’Whoareyou？’sheexclaimed，asthevisionbrightenedintoaformdistinct，beamingwiththebeautyofholiness，andradiantwithlove。Shethensaid，audiblyaddressingthemysteriousvisitant-’I
knowyou，andIdon’tknowyou。’Meaning，’Youseemperfectlyfamiliar;Ifeelthatyounotonlyloveme，butthatyoualwayshavelovedme-yetIknowyounot-Icannotcallyoubyname。’Whenshesaid，’Iknowyou，’thesubjectofthevisionremaineddistinctandquiet。Whenshesaid，’Idon’tknowyou，’itmovedrestlesslyabout，likeagitatedwaters。Sowhilesherepeated，withoutintermission，’Iknowyou，Iknowyou，’thatthevisionmightremain-’Whoareyou？’wasthecryofherheart，andherwholesoulwasinonedeepprayerthatthisheavenlypersonagemightberevealedtoher，andremainwithher。Atlength，afterbendingbothsoulandbodywiththeintensityofthisdesire，tillbreathandstrengthseemedfailing，andshecouldmaintainherpositionnolonger，ananswercametoher，sayingdistinctly，’ItisJesus。’
’Yes，’sheresponded，’itisJesus。’
Previoustotheseexercisesofmind，sheheardJesusmentionedinreadingorspeaking，buthadreceivedfromwhatsheheardnoimpressionthathewasanyotherthananeminentman，likeaWashingtonoraLafayette。Nowheappearedtoherdelightedmentalvisionassomild，sogood，andsoeverywaylovely，andhelovedhersomuch！And，howstrangethathehadalwayslovedher，andshehadneverknownit！Andhowgreatablessingheconferred，inthatheshouldstandbetweenherandGod！AndGodwasnolongeraterrorandadreadtoher。
Shestoppednottoarguethepoint，eveninherownmind，whetherhehadreconciledhertoGod，orGodtoherself，（thoughshethinkstheformernow，）beingbuttoohappythatGodwasnolongertoherasaconsumingfire，andJesuswas’altogetherlovely。’Herheartwasnowfullofjoyandgladness，asithadbeenofterror，andatonetimeofdespair。Inthelightofhergreathappiness，theworldwascladinnewbeauty，theveryairsparkledaswithdiamonds，andwasredolentofheaven。Shecontemplatedtheunapproachablebarriersthatexistedbetweenherselfandthegreatofthisworld，astheworldcallsgreatness，andmadesurprisingcomparisonsbetweenthem，andtheunionexistingbetweenherselfandJesus-Jesus，thetranscendentlylovelyaswellasgreatandpowerful;forsoheappearedtoher，thoughheseemedbuthuman;andshewatchedforhisbodilyappearance，feelingthatsheshouldknowhim，ifshesawhim;andwhenhecame，shewouldgoanddwellwithhim，aswithadearfriend。
Itwasnotgiventohertoseethathelovedanyother;andshethoughtifotherscametoknowandlovehim，asshedid，sheshouldbethrustasideandforgotten，beingherselfbutapoorignorantslave，withlittletorecommendhertohisnotice。Andwhensheheardhimspokenoff，shesaidmentally-’What！othersknowJesus！IthoughtnooneknewJesusbutme！’andshefeltasortofjealousy，lestsheshouldberobbedofhernewlyfoundtreasure。
Sheconceived，oneday，asshelistenedtoreading，thatsheheardanintimationthatJesuswasmarried，andhastilyinquiredifJesushadawife。’What！’saidthereader，’Godhaveawife？’’IsJesusGod？’
inquiredIsabella。’Yes，tobesureheis，’wastheanswerreturned。
Fromthistime，herconceptionsofJesusbecamemoreelevatedandspiritual;andshesometimesspokeofhimasGod，inaccordancewiththeteachingshehadreceived。
Butwhenshewassimplytold，thattheChristianworldwasmuchdividedonthesubjectofChrist’snature-somebelievinghimtobecoequalwiththeFather-tobeGodinandofhimself，’veryGod，ofveryGod;’-some，thatheisthe’well-beloved，’’onlybegottenSonofGod;’-andothers，thatheis，orwas，rather，butamereman-shesaid，’OfthatIonlyknowasIsaw。IdidnotseehimtobeGod;else，howcouldhestandbetweenmeandGod？Isawhimasafriend，standingbetweenmeandGod，throughwhom，loveflowedasfromafountain。’Now，sofarfromexpressingherviewsofChrist’scharacterandofficeinaccordancewithanysystemoftheologyextant，shesaysshebelievesJesusisthesamespiritthatwasinourfirstparents，AdamandEve，inthebeginning，whentheycamefromthehandoftheirCreator。Whentheysinnedthroughdisobedience，thispurespiritforsookthem，andfledtoheaven;thatthereitremained，untilitreturnedagaininthepersonofJesus;andthat，previoustoapersonalunionwithhim，manisbutabrute，possessingonlythespiritofananimal。
Sheaversthat，inherdarkesthours，shehadnofearofanyworsehellthantheoneshethencarriedinherbosom;thoughithadeverbeenpicturedtoherinitsdeepestcolors，andthreatenedherasarewardforallhermisdemeanors。HervilenessandGod’sholinessandall-pervadingpresence，whichfilledimmensity，andthreatenedherwithconstantannihilation，composedtheburdenofhervisionofterror。
HerfaithinprayerisequaltoherfaithintheloveofJesus。Herlanguageis，’Letotherssaywhattheywilloftheefficacyofprayer，Ibelieveinit，andIshallpray。ThankGod！Yes，Ishallalwayspray，’sheexclaims，puttingherhandstogetherwiththegreatestenthusiasm。
Forsometimesubsequenttothehappychangewehavespokenoff，Isabella’sprayerspartooklargelyoftheirformercharacter;andwhile，indeepaffliction，shelaboredfortherecoveryofherson，sheprayedwithconstancyandfervor;andthefollowingmaybetakenasaspecimen：-’Oh，God，youknowhowmuchIamdistressed，forIhavetoldyouagainandagain。Now，God，helpmegetmyson。Ifyouwereintrouble，asIam，andIcouldhelpyou，asyoucanme，thinkIwouldn’tdoit？Yes，God，youknowIwoulddoit。’
’Oh，God，youknowIhavenomoney，butyoucanmakethepeopledoforme，andyoumustmakethepeopledoforme。Iwillnevergiveyoupeacetillyoudo，God。’
’Oh，God，makethepeoplehearme-don’tletthemturnmeoff，withouthearingandhelpingme。’
Andshehasnotaparticleofdoubt，thatGodheardher，andespeciallydisposedtheheartsofthoughtlessclerks，eminentlawyers，andgravejudgesandothers-betweenwhomandherselfthereseemedtoheralmostaninfiniteremove-tolistentohersuitwithpatientandrespectfulattention，backingitupwithallneededaid。Thesenseofhernothingnessintheeyesofthosewithwhomshecontendedforherrights，sometimesfellonherlikeaheavyweight，whichnothingbutherunwaveringconfidenceinanarmwhichshebelievedtobestrongerthanallotherscombinedcouldhaveraisedfromhersinkingspirit。
’Oh！howlittledidIfeel，’sherepeated，withapowerfulemphasis。
