Philadelphia, December, 1813.
_Letter from Lady Juliana Penn to the Rev. Peter Miller, Ephrata._
_Septr. 29th. 1774._
Sir,
Your very respectable character would make me ashamed to address you
with words merely of form. I hope therefore you will not suspect me of
using any such, when I assure you I received the favour of your letter
with very great pleasure. And permit me, sir, to join the thanks I owe
to those worthy women, the holy sisters at Ephrata, with those I now
present to you, for the good opinion you, and they, are pleased to
have of me. I claim only that of respecting merit, where I find it;
and of wishing an increase in the world, of that piety to the
Almighty, and peace to our fellow-creatures, that I am convinced is in
your hearts: and, therefore, do me the justice to believe, you have my
wishes of prosperity here, and happiness hereafter.
I did not receive the precious stone, you were so goad to send me,
till yesterday. I am most extremely obliged to you for it. It deserves
to be particularly distinguished on its own, as well as the giver’s
account. I shall keep it with a grateful remembrance of my obligations
to you.
Mr. Penn, as well as myself, were much obliged to you for remarking to
us, that the paper you wrote on, was the manufacture of Ephrata: It
had, on that account, great merit to us; and he has desired our
friend, Mr. Barton, to send him some specimens of the occupation of
some of your society. He bids me say, that he rejoices to hear of your
and their welfare.
It is I that should beg pardon for interrupting your quiet, and
profitable moments, by an intercourse so little beneficial as mine;
but trust your benevolence will indulge this satisfaction to one who
wishes to assure you, sir, that she is, with sincere regard, your
obliged and faithful well-wisher,