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Archive Reference / Library Class No.D8760/F/FEP/1/1/19
Former ReferenceD3311/8/3/31
TitleLetter from John Franklin to Eleanor Anne Porden, continuing their discussion about their religious opinions, maintaining he is not an enthusiast or bigot
Date[9 Jul 1823]
DescriptionHaving breakfasted at a friend's, did not get letter until return from Portland Place; writing to acknowledge its receipt; corrects her mistake in supposing him a Methodist he cannot 'enter into the exclusive ideas and opinions which they entertain on the subjects of faith or election', nor does he go the lengths his friend Lady Lucy Barry has done in the letters he gave Eleanor. He had hoped the letters might have been introductory to his views on religion, not a full explanation of them; he is no enthusiast or bigot, but on the contrary, willing to allow everyone to "cherish their own sentiments"; he thinks she would accede to his articles of faith, if she believed in the "Almighty goodness of God"; he thinks he would be better explaining it in person rather than writing. He admires the sentiments of her friend [Mrs Niven]. He hopes any difference between them will be removed by opening their hearts to each other and that arrangements for their marriage will shortly take place.
Only dated Wednesday 9 o'clock, but context of Eleanor's being sent on Tuesday 8 July makes it Wednesday 9 July.
Extent1 sheet
LevelItem
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
SenderJohn Franklin
Sender LocationNo address
RecipientEleanor Anne Porden
Recipient LocationNo address
Archive CreatorEleanor Anne Porden, later Eleanor Franklin (1795-1825)
Gell family of Hopton Hall, Wirksworth
TermElections
Transcript or IndexWednesday 1 o clock.

My dear Eleanor

Having breakfasted at a friend’s, I did not get your letter of yesterday until my return from Portland Place, and before I go into the City, I write to acknowledge its receipt, lest you should consider from my manner when with you that I was inattentive to its contents.
I can assure you my dear Friend your mistake in supposing me a Methodist. I can by no means enter into the exclusive ideas and opinions <which> they entertain on the subjects of Faith or Election, nor do I go the length which my Friend Lady Lucy Barry has <done> in the letters I submitted to your perusal. My intention in shewing them to you was not to offer them as the standard of my ideas, but in the hope that they might be introductory towards a calm and full explanation of what <were> my own views on religion. If I know my own heart, I am no enthusiast or bigot on these points but on the contrary am willing to permit every one to cherish their own sentiments. The articles of our Creed contain every portion of my faith and I wish most anxiously that you would permit me candidly and truly to explain my sentiments. I really think you would accede to them if you believe as I trust and hope you do in the Almighty Goodness of God and the redeeming mercy of our Saviour. I should be able to communicate more fully and satisfactorily in conversation than by writing, if you will allow me to do so, and pray tell me by note whether I may come at 3 tomorrow for that purpose.
I admire the sentiments of your friend and am sure they bespeak an amiable and excellent mind. I anticipate great pleasure from another and another perusal both of her letter and your own when I return from the City.
I certainly shall not ever hint in Gower Street at any difference of opinion between us as I sincerely trust an opening of each our hearts to each other will remove every difference and that arrangements for our union may speedily take place.
Ever yours affect[iona]t[e]ly
Jno. Franklin

To Miss Porden

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