’Neitherwouldyouwonder，ifyoucouldhaveseenme，inmyignoranceanddestitution，trottingaboutthestreets，meanlyclad，bare-headed，andbare-footed！Oh，Godonlycouldhavemadesuchpeoplehearme;andhediditinanswertomyprayers。’Andthisperfecttrust，basedontherockofDeity，wasasoul-protectingfortress，which，raisingherabovethebattlementsoffear，andshieldingherfromthemachinationsoftheenemy，impelledheronwardinthestruggle，tillthefoewasvanquished，andthevictorygained。
WehavenowseenIsabella，heryoungestdaughter，andheronlyson，inpossessionof，atleast，theirnominalfreedom。Ithasbeensaidthatthefreedomofthemostfreeofthecoloredpeopleofthiscountryisbutnominal;butstintedandlimitedasitis，atbest，itisanimmenseremovefromchattelslavery。Thisfactisdisputed，Iknow;
butIhavenoconfidenceinthehonestyofsuchquestionings。Iftheyaremadeinsincerity，Ihonornotthejudgmentthatthusdecides。
Herhusband，quiteadvancedinage，andinfirmofhealth，wasemancipated，withthebalanceoftheadultslavesoftheState，accordingtolaw，thefollowingsummer，July4，1828。
Forafewyearsafterthisevent，hewasabletoearnascantyliving，andwhenhefailedtodothat，hewasdependentonthe’world’scoldcharity，’anddiedinapoorhouse。Isabellahadherselfandtwochildrentoprovidefor;herwagesweretrifling，foratthattimethewagesoffemaleswereatasmalladvancefromnothing;andshedoubtlesshadtolearnthefirstelementsofeconomy-forwhatslaves，thatwereneverallowedtomakeanystipulationsorcalculationsforthemselves，everpossessedanadequateideaofthetruevalueoftime，or，infact，ofanymaterialthingintheuniverse？Tosuch，’prudentusing’ismeanness-and’saving’isawordtobesneeredat。Ofcourse，itwasnotinherpowertomaketoherselfahome，aroundwhosesacredhearth-stoneshecouldcollectherfamily，astheygraduallyemergedfromtheirprison-houseofbondage;ahome，whereshecouldcultivatetheiraffection，administertotheirwants，andinstilintotheopeningmindsofherchildrenthoseprinciplesofvirtue，andthatloveofpurity，truthandbenevolence，whichmustforeverformthefoundationofalifeofusefulnessandhappiness。No-allthiswasfarbeyondherpowerormeans，inmoresensesthanone;anditshouldbetakenintotheaccount，wheneveracomparisonisinstitutedbetweentheprogressmadebyherchildreninvirtueandgoodness，andtheprogressofthosewhohavebeennurturedinthegenialwarmthofasunnyhome，wheregoodinfluencescluster，andbadonesarecarefullyexcluded-where’lineuponline，andpreceptuponprecept，’aredailybroughttotheirquotidiantasks-andwhere，inshort，everyapplianceisbroughtinrequisition，thatself-denyingparentscanbringtobearononeofthedearestobjectsofaparent’slife，thepromotionofthewelfareoftheirchildren。ButGodforbidthatthissuggestionshouldbewrestedfromitsoriginalintent，andmadetoshieldanyonefrommeritedrebuke！Isabella’schildrenarenowofanagetoknowgoodfromevil，andmayeasilyinformthemselvesonanypointwheretheymayyetbeindoubt;andiftheynowsufferthemselvestobedrawnbytemptationintothepathsofthedestroyer，orforgetwhatisduetothemotherwhohasdoneandsufferedsomuchforthem，andwho，nowthatsheisdescendingintothevaleofyears，andfeelsherhealthandstrengthdeclining，willturnherexpectingeyestothemforaidandcomfort，justasinstinctivelyasthechildturnsitsconfidingeyetoitsfondparent，whenitseeksforsuccororsympathy-（foritisnowtheirturntodothework，andbeartheburdensoflife，soallmustbeartheminturn，asthewheelofliferollson）-
if，Isay，theyforgetthis，theirdutyandtheirhappiness，andpursueanoppositecourseofsinandfolly，theymustlosetherespectofthewiseandgood，andfind，whentoolate，that’thewayofthetransgressorishard。’
NEWTRIALS。
Thereaderwillpardonthispassinghomily，whilewereturntoournarrative。
Weweresayingthattheday-dreamsofIsabellaandherhusband-theplantheydrewofwhattheywoulddo，andthecomfortstheythoughttohave，whentheyshouldobtaintheirfreedom，andalittlehomeoftheirown-
hadallturnedto’thinair，’bythepostponementoftheirfreedomtosolateaday。Thesedelusivehopeswerenevertoberealized，andanewsetoftrialswasgraduallytoopenbeforeher。Theseweretheheart-wastingtrialsofwatchingoverherchildren，scattered，andimminentlyexposedtothetemptationsoftheadversary，withfew，ifany，fixedprinciplestosustainthem。
’Oh，’shesays，’howlittledidIknowmyselfofthebestwaytoinstructandcounselthem！YetIdidthebestIthenknew，whenwiththem。Itookthemtothereligiousmeetings;Italkedto，andprayedforandwiththem;whentheydidwrong，Iscoldedatandwhippedthem。’
Isabellaandhersonhadbeenfreeaboutayear，whentheywenttoresideinthecityofNewYork;aplacewhichshewoulddoubtlesshaveavoided，couldshehaveforeseenwhatwasthereinstoreforher;forthisviewintothefuturewouldhavetaughtherwhatsheonlylearnedbybitterexperience，thatthebanefulinfluencesgoingupfromsuchacitywerenotthebesthelpstoeducation，commencedastheeducationofherchildrenhadbeen。
HersonPeterwas，atthetimeofwhichwearespeaking，justatthatagewhennoladshouldbesubjectedtothetemptationsofsuchaplace，unprotectedashewas，savebythefeeblearmofamother，herselfaservantthere。Hewasgrowinguptobeatall，well-formed，activelad，ofquickperceptions，mildandcheerfulinhisdisposition，withmuchthatwasopen，generousandwinningabouthim，butwithlittlepowertowithstandtemptation，andareadyingenuitytoprovidehimselfwithwaysandmeanstocarryouthisplans，andconcealfromhismotherandherfriends，allsuchasheknewwouldnotmeettheirapprobation。
Aswillbereadilybelieved，hewassoondrawnintoacircleofassociateswhodidnotimproveeitherhishabitsorhismorals。
TwoyearspassedbeforeIsabellaknewwhatcharacterPeterwasestablishingforhimselfamonghislowandworthlesscomrades-passingundertheassumednameofPeterWilliams;andshebegantofeelaparent’sprideinthepromisingappearanceofheronlyson。But，alas！
thisprideandpleasurewereshortlydissipated，asdistressingfactsrelativetohimcameonebyonetoherastonishedear。AfriendofIsabella’s，alady，whowasmuchpleasedwiththegoodhumor，ingenuity，andopenconfessionsofPeter，whendrivenintoacorner，andwho，shesaid，’wassosmart，heoughttohaveaneducation，ifanyoneought，’-paidtendollars，astuitionfee，forhimtoattendanavigationschool。ButPeter，littleinclinedtospendhisleisurehoursinstudy，whenhemightbeenjoyinghimselfinthedance，orotherwise，withhisbooncompanions，wentregularlyandmadesomeplausibleexcusestotheteacher，whoreceivedthemasgenuine，alongwiththetendollarsofMrs-，andwhilehismotherandherfriendbelievedhimimprovingatschool，hewas，totheirlatentsorrow，improvinginaverydifferentplaceorplaces，andonentirelyoppositeprinciples。Theyalsoprocuredhimanexcellentplaceasacoachman。
