THE letters of Mr. _Samuel Rutherford_, have been generally admired by all the children of God, into whose hands they have fallen, for the vein of piety, trust in God, and holy zeal, which runs through them. The same piety, zeal, and confidence in God, shine through all the letters of Mr. _Alleine_: so that in this respect he may well be stiled, the _English Rutherford_. But yet there is a very discernible difference between them: in piety and fervour of spirit they are the same: but the fervour of the one more resembles that of St. _Paul_, of the other, that of St. _John_. They were both men of the most intrepid courage: but in love Mr. _Alleine_ has the pre-eminence. He seems to excel in bowels of mercies, meekness, gentleness, in tenderness, mildness, and sweetness of spirit, even to his bitterest enemies. I do not therefore scruple to give these letters the preference, even to Mr. _Rutherford’s_: as expressing, in a still higher degree, the love that is _long-suffering and kind_, which _is not provoked_, which _thinketh no evil_, and which _hopeth, believeth, and endureth all things_. JOHN WESLEY. LONDON, _March 7, 1767_. LETTER I. _To his wife concerning his acceptance of_ Taunton. _My dear heart_, BY this time I hope thou hast received mine, touching _Taunton_. I find my heart much inclining that way. I will tell thee the principles upon which I go. _First_, I lay this for a foundation, That a man’s life consists not in the abundance of the things that he possesseth. It was accounted a wise prayer that _Agur_ put up, to be fed with food convenient for him. And certain it is, that where men have least of the world, they esteem it least, and live more by faith in God, casting their care and burden upon him. O the sweet breathing of _David_’s soul! The strong actings of his faith when his condition was low and mean! How fully doth he rely upon God. And certainly could we that are unexperienced, but feel the thorns of those cares and troubles, that there are in gathering and keeping much, and the danger when riches increase of setting our hearts upon them, we should prize the happiness of a middle condition. Doubtless, godliness with contentment is great gain. _Seekest thou great things for thyself_ (said the prophet to _Baruch_) _seek them not_. Certainly a good conscience is a continual feast, and enough for a happy life.