Martin, John Nicholas

Martin, John Nicholas a distinguished minister of the Lutheran Church, was born in the duchy of Deux Ponts, or Zweibrücken, in Rhenish Bavaria, and came to this country about the middle of the 18th century, in company with a Lutheran colony, as their spiritual teacher. They landed in Philadelphia with the intention of settling permanently on the rich soil of Pennsylvania, but, as the land they desired could. not be procured, they passed on to the valley of the Shenandoah, whither many of the German emigrants had already been attracted; but the congregation to which Mr. Martin ministered finally determined to locate in South Carolina, in a district between the Broad and Saluda rivers, a favorite spot with the Germans of that day in the South. The German population in this region increased fast, and Lutheran churches were established on both sides of the rivers. Here Martin remained for many years, all the time officiating in his vernacular German. In 1776 he took charge of the Lutheran Church in Charleston. This was his last field of labor. Many reminiscences of his life and services during this eventful period of our country's history are still preserved. The American Revolution interrupted the peaceful course of his ministry, and exposed him to various annoyances and trials. His naturally ardent temperament, as well as his love of liberty, led him to espouse the cause of the American colonies with great zeal. and patriotic devotion. He was closely watched by the enemy; and when it was ascertained that he would not pray for the king, and that his ministrations were not favorable to the royal cause, his pulpit labors were interdicted, he was put under arrest, and a guard placed over him. Subsequently his property was confiscated, and he driven from the city. He remained in the interior of the state until the conclusion of the war. On his return in 1783, although aged and his physical vigor gone, his congregation still clung to him. Thesy urged him to resume his pastoral relations; but he ministered to them only until a regular pastor could be procured for them from Germany. In 1787 he was released from further service, with a vote of thanks for the fidelity with which he had ministered to the spiritual interests of his people. He now retired to his little farm near the city. His physical as well as mental powers gradually failed him, and he closed his honored and useful life July 27, 1795, illustrating in his death the principles which through a long life he had advocated. Mr. Martin was faithfully devoted to his work, and exceedingly useful as a minister of the Gospel. He possessed an integrity that no considerations of personal interest or expediency could seduce from the straight line of duty. He was a man of great courage and decision, firm and persistent in the maintenance of his principles, with an energy of will and a zeal which no discouragements could repress and no failure abate. In the vindication of what he believed was the truth, he vas prepared for any emergency. The people appreciated his sagacity, and relied on his clear, practical judgment. He steadfastly devoted himself to their interests. It was the constant burden of his heart and the earnest purpose of his life to honor Christ in the salvation of souls. He was regarded by the community in which he lived as a great blessing. His death was considered a public calamity. (M. L. S.)