But，wantingmoney，hesoldhislivery，andotherthingsbelongingtohismaster;who，havingconceivedakindregardforhim，consideredhisyouth，andpreventedthelawfromfalling，withallitsrigor，uponhishead。Stillhecontinuedtoabusehisprivileges，andtoinvolvehimselfinrepeateddifficulties，fromwhichhismotherasoftenextricatedhim。Ateachtime，shetalkedmuch，andreasonedandremonstratedwithhim;andhewould，withsuchperfectfrankness，layopenhiswholesoultoher，tellingherhehadneverintendeddoingharm，-howhehadbeenledalong，littlebylittle，till，beforehewasaware，hefoundhimselfintrouble-howhehadtriedtobegood-andhow，whenhewouldhavebeenso，’evilwaspresentwithhim，’-indeedheknewnothowitwas。
Hismother，beginningtofeelthatthecitywasnoplaceforhim，urgedhisgoingtosea，andwouldhaveshippedhimonboardaman-of-war;butPeterwasnotdisposedtoconsenttothatproposition，whilethecityanditspleasureswereaccessibletohim。Isabellanowbecameapreytodistressingfears，dreadinglestthenextdayorhourcomefraughtwiththereportofsomedreadfulcrime，committedorabettedbyherson。ShethankstheLordforsparingherthatgiantsorrow，asallhiswrongdoingsneverrankedhigher，intheeyeofthelaw，thanmisdemeanors。ButasshecouldseenoimprovementinPeter，asalastresort，sheresolvedtoleavehim，foratime，unassisted，tobearthepenaltyofhisconduct，andseewhateffectthatwouldhaveonhim。Inthetrialhour，sheremainedfirminherresolution。Peteragainfellintothehandsofthepolice，andsentforhismother，asusual;butshewentnottohisrelief。Inhisextremity，hesentforPeterWilliams，arespectablecoloredbarber，whosenamehehadbeenwearing，andwhosometimeshelpedyoungculpritsoutoftheirtroubles，andsentthemfromcitydangers，byshippingthemonboardofwhalingvessels。
Thecuriosityofthismanwasawakenedbytheculprit’sbearinghisownname。HewenttotheTombsandinquiredintohiscase，butcouldnotbelievewhatPetertoldhimrespectinghismotherandfamily。Yetheredeemedhim，andPeterpromisedtoleaveNewYorkinavesselthatwastosailinthecourseofaweek。Hewenttoseehismother，andinformedherofwhathadhappenedtohim。Shelistenedincredulously，astoanidletale。Heaskedhertogowithhimandseeforherself。
Shewent，givingnocredencetohisstorytillshefoundherselfinthepresenceofMr。Williams，andheardhimsayingtoher，’IamverygladIhaveassistedyourson;hestoodingreatneedofsympathyandassistance;butIcouldnotthinkhehadsuchamotherhere，althoughheassuredmehehad。’
Isabella’sgreattroublenowwas，afearlesthersonshoulddeceivehisbenefactor，andbemissingwhenthevesselsailed;buthebeggedherearnestlytotrusthim，forhesaidhehadresolvedtodobetter，andmeanttoabidebytheresolve。Isabella’sheartgavehernopeacetillthetimeofsailing，whenPetersentMr。Williamsandanothermessengerwhomsheknew，totellherhehadsailed。Butforamonthafterwards，shelookedtoseehimemergingfromsomeby-placeinthecity，andappearingbeforeher;soafraidwasshethathewasstillunfaithful，anddoingwrong。Buthedidnotappear，andatlengthshebelievedhimreallygone。Heleftinthesummerof1839，andhisfriendsheardnothingfurtherfromhimtillhismotherreceivedthefollowingletter，dated’October171840’;-
MYDEARANDBELOVEDMOTHER：
’ItakethisopportunitytowritetoyouandinformyouthatIamwell，andinhopesfortofindyouthesame。IamgotonboardthesameunluckyshipDone，ofNantucket。Iamsorryfortosay，thatIhavebeenpunishedonceseverely，byshovingmyheadinthefireforotherfolks。Wehavehadbadluck，butinhopestohavebetter。Wehaveabout230onboard，butinhopes，ifdon’tkavegoodluck，thatmyparentswillreceivemewiththanks。Iwouldliketoknowhowmysistersare。DoesmycousinsliveinNewYorkyet？Haveyougotmyletter？Ifnot，inquiretoMr。PierceWhiting’s。Iwishyouwouldwritemeananswerassoonaspossible。Iamyouronlyson，thatissofarfromyourhome，inthewidebrinyocean。IhaveseenmoreoftheworldthaneverIexpected，andifIevershouldreturnhomesafe，I
willtellyouallmytroublesandhardships。Mother，Ihopeyoudonotforgetme，yourdearandonlyson。IshouldliketoknowhowSophia，andBetsey，andHannah，comeon。IhopeyouallwillforgivemeforallthatIhavedone。
’Yourson，PETERVANWAGENER。’
Anotherletterreadsasfollows，dated’March22，1841’：-
’MYDEARMOTHER：
’Itakethisopportunitytowritetoyou，andinformyouthatIhavebeenwellandingoodhealth。Ihavewroteyoualetterbefore，buthavereceivednoanswerfromyou，andwasveryanxioustoseeyou。I
hopetoseeyouinashorttime。Ihavehadveryhardluck，butareinhopestohavebetterintimetocome。Ishouldlikeifmysistersarewell，andallthepeopleroundtheneighborhood。Iexpecttobehomeintwenty-twomonthsorthereabouts。IhaveseenSamuelLaterett。
Beware！Therehashappenedverybadnewstotellyou，thatPeterJacksonisdead。Hediedwithintwodays’sailofOtaheite，oneoftheSocietyIslands。ThePeterJacksonthatusedtoliveatLaterett’s;hediedonboardtheshipDone，ofNantucket，CaptainMiller，inthelatitude1553，andlongitude14830W。Ihavenomoretosayatpresent，butwriteassoonaspossible。
’Youronlyson，’PETERVANWAGENER。’
Another，containingthelastintelligenceshehashadfromherson，readsasfollows，andwasdated’Sept。19，1841’：-
’DEARMOTHER：
’ItaketheopportunitytowritetoyouandinformyouthatIamwellandingoodhealth，andinhopestofindyouinthesame。ThisisthefifthletterthatIhavewrotetoyou，andhavereceivednoanswer，anditmakesmeveryuneasy。Sopraywriteasquickasyoucan，andtellmehowallthepeopleisabouttheneighborhood。Weareoutfromhometwenty-threemonths，andinhopetobehomeinfifteenmonths。Ihavenotmuchtosay;buttellmeifyouhavebeenuphomesinceIleftornot。Iwanttoknowwhatsortofatimeisathome。Wehadverybadluckwhenwefirstcameout，butsincewehavehadverygood;soIaminhopestodowellyet;butifIdon’tdowell，youneednotexpectmehomethesefiveyears。Sowriteasquickasyoucan，won’tyou？SonowIamgoingtoputanendtomywriting，atpresent。Notice-whenthisyousee，rememberme，andplacemeinyourmind。
