Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Penn, William to Friends, Bretheren and Sisters.

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05806 Author/Creator: Penn, William Place Written: Sussex, England Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 July 1695 Pagination: 4 p. 22.8 x 18 cm. Order a Copy

In a sermon-like letter quoting the words of the apostle Paul, Penn instructs his flock: "You see by wh[ich] way God began his election. It was by tryals, yea great tryals, but promesses accompanied you, & strong faith." Written from Worminghurst, his estate in England.

Penn, William, 1644-1718

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources