouds 
 to drop down rain ; — under the influence of which I 
 kneeled down, and my heart, through Divine, conde- 
 scending goodness, was drawn forth to supplicate the 
 Throne of grace for a more general pouring forth of 
 the Holy spirit, upon the sons and daughters of men ; 
 that thereby truth and righteousness might gloriously 
 abound in the earth, and the knowledge of the Lord 
 be spread far and near. 
 
 After the meeting closed, I spent a few minutes 
 with those dear little children, whose hearts had been 
 greatly wrought upon by the power of truth, so that 
 they wept exceedingly. As I spoke to them, to com- 
 fort and encourage them, a number of those who had 
 left the meeting returned again. I then left the place 
 with a thankful heart, and returned to my lodging, 
 though kindly invited by the priest and deacon, to 
 tarry with them. 
 
 These society, or prayer-meetings among the Pres- 
 byterians, are frequently appointed by the deacons, 
 
1816] ISAAC martin's journal. 123 
 
 and have lately increased in divers places. They 
 allow their women to pray in them ; and in this town, 
 I am told there are more than a dozen females, who 
 frequently visit families and exhort them, as they see 
 occasion, or pray among them. I am apprehensive 
 some of these pious women will enter upon preaching 
 unawares; for I was told by a friend who heard one 
 of them exhorting a man of immoral conduct, that 
 her communication was suitably adapted and feelingly 
 delivered. It seems one step towards their getting 
 over Paul's words, which they used to lay so much 
 stress on ; " Let your women keep silence in the 
 church." Doubtless intended for that particular oc- 
 casion, and not to lay a general prohibition upon 
 others, so as to prevent them from exercising the gifts 
 which the Lord had bestowed on them. 
 
 A few weeks since I visited a woman, a member 
 of the Baptist society. In a few minutes, after sitting 
 down with her, a heavenly sweetness spread over my 
 mind, of which I informed her, and had to speak com- 
 fortably to her, as believing her sun would set in 
 brightness, she being far gone in a consumption. She 
 several times attempted to tell me the comfortable 
 hope she had; but it exhausted her strength. It was 
 a precious season and we were mutually thankful for 
 the opportunity. I understood she had often felt strong 
 impressions of duty on her mind, to exhort the people 
 at funerals, and on other occasions, but had given way 
 to discouragements, through fear and the prejudice 
 of custom ; by which she had incurred condemnation 
 for omitting her duty. 
 
 What a pity that any human law or custom should 
 prevent the word of God from having free course in 
 the heart, and hinder females from exercising the 
 
124 ISAAC MARTIN'S JOURNAL. [1816 
 
 gifts which the Lord hath bestowed on them, in order 
 publicly to promote virtue and discourage vice! I 
 have no doubt that many females have, at times, been 
 divinely influenced to pen their several writings ; and 
 that they might have been instruments in the Lord's 
 hand, in speaking in public assemblies to edification, 
 exhortation, and comfort to the glory of God, if there 
 had not been existing rules and laws, to prevent them : 
 for this, I believe, has been the case in all religious 
 societies but Friends. But I believe light, — the light 
 of the everlasting gospel is rising, and will shine 
 brighter and brighter, so as to dispel the mists of pre- 
 judice from the minds of the people. • I also beheve 
 that the prophecy of Joel, adverted to by the apostle 
 Peter,at tlie day of pentecost, will be more fully accom- 
 plished, that the Lord will pour out of his spirit upon 
 all flesh, and that sons and daughters shall prophecy: 
 which not only includes foretelKng future events, but, 
 as defined by the apostle Paul, has a more extensive 
 signification ; even speaking to edification, exhortation, 
 and comfort. 
 
 I rejoice in believing, that notw^ithstanding the 
 abounding iniquities of the present day, the cause of 
 Truth, — even the pure religion of Jesus Christ, is gain- 
 ing ground, in the hearts of thousands. Principles 
 more congenial with the purity of the gospel, are 
 spreading. Peace societies are multiplying; and may 
 the Lord Almighty bless their endeavours, if consis- 
 tent with his will, to the convincement of many ten 
 thousands, and showing them the horrible effects of 
 war, that cruel engine of satan; — than which, I be- 
 heve there is nothing contributes more to strengthen 
 his kingdom, and to unfit men for becoming true 
 members of the church of Christ, the peaceable Mes- 
 
1816] ISAAC martin's journal. 125 
 
 siah. The indulgence of the spirit of war and cruelty, 
 most certainly gives, as it were, a death blow to all 
 the sacred duties of Christianity, and also to every 
 social relation w^hich unites man to his fellow-crea- 
 tures, tending to promote the comfort and happiness 
 of the human family, as children of the same universal 
 Parent. 
 
 The belief in the necessity of the immediate in- 
 fluence of the Holy Spirit, as an essential qualifica- 
 tion in matters purely religious, is more and more as- 
 sented to : whereas, formerly, they were derided as 
 blind enthusiasts who held to the absolute necesssity 
 thereof. The abolition of the slave trade to Africa, 
 both by Great Britain and America, and divers Eu- 
 ropean powers approbating it, is also occasion of 
 praise and thanksgiving to the Author of all good. 
 
 Shortly after my return home from Plainfield, I 
 entered upon the same service, in divers places with- 
 in eight miles of our village ; had fifteen appointed 
 meetings, one being for the coloured people, and also 
 attended a funeral. At all these places, as also in 
 nearly all in the neighbourhood of Plainfield, I was 
 considerably enlarged in the ministry, except at a 
 meeting in the evening at our. meeting house, where 
 I was silent : near the close I informed the people 
 how it was with me, and though it was not pleasant 
 to me as a man to convene such a number together, 
 and have nothing to say, yet I durst not attempt any 
 thing in the way of preaching, without a divine quali- 
 fication. 
 
 I have often had sweet, heavenly meetings in si- 
 lence; in which I have felt such Diwne influence as 
 I shall esteem a great blessing, if my soul is favoured 
 therewith, when drawing near the close of my time. 
 
126 ISAAC martin's journal. [1816 
 
 Yet, at many of these seasons, I have felt no neces- 
 sity to arise and speak to the people. 
 
 9ih mo. \4ith, 1816. A religious concern weightily 
 impressing my mind, to visit Friends, and appoint 
 meetings, principally among other societies within the 
 limits of New York Yearly Meeting. I broke up 
 house-keeping, and, with the approbation of Friends, 
 left home and proceeded to New York. Next day, 
 the 15th, was at the morning meeting at Liberty street, 
 where the spirit of prayer and praise was given me 
 from on high, and my spirit was contrited before the 
 Lord. It was a solemn time; blessed be his name. 
 In the afternoon, was at Pearl street, which was also 
 a favoured season. My God was mouth and wis- 
 dom to me, and the meeting closed under a heavenly 
 solemnity. 
 
 Between this and the 18th, I made divers satisfac- 
 tory social visits among my friends, having had very 
 little opportunity of doing so for many years past, on 
 account of bodily indisposition. I attended the two 
 week-day meetings in course, and was at Pearl street 
 meeting the ensuing First-day morning, where I was 
 Hvingly and sweetly drawn forth in pubUc prayer and 
 praise to the Lord Almighty. In the afternoon I at- 
 tended a meeting with the prisoners at the state pri- 
 son, which was very crowded, a number of the 
 citizens being present, with about six hundred pri- 
 soners. I soon felt an evidence that I was in my 
 proper place, and under the protecting care of Israel's 
 Shepherd. I was drawn forth in exhortation, admo- 
 nition, and solemn warning among them ; — had also 
 to encourage some, who, I believe, were deeply 
 humbled under a sense of their present forlorn, un- 
 happy condition. The meeting ended to the relief of 
 
1816] ISAAC martin's journal. 127 
 
 my mind — to the Lord be all the praise, for his mer- 
 cies endure for ever. 
 