Getmetomyhome，that’sinthefardistantwest，Tothescenesofmychildhood，thatIlikethebest;
Therethetallcedarsgrow，andthebrightwatersflow，Wheremyparentswillgreetme，whiteman，letmego！
Letmegotothespotwherethecateractplays，WhereoftIhavesportedinmyboyishdays;
Andthereismypoormother，whosehearteverflows，Atthesightofherpoorchild，toherletmego，letmego！
’Youronlyson，’PETERVANWAGENER。’
Sincethedateofthelastletter，Isabellahasheardnotidingsfromherlong-absentson，thoughardentlydoeshermother’sheartlongforsuchtidings，asherthoughtsfollowhimaroundtheworld，inhisperilousvocation，sayingwithinherself-’Heisgoodnow，Ihavenodoubt;Ifeelsurethathehaspersevered，andkepttheresolvehemadebeforehelefthome;-heseemedsodifferentbeforehewent，sodeterminedtodobetter。’Hislettersareinsertedhereforpreservation，incasetheyprovethelastsheeverhearsfromhiminthisworld。
FINDINGABROTHERANDSISTER。
WhenIsabellahadobtainedthefreedomofherson，sheremainedinKingston，whereshehadbeendrawnbythejudicialprocess，aboutayear，duringwhichtimeshebecameamemberoftheMethodistChurchthere：andwhenshewenttoNewYork，shetookalettermissivefromthatchurchtotheMethodistChurchinJohnstreet。
Afterwards，shewithdrewherconnectionwiththatchurch，andjoinedZion’sChurchinChurchstreet，composedentirelyofcoloredpeople。
WiththelatterchurchsheremaineduntilshewenttoresidewithMr。
Pierson，afterwhich，shewasgraduallydrawnintothe’kingdom’setupbytheprophetMatthias，inthenameofGodtheFather;forhesaidthespiritofGodtheFatherdweltinhim。
WhileIsabellawasinNewYork，hersisterSophiacamefromNewburgtoresideintheformerplace。Isabelhadbeenfavoredwithoccasionalinterviewswiththissister，althoughatonetimeshelostsightofherforthespaceofseventeenyears-almosttheentireperiodofherbeingatMr。Dumont’s-andwhensheappearedbeforeheragain，handsomelydressed，shedidnotrecognizeher，tillinformedwhoshewas。SophiainformedherthatherbrotherMichael-abrothershehadneverseen-wasinthecity;andwhensheintroducedhimtoIsabella，heinformedherthattheirsisterNancyhadbeenlivinginthecity，andhaddeceasedafewmonthsbefore。Hedescribedherfeatures，herdress，hermanner，andsaidshehadforsometimebeenamemberinZion’sChurch，namingtheclassshebelongedto。Isabellaalmostinstantlyrecognizedherasasisterinthechurch，withwhomshehadkneltatthealtar，andwithwhomshehadexchangedthespeakingpressureofthehand，inrecognitionoftheirspiritualsisterhood;littlethinking，atthetime，thattheywerealsochildrenofthesameearthlyparents-evenBomefreeandMau-mauBett。Asinquiriesandanswersrapidlypassed，andtheconvictiondeepenedthatthiswastheirsister，theverysistertheyhadheardsomuchof，buthadneverseen，（forshewastheself-samesisterthathadbeenlockedinthegreatoldfashionedsleigh-box，whenshewastakenaway，nevertobeholdhermother’sfaceagainthissidethespirit-land，andMichael，thenarrator，wasthebrotherwhohadsharedherfate，）Isabellathought，’D-h！hereshewas;
wemet;andwasInot，atthetime，struckwiththepeculiarfeelingofherhand-thebonyhardnesssojustlikemine？andyetIcouldnotknowshewasmysister;andnowIseeshelookedsolikemymother。’AndIsabellawept，andnotalone;Sophiawept，andthestrongman，Michael，mingledhistearswiththeirs。’OhLord，’inquiredIsabella，’whatisthisslavery，thatitcandosuchdreadfulthings？whatevilcanitnotdo？’Wellmaysheask，forsurelytheevilsitcananddoesdo，dailyandhourly，canneverbesummedup，tillwecanseethemastheyarerecordedbyhimwhowritesnoerrors，andreckonswithoutmistake。Thisaccount，whichnowvariessowidelyintheestimateofdifferentminds，willbeviewedalikebyall。
Thinkyou，dearreader，whenthatdaycomes，themost’rapidabolitionist’willsay-’Behold，Isawallthiswhileontheearth？’
Willhenotrathersay，’Oh，whohasconceivedthebreadthanddepthofthismoralmalaria，thisputrescentplague-spot？’Perhapsthepioneersintheslave’scausewillbeasmuchsurprisedasanytofindthatwithalltheirlooking，thereremainedsomuchunseen。
GLEANINGS。
TherearesomehardthingsthatcrossedIsabella’slifewhileinslavery，thatshehasnodesiretopublish，forvariousreasons。
First，becausethepartiesfromwhosehandsshesufferedthemhaverendereduptheiraccounttoahighertribunal，andtheirinnocentfriendsaloneareliving，tohavetheirfeelingsinjuredbytherecital;secondly，becausetheyarenotallforthepublicear，fromtheirverynature;thirdly，andnotleast，because，shesays，wereshetotellallthathappenedtoherasaslave-allthatsheknowsis’God’struth’-itwouldseemtoothers，especiallytheuninitiated，sounaccountable，sounreasonable，andwhatisusuallycalledsounnatural，（thoughitmaybequestionedwhetherpeopledonotalwaysactnaturally，）theywouldnoteasilybelieveit。’Why，no！’shesays，’they’dcallmealiar！theywould，indeed！andIdonotwishtosayanythingtodestroymyowncharacterforveracity，thoughwhatIsayisstrictlytrue。’Somethingshavebeenomittedthroughforgetfulness，whichnothavingbeenmentionedintheirplaces，canonlybebrieflyspokenofhere;-suchas，thatherfatherBomefreehadhadtwowivesbeforehetookMaumauBett;oneofwhom，ifnotboth，weretornfromhimbytheironhandoftheruthlesstraffickerinhumanflesh;-thatherhusband，Thomas，afteroneofhiswiveshadbeensoldawayfromhim，ranawaytoNewYorkCity，whereheremainedayearortwo，beforehewasdiscoveredandtakenbacktotheprison-houseofslavery;-thathermasterDumont，whenhepromisedIsabellaoneyearofhertime，beforetheStateshouldmakeherfree，madethesamepromisetoherhusband，andinadditiontofreedom，theywerepromisedalogcabinforahomeoftheirown;allofwhich，withtheone-thousand-and-oneday-dreamsresultingtherefrom，wentintotherepositoryofunfulfilledpromisesandunrealizedhopes;-thatshehadoftenheardherfatherrepeatathrillingstoryofalittleslave-child，which，becauseitannoyedthefamilywithitscries，wascaughtupbyawhiteman，whodasheditsbrainsoutagainstthewall。AnIndian（forIndianswereplentyinthatregionthen）passedalongasthebereavedmotherwashedthebloodycorpseofhermurderedchild，andlearningthecauseofitsdeath，said，withcharacteristicvehemence，’IfIhadbeenhere，I
wouldhaveputmytomahawkinhishead！’meaningthemurderer’s。
