Page:Groves - Memoir of Anthony Norris Groves, 3rd edition.djvu/22

10 is that which appears above all other situations the most favourable for close communion with God. I assure you I sometimes think my portion is too free from cares, solicitudes and sufferings; yet I tremble to desire any state, but the one God has chosen, feeling as I do my weakness, and that the little strength I have is of Him. I trust our most merciful Lord and Master is leading you into the secret of His ways, that you may be enabled to feed the flock He commits to you with the bread of life; that when the Great Shepherd shall appear, you may receive a crown of glory, that fadeth not away. How strikingly such moments as you have now the privilege of enjoying testify to us that the Spirit which is in us is diverse from that which is in the world; the children of God love and bless Him almost more in His cloudy and dark dispensation, than when the bright sunshine of worldly blessing and prosperity, radiates round every step they take. I am just on the eve of going to London for a day about Kitto, who will be, I think, accepted by the Church M. S.; at least Mr. Bickersteth thinks his deafness no impediment to his reception. I have a little anxiety about my visit to town, but there is One who makes crooked things straight and rough places plain, and I look up to Him to keep me in all my ways, according to His promise; and I pray that He will give me a humble, though fixed, look towards Zion His holy habitation.”

He writes, June 2nd, 1825, to Mr. Caldecott, who was then about to enter the Church of England:—

“I know no circumstance that can occur to a pilgrim on this earth half so important as being prepared by God Himself for the ministry of His word. That you are thus preparing I feel the fullest persuasion; and that God will bear witness to your ministry, if you follow on to know the Lord. If I might be allowed to rejoice in one thing more than another, it is in the singleness of heart and eye, which I trace growing within you. I say this, not because it accords with my views of Christian duty, but because I am sure it is the way to find the largest measure of happiness even earthly things can yield; besides, and above all, being the key that unlocks those things in the