 Next day, had a meeting at the Bowery, being at 
 the further part of the city. On the morning of the 
 24th, had a large and satisfactory meeting at Brook- 
 lyn, and the next evening one betvv^een Manhattan- 
 ville and Harlaem, in which I felt peace. Then went 
 on Long Island, and had a number of meetings in va- 
 rious places; also attended Friends' meetings there. 
 
 lOih mo. Sd. Attended Jericho meeting. It was a 
 favoured meeting ; the Lord is still mine helper. 
 Went home with my much esteemed friend Elias 
 Hicks, who for many years has been, and continues 
 to be a diligent, faithful labourer in the gospel. After 
 this I had meetings -at Jerusalem, Bethphage, West- 
 hills, Huntington, Oyster Bay, Setawket, Smith-town 
 Babylon, and divers other places. Then attended 
 the Quarterly meeting at Flushing, after which had 
 /neetings at Flat-bush and Gravesend ; the latter 
 very trying, by reason of the unsettled state of tiie 
 people's minds, about one third of them leaving the 
 meeting, three or four at a time, while I was on my 
 feet declaring gospel truths- among them. But I 
 felt the consoling evidence that I was in my proper 
 place, endeavouring faithfully to follow my Divine 
 Master. 
 
 10^^ mo. 28///. Was at Newtown in the evening. 
 A blessed glorious meeting it was. Truth was in 
 dominion, and divers present were much afiected with 
 its testimony. Such was the effect of his glorious 
 presence in my soul, that sometimes I had to stop, in 
 the utterance of some sentences in my public testi- 
 mony, as also in vocal supplication; with which the 
 meeting closed. The next evening had a meeting at 
 
128 ISAAC martin's journal. [1816 
 
 Flushing. The Lord gave me a searching testi- 
 mony against those who were walking in the broad 
 way of libertinism ; while the rightly exercised were 
 encouraged to a holy perseverance in the narrow 
 way that leads to life. 
 
 I liave been greatly favoured in my health since 
 leaving home, near seven weeks past, so that I have 
 not laid by one day, through indisposition. Blessed 
 be the Lord. 
 
 llth mo, Ist. Rode to Huntington, and had a small 
 meeting in the evening being the third in that place, 
 since I came on the Island. The people there are 
 very backward in attending Friends' meetings. The 
 next evening had a highly favoured opportunity at 
 Henry Scudder's, at which many attended ; also the 
 following evening, one at Jacob Harned's. We then 
 went on toward the east end of Long Island, and on 
 the way, had a meeting in the Presbyterian house at 
 Southampton ; also one in a school house at Bridge- 
 hampton, both of which were large and favoured, 
 especially the last, which closed in solemn supplica- 
 tion. 
 
 llth via. 9i/i. Ha^l a meeting at Easthampton, 
 which was well attended and a highly favoured sea- 
 son. I suppose I stood an hour and a half, declar- 
 ing gospel truths among the people ; and having no 
 suitable place to rest my hands on, was very much 
 exhausted. The people were soHd and attentive and 
 appeared well satisfied. 
 
 During the day preceeding very many meet- 
 ings that I have appointed, for a considerable time 
 past, my mind has generally been much stripped, and 
 deprived of the sweet incomes of Divine love. And 
 while the people have been gathering, I have felt 
 
1816] ISAAC martin's journal. 129 
 
 mu3h inward travail and exercise, with fervent de- 
 sires that I might glorify my dear Lord and Master, 
 in such way as would best please him. As I have 
 continued in this travail, he has blessed, my soul with 
 the light of his countenance ; removing every fear 
 and doubt, and emboldening me to stand forth, and 
 advocate his glorious cause. I could then experi- 
 mentally tell the people, that my reward was infinite- 
 ly better than silver and gold ; (which I never covet- 
 ed ;) — and that my recompense consisted in that 
 sweet and heavenly peace of mind, which is a con- 
 soling evidence of being in the discharge of my duty 
 to that gracious Being, who had called me forth from 
 all that was near to me in this world, to labour for 
 the good of others. 
 
 lOt/i. Being First-day, we came to Sagg-harbour, 
 The Presbyterian and Methodist meetings having just 
 broken up, we inquired for some of the leading mem- 
 bers. We first called on the Methodist minister. I 
 told him my business, and showed him my certificate ; 
 which he read, and kindly invited us to dinner. This 
 invitation we declined accepting, because it was 
 needful to see the Presbyterian priest, before he went 
 again to his meeting. The Methodist minister agreed 
 to dispense with his evening meeting, and proposed 
 tiieir meeting house for us to meet in, and that he 
 would spread information at the close of their after- 
 noon meeting, to which I agreed. We then went to 
 the Presbyterian priest. I informed him, as I did the 
 Methodist, that from an apprehension of religious duty 
 I had been engaged in appointing meetings, in many 
 places on this island — that I wished to have one in 
 that town in the evening, and should be glad if he would 
 give notice of it at the close of his this afternoon. He 
 
130 ISAAC martin's journal. [1810 
 
 readily consented, and then added, he presumed I 
 would be willing to hold the meeting in their house. 
 I told him I had committed myself already ; — that the 
 Methodists had offered their house, and I had acceded 
 to it He objected, and urged much that I should 
 have theirs, his wife also joining him in it, and saying, 
 that many of his congregation would not attend if it 
 was held at the Methodists'. I told him it was not 
 owing to any partiality in me ; — that, had I come to 
 him first, I should, no doubt, have accepted his offer. 
 He still urged me pressingly, and at length said he 
 could do nothing to promote the meeting I had in 
 prospect. 
 
 We then put up our horses at a tavern^ and took 
 dinner; were afterwards informed that notice was 
 given at the close of the ^lethodist meeting, but not 
 at the Presbyterians'. About candle hght we went 
 to the house, found it sufficiently lighted, and soon it 
 was well filled; supposed upwards of six hundred as- 
 sembled, and a number went away for want of seats. 
 A Presbyterian deacon was there, and it was thought 
 most of the members of their meeting. Almost as 
 soon as I took my seat. Almighty help was graciously 
 vouchsafed, and I arose in about fifteen or twenty 
 minutes, with the consohng evidence of being hei'e 
 by Divine appointment. The universality of Divine 
 grace, — and the inconsistency with the goodness of 
 the Almighty, of his decreeing every thing that comes 
 to pass, — were subjects largely treated on, in Truth's 
 authority. Romans i. 28. was mentioned in opposi- 
 tion to unconditional election and reprobation, viz. 
 ♦*£ven as they did not Hke to retain God in their 
 knowledge, therefore God gave them over to a repro- 
 bate mind, to do those things which are not conve- 
 
1816] ISAAC martin's journal. 131 
 
 nient." This being the sole cause of man's reproba- 
 tion from the beginning of the world, and would con- 
 tinue to be to the end of time. Again, Rom. xi. 22. 
 " Behold, therefore, the goodness and severity of God : 
 on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, good- 
 ness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou 
 also shalt be cut off." The cause of the Jews' re- 
 jection was their unbelief "Well; because of un- 
 belief they were broken off, and thou standest by 
 faith. Be not high minded, but fear: for if God spared 
 not the natural branches, take heed, lest he also spare 
 not thee." See here, in how clear a hght the cause 
 of reprobation is placed. And again, the holy martyr, 
 Stephen, says, "Ye stiff necked and uncircumcised 
 in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy 
 Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye." So it is plain, 
 they and their fathers had the Holy Ghost, but re- 
 sisted it: consequently they, and all other sinners, who 
 continue to resist it, are the cause of their own de- 
 struction. 
 