OfthecrueltyofoneHasbrouck-Hehadasickslave-woman，whowaslingeringwithaslowconsumption，whomhemadetospin，regardlessofherweaknessandsuffering;andthiswomanhadachild，thatwasunabletowalkortalk，attheageoffiveyears，neithercoulditcrylikeotherchildren，butmadeaconstant，piteousmoaningsound。Thisexhibitionofhelplessnessandimbecility，insteadofexcitingthemaster’spity，stunghiscupidity，andsoenragedhim，thathewouldkickthepoorthingaboutlikeafoot-ball。
Isabella’sinformanthadseenthisbruteofaman，whenthechildwascurledupunderachair，innocentlyamusingitselfwithafewsticks，dragithence，thathemighthavethepleasureoftormentingit。Shehadseehim，withoneblowofhisfoot，senditrollingquiteacrosstheroom，anddownthestepsatthedoor。Oh，howshewisheditmightinstantlydie！’But，’shesaid，’itseemedastoughasamoccasin。’
Thoughitdiddieatlast，andmadegladtheheartofitsfriends;anditspersecutor，nodoubt，rejoicedwiththem，butfromverydifferentmotives。Butthedayofhisretributionwasnotfaroff-forhesickened，andhisreasonfled。Itwasfearfultohearhisoldslavesoontellhow，inthedayofhiscalamity，shetreatedhim。
Shewasverystrong，andwasthereforeselectedtosupporthermaster，ashesatupinbed，byputtingherarmsaround，whileshestoodbehindhim。Itwasthenthatshedidherbesttowreakhervengeanceonhim。Shewouldclutchhisfeebleframeinherirongrasp，asinavice;and，whenhermistressdidnotsee，wouldgivehimasqueeze，ashake，andliftinghimup，sethimdownagain，ashardaspossible。Ifhisbreathingbetrayedtootightagrasp，andhermistresssaid，’Becareful，don’thurthim，Soan！’herevery-readyanswerwas，’Ohno，Missus，no，’inhermostpleasanttone-andthen，assoonasMissus’seyesandearswereengagedaway，anothergrasp-anothershake-anotherbounce。Shewasafraidthediseasealonewouldlethimrecover，-aneventshedreadedmorethantodowrongherself。Isabellaaskedher，ifshewerenotafraidhisspiritwouldhaunther。’Oh，no，’saysSoan;’hewassowicked，thedevilwillneverlethimoutofhelllongenoughforthat。’
Manyslaveholdersboastoftheloveoftheirslaves。Howwoulditfreezethebloodofsomeofthemtoknowwhatkindofloveranklesinthebosomsofslavesforthem！WitnesstheattempttopoisonMrs。
Calhoun，andhundredsofsimilarcases。Most’surprising’toeverybody，becausecommittedbyslavessupposedtobesogratefulfortheirchains。
Thesereflectionsbringtomindadiscussiononthispoint，betweenthewriterandaslaveholdingfriendinKentucky，onChristmasmorning，1846。Wehadasserted，thatuntilmankindwerefarinadvanceofwhattheyarenow，irresponsiblepoweroverourfellow-beingswouldbe，asitis，abused。Ourfrienddeclareditwashisconviction，thatthecrueltiesofslaveryexistedchieflyinimagination，andthatnopersoninD-County，wherewethenwere，butwouldbeaboveill-treatingahelplessslave。Weanswered，thatifhisbeliefwaswell-founded，thepeopleinKentuckyweregreatlyinadvanceofthepeopleofNewEngland-forwewouldnotdaresayasmuchasthatofanyschool-districtthere，lettingalonecounties。No，wewouldnotanswerforourownconductevenonsodelicateapoint。
Thenextevening，heverymagnanimouslyoverthrewhisownpositionandestablishedours，byinformingusthat，onthemorningprevious，andasnearaswecouldlearn，attheveryhourinwhichwewereearnestlydiscussingtheprobabilitiesofthecase，ayoungwomanoffineappearance，andhighstandinginsociety，theprideofherhusband，andthemotherofaninfantdaughter，onlyafewmilesfromus，ay，inD-
County，too，wasactuallybeatingintheskullofaslave-womancalledTabby;andnotcontentwiththat，hadhertiedupandwhipped，afterherskullwasbroken，andshediedhangingtothebedstead，towhichshehadbeenfastened。WheninformedthatTabbywasdead，sheanswered，’Iamgladofit，forshehasworriedmylifeoutofme。’ButTabby’shighestgoodwasprobablynottheendproposedbyMrs。M-，fornoonesupposedshemeanttokillher。Tabbywasconsideredquitelackingingoodsense，andnodoubtbelongedtothatclassattheSouth，thataresillyenoughto’dieofmoderatecorrection。’
Amobcollectedaroundthehouseforanhourortwo，inthatmannerexpressingamomentaryindignation。Butwasshetreatedasamurderess？Notatall！Shewasallowedtotakeboat（forherresidencewasnearthebeautifulOhio）thatevening，tospendafewmonthswithherabsentfriends，afterwhichshereturnedandremainedwithherhusband，nooneto’molestormakeherafraid。’
Hadshebeenlefttothepunishmentofanoutragedconsciencefromrightmotives，Iwouldhave’rejoicedwithexceedingjoy’。Buttoseethelifeofonewoman，andsheamurderess，putinthebalanceagainstthelivesofthreemillionsofinnocentslaves，andtocontrastherpunishmentwithwhatIfeltwouldbethepunishmentofonewhowasmerelysuspectedofbeinganequalfriendofallmankind，regardlessofcolororcondition，causedmybloodtostirwithinme，andmyhearttosickenatthethought。ThehusbandofMrs。M-wasabsentfromhome，atthetimealludedto;andwhenhearrived，someweeksafterwards，bringingbeautifulpresentstohischerishedcompanion，hebeheldhisoncehappyhomedeserted，Tabbymurderedandburiedinthegarden，andthewifeofhisbosom，andthemotherofhischild，thedoerofadreadfuldeed，amurderess！
WhenIsabellawenttoNewYorkCity，shewentincompanywithaMissGrear，whointroducedhertothefamilyofMr。JamesLatourette，awealthymerchant，andaMethodistinreligion;butwho，thelatterpartofhislife，feltthathehadoutgrownordinances，andadvocatedfreemeetings，holdingthemathisowndwelling-houseforseveralyearsprevioustohisdeath。Sheworkedforthem，andtheygenerouslygaveherahomewhileshelaboredforothers，andintheirkindnessmadeherasoneoftheirown。
Atthattime，the’moralreform’movementwasawakeningtheattentionofthebenevolentinthatcity。Manywomen，amongwhomwereMrs。
LatouretteandMissGrear，becamedeeplyinterestedinmakinganattempttoreformtheirfallensisters，eventhemostdegradedofthem;
andinthisenterpriseoflaboranddanger，theyenlistedIsabellaandothers，whoforatimeputforththeirmostzealousefforts，andperformedtheworkofmissionarieswithmuchapparentsuccess。
Isabellaaccompaniedthoseladiestothemostwretchedabodesofviceandmisery，andsometimesshewentwheretheydarednotfollow。Theyevensucceededinestablishingprayer-meetingsinseveralplaces，wheresuchathingmightleasthavebeenexpected。
