Page:Groves - Memoir of Anthony Norris Groves, 3rd edition.djvu/19

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It is interesting to see that Kitto, after he left for Malta, made Mr. Groves the model by whom he compared others; so, in speaking (page 243) of an interesting Jewish convert, “Mr. Jadownicky,” he says, “is a fine man in many things, much like, Mr. Groves.” And when at Malta, he says of Mr. Jowet:—“Of all men I know, Mr. Jowet is second to none in any valuable or useful endowment; if second to any, only to Mr. Groves.” “The best thing in my room,” he remarks at this time, “is a book-case. The books are partly my own; for I was enabled, through the kindness of dear Mr. Groves, to repurchase many of the books I sold to the students.”—Page 26.

How interesting, after so many years, is the record of these facts, which, but for Kitto himself, would never have been known! Surely these extracts are honourable to both parties.

Many are still spared who can bear witness to Mr. Groves’s activity, even in these early days, in that which had more immediately to do with the work of God, and helping forward His kingdom. Among those of most public interest, who owed much to his Christian love and help, may be mentioned Mr. Alexander, at first the Jewish Rabbi at Plymouth, afterwards Bishop of Jerusalem. In him Mr. Groves took the deepest interest, and was among those who helped him on in the knowledge of Christ. He was baptised at St. Andrew’s church, at Plymouth, by Mr. Hatchard. Mr. Groves was also very instrumental in establishing in the knowledge of Christ two other Jews, Belsom and Abraham by name, who were led to Exeter to enquire about Mr. Alexander’s baptism. Both of them, in the end, were baptised, and became teachers of the gospel. One more individual remains to be noticed, as among those on whom his intercourse had a very marked effect. This was his beloved friend, the Rev. Mr. Caldecott, formerly curate of Claybrook, the nephew of one for whom Mr. Groves had a great regard, the Rev. John Marriott, of Broad Clyst, near Exeter. Mr. Caldecott attributed to his intercourse with Mr. Groves much of that devotedness of spirit, which so