 The unfaithful were exhorted, admonished, and so- 
 lemnly warned, and the exercised travellers were 
 encouraged. Near the close of my communication, 
 I mentioned the inconsistency of wars and fightings 
 with the purity of the gospel dispensation; and to 
 make it more impressive, supposed two large armies, 
 each composed of Churchmen, Presbyterians, Me- 
 thodists, and Baptists, drawn up in battle array; — 
 men professing to worship the same Almighty Crea- 
 tor; — men professing faith in the same Divine Sa- 
 viour; — men professing the same rehgious principles: 
 who never until then had seen each other, and owing 
 each other no ill will whatever: but, as soon as 
 the word of command is given, the horrible work of 
 
132 ISAAC martin's journal. [181G 
 
 death must begin. It was queried, What heart so 
 hard as not to be affected with the shrieks and groans 
 of the wounded and dying? And how many millions 
 have been precipitated into an endless eternity, un- 
 prepared, without a m.oment's time to repent, or even 
 to call for mercy upon their poor, immortal souls? 
 The subject was treated on in such a manner, as I 
 believe, produced assent in many minds. A heart 
 tendering suppHcation closed the meeting, and. we 
 parted affectionately. It w^as a blessed, good meet- 
 ing; and 1 thought had I rode a hundred miles to at- 
 tend that one, I should have been richly compensated. 
 Next morning we left Sagg-harbour, and came" 
 back by way of Patchogue, where we had a meeting* 
 the 13th of 11th month; in w^hich I felt exceedingly 
 tried for some time, with a sensible want of feeling 
 that powder which is the life and authority of meet- 
 ings, and the true sustenance of holy souls. At length 
 a little light arose, and I found some relief; but Truth 
 did not rise into such dominion as at some other 
 times. After this meeting, we pursued our journey 
 by way of Islip, to Jerusalem; and on the 17th, be- 
 ing First-day, had two meetings ; one at Rainertown, 
 and the other at Samuel Carman's, in the evening. 
 Next day visited the sick and afflicted ; and the day 
 following had a good meeting at Jerusalem. 
 
 20th. Attended Westbury monthly meeting, to a 
 good degree of satisfaction ; and next day a funeral 
 of a Friend, where was a large gathering of people. 
 The weather being mild, seats were made out doors, 
 to accommodate the people at the house, where I was 
 largely drawn forth in gospel testimony among them, 
 as also in a heart tendering supplication. The Lord 
 hath dealt bountifully with my soul, and greatly 
 
1816] ISAAC martin's journal. 133 
 
 strengthened my feeble body, to undergo the fatigue 
 of travelling, thus far. 
 
 Next day, in the evening, had a pretty large meet- 
 ing at Thomas Whitson's, near three miles from Cow- 
 neck. Rested at E. Pryor's on Seventh-day, and 
 was at Cowneck meeting on First-day, which held 
 from eleven till two o'clock; about three-fourths of 
 which time I was engaged in public service amongst 
 them. The Lord my God was mouth and wisdom ; 
 and to him be ascribed all the praise. 
 
 24th. Had a meeting at Rockaway, which was a 
 good time. The next day, rode to my cousin Samuel 
 Parsons', at Flushing, where I was kindly received, 
 and rested the day following. His wife is a descend- 
 ant of John Bowne, mentioned in Joseph Besse's ac- 
 count of Friends' sufferings. He was banished from 
 here to Holland, while the Dutch had possession of 
 New York, on account of his keeping up a meeting 
 for Friends at his house. The house is yet standing, 
 and is inhabited by the mother and sisters of Samuel 
 Parsons' wife, and from its appearance may continue 
 a good habitation for many years. The present meet- 
 ing-house at Flushing, appears to have been buih in 
 the year 1694; it is still in good condition, and may 
 probably continue many years. In this neighbour- 
 hood, I saw a copy of a letter from George Fox to 
 Wilham Caton, who was then at Amsterdam ; where- 
 in George requested Willliam to join with Friends of 
 that city in an application to those in authority, on 
 behalf of the said John Bowne, who was banished 
 there ; and who, he said, was an honest, upright 
 hearted man. The year after he was banished, the 
 English took New York, and he returned to his house 
 iand farm, which has been in the family ever since ; 
 
 M 
 
134 ISAAC martin's journal. [1816 
 
 and where, for above one hundred and fifty years, 
 great numbers of Friends have been very kindly and 
 comfortably entertained. 
 
 28th. I attended the week-day meeting at Flush- 
 ing, which was comfortably owned with the Divine 
 presence. In the afternooon, visited the sick. Next 
 day, my cousin took me to New York ; and on First- 
 day, 12th mo. 1st, I was at Liberty street meeting 
 both morning and afternoon. My mind was brought 
 under much exercise, from a sense of the great im- 
 portance of the work I was engaged in, and my spirit 
 was bowed before the Lord in secret prayer for his 
 assistance. In this state I went to the afternoon meet- 
 ing; where there were a number attended of other 
 societies. I soon felt an evidence that Israel's Shep- 
 herd was near. His blessed, consoling presence was 
 mercifully vouchsafed, and my way clearly opened 
 to advocate the cause of righteousness. I commenced 
 with these words : " That which letteth, will let, until it 
 be removed out of the way." Those who hitherto 
 had given w^ay to things w^hich obstructed their spi- 
 ritual progress, were faithfully laboured with; and 
 the rightly exercised were encouraged to persevere 
 in their Christian warfare. I was also led to treat 
 upon the doctrine of unconditional election and repro- 
 bation, in its various parts. The idea or notion that 
 many have erroneously adopted, that the Most High 
 has decreed every thing that comes to pass, — was 
 testified against: because it exhibits a Being of in- 
 finite power, wisdom, mercy, justice, and goodness, 
 as more cruel than the most cruel tyrant that ever 
 existed; it charges him with introducing millions, or 
 myriads of human beings into this state of existence, 
 and depriving them of grace to effect their salvation; 
 
1816] ISAAC martin's journal. ' 135 
 
 and, after a life of many conflicts, dooming them to 
 eternal misery for what they could not avoid, — for 
 being just as wicked as his decrees compelled them 
 to be. Every thing needful for man has been done. 
 The grace of God that brings salvation hath appear- 
 ed unto all men: those who are passive under its ope- 
 rations, and do not draw back, experience it to draw 
 them nearer and nearer unto the Lord; — they grow 
 in grace, advancing from one degree of stature to 
 another. On the contrary, those who do not Hke to 
 retain God in their knowledge, who cease from watch- 
 ing and praying, — fall into a reprobate mind, and are 
 the cause of their own destruction. 
 
 I2th mo. 2d. I had an evening meeting at Jersey 
 city, opposite New York, — in which I was led to set 
 forth, that many, almost as soon as they felt the 
 power of Divine grace, sweetly influencing and tend- 
 ering their hearts, considered from thence, that they 
 were of the number of the elect, and that they could not 
 fall. Thus, persuading themselves that they were 
 safe and out of danger, they abated in their Christian 
 watchfulness and prayer to such a degree, as gradu- 
 ally to relapse into a state of lukewarmness and indif- 
 ferency, and the loss of that sense and savour of re- 
 ligion, which they had once been blessed with ; and 
 which would have increased, had they kept in a low- 
 ly, humble, watchful state, breathing unto the Lord 
 for strength and preservation. 
 
 4th, Attended the monthly meeting in New York, 
 chiefly in silence. Was so unwell, as to have to leave 
 before it closed. Next day better, so as to make 
 several social visits — the day following went to New- 
 burgh, in a steam-boat ; had much conversation with 
 several of the passengers on the subject of war ; and 
 
136 ISAAC martin's journal. [1816 
 
 was glad in believing that the minds of many people 
 are increasingly illuminated to see its inconsisteney 
 with the purity of the gospel. My soul rejoices in 
 beholding the progress of the peaceable spirit of 
 Christ, in the earth. May the Lord Almighty hasten 
 tlie day, when the nations will learn war no more, 
 and the glorious and peaceful reign of the Messiah 
 spread more and more among the kingdom.s of men. 
 
 Landed at Newburgh in the morning, and rode 
 about five miles to David Sands'. He has laboured 
 abundantly in the service of the gospel, in different 
 parts of Europe and America, within forty years, and 
 many have been convinced through his powerful, 
 heart-tendering ministry. He is now about seventy- 
 one years old. May the Lord bless the evening of 
 his life. 
 