Butthesemeetingssoonbecamethemostnoisy，shouting，ranting，andboisterousofgatherings;wheretheybecamedeliriouswithexcitement，andthenexhaustedfromover-action。SuchmeetingsIsabelhadnotmuchsympathywith，atbest。Butoneeveningsheattendedoneofthem，wherethemembersofit，inafitofecstasy，jumpeduponhercloakinsuchamannerastodraghertothefloor-andthen，thinkingshehadfalleninaspiritualtrance，theyincreasedtheirglorificationsonheraccount，-jumping，shouting，stamping，andclappingofhands;
rejoicingsomuchoverherspirit，andsoentirelyoverlookingherbody，thatshesufferedmuch，bothfromfearandbruises;andeverafterrefusedtoattendanymoresuchmeetings，doubtingmuchwhetherGodhadanythingtodowithsuchworship。
THEMATTHIASDELUSION。
WenowcometoaneventfulperiodinthelifeofIsabella，asidentifiedwithoneofthemostextraordinaryreligiousdelusionsofmoderntimes;butthelimitsprescribedforthepresentworkforbidaminutenarrationofalltheoccurrencesthattranspiredinrelationtoit。
AftershehadjoinedtheAfricanChurchinChurchstreet，andduringhermembershipthere，shefrequentlyattendedMr。Latourette’smeetings，atoneofwhich，Mr。Smithinvitedhertogotoaprayer-meeting，ortoinstructthegirlsattheMagdaleneAsylum，BoweryHill，thenundertheprotectionofMr。Pierson，andsomeotherpersons，chieflyrespectablefemales。ToreachtheAsylum，IsabellacalledonKaty，Mr。Pierson’scoloredservant，ofwhomshehadsomeknowledge。Mr。Piersonsawherthere，conversedwithher，askedherifshehadbeenbaptized，andwasanswered，characteristically，’bytheHolyGhost。’Afterthis，IsabellasawKatyseveraltimes，andoccasionallyMr。Pierson，whoengagedhertokeephishousewhileKatywenttoVirginiatoseeherchildren。ThisengagementwasconsideredananswertoaprayerbyMr。Pierson，whohadbothfastedandprayedonthesubject，whileKatyandIsabellaappearedtoseeinitthehandofGod。
Mr。Piersonwascharacterizedbyastrongdevotionalspirit，whichfinallybecamehighlyfanatical。HeassumedthetitleofProphet，assertingthatGodhadcalledhiminanomnibus，inthesewords：-’ThouareElijah，theTishbite。GatheruntomeallthemembersofIsraelatthefootofMountCarmel’;whichheunderstoodasmeaningthegatheringofhisfriendsatBoweryHill。Notlongafterward，hebecameacquaintedwiththenotoriousMatthias，whosecareerwasasextraordinaryasitwasbrief。RobertMatthews，orMatthias（ashewasusuallycalled），wasofScotchextraction，butanativeofWashingtonCounty，NewYork，andatthattimeaboutforty-sevenyearsofage。Hewasreligiouslybroughtup，amongtheAnti-Burghers，asectofPresbyterians;theclergyman，theRev。Mr。Bevridge，visitingthefamilyafterthemannerofthechurch，andbeingpleasedwithRobert，puthishandonhishead，whenaboy，andpronouncedablessing，andthisblessing，withhisnaturalqualities，determinedhischaracter;
forheeverafterthoughtheshouldbeadistinguishedman。Matthiaswasbroughtupafarmertillnearlyeighteenyearsofage，butacquiredindirectlytheartofacarpenter，withoutanyregularapprenticeship，andshowedconsiderablemechanicalskill。Heobtainedpropertyfromhisuncle，RobertThompson，andthenhewentintobusinessasastore-keeper，wasconsideredrespectable，andbecameamemberoftheScotchPresbyterianChurch。Hemarriedin1813，andcontinuedinbusinessinCambridge。In1816，heruinedhimselfbyabuildingspeculation，andthederangementofthecurrencywhichdeniedbankfacilities，andsoonafterhecametoNewYorkwithhisfamily，andworkedathistrade。HeafterwardsremovedtoAlbany，andbecameahearerattheDutchReformedChurch，thenunderDr。Ludlow’scharge。
Hewasfrequentlymuchexcitedonreligioussubjects。
In1829，hewaswellknown，ifnotforstreetpreaching，forlouddiscussionsandpavementexhortations，buthedidnotmakesetsermons。
Inthebeginningof1830，hewasonlyconsideredzealous;butinthesameyearheprophesiedthedestructionoftheAlbaniansandtheircapital，andwhilepreparingtoshave，withtheBiblebeforehim，hesuddenlyputdownthesoapandexclaimed，’Ihavefoundit！IhavefoundatextwhichprovesthatnomanwhoshaveshisbeardcanbeatrueChristian;’andshortlyafterwards，withoutshaving，hewenttotheMissionHousetodeliveranaddresswhichhehadpromised，andinthisaddress，heproclaimedhisnewcharacter，pronouncedvengeanceontheland，andthatthelawofGodwastheonlyruleofgovernment，andthathewascommandedtotakepossessionoftheworldinthenameoftheKingofkings。Hisharanguewascutshortbythetrusteesputtingoutthelights。Aboutthistime，Matthiaslaidbyhisimplementsofindustry，andinJune，headvisedhiswifetoflywithhimfromthedestructionwhichawaitedtheminthecity;andonherrefusal，partlyonaccountofMatthiascallinghimselfaJew，whomshewasunwillingtoretainasahusband，helefther，takingsomeofthechildrentohissisterinArgyle，fortymilesfromAlbany。AtArgyleheenteredthechurchandinterruptedtheminister，declaringthecongregationindarkness，andwarningthemtorepentance。Hewas，ofcourse，takenoutofthechurch，andashewasadvertisedintheAlbanypapers，hewassentbacktohisfamily。Hisbeardhadnowobtainedarespectablelength，andthusheattractedattention，andeasilyobtainedanaudienceinthestreets。Forthishewassometimesarrested，oncebymistakeforAdamPaine，whocollectedthecrowd，andthenleftMatthiaswithitontheapproachoftheofficers。Herepeatedlyurgedhiswifetoaccompanyhimonamissiontoconverttheworld，declaringthatfoodcouldbeobtainedfromtherootsoftheforest，ifnotadministeredotherwise。AtthistimeheassumedthenameofMatthias，calledhimselfaJew，andsetoutonamission，takingawesterncourse，andvisitingabrotheratRochester，askillfulmechanic，sincedead。
Leavinghisbrother，heproceededonhismissionovertheNorthernStates，occasionallyreturningtoAlbany。
AftervisitingWashington，andpassingthroughPennsylvania，hecametoNewYork。Hisappearanceatthattimewasmean，butgrotesque，andhissentimentswerebutlittleknown。
