_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._