 8th. Attended the meeting at New Cornwall, and 
 had an evening meeting about six miles further. I 
 was much enlarged in gospel testimony in them — 
 David Sands' accompanying me. I then had meet- 
 ings at J. Cromwell's, Monro, Bloomingrove, Goshen, 
 and Chester. At the latter place, I went to the house 
 of a Presbyterian Deacon, and when a meeting was 
 proposed to him, it was some time before he could speak, 
 his heart was so rejoiced; for he had been for some 
 time wishing for a Friends' meeting there. I had much 
 interesting conversation widi him, and found him 
 convinced of the inconsistency of wars and fightings ; 
 and that he disapproved of the doctrine of uncondition- 
 al election and reprobation. We discoursed consid- 
 ably on the necessity of feeling the Divine influence, 
 either to pray, preach, or sing ; with which he united, 
 saying that he had sometimes refused to pray at their 
 society-meetings, when solicited thereto,/or want of a 
 
1817 ISAAC martin's journal. 137 
 
 right qualification. He appeared well satisfied with 
 my visit, and with the meeting in the evening. 
 
 20M.. Had an evening meeting at Newburgh, which 
 was small — concluded to have another next evening, 
 which was likewise small in numbers, yet I was glad 
 I was there. A great deal of trade and business is 
 carried on here, and the people's minds are too much 
 absorbed in it. On First-day, 22d, was at a good 
 meeting at New Cornwall, where the Lord was my 
 helper. Next day, Truth arose in glorious dominion 
 at meeting at the Valley. 
 
 24:th. Had an evening opportunity at William Edy's, 
 an ancient friend, who appeared near his close, but 
 in a comfortable state. It was a favoured season, 
 and I believe all present were sensible of it. Next 
 day attended Marleborough monthly meeting, where 
 I met with my dear friends Thomas Titus, and Naomi 
 Halstead, valuable ministers. The two following 
 evenings, I had meetings, one at Middletown, the 
 other in a school-house ; which was crowded. Great 
 is the openness amongst the people of diflferent socie- 
 ties ; their prejudices being wonderfully removed ; 
 and they often acknowledge to what they have heard, 
 being glad of the opportunities thus furnished. The 
 priests and deacons often give notice of our meetings, 
 and in divers instances have discovered a favourable 
 disposition towards them. I generally have evening 
 meetings, because they are much better attended, ac- 
 commodating labourers, mechanics and others, whose 
 business in the day time might sufl^er if not attended to. 
 l5^ mo. 1st, 1817. Have been at four meetings at 
 Marleborough, and the village, also one at Latten- 
 town. 
 
 2d. At the Valley, v.licre was a marriage, and a 
 
13S ISAAC MARTIW'S JOURXAL, [1817 
 
 large collection of people. The Lord's power was 
 in dominion : and in the strength thereof, gospel truths 
 were delivered among them. Next evening had a 
 meeting at Daniel Lawrence's. First-day at Platt- 
 kill meeting ; next at the funeral of William Edy. 7th 
 an evening meeting at Paltz,and next day attended meet- 
 ing there, also had an evening meeting at Springton. 
 The day following was at Rosendale Plains meeting, 
 and another in the evening there. Then had a meet- 
 ing at Little Esopus, in the court-house, and after- 
 wards attended the Quarterly meeting at Cornwall. 
 18th, an ev^ening meeting at Smith's Clove. Next 
 day, being First-day, at Friends' meeting there in the 
 morning, and one next evening at a factory. Thence 
 to Kakiat, where, and in the neighbourhood, I had 
 four evening meetings, but was too unwell to attend 
 Friends' meeting there on First-day. This is the 
 second I have omitted through indisposition since I 
 left home ; and all the appointed meetings I have 
 been able to attend, which I esteem a great favour 
 from the Lord, for my bodily health and strength are 
 such that I have scarcely rode a mile, with comfort, 
 nor had one good night's rest, or as much sleep as 
 nature craved, since I left home. But the will of the 
 Lord be done. 
 
 21th. A family opportunity at Jonathan Seaman's, 
 Kakiat. I never remember having my heart so filled 
 with the Divine power and presence, as at this time. 
 My spirit was greatly contrited, so that I could sing 
 praises to the Lord our God, who is ever worthy. 
 
 28i^. Had an evening meeting at Haverstraw, 
 near the North river — a highly favoured season, in 
 which the Lord dealt bountifully with me, filling my 
 soul with his blessed power and love, while address- 
 
1817J ISAAC MARTINIS JOURNAL. 139 
 
 ing a mixed gathering of different societies. After 
 this I had a meeting near Smith's Clove, with the 
 Methodists, in wh^ch I was concerned to hold up to 
 view the necessity of waiting for Divine influence in 
 all religious services, from these words of Christ — 
 "Without me ye can do nothing." 
 
 Frequently, during the day preceding these even- 
 ing meetings, I was much deprived of the sweetening 
 influence of Divine love, and could do nothing as to 
 preaching the gospel, until I experienced a gathering 
 into the name of Christ, and felt the renewing of his 
 life giving power in my soul. I was then strengthened 
 and emboldened to address saints or sinners, and ta 
 speak to their different states and conditions. But 
 when I felt this Divine virtue abating, it apprized me 
 of the time of drawing to a close of my communica-- 
 tion, in which I found safety and peace. 
 
 In the beginning of the 2d month, I was again at 
 Cornwall; had also another evening meeting at New- 
 burgh, being the third at that place, and larger, as 
 well as more comfortable and relieving. 
 
 2d mo. Sd. The weather being intensely cold, I 
 crossed the North river on the ice, and had a good 
 meeting in the evening among the Presbyterians near 
 Fishkill landing. I next went to Fishkill town, and 
 consulted the priest about a place to meet in. He 
 appeared very willing to promote my concern, and 
 assisted in spreading notice. Tl}e meeting was held 
 in a large school house, which was well filled, the 
 priest and principal inhabitants attending. I was 
 kindly invited, after meeting, by a person of note in 
 the town ; he and his wife were affectionately dis- 
 posed to assist in making me as comfortable as they 
 could. The next day rode to S. Dorling's at Beek- 
 
140 ISAAC martin's journal. [1817 
 
 man, and had a large, heavenly meeting there in the 
 evening, numbers coming five miles to it. On First- 
 day was at Oswego, where my he^irt was filled with 
 Divine virtue, so that divers times it was with diffi- 
 culty I could speak, being broken and contrited by 
 the power of the gospel. 
 
 10th. I rested at the house of my dear friend Da- 
 niel Quinby. Then was at Nine Partners week-day 
 meeting, and had several others a few miles distant. 
 The Lord was gracious to my soul, and fulfilled his 
 promise made in the early part of this journey, thus : 
 In all places where thou shalt have meetings, my pre- 
 sence shall accompany thee. Blessed be his name 
 now and for ever. The weather being extremely 
 cold, and considering my feeble state of health, I was 
 under much exercise for sqme days, in regard to pro- 
 ceeding further in the arduous service. After sup- 
 plicating for wisdom and strength to dedicate my 
 whole heart faithfully to the Lord's service, I con- 
 cluded to continue my journey; and on the 16th rode 
 to the Branch. Next day, attended Oblong monthly 
 meeting, but was too unwell to sit to the close. Grow- 
 ing better in health, I had three evening meetings in 
 the neighbourhood, the last of which was at Sher- 
 man, in the state of Connecticut, attended by the 
 priest, who expressed his satisfaction with the oppor- 
 tunity, and pressed me to lodge at his house. 
 
 2lst. Rode to Patterson, and had a small meeting 
 there, the roads being very sloppy, by reason of snow 
 and rain. A Methodist minister was much affected 
 under the testimony I had to bear. I had here, as in 
 divers other places, to inform the people that my first 
 business in meetings was to gather into the name of 
 Christ, in order to feel his blessed power and presence 
 
1817] ISAAC martin's journal. 141 
 
 to influence my soul, it being the essential qualifica- 
 tion of a gospel minister, without which I could do 
 nothing that would conduce to the glory of God, or 
 the good of others. 
 
