Page:Groves - Memoir of Anthony Norris Groves, 3rd edition.djvu/184

CHAPTER VII.

the man of faith amidst scenes of terror and desolation—commencement of the siege of bagdad—conflicting reports—mr. groves’s new trials—his conversations with his patients—his danger from the balls and shells of the besiegers—observations on various subjects—misery of the besieged—lawlessness of those within—mr. groves loses his beloved infant—his visit to the pasha—provision in time of famine—entrance of the new pasha—mr. groves’s illness—restoration of tranquillity in bagdad—mr. groves’s letters.

What a contrast do the preceding pages present to us be tween the holy, quiet confidence of the man of faith and the dismay of the unbelieving masses around him. In the midst of death and desolation, we find him committing himself and his household to God, to the living God; and having done so, he was ready, as circumstances required, to help others. All in authority flee away; the British Resident is gone; the Pasha is either fled, or has secreted himself,—at all events he is unable to act; his attendants are dispersed, and even his horses uncared for, going about the streets; but the man of faith remains quietly at his post; he is in the sanctuary with God, pleading for the devoted city; and having received help from Him, with what holy courage does he go forth to the help of others. We find him at one time visiting those who were smitten with the plague; at another time in the midst of falling houses, rescuing the property of the Resident from destruction; again, caring for the poor outcast children; and at all times speaking of the things of the kingdom to those who visited him: he seemed, as some one has remarked, “the only man alive, in the midst of the awe-struck inhabitants.” And when at last the plague reached his own house, and took from him his