It has been already stated that the schism in the Society of Friends introduced much controversy concerning the theological opinions of its founders.  There was consequently an increased demand for their writings, and the branch called “Hicksites” felt the need of a bookstore.  Friend Hopper’s business had never been congenial to his character, and of late years it had become less profitable.  A large number of his wealthiest customers were “Orthodox;” and when he took part with Elias Hicks, they ceased to patronize him.  He was perfectly aware that such would be the result; but whenever it was necessary to choose between his principles and prosperity, he invariably followed what he believed to be the truth.  He was considered a suitable person to superintend the proposed bookstore, and as the state of his financial affairs rendered a change desirable, he concluded to accede to the proposition of his friends.  For that purpose, he removed to the city of New-York in 1829.

In the autumn of the following year, some disputed claims, which his wife had on the estate of her maternal grandfather in Ireland, made it necessary for him to visit that country.  Experience had painfully convinced him that theological controversy sometimes leads to personal animosity; and that few people were so open and direct in their mode of expressing hostility, as he himself was.  Therefore, before going abroad, he took the precaution to ask letters from citizens of various classes and sects in Philadelphia; and he found no difficulty in obtaining them from the most respectable and distinguished.  Matthew Carey, the well known philanthropist wrote as follows:  “As you are about to visit my native country, and have applied to me for a testimonial concerning your character, I cheerfully comply with your request.  I have been well acquainted with you for about thirty-five years, and I can testify that, during the whole of that time, you have been a perfect pest to our Southern neighbors.  A Southern gentleman could scarcely visit this city, without having his slave taken from him by your instrumentality; so that they dread you, as they do the devil.”  After enjoying a mutual laugh over this epistle, another was written for the public, certifying that he had known Isaac T. Hopper for many years as “a useful and respectable citizen of the fairest character.”

When Friend Hopper arrived in Ireland, he found many of the Quakers prejudiced against him, and many untrue stories in circulation, as he had expected.  Sometimes, when he visited public places, he would overhear people saying to each other, in a low voice, “That’s Isaac T. Hopper, who has given Friends so much trouble in America.”  A private letter from an “Orthodox” Quaker in Philadelphia was copied and circulated in all directions, greatly to his disadvantage.  It represented him as a man of sanctified appearance, but wholly unworthy of credit; that business of a pecuniary nature was a mere pretence to cover artful