 Next day I rested, having taken some cold, by be- 
 ing very much exposed to the rain and snow. The 
 day following being First-day, I was at a meeting 
 called the Hollow. Many of other societies attended, 
 and I was led to show, that preaching, praying and 
 singing, under profession of worshipping the Divine 
 Majesty, might be performed while the minds of in- 
 dividuals thus employed might be roving upon the 
 things of this world ; and that it could not be other- 
 wise, unless those engaged in these solemn acts felt 
 their hearts divinely influenced by the power of the 
 Holy Spirit, to qualify them to worship the Supreme 
 Being. 
 
 After this I had evening meetings at Sommertown^ 
 A. Underbill's, and one near Tompkin's mills. I have 
 been more and more poorly of late; the distress in my 
 head, sometimes, very afllicting, and a poor appetite 
 much my lot. 
 
 3d mo. \st. Had an evening meeting at a tavern 
 near Amawalk, where many collected. I have no 
 desire improperly to mention the state of my mind, 
 and my views of the different meetings I attend. Suf- 
 fice it to say, the Lord my God has dealt bountifully 
 with me. I believe few, if any, have travelled under 
 such bodily afl^iction and suffering, for so long a time 
 together. Was it not for holy help in every meeting 
 I attend, I could not persevere through such extreme 
 cold weather, and with such poor appetite, that I 
 frequently don*t eat any thing at meal times. But 
 the Lord is good ; blessed he his holy name for ever< 
 
142 ISAAC martin's journal. [1817 
 
 On First-day, the 2d of 3d month, attended Friends' 
 meeting at Croton Valley ; also, had meetings in the 
 evenings at Elihu GritHn's, Sing-Sing, and in the 
 court house at White Plains — the latter for some time 
 very trying, but ended well. Next day rode to West- 
 chester, and was at meeting there on First-day; also, 
 in the evening, at a village near Thomas Walker's. 
 Thence to New York, and so home on the 15th, after 
 an absence of six months. Blessed be the Lord my 
 God for his fatherly care over me, both spiritually 
 and temporally. May I devote to him the residue of 
 my days, is the desire of my soul. 
 
 5tli mo. 2Sd. I again left home, and attended the 
 Yearly meeting held in New York. After which 
 went on board a Hudson packet, and had meetings 
 with the passengers on the way, in which I was com- 
 forted. Arrived at Hudson on the 2d of 6th month, 
 and had a meeting there the next evening. After 
 which had meetings at Athens, Hudson, Klinckill, Cla- 
 veruk and Catskill. Thence to Stanford, North East, 
 Little Nine Partners, and divers meetings at private 
 houses. 
 
 In some of these meetings I had to testify against 
 taking the Lord's name in vain, and to hold up to 
 view the dreadful consequences resulting from the too 
 free use of spiritous liquors ; likewise the impropriety 
 of too familiarly or formally discoursing about reli- 
 gion ; for that people might talk of religion for hours 
 together, and be gratified in hearing each other's sen- 
 timents ; but if the Lord reigned not in their hearts, 
 bringing their wills into subjection to his — if self pre- 
 dominated, and they loved the world more than their 
 Creator, he would not be glorified nor their souls edi- 
 fied. But those that fear the Lord, and think often on 
 
1817] ISAAC martin's journal. 143 
 
 his name, frequently speak one to another in his fear, 
 and " they are mine saith the Lord, and when I make 
 up my jewels I will spare them as a man spareth his 
 own son that serveth him." These are true Chris- 
 tians, who have known Christ formed in them ; and 
 through obedience to the teachings of his spirit in 
 their hearts, worship God in spirit, daily breathing 
 unto him in secret, that their souls may enjoy his con- 
 soling presence, which he graciously manifests, some- 
 times after seasons of great seeming desertion, by the 
 breaking of heavenly bread, to their rejoicing. 
 
 In the beginning of the 7th month, was at the 
 Creek, and Crum-Elbow meetings ; also had meetings 
 at Pleasant Valley, Hyde Park, and Poughkeepsie. 
 Not feeling satisfied with the opportunity at the last 
 place, I w^ent with tw^o friends to the sheriff and clerk 
 of the court, to obtain liberty to hold a meeting in the 
 court-house. They hesitated some time, having re- 
 fused it to a congregation some time before, and were 
 afraid of giving offence. I told the sheriff, I believed 
 it was a Divine requisition that I should appoint meet- 
 ings in many towns and villages ; but unless a suita- 
 ble place to contain the people could be procured, it 
 would be very difficult for me to fulfil my duty. He 
 then appeared willing, but referred us to the Judge 
 who could give permission. We went to him and he 
 soon consented, saying he would take the responsi- 
 bility on himself — so a meeting was appointed to be 
 held at six o'clock in the afternoon, when the court- 
 house was soon much crowded, and I felt the Lord's 
 presence to strengthen me, (having been very poorly,) 
 but was enabled to discharge my duty toward this 
 numerous assembly. 
 
 1th mo. IQth. Left Poughkeepsie, and rode to Fish- 
 
144 ISAAC martin's journal. [1817 
 
 kill Landing. Had a meeting there, and another at 
 Pecks-kill, though under much distress in my head. 
 Thence to Amawalk, on First-day — after which rest- 
 ed a few days, and was favoured with Divine tran- 
 quillity. Thanks be to the Shepherd of Israel, for 
 this favour. Was again at Amawalk meeting, also 
 at Salem, and Shappaqua ; I likewise attended a 
 meeting there in the afternoon appointed for B. P. 
 from New England. Then visited the widow and 
 children of Caleb Underbill, a valuable minister deceas- 
 ed. The three following days, was at the Quarter- 
 ly meeting at Purchase. In the last of which, as a 
 parting opportunity, the service of the ministry fell to 
 my lot, to our mutual satisfaction. 
 
 This was the conclusion of my labours, within five 
 Quarterly meetings, of this Yearly Meeting — which 
 have occupied, altogether between eight and nine 
 months. My God has been graciously pleased to 
 furnish me with ability for this service. He has been 
 strength in weakness, both of mind and body ; the lat- 
 ter under daily suffering. But the will of the Lord 
 be done; he gives and takes away; blessed be his 
 holy name for ever. 
 
 In this journey, most of the meetings I have had 
 among other societies have been held in the evenings ; 
 the few held at other times have been mostly small, 
 not half the number attending as at early candle 
 light. In some instances, I have known the number 
 to be in a six or eightfold proportion greater in the 
 evening. Where not more than forty or fifty people 
 could be collected in the day-time, in the same towns 
 I have had meetings in the evening, when a hundred 
 and fifty to two hundred have attended. And I have 
 never, in a single instance, heard of any improper 
 
1816] ISAAC martin's journal. 145 
 
 behaviour after these opportunities. I am therefore 
 persuaded, that in most places, for those classes of 
 people, evening meetings are best, as they are thereby 
 accommodated in their business* To me, however, 
 it has appeared right, and I have peace therein. 
 
 On the 2d of the 8th month, I arrived at my home 
 in Rahway, and v^ent to see my sister Abigail, at 
 Plainfield, the same day: she being very ill, but fa- 
 voured M^ith great patience, and even innocent cheer- 
 fulness. Next day, attended Plainfield meeting in the 
 morning, and had an appointed meeting in the after- 
 noon at Scotch Plains, among the Baptists, to their 
 and my ov^^n satisfaction. On the 14th, my dear sis- 
 ter departed this life, and I trust, made a peaceful 
 close. About a week after, I set out to visit my son 
 Joseph and family, resting at Port Elizabeth, in the 
 lower part of this state. On the way attended meet- 
 ings morning and afternoon at Trenton, in which I 
 had the consoHng evidence of that peace, w hich is 
 more to my soul than all visible objects. 
 