OnMaythe5th，1832，hefirstcalledonMr。Pierson，inFourthstreet，inhisabsence。Isabellawasaloneinthehouse，inwhichshehadlivedsincethepreviousautumn。Onopeningthedoor，she，forthefirsttime，beheldMatthias，andherearlyimpressionofseeingJesusinthefleshrushedtohermind。Sheheardhisinquiry，andinvitedhimintotheparlor;andbeingnaturallycurious，andmuchexcited，andpossessingagooddealoftact，shedrewhimintoconversation，statedherownopinions，andheardhisrepliesandexplanations。HerfaithwasatfirststaggeredbyhisdeclaringhimselfaJew;butonthispointshewasrelievedbyhissaying，’DoyounotrememberhowJesusprayed？’andrepeatedpartoftheLord’sPrayer，inproofthattheFather’skingdomwastocome，andnottheSon’s。ShethenunderstoodhimtobeaconvertedJew，andintheconclusionshesaysshe’feltasifGodhadsenthimtosetupthekingdom。’ThusMatthiasatoncesecuredthegoodwillofIsabella，andwemaysupposedobtainedfromhersomeinformationinrelationtoMr。Pierson，especiallythatMrs。
Piersondeclaredtherewasnotruechurch，andapprovedofMr。
Pierson’spreaching。Matthiasleftthehouse，promisingtoreturnonSaturdayevening。Mr。P。atthistimehadnotseenMatthias。
Isabella，desirousofhearingtheexpectedconversationbetweenMatthiasandMr。PiersononSaturday，hurriedherwork，gotitfinished，andwaspermittedtobepresent。Indeed，thesamenessofbeliefmadeherfamiliarwithheremployer，whileherattentiontoherwork，andcharacteristicfaithfulness，increasedhisconfidence。Thisintimacy，theresultofholdingthesamefaith，andtheprincipleafterwardsadoptedofhavingbutonetable，andallthingsincommon，madeheratoncethedomesticandtheequal，andthedepositaryofverycurious，ifnotvaluableinformation。Tothisobject，evenhercolorassisted。PersonswhohavetraveledintheSouthknowthemannerinwhichthecoloredpeople，andespeciallyslaves，aretreated;theyarescarcelyregardedasbeingpresent。ThistraitinourAmericancharacterhasbeenfrequentlynoticedbyforeigntravelers。OneEnglishladyremarksthatshediscovered，incourseofconversationwithaSouthernmarriedgentleman，thatacoloredgirlsleptinhisbedroom，inwhichalsowashiswife;andwhenhesawthatitoccasionedsomesurprise，heremarked，’Whatwouldhedoifhewantedaglassofwaterinthenight？’Othertravelershaveremarkedthatthepresenceofcoloredpeopleneverseemedtointerruptaconversationofanykindforonemoment。Isabella，then，waspresentatthefirstinterviewbetweenMatthiasandPierson。Atthisinterview，Mr。PiersonaskedMatthiasifhehadafamily，towhichherepliedintheaffirmative;heaskedhimabouthisbeard，andhegaveascripturalreason，assertingalsothattheJewsdidnotshave，andthatAdamhadabeard。Mr。
PiersondetailedtoMatthiashisexperience，andMatthiasgavehis，andtheymutuallydiscoveredthattheyheldthesamesentiments，bothadmittingthedirectinfluenceoftheSpirit，andthetransmissionofspiritsfromonebodytoanother。MatthiasadmittedthecallofMr。
Pierson，intheomnibusinWallstreet，which，onthisoccasion，hegaveinthesewords：-’ThouartElijahtheTishbite，andthoushaltgobeforemeinthespiritandpowerofElias，topreparemywaybeforeme。’AndMr。PiersonadmittedMatthias’call，whocompletedhisdeclarationonthe20thofJune，inArgyle，which，byacuriouscoincidence，wastheverydayonwhichPiersonhadreceivedhiscallintheomnibus。Suchsingularcoincidenceshaveapowerfuleffectonexcitedminds。Fromthatdiscovery，PiersonandMatthiasrejoicedineachother，andbecamekindredspirits-Matthias，however，claimingtobetheFather，ortopossessthespiritoftheFather-hewasGodupontheearth，becausethespiritofGoddweltinhim;whilePiersonthenunderstoodthathismissionwaslikethatofJohntheBaptist，whichthenameEliasmeant。Thisconferenceendedwithaninvitationtosupper，andMatthiasandPiersonwashingeachother’sfeet。Mr。
PiersonpreachedonthefollowingSunday，butafterwhich，hedeclinedinfavorofMatthias，andsomeofthepartybelievedthatthe’kingdomhadthencome。’
AsaspecimenofMatthias’preachingandsentiments，thefollowingissaidtobereliable：
’ThespiritthatbuilttheTowerofBabelisnowintheworld-itisthespiritofthedevil。Thespiritofmannevergoesupontheclouds;allwhothinksoareBabylonians。Theonlyheavenisonearth。AllwhoareignorantoftruthareNinevites。TheJewsdidnotcrucifyChrist-
itwastheGentiles。EveryJewhashisguardianangelattendinghiminthisworld。Goddon’tspeakthroughpreachers;hespeaksthroughme，hisprophet。
’"JohntheBaptist，"（addressingMr。Pierson），"readthetenthchapterofRevelations。"Afterthereadingofthechapter，theprophetresumedspeaking，asfollows：-
’Oursisthemustard-seedkingdomwhichistospreadallovertheearth。Ourcreedistruth，andnomancanfindtruthunlessheobeysJohntheBaptist，andcomescleanintothechurch。
’Allrealmenwillbesaved;allmockmenwillbedamned。WhenapersonhastheHolyGhost，thenheisaman，andnottillthen。Theywhoteachwomenareofthewicked。Thecommunionisallnonsense;soisprayer。Eatinganipofbreadanddrinkingalittlewinewon’tdoanygood。Allwhoadmitmembersintotheirchurch，andsufferthemtoholdtheirlandsandhouses，theirsentenceis，"Depart，yewicked，I
knowyounot。"Allfemaleswholecturetheirhusbands，theirsentenceisthesame。Thesonsoftrutharetoenjoyallthegoodthingsofthisworld，andmustusetheirmeanstobringitabout。Everythingthathasthesmellofwomanwillbedestroyed。Womanisthecapsheafoftheabominationofdesolation-fullofalldeviltry。Inashorttime，theworldwilltakefireanddissolve;itiscombustiblealready。Allwomen，notobedient，hadbetterbecomesoassoonaspossible，andletthewickedspiritdepart，andbecometemplesoftruth。Prayingisallmocking。Whenyouseeanyonewringtheneckofafowl，insteadofcuttingoffitshead，hehasnotgottheHolyGhost。
（Cuttinggivestheleastpain。）
’Allwhoeatswine’sfleshareofthedevil;andjustascertainasheeatsit，hewilltellalieinlessthanhalfanhour。Ifyoueatapieceofpork，itwillgocrookedthroughyou，andtheHolyGhostwillnotstayinyou，butoneortheothermustleavethehouseprettysoon。
Theporkwillbeascrookedinyouasram’shorns，andasgreatanuisanceasthehogsinthestreet。
’Thecholeraisnottherightword;itischoler，whichmeansGod’swrath。Abraham，Isaac，andJacobarenowinthisworld;theydidnotgoupintheclouds，assomebelieve-whyshouldtheygothere？Theydon’twanttogotheretoboxthecompassfromoneplacetoanother。
TheChristiansnow-a-daysareforsettinguptheSon’skingdom。Itisnothis;itistheFather’skingdom。Itputsmeinmindofamaninthecountry，whotookhissoninbusiness，andhadhissignmade，"Hitchcock&Son;"butthesonwantedit"Hitchcock&Father"-andthatisthewaywithyourChristians。TheytalkoftheSon’skingdomfirst，andnottheFather’skingdom。’
