Page:Groves - Memoir of Anthony Norris Groves, 3rd edition.djvu/15

Rh in many branches of surgery, as well as in his own profession. He was so skilful as a dentist, that, at the age of nineteen, he was able to support himself, besides being of use to others. Plymouth was the place he first fixed on for practice; and, though his time was much occupied in professional pursuits, he was able to devote himself to many scientific objects; and was a leading member of the Athenæum, a literary society, in which his talents were much appreciated. It was here, also, he was able to profess himself a disciple of Christ, having owed much to the ministry of Mr. Joseph Richards and Mr. Hitchins; but his entrance into the full liberty of gospel light did not take place till some time after, in Exeter, where he was greatly indebted to a Christian lady, Miss Paget, to whom, he says, he ever looked up as his mother in the things of God. His clear mind, and his readiness in expressing his thoughts, made him a universal favourite; and his society was much sought after. Among his many Christian friends may be mentioned Mr. Whitlock Gandy and Mr. Lampen, besides the two other clergymen, Messrs. Richards and Hitchins, before alluded to. One who knew him well at this time, writes to his sister, on hearing of his removal: “How fondly do my thoughts turn to the memory of those days, when the loving ways and acts of your beloved brother, now resting in the peaceful bosom of the Lamb, made us look upon him as the most interesting of human beings. The years that have separated us from him, have had no power in making us cease to love the memory of one we so unfeignedly esteemed, and affectionately remember;—one so peculiarly attractive in all his Christian ways, towards every being to whom he could do good, and lead onward, in the safe and narrow path, to the heavenly fold of Jesus Christ.”

In the year 1816, Mr. Groves was married to his cousin, Mary Bethia Thompson, to whom he had formed a very early attachment, which he represents in his own narrative as having had a very marked influence upon his history. Soon after his marriage, he removed from Plymouth to Exeter, which it was thought would afford a wider field for his practice. It pleased the Lord greatly to bless and prosper him there, in every way.