 In passing through Philadelphia, I called to see our 
 ancient and valuable friends, Samuel Smith and Re- 
 becca Jones ; who were both confined to their beds 
 with illness. I had a sweet, comfortable time with 
 each, in waiting upon the Lord, at their bed-sides, 
 and imparting encouragement to them. Dear Sam- 
 uel expressed, that such visits were A^ery comfortable 
 to him, and that he should be glad there were more 
 such opportunities ; and dear Rebecca appeared much 
 tendered at parting. When I returned to the. city 
 about two-weeks after, Iwas informed that Samuel 
 Smith was deceased, a few days before ; and I have 
 no doubt, has gone to receive the reward of well- 
 
 N 
 
146 ISAAC MARTIIV'S JOURNAL. [1817 
 
 doing, in that kingdom of glory, prepared for the faith- 
 ful followers of Jesus Christ. 
 
 In the 10th and 11th months, 1817, with the con- 
 currence of my friends, I was at divers meetings in 
 East and West-Jersey, and in Bucks county, Pennsyl- 
 vania, mostly among other societies. The last ap- 
 pointed meeting was at Princeton, to which many of 
 the collegians, and students of divinity, (so called,) at- 
 tended. It was a large and solemn meeting. Truth 
 was in dominion, and I believe, reached many hearts. 
 The Presbyterian preacher of the place came to me 
 at the close, and very kindly invited me home with 
 him ; but I excused myself — it not being convenient 
 At this place, they have lately erected a large build- 
 ing called Tlieological Hall, intended to prepare young 
 men for preaching ; which appears to me to be a re- 
 lic of popish darkness, that I believe, in the Lord's 
 time, will be scattered by the arising of pure, evan- 
 gelical Light, which only can quahfy sons and daugh- 
 ters, to preach the plain doctrines of Christianity. 
 There is no need of learning Latin, Greek, and He- 
 brew, in order to enable preachers to address the peo- 
 ple in a manner adapted to their understandings, and 
 to show them, that if they w^ill be Christ's disciples, 
 they must take up his cross daily, and follow him in 
 the regeneration, subduing the propensities of their 
 nature, — the lust of the flesh, the lust of tlie eye, and 
 the pride of life. 
 
 The next day, I rode in a chaise about thirty-six 
 miles, and the day following attended our select meet- 
 ing at Shrewsbury. Next day the Quarterly meeting 
 for the business of the church. After which I re- 
 turned home by way of Plainfield, the 20th of 11th 
 
1819] ISAAC martin's journal. 147 
 
 month, and was at our monthly meeting at Rah- 
 way. 
 
 2d mo. 20th, 1819. I have been at home a Uttle 
 more than a year ; and have been enabled, through 
 the Lord's goodness, to attend our meetings most of 
 that time, a few instances excepted. But, for three 
 months past, have been much tried, early in the morn- 
 ings, with difficulty of breathing ; the phlegm collect- 
 ing after a few hours sleep, I have to cough, and 
 raise considerably, accompanied with pain and sore- 
 ness in my breast, and some fever, from which I con- 
 clude I have entered into a consumption, and am 
 much debilitated, but I feel the Shepherd of Israel 
 near, and through his great mercy I have nothing to 
 fear ; for perfect love has cast out all fear of death. 
 I humbly trust in his goodness, that he will yet be my 
 Comforter in sickness, as he has often been from my 
 youth, and that he will give me victory over deathy 
 hell, and the grave. 
 
 23d. I still feel my dear Redeemer near, comfort- 
 ing my soul with the incomes of his love. I have ex- 
 perienced the truth of that declaration, " Thou wilt 
 keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on 
 thee, because he trusteth in thee." A divine tran- 
 quihty and sweetness attends me through the day ; 
 and I feel the love of God shed abroad in my heart, 
 enabling me to praise his holy name. 
 
 4th mo. 21 si. This day my housekeeper had a fall 
 of about seventeen feet, by the giving way of my 
 back }X)rch ; but was marvellously preserved from in« 
 stant death, or even from being very seriously in- 
 jured. Weak and poorly as I was, I ran to her as- 
 sistance. I hope this awful event will prove a bless- 
 ing to her and her young acquaintance, to excit« 
 
148 ISAAC MARTIN*S JOURNAL. [1820 
 
 them wisely and timely to prepare for death, seeing 
 life is so A^ery uncertain. My heart was filled with 
 thanksgiving and praise to the Lord Almighty for 
 this wonderful deliverance. 
 
 5tk mo, 25th. My fever rarely leaves me. The 
 Lord my God is still very gracious unto my soul ; 
 giving me an unshaken evidence that my name is 
 written in the Lamb's book of life ; and that when 
 the immortal spirit is set free from this afflicted ta- 
 bernacle, I shall join the glorious company who are 
 clothed in white raiment, and palms in their hands, 
 saying with a loud voice, Salvation to our God, who 
 sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. 
 
 6t?i mo. 2d. These four days past have been very 
 painful; have slept but about eight hours in that 
 time ; the last night but one passed without any sleep, 
 but it was one of the most comfortable of my Yife. I 
 did not regret the loss of sleep, nor the pain which 
 prevented it ; for my dear Lord sweetly comforted 
 my soul with his love, confirming me in the belief 
 that there was a mansion of glory prepared for me. 
 I have frequent opportunities to communicate import- 
 ant truths to Friends and others who come to see 
 me, now in my sickness. May the Lord bless every 
 season and service of this kind to his glory and the 
 good of souls. 
 
 Gth mo. \8thy 1820. I am still continued in muta- 
 bility. About ten months ago there were fourteen of 
 us labouring under apparent consumption, within one 
 mile of my house. Thirteen of these are taken hence, 
 and I am left still longer to struggle with the conflicts 
 of mortahty. Praised be the Lord, who is just in all 
 his ways, and righteous in alliiis works. Many, very 
 many, have been the tedious days and wearisome 
 
1820] ISAAC martin's journal. 149 
 
 nights I have had to pass through. If it contributes 
 to thy glory, O my God and King, (as I trust it does,) 
 that I should be continued a considerable time longer, 
 enduring sharp bodily pains, thy will be done. Thou 
 hast, from time to time, blessed my soul with glorious 
 prospects ; and again, this day, hast sweetly consoled 
 thy afflicted servant — granting me an unshaken be- 
 lief, that in thy blessed, appointed time, my soul will 
 join thy holy angels, archangels, and glorified spirits, 
 in singing endless praises to thee and thy beloved son, 
 the Lamb, through an endless eternity, in the new 
 Jerusalem, where there is no need of the sun or moon, 
 for thy glory, O King of saints, and the glory of the 
 Lamb, is the light thereof. There shall I behold the 
 holy patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and 
 eternally unite with them in singing, Hallelujah, 
 blessing, honour, glory and praise, unto Thee, who 
 sits upon the throne, and unto thy beloved son, the 
 Lamb, for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 25th. Under much bodily suffering, night before 
 last, and yesterday morning, my faith was more than 
 usually proved. Thoughts presented to my mind, 
 that J may languish a long time yet. I appealed to 
 my God, saying, Thou knowest that I love thee ; — that 
 I am willing (thy grace assisting) to obey thee in ev- 
 ery thing, and to glorify thee. O Heavenly Father 1 
 enable me to endure trials, and to keep the word of 
 thy patience. The Beloved of my soul heard my cry, 
 and after much depression, again lifted up the light 
 of his glorious countenance upon mc. My great pain 
 became more moderate, and I was enabled again to 
 bless and praise his glorious name, who makes hard 
 things easy. He also increased my faith in him and 
 in his dear son, Christ Jesus, whose precious blood 
 
150 ISAAC martin's journal. [1821 
 
 flowing into the souls of his children, redeems them 
 unto God, of every nation, kindred, tongue, and peo- 
 ple. Thus the blood of Christ cleanses from all sin, — 
 also sanctifies them, and make^ them fit temples for 
 the holy spirit, the Comforter, to dwell in. 
 
 Oh ! how wretched would be my condition, in this 
 sore probation, had I an angry God before my eyes, 
 condemning me from day to day ! But thanks and 
 praises be ascribed to the King of saints, it is other- 
 wise ; and I feel constrained to pen these lines, in 
 hopes, that when my body is in the silent grave, they 
 may tend to the encouragement of some of Zion's 
 travellers, to put their trust in the Lord Jehovah. 
 O thou tribulated follower of the Lamb ! though 
 thy faith and patience may be tried to the uttermost, 
 don't cast away thy confidence, in this time of deep 
 probation. The Lord thy God is nearer to thee 
 than thou art aware of; and in due time will " ap- 
 point unto thee beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for 
 mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of 
 heaviness;" therefore put thy trust in him, and pa- 
 tiently wait, and quietly hope for his salvation. 
 
