So we would have it. Our purpose is, for the present, to build such houses as, if need be, we may with little grief set fire to and run away by the light. Our riches shall not be in pomp, but in strength. If God sends us riches, we will employ them to provide more men, ships, ammunition, etc. You will see it argued amongst the best politicians, that a commonwealth is readier to ebb than to flow when once fine houses and gay clothes appear. 4. The government can prevent excess in building:— But if it be generally resolved on beforehand to build modest houses, the Governor’s labour is spared. 5. All men are not of one condition:— If by “condition” you mean “wealth” you are mistaken; if you mean by “condition,” “qualities,” then I say that he who is not content that his neighbour shall have as good a house, fare, means, etc., as himself, is not of good quality. Such secluded persons as have an eye only to themselves, are fitter to come where catching is, than closing; and are fitter to live alone, than in any society, either civil or religious. 6. It will be of little value, scarcely worth £5:— True; it may not be worth half £5. If then so small a thing will content them, why strive we thus about it, and give them occasion to suspect us to be worldly and covetous? I will not say what I have heard since these complaints first reached us here. 7. Our friends that venture with us do not look to their own profit, as did the old adventurers:— Then they are better than we, who for a little matter of profit are ready to draw back. Look to it, brethren, you that make profit your main end; repent of this, or go not, lest you be like Jonas to Tarshis. Though some of them have no eye for profit, others have; and why not they as much as we? Such ventures are undertaken by all sorts of men, and we must try to content them all if we can. 8. It will break up the community, as may be shown by many reasons:— That is only a statement; and I say again, it will best foster community, as may be shown by many reasons. 9. Great profit is likely to be made by trucking, fishing, etc.:— As it is better for them, so for us; for half is ours, besides getting our living from it. And if profit comes largely in that way, we shall labour less on the land, and our houses and lands will be of less value. 10. Our risk is greater than theirs:— True, but do they force us to it? Do they urge or egg us? Has not the motion and resolution always been in ourselves? Do they, any more than in seeing us resolute if we had means, help us to means upon equal terms and conditions? If we do not wish to go, they are content to keep their money. Thus I have pointed out a way to loose those knots, which I hope you will consider seriously, and let me have no more stir about them.