This was the first opportunity Isaac had of carrying into effect his early resolution to befriend the oppressed Africans.

While the experiences of life were thus deepening and strengthening his character, the fair child, Sarah Tatum, was emerging into womanhood.  She was a great belle in her neighborhood, admired by the young men for her comely person, and by the old for her good sense and discreet manners.  He had many competitors for her favor.  Once, when he went to invite her to ride to Quarterly Meeting, he found three Quaker beaux already there, with horses and sleighs for the same purpose.  But though some of her admirers abounded in worldly goods, her mind never swerved from the love of her childhood.  The bright affectionate school-boy, who delighted to sit with her under the shady trees, and twist her shining curls over his fingers, retained his hold upon her heart as long as its pulses throbbed.

Her father at first felt some uneasiness, lest his daughter should marry out of the Society of Friends.  But Isaac had been for some time seriously impressed with the principles they professed, and when he assured the good old gentleman that he would never take Sarah out of the Society, of which she was born a member, he was perfectly satisfied to receive him as a son-in-law.

At that period, there were several remarkable individuals among Quaker preachers in that part of the country, and their meetings were unusually lively and spirit-stirring.  One of them, named Nicholas Waln, was educated in the Society of Friends, but in early life seems to have cared little about their principles.  He was then an ambitious, money-loving man, remarkably successful in worldly affairs.  But the principles inculcated in childhood probably remained latent within him; for when he was rapidly acquiring wealth and distinction by the practice of law, he suddenly relinquished it, from conscientious motives.  This change of feeling is said to have been owing to the following incident.  He had charge of an important case, where a large amount of property was at stake.  In the progress of the cause, he became more and more aware that right was not on the side of his client; but to desert him in the midst was incompatible with his ideas of honor as a lawyer.  This produced a conflict within him, which he could not immediately settle to his own satisfaction.  A friend, who met him after the case was decided, inquired what was the result.  He replied, “I did the best I could for my client.  I have gained the cause for him, and have thereby defrauded an honest man of his just dues.”  He seemed sad and thoughtful, and would never after plead a cause at the bar.  He dismissed his students, and returned to his clients all the money he had received for unfinished cases.  For some time afterward, he appeared to take no interest in anything but his own religious state of feeling.  He eventually became a preacher, very popular among Friends, and much admired by others.—­His