Matthiasandhisdisciplesatthistimedidnotbelieveinaresurrectionofthebody，butthatthespiritsoftheformersaintswouldenterthebodiesofthepresentgeneration，andthusbeginheavenonearth，ofwhichheandMr。Piersonwerethefirstfruits。
MatthiasmadetheresidenceofMr。Piersonhisown;butthelatter，beingapprehensiveofpopularviolenceinhishouse，ifMatthiasremainedthere，proposedamonthlyallowancetohim，andadvisedhimtooccupyanotherdwelling。MatthiasaccordinglytookahouseinClarksonstreet，andthensentforhisfamilyatAlbany，buttheydeclinedcomingtothecity。However，hisbrotherGeorgecompliedwithasimilaroffer，bringinghisfamilywithhim，wheretheyfoundverycomfortablequarters。Isabellawasemployedtodothehousework。InMay，1833，Matthiaslefthishouse，andplacedthefurniture，partofwhichwasIsabella’s，elsewhere，livinghimselfatthehotelcornerofMarketfieldandWeststreets。IsabellafoundemploymentatMr。
Whiting’s，Canalstreet，anddidthewashingforMatthiasbyMrs。
Whiting’spermission。
OfthesubsequentremovalofMatthiastothefarmandresidenceofMr。
B。Folger，atSingSing，wherehewasjoinedbyMr。Pierson，andotherslaboringunderasimilarreligiousdelusion-thesudden，melancholyandsomewhatsuspiciousdeathofMr。Pierson，andthearrestofMatthiasonthechargeofhismurder，endinginaverdictofnotguilty-thecriminalconnectionthatsubsistedbetweenMatthias，Mrs。Folger，andothermembersofthe’Kingdom，’as’match-spirits’-thefinaldispersionofthisdeludedcompany，andthevoluntaryexilementofMatthiasinthefarWest，afterhisrelease-&c。&c。，wedonotdeemitusefulornecessarytogiveanyparticulars。ThosewhoarecurioustoknowwhattheretranspiredarereferredtoaworkpublishedinNewYorkin1835，entitled’Fanaticism;itsSourcesandInfluence;illustratedbythesimpleNarrativeofIsabella，inthecaseofMatthias，Mr。andMrs。B。
Folger，Mr。Pierson，Mr。Mills，Catharine，Isabella，&c。&c。ByG。
Vale，84Rooseveltstreet。’Sufficeittosay，thatwhileIsabellawasamemberofthehouseholdatSingSing，doingmuchlaboriousserviceinthespiritofreligiousdisinterestedness，andgraduallygettinghervisionpurgedandhermindcuredofitsillusions，shehappilyescapedthecontaminationthatsurroundedher，-assiduouslyendeavoringtodischargeallherdutiesinabecomingmanner。
FASTING。
WhenIsabellaresidedwithMr。Pierson，hewasinthehabitoffastingeveryFriday;noteatingordrinkinganythingfromThursdayeveningtosixo’clockonFridayevening。
Then，again，hewouldfasttwonightsandthreedays，neithereatingnordrinking;refusinghimselfevenacupofcoldwatertillthethirddayatnight，whenhetooksupperagain，asusual。
Isabellaaskedhimwhyhefasted。Heanswered，thatfastinggavehimgreatlightinthethingsofGod;whichanswergavebirthtothefollowingtrainofthoughtinthemindofhisauditor：-’Well，iffastingwillgivelightinwardlyandspiritually，Ineeditasmuchasanybody，-andI’llfasttoo。IfMr。Piersonneedstofasttwonightsandthreedays，thenI，whoneedlightmorethanhedoes，oughttofastmore，andIwillfastthreenightsandthreedays。’
Thisresolutionshecarriedouttotheletter，puttingnotsomuchasadropofwaterinhermouthforthreewholedaysandnights。Thefourthmorning，asshearosetoherfeet，nothavingthepowertostand，shefelltothefloor;butrecoveringherselfsufficiently，shemadeherwaytothepantry，andfeelingherselfquitevoracious，andfearingthatshemightnowoffendGodbyhervoracity，compelledherselftobreakfastondrybreadandwater-eatingalargesix-pennyloafbeforeshefeltatallstayedorsatisfied。Shesaysshedidgetlight，butitwasallinherbodyandnoneinhermind-andthislightnessofbodylastedalongtime。Oh！shewassolight，andfeltsowell，shecould’skimaroundlikeagull。’
THECAUSEOFHERLEAVINGTHECITY。
ThefirstyearsspentbyIsabellainthecity，sheaccumulatedmorethanenoughtosatisfyallherwants，andsheplacedalltheoverplusintheSavings’Bank。Afterwards，whilelivingwithMr。Pierson，heprevailedonhertotakeitallthence，andinvestitinacommonfundwhichhewasaboutestablishing，asafundtobedrawnfrombyallthefaithful;thefaithful，ofcourse，werethehandfulthatshouldsubscribetohispeculiarcreed。Thisfund，commencedbyMr。Pierson，afterwardsbecamepartandparcelofthekingdomofwhichMatthiasassumedtobehead;andatthebreakingupofthekingdom，herlittlepropertywasmergedinthegeneralruin-orwenttoenrichthosewhoprofitedbythelossofothers，ifanysuchtherewere。Mr。Piersonandothershadsoassuredher，thatthefundwouldsupplyallherwants，atalltimes，andinallemergencies，andtotheendoflife，thatshebecameperfectlycarelessonthesubject-askingfornointerestwhenshedrewhermoneyfromthebank，andtakingnoaccountofthesumsheplacedinthefund。Sherecoveredafewarticlesofthefurniturefromthewreckofthekingdom，andreceivedasmallsumofmoneyfromMr。B。Folger，asthepriceofMrs。Folger’sattempttoconvictherofmurder。Withthistostartupon，shecommencedanewherlabors，inthehopeofyetbeingabletoaccumulateasufficiencytomakealittlehomeforherself，inheradvancingage。Withthisstimulusbeforeher，shetoiledhard，workingearlyandlate，doingagreatdealforalittlemoney，andturningherhandtoalmostanythingthatpromisedgoodpay。Still，shedidnotprosper，andsomehow，couldnotcontrivetolaybyasingledollarfora’rainyday。’
Whenthishadbeenthestateofheraffairssometime，shesuddenlypaused，andtakingaretrospectiveviewofwhathadpassed，inquiredwithinherself，whyitwasthat，forallherunweariedlabors，shehadnothingtoshow;whyitwasthatothers，withmuchlesscareandlabor，couldhoarduptreasuresforthemselvesandchildren？Shebecamemoreandmoreconvinced，asshereasoned，thateverythingshehadundertakeninthecityofNewYorkhadfinallyprovedafailure;andwhereherhopeshadbeenraisedthehighest，thereshefeltthefailurehadbeenthegreatest，andthedisappointmentmostsevere。
Afterturningitinhermindforsometime，shecametotheconclusion，thatshehadbeentakingpartinagreatdrama，whichwas，initself，butonegreatsystemofrobberyandwrong。’Yes，’shesaid，’therichrobthepoor，andthepoorroboneanother。’True，shehadnotreceivedlaborfromothers，andstintedtheirpay，asshefelthadbeenpractisedagainsther;butshehadtakentheirworkfromthem，whichwastheironlymeanstogetmoney，andwasthesametothemintheend。