Page:Groves - Memoir of Anthony Norris Groves, 3rd edition.djvu/23

Rh Divine word, which are hard to understand, and for this reason, that we come to the consideration of them with hearts preoccupied by a ready-made decision, more in union with the worldly systems, by which we are pressed on every side. And, against all this overwhelming influence, there is but one remedy, to read the word of God with a single view to know His will, by whom it was inspired; and then the baseless nature of all systems but the one that has a single and undivided reference to the glory of God, and the advancement of His kingdom appears as clearly as if it were the subject of material vision. I believe the delusions of Satan in this matter are more numerous and subtle than in any other; because he knows if he can but poison the fountain of life, so that those who drink with the appetite of the sick, seeking to be healed, find that which should have been an instrument of their health turned into a means of destruction, he has gained a momentous victory, and so much the more as it is over those he always dreads, the Bible readers. I do most heartily rejoice to see you lie so humble at the foot of our dear Lord’s cross; for whilst I know it to be the only true exaltation, my foolish wicked heart, at times, despises those waters of Siloa which run softly. O, that I could feel my heart like a weaned child, mourning after Him who should be all its desire! …… I will not deny the pleasure it affords me to know that you esteem me instrumental, in however small a degree, to your spiritual improvement, by seattering God’s heavenly seed on the rich soil of your heart ; for it is indeed a higher honour than to be the medium of all earthly blessings. Oh, that you may bear fruit to His praise! For, I trust, that however diverse our situation and circumstances may be here, in eternity we shall be glorifying together Him from whom all blessings flow.”

Another letter, dated Exeter, June 22nd, 1825, commences with similar expressions of thankfulness, and continues thus;―

“Kitto is accepted by the Society, as a Printer, and is going on Friday week to town, for two years, to learn his business; after which he goes whithersoever they may think it right to send him. I thank God for this proof of His love to me: I