Valuable is the testimony given in those early days by the mason’s son to the character of his benefactor, as recorded in his interesting memoirs edited by J. E. Ryland, M.A., from which the following extracts are given:—
“You ask,” he writes to his kind friend, Mr. Bernard, ‘is Mr. Groves an Arminian, a Calvinist, a Papist, a Lutheran?’ He is one of those singular characters, a Bible Christian, and a disciple of the meek and lowly Jesus; not nominally, but practically and really such. A man so devotedly, so fervently, attached to the Scriptures, I never knew before. This is the best criterion I can furnish you of his character and disposition.”—Page 148.
Truly may it be said that this devoted love of God’s word was that which distinguished him to the end of his course. In reference to the effect on Kitto’s own mind produced by residing with Mr. Groves, he says:—
“I am surprised at the great change that has taken place in my views since I came hither; a change which I hope will ultimately, under diving teaching, make me wise unto salvation. To what is this change to be imputed? Perhaps to a more exclusive contemplation of divine things, to a more attentive study of the word of life, to my intercourse with Mr. Groves; but chiefly, I conclude, to the grace of God, who has at length permitted that day -spring from on high to arise, for the appearance of which I have so long prayed.”—Page 149.
Then, in reference to the personal kindness he received, he says to Mr. Bernard:—
“To say the truth, I believe Mr. Groves is the only one of my friends who feels for me quite in the same manner as you do. The other gentlemen,” alluding to those who helped to educate him, “with gratitude, for the obligations they have laid me under, be it spoken, are more anxious for my fame than for my happiness; that is, they would rather see me celebrated than obscurely happy; whereas, on the other hand, Mr. Groves does not care a fig about fame, or distinction, or anything of that sort.”
Mr. Groves had him taught printing, and paid a considerable sum to get him employment. He had, for a time, the charge of the mission press at Malta; and, on losing his situation a second time, the difficulties which his mistakes brought on him only made him prove the lasting character of that friendship which remained actively engaged for him, under circumstances
