[Friends' Miscellany, Vol. VIII, pages 19-20.]
This Document is on The Quaker Writings Home Page.
My dear Brother in Christ, -
Thy loving to the Friends in Christiansand, are received; they rejoiced us much. Some other of
our friends who are living in some other trading towns, as well as myself, have obtained copies
of them.
I perceive by thy letter to friend J.B. in Christiansand, that thou desirest to be informed if those
letters were received or not; but I apprehend he has not had any opportunity to send thee an
answer; but as Conrad Forst, from this town, is about to sail for London, I send these few lines;
and I have enclosed copies of two letters, which we have lately received from our dear friend
H.N.H. who is in gaol; and one from Anna Halvors Daller. I thought it might give thee a little
comfort when thou didst read them. And it would be likewise pleasant ot us, if thou wast able to
translate these copies to the Friends in England: it might perhaps kindle a fresh fire and zeal
towards the good in this country. I desire now to inform thee who I am, who writes these lines: I
am thy acquaintance, who lived near the apothecary's shop where thou didst reside: the shop still
remains. My trade is merchandise. O my friend, it gave me great surprise when I read the copy
of thy letters. I wish thou mayst be an instrument of good in the hand of the Lord, and hope thou
wilt be preserved from pride. Give God alone the honour; that thou, as well as myself, may be
preserved in humility. I give thanks to the Almighty for his precious grace, which he has given us
through the Gospel, and the love of his Son, who innocently died for us. I perceive it is thy
desire that the number of his followers may increase. I wish, with all my heart, that the Lord may
give thee wisdom and power. Here are a little number of friends in most of the towns in this
country, but the number I cannot tell. I hope they will multiply; but our care is great, that
goodness may increase amongst us.
I wish, my friend, these lines may reach thee; and it would be pleasant to me, if thou couldst let
me have a few lines from thee, and procure me a corespondent among the Friends, or Quakers,
to whom we desire to give our love. Likewise, if thou should think it profitable let us know what
kind of goods we could send over, to relieve our fellow brethren. Give our love to Andres; and
be thyself saluted in dear love, and live will in the peace and love of God.
Peter Schivelland.