 In the 11th and 12th months, my health was so 
 much better, that I was able to attend our meeting, 
 at Rahway, five times. But during the winter my 
 bodily distress was again very severe. Several 
 nights, I sat by the fire, instead of lying down, in 
 order to prevent the severe attacks of pain in my 
 head, and difficulty of breathing; which had a good 
 effect. 
 
 6^^ mo. lOth, 1821. These two nights past, I have 
 sat up by myself alone, until the day dawned, on ac- 
 count of bodily diseases. Not having much need of as- 
 sistance, I enjoy myself much better sitting up in the 
 
1823] ISAAC martin's journal. 151 
 
 night, than going to bed, — sometimes sleep two hours 
 in the morning, but mostly awake with the pain and 
 oppression. Thou, O Lord, knowest what is best for 
 me. Oh ! strengthen me to endure these trials, and to 
 bear with holy patience and resignation, these afflic- 
 tions, wherewith thou sees meet to try me. Not my 
 will, but thine, O Father, be done. Support me upon 
 this bed of languishing ; so that in all, and through all, 
 my soul may bless, praise, and adore thy most glori- 
 ous Majesty ; and in the night season while thousands 
 and tens of thousands of my fellow creatures are 
 asleep, let my soul ascend unto thee, in the heavens, 
 in prayer, thanksgiving and praise. Amen. 
 
 6th mo. ISth. 1823. Two years and eight days 
 have passed since writing the above. They have 
 been days and nights of affliction, except about ten 
 weeks, preceeding the 1st of 3d month last. In which 
 time the Lord, in a miraculous manner, removed 
 my complicated disorders of chills, fever, cough, short- 
 ness of breath, and, nearly so, the pain in my head, 
 of more than forty years continuance. But attend- 
 ing a funeral, on that day, above three miles from 
 home, and the weather being extremely cold, the 
 exposure was too much for me ; though I went to meet- 
 ing next day, I was obliged to leave it, and, have 
 since been confined to my house — all the above men- 
 tioned disorders have returned, and my whole sys- 
 tem is more completely disorganised than ever before. 
 
 But blessed be the Lord, none of these things move 
 me. He knows what is best for me. His holy will 
 be done. Amen. 
 
 After writing thus far, it does not appear that Isaac 
 Martin made any additions to his Journal. For seve- 
 
152 ISAAC MARTINIS JOURNAL. [1828 
 
 ral years previous to his death, his bodily powers 
 gradually declined. The pain and distress in his 
 head, to which several allusions are made in his me- 
 morandums, continued to afflict him ; so that some- 
 times, for several months together, he was unable to 
 get out to any meetings. At some intervals, when 
 his health was a little better, he attended a few meet- 
 ings at Rahway; although he frequently had to leave 
 them before their conclusion. 
 
 His ministry was considered sound and edifying, 
 and he generally had a good flow of words in his 
 communications. He was an example and a lover 
 of plainness and simplicity, and frequently bore his 
 testimony against gaudy apparel and superfluities. 
 
 As he drew near thevclose of life, on being asked 
 how he felt, he answered, " I have no fear of death- 
 It will be no terror, but rather a joyful messenger to 
 me : then I shall be released from all trouble." At 
 another time, a friend inquired whether there appeared 
 to be any thing in his way ? He said " No ; not a 
 cloud. My work has gone to judgment before me. 
 I have nothing to do but to die." Again, he said, "I 
 have fought a good fight ; henceforth there is a crown 
 of righteousness laid up for me, eternally in the hea- 
 vens." 
 
 He departed this life the 9th of the 8th month, 
 1828, in the seventy-first year of his age, having been 
 an approved minister about thirty-eight years. 
 
ISAAC martin's journal. 153 
 
 A TESTIMONY TO THE SILENT WORSHIP OF GOD, IN 
 SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH. 
 
 I HAVE considered it a duty I owe to my great 
 Creator and my fellow creatures, to commit to 
 writing some of my own experience respecting silent 
 worship. " God is a spirit ;" and according to the 
 declaration of his beloved son, " they that worship 
 him must worship him in spirit and in truth : for the 
 Father seeketh such to worship him." 
 
 Now, in relating my experience concerning this si- 
 lent adoration of the Supreme Being, I have not the 
 least doubt that I communicate the experience of 
 thousands who have fallen asleep in Christ, and of 
 many that are still in the body. 
 
 It pleased the Lord to visit my soul with the day- 
 spring from on high, in the sixteenth year of my age ; 
 when, from day to day, he broke in upon me with 
 the overshadowings of his love, causing me to rejoice 
 in his salvation — melting my heart and contritingmy 
 spirit before him, and making known to me, through 
 the medium of his Holy Spirit, what to do and what to 
 leave undone. Although from much younger life, I 
 sometimes felt his powerful spirit at work in my soul, 
 yet now in the fall of the year 1773, it became a daily 
 visitation, and has so continued ever since ; notwith- 
 standing I have not every day enjoyed the like 
 spiritual consolations, as in the day of my espousals 
 unto Christ, my sovereign Lord. Though many a 
 bitter cup of poverty and suffering hath been wisely 
 dispensed to me, yet as the word of God's patience 
 hath been abode in, these seasons of probation and re- 
 
154 ISAAC MARTI.V'S JOURNAL. 
 
 fining have been succeeded by times of refreshment 
 from the presence of the Lord. 
 
 In these early visitations of heavenly love, I went 
 to meetings in a very different state of mind from 
 what I had done in the time preceding. I felt the 
 Beloved of my soul to draw my attention from every 
 worldly thought, and to centre my mind on him, the 
 object of my adoration and praise. Even when emi- 
 nent ministers attended our meeting, I felt restrained 
 by the Holy Spirit from indulging a wish to hear the 
 gospel pubUcly preached ; but secretly and fervently 
 was I engaged to pray unto the Lord for help to draw 
 nigh unto him, and worship him acceptably, in spirit 
 and in truth. He begat these prayers in my heart, 
 and he answered them ; again and again lifting up the 
 light of his blessed and glorious countenance upon my 
 soul, and preparing the offerings of praise and thanks- 
 giving with much tenderness and brokenness of spirit 
 before him. 
 
 Here I was fed with the bread of life, which nou- 
 rishes and strengthens the Lord's children. I enjoyed 
 what those valuable messengers of the Lord partook 
 of before they rose to minister to the people — even 
 the presence of the great I Am. He made himself 
 known by the breaking of bread ; he gav^e us to drink 
 of the new wine of his kingdom ; he satisfied our souls 
 with his love. Being gathered together in the name 
 of Christ, those ministers were anointed to preach the 
 gospel to the people, in the demonstration of the spirit, 
 and with power. The precious savour of life attending 
 their ministry, and uniting with the same Divine influ- 
 ence in rny heart, like face answering face in a glass, 
 tended to strengthen and build me up in the most 
 holy faith. Thus in the silent part of the meeting, 
 
ISAAC martin's journal, 155 
 
 previous to any vocal testimonies, pure and spiritual 
 worship was performed to him who Hves for ever, 
 and my soul was edified and refreshed. Blessed be the 
 Lord my God, who hath made me and thousands more, 
 experimental witnesses of his life-giving presence, in 
 those seasons of holy sequestration from every earthly 
 object. A holy, spiritual communion with the Father 
 and the son, hath been abundantly witnessed, and our 
 souls have abounded with thanksgiving and praises 
 to him who sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb, 
 who is W'Orthy thereof for ever more. Amen. • 
 
