Dear Sirs and Brothers,
Doubtless you recall the invitation you extended to me to come over to Macedonia and help the people of that section. You will pardon me for saying that I am somewhat surprised that you should expect a man of my standing in the church seriously to consider a call on such meager information.
There are a number of things I would like to learn before giving you my decision, and I would appreciate your dropping me a line, addressed to me at Troas.
First of all, I should like to know if Macedonia is a circuit or a station. This is important, as I have been told that once a man begins on a circuit, it is well nigh impossible to secure employment in station work. If Macedonia embraces more than one preaching place, I may as well tell you frankly, that I cannot think of accepting the call.
There is another important item that was overlooked in your brief and somewhat sudden invitation. No mention was made of the salary I should receive. While it is true I am not preaching for money, there are certain things that need to be taken into account. I have been through a long and expensive course of training; in fact I may say, with pardonable pride, that I am a Sanhedrin man -- the only one in the ministry today.
The day is passed when you can expect a man to rush into a new field without some idea of the support he is to receive.
I have worked myself up to a good position in the Asiatic field, and now to take a drop and lose my grade would be serious.
Nor can I afford to swap "dollar for dollar," as the saying is amongst us apostles. Kindly get the good Macedonian brethren together, and see what you can do in the way of support. You have told me nothing about Macedonia, beyond the implication that the place needs help. What are the social advantages? Is the church well organized?
I recently had a fine offer to return to Damascus at an increase in salary, and I am told that I made a very favorable impression on the church at Jerusalem. If it will help with the board at Macedonia, you might mention these facts. Some of the brethren in Judea have been heard to say that if I keep on, in a few years I may have anything in the gift of the church. For recommendation, write to the Rev. Simon Peter, D.D., Jerusalem. I may say that I am a first class mixer and especially strong in argumentative preaching.
If I accept the call, I must stipulate for two months vacation, and the privilege of taking an occasional lecture tour. My lecture entitled, "Over the wall in a basket," is worth two drachmas of any man's money.
Sincerely yours,
Paul
From Alfred P. Gibbs, "The Preacher and His Preaching"