Page:Groves - Memoir of Anthony Norris Groves, 3rd edition.djvu/21

Rh finds he can only touch that which we have ceased to value, because we have a better inheritance; one incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. I feel daily how very much more easy it is to overcome our attachment to external things, than the waywardness of internal affections and tempers. I earnestly pray for freedom from this horrid bondage, that I may exalt and glorify God my Saviour in all things. How very strikingly the history of the last few months, as it regards the progress of your own mind, must have illustrated to you that proposition, that the school of affliction is that in which the Spirit of God most effectually teaches; when, apparently with out rudder and compass, you are obliged to keep the eye fixed on the star of Bethlehem, and guide the frail bark fearlessly, though all be dark beside. May God strengthen you to bear all and much more for His sake, who bore the contradiction of sinners against Himself; who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him who judgeth righteously. In this let us follow His ever blessed example, which, with all its trials, is so full of comfort, because the Holy Spirit dwells with those that walk thus. Our hearts pursue, almost without a halting step, the course we finally had fixed on. A misgiving moment may sometimes bring its cares, but it rests not; the assured promises of Him who cannot fail, drive these doubts away, and all is clear again. I have no doubt that this consolatory conviction, that what I do in this matter pleases Him whom it is my life to please, will accompany us through all the trials that may be incident to so anxious a step. May you, my dear friend, be a faithful and true witness, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed; and may we and all we love (if not on earth) in heaven meet to sing the new song, and rejoice in our new name together.”

To the same friend, who was then very ill, he writes:—

Exeter, May 13, 1825.

“Thank God, I have the happiness of hearing that you are reclining on the lap of the Lord’s mercies, though on the bed of suffering; for I am fully assured, that a sanctified state of