I would observe to you, that I wish every non-resident minister in _England_, could give as good an account of their non-residence, as I can of my absence from _Savannah_. To satisfy you, Rev. Sir, I will acquaint you with the whole. When I first went abroad, I was appointed to be minister of _Frederica_. But upon my arrival in _Georgia_, finding there was no minister at _Savannah_, and no place of worship at _Frederica_, by the advice of magistrates and people, I continued at _Savannah_, teaching publicly, and from house to house, and catechising the children day by day, during the whole time of my first continuance in _Georgia_; except about a fortnight in which I went to _Frederica_ to visit the people, and to see about building a church, for which I had given fifty pounds out of some money I had collected, and of which I have given a public account. About four months after, I came over to _England_ to receive priest’s orders, and collect money for building an Orphan-house. At the request of many, the honourable trustees presented me to the living of _Savannah_. I accepted it, but refused the stipend of fifty pounds per annum, which they generously offered me. Neither did I put them to any expence during my stay in _England_, where I thought it my duty to abide, till I had collected a sufficient sum wherewith I might begin the Orphan-house, though I should have left _England_ sooner, had I not been prevented by the embargo. However, I was more easy because the honourable trustees, I knew had sent over another minister, who arrived soon after I left the colony. Upon my second arrival at _Georgia_, finding the care of the Orphan-house, and the care of the parish, too great a task for me, I immediately wrote over to the honourable trustees to provide another minister. In the mean while, as most of my parishioners were in debt, or ready to leave the colony for want of being employed, and as I believed, that erecting an Orphan-house would be the best thing I could do for them and their posterity, I thought it my duty, from time to time, to answer the invitations that were sent me to preach CHRIST JESUS in several parts of _America_, and to make more collections towards carrying on the Orphan-house. The LORD stirred up many to be ready to distribute and willing to communicate on this occasion. I always came home furnished with provisions and money, most of which was expended among the people, and by this means the northern part of the colony almost entirely subsisted for a considerable time. This was asserted, not very long ago, before the house of commons. And now, Sir, judge you whether my non-residence, was any thing like the non-residents of most of the _English_ clergy. When I was absent from my parishioners, I was not loitering or living at ease, but preaching and begging for them and theirs: and when I returned, it was not to fleece my flock, and then go and spend it upon my lusts, or lay it up for a fortune for myself and relations. No: freely as I had received, freely I gave: and “therefore when the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me: because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me; and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy.” I am become a fool in glorying. But you have compelled me. The GOD and Father of our LORD JESUS CHRIST knoweth that I lie not. I fought not theirs, but them. And however you may judge me, (page 20th) as though I chose this itinerant way of preaching for the sake of _Profit_; yet I assure you the last day will prove that you and all like-minded are quite mistaken. I choose a voluntary poverty. The love of GOD and the good of souls is my only aim. The manner of my call to my present way of acting, if the LORD gives me freedom, shall be the subject of a future tract. I send you this short letter, to convince you that I am really willing to give an answer of the hope that is in me, with ♦meekness and fear. I shall only add, if you do not like the example of _Gallio_ (page 27th) I would humbly recommend to you the advice of _Gamaliel_. “Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this council, or this work be of men, it will come to nought: but if it be of GOD, ye cannot overthrow it, lest haply ye be found even to fight against GOD.” I am, Rev. Sir,
Your affectionate brother and servant,