_To Dr. B――――._
_London, Dec. 15, 1749._
AND shall I forget my dear Dr. _B――――_? I cannot, though I have
received no letter from him. I remember his labours of love, I have
heard of the sickness of his dear yoke-fellow, I must not, I cannot
withhold my pen from writing. And what shall I say? I trust your soul
prospers, and that you can cry out with dear Mrs. _B――――_, now in
heaven,
_――――O happy rod,_
_That brought me nearer to my GOD._
Surely my dear friend has long ere now been convinced that good desires
will not carry us to heaven. There must be a closing with CHRIST, a
vital union of the soul with GOD, or, in other words, “CHRIST formed
within us.” This was the expression that first convinced me of the new
birth. Since that, I hope it has been in a degree fulfilled in my heart.
I want it to be more and more so, and to have the image of GOD stamped
in more lively characters upon my soul. My dear Doctor, let you and
I begin to strive, not by way of contention, but in a way of holy
emulation, which shall love CHRIST most, and live most to his glory.
I hope that Dr. _W――――_ will join in this strife. Pray my love to him,
to Mr. _S――――_ and family, and to all _Bohemia_ friends. I refer you to
other letters for news, and beg leave to assure you that I am, my dear
Doctor,
Yours most affectionately in our blessed LORD,
_G. W._