 After some years' experience in this silent, spiritual 
 worship, I felt a necessity publicly to espouse the 
 cause of truth and risrhteousness. But I dared not 
 engage in this very important work of the ministry, 
 without gathering into the name of Christ, and wait- 
 ing to feel his power and presence to wariu my heart, 
 and influence it with the love of the gospel. Here, in 
 reverential silence before the Lord, a renewed quali- 
 fication hath been given, from time to time, to preach 
 the glad tidings of redeeming grace. Many times 
 previous to appointing meetings amongst those not 
 professing with us, I have been tried with great in- 
 ward poverty. But, as I never determined in my 
 mind, beforehand, that I w^ould preach when I came 
 to the meeting, and being utterly unprepared as to 
 words, I have sat down with my mind turned inward 
 to the Lord in mental prayer, knowing that without 
 him I could do nothing ; aiid he hath graciously ap- 
 peared in my silent waiting, furnishing me with strength 
 and ability to olier matter, suitable 1 trust, to the states 
 of many or most present. For unless I had felt his 
 blessed presence to strengthen and qualify me, 1 would 
 rather have laid down my life, than have attempted to 
 
156 ISAAC MARTIIV'S JOURNAL. 
 
 minister to the people by virtue of any parts or abilities, 
 natural or acquired, which, as a man, I might pos- 
 sess. So that I have always found it necessary to 
 be engaged in silent worship, for a season, before 
 public preaching or praying, in the assemblies of the 
 people. 
 
 " The preparation of the heart in man, and the answer 
 of the tongue is from the Lord." And again, " They that 
 wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength : they 
 shall mount up with wings, as eagles: they shall 
 run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not 
 faint." A blessed and glorious privilege indeed ! real- 
 ized, in an especial manner, in the experience of those 
 who have none but the Lord for their helper. 
 
 Great is the loss sustained by those who profess to 
 be ministers of the gospel, for want of patiently wait- 
 ing for the necessary qualification of being endued 
 with power from on high, before they attempt to ut- 
 ter gospel truths to the people. Such is the present 
 degenerated custom, that, however many acknow- 
 ledge the excellency of being actuated by the holy spir- 
 it, in matters purely religious, they do not avail 
 themselves of it, by huinbly and patiently waiting up- 
 on the Lord, for the aid thereof A person of this 
 class once said to me, "I have often been ashamed, 
 when I have arisen off my kness, in meetings : have 
 not you ?" I told him no : and asked what made him 
 ashamed. " Because (said he) my mind was upon the 
 things of the world, whilst at prayer." I told him there 
 was a cause for that. Thou did not wait upon the 
 Lord, to feel the spirit of prayer, poured out upon 
 thee. That would have kept thy mind from wander- 
 ing upon the things of the world, and would have 
 fixed it upon the true object of adoration. It would 
 
ISAAC martin's journal. 157 
 
 have been better for thee, not to have attempted to 
 appear in prayer, at those times. A lamentable ac- 
 knowledgment indeed ! — mere mockery ! A form of 
 godliness, without the power ! and that which could 
 not profit, but might do a real injury to the people, 
 by setting them down in an empty form of wor- 
 ship. 
 
 " This people draweth nigh unto me with their 
 mouth, and honoureth me with their lips, but their 
 heart is far from me," was a complaint of the Most 
 High, formerly, and may include all such as do not 
 experience the power of Divine love to influence their 
 hearts, and enable them to worship the Lord in the 
 beauty of holiness. 
 
 Another person informed me, with apparent con- 
 cern, that divers times he had felt utterly unfit for the 
 sacred work of preaching, for want of feeling the in- 
 fluence of the Holy Spirit ; and yet, in that state, he 
 went through the service, because the people ex- 
 pected it. A third said, he felt more like falhng down 
 on the floor than preaching, and that he would rather 
 have been following the plough. 
 
 It is clear and evident, that in such momentous 
 concerns the Lord's presence ought to be waited for, 
 to enable the preacher to speak in the demonstration 
 of the spirit and with power, and to baptize the 
 hearers, so that they might be strengthened and edi- 
 fied together. 
 
 If people were but acquainted with this inwardly 
 drawing nigh unto God, — or as Paul said, " Seek the 
 Lord, if haply they might feel after him and find him, 
 though he be not far from every one of us ;" no, 
 verily, he is near us, he is in us, by his Holy Spirit, — 
 they would be much less anxious to hear preaching. 
 
 () 
 
158 
 
 Being gathered under the heaUng wings of the Prince 
 of peace, and having bread in their own houses, and 
 water in their own cisterns, what more could they 
 desire ? In this state of naind they would often be fa- 
 voured with a blessed assurance that their sins were 
 forgiven, and that their souls were brought into a 
 state of acceptance with God, their Creator. All 
 fears and doubts would be removed, and renewed 
 cause would often be given to magnify the Lord, and 
 to rejoice in God their Saviour. 
 
 William Law, who wrote largely, in an instructive 
 manner, on many religious subjects, hath these words: 
 " To speak with the tongues of men or angels on re- 
 ligious subjects, is a much less thing than to know 
 how to stay the mind upon God, and abide with him 
 in the closet of our hearts, observing, loving, adoring 
 and obeying his holy powder within us." Again, he 
 says : " 1 hurt myself, and am only acting a part, if 
 I speak to persons on spiritual matters, either sooner 
 or further, than the spirit of God (which bloweth 
 when and where it listeth) would be resisted in me, if I 
 held my peace." And Bernard saith : "All prayer is 
 lukewarm, which hath not an inspiration preceding 
 it." 
 
 It hath not unfrequently happened, among some 
 professing Christians, that when their preacher has 
 been indisposed, or on some other account absent 
 from his place of worship, that the meeting has been 
 discontinued. What a pity that so great dependence 
 has been put upon one man ; as though his presence 
 was indispensable in performing spiritual worship to 
 the Most High ; as though that blessed declaration of 
 Christ could not be realized unless the preacher was 
 present, " Where two or three are gathered together 
 
159 
 
 in my name, there am I in the midst of them." — 
 Surely, it appears too much like limiting the Holy 
 One of Israel. 
 
 Now, if the people in those places had been ac- 
 quainted with, and delighted in gathering or turning 
 the mind inward to feel after God, they might have 
 sat together, and no doubt often would sit together, in 
 heavenly places in Christ Jesus, and know their 
 hearts divinely prepared 4o worship and adore the 
 Majesty in the heavens, and be much more spiritually 
 refreshed and strengthened, than to hear the best 
 words that man could utter. 
 
 Preaching, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, 
 is good, and a blessing to the church ; but, persuaded 
 I am, that if the people generally were disposed to 
 receive strength from the pure Fountain of everlast- 
 ing love, opened in their hearts, there would be but 
 little necessity for it. Many instances have doubtless 
 occurred of people living far from any who were 
 considered ministers of the gospel, and have been 
 visited with great bodily indisposition, so that their 
 dissolution has been fully expected — to whom then 
 could they apply, but to the Lord alone, who is a God 
 hearing prayer. And as they have fervently sought 
 him, as upon the bended knees of their souls, surely 
 he hath heard their secret cries, and granted them 
 their hearts' desire — even peace, sweet, heavenly 
 peace, and an assurance that their sins were washed 
 away by the blood of the Lamb. 
 
 Such is the nature, such the blessed effects, of che- 
 rishing an intercourse with Heaven. Truly, the ad- 
 vantages are unspeakable. Would to God, that the 
 people, every where, dehghted therein ; and, by yield- 
 ing up their hearts to God, in the first place, they 
 
160 ISAAC martin's journal. 
 
 would often, from day to day, out of meeting as well 
 as in meetings, have a spiritual communion with 
 Him, who is the chiefest of ten thousands. An evi- 
 dence, renewed from time to time, would be granted 
 them, that when their warfare here on earth is ac- 
 complished, they will be admitted to join the innume- 
 rable company of the heavenly host, in ascribing 
 blessing and praise, glory and honour, unto Him that 
 sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever. 
 Amen. 
 
 ISAAC MARTIN. 
 
 Bridgetown, Rahway, East New Jersey, 9th mo. 27th, 1819. 
 
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