Selections from the letters and other papers of William Grover

Front matter

01ass__llA IS

Book^ni —

SELECTIONS

Contents

CHAP. PAGE.

I. Biographical Memoir of William Grover . • • . 1

II. Meditations and Reflections 2

Chap. I. Biographical Memoir Of William Grover

William Grover, the son of William and Elizabeth Grover, was born at Brighthelmstone in Sussex, the 15th of the 11th month, 1752. Very few particulars are known of his early life. After leaving school, he was placed as an apprentice with Edmund Rack, a Friend, who was a retail country shopkeeper, at Bardfield in Essex. Soon after the expiration of the term, he engaged himself as an assistant to Samuel Day, who was also a member of our religious society, and in a similar business, and who lived at Stansted Mount-Fitchet, in the same county. After serving him with diligence and integrity for several years, he became a partner in the concern, and resided there during the remainder of his life*

B

He inherited some patrimonial property, his father having died when he was young; but, at the same time, he found it necessary to pursue his engagements in business, and was esteemed an upright tradesman, of kind and respectful manners; one who was careful, in all things, to act as becomes a member of our religious society. He continued in trade until within a few years of his decease; and though diligent in attending to these, the necessary cares of life, he was not engrossed with them : possessing a well-regulated and pious mind, he may be said to have pursued the concerns of time with eternity steadily in view.

In the year 1786, he married Isabel Weatherald, of Wensleydale, in the north-western parts of Yorkshire, who has survived him ; and in their union, for nearly forty years, which was a source of mutual comfort and happiness, he proved himself a trulyaffectionate husband : uniformly evincing, under every circumstance, the greatest tenderness and sympathy.

The subject of this memoir, was one who, from early life, was of a thoughtful turn of mind, and showed a strong attachment to the principles and testimonies of Friends. As he advanced in years, he submitted to the humbling, refining operations of divine grace; and, through continued watchfulness and obedience to the pointings of duty, he attained to that experience and stability in the truth, of which his conduct and religious usefulness afterwards gave abundant proof. A description of some parts of his religious character, is appropriately given in the following extracts, from a memorial concerning him, issued by the Friends of Thaxted monthly meeting, of which he was a member.

" It is not our intention to extol the character of the deceased, as a man, estimable as he was, in the various relations of life; but to exhibit his Christian virtues, and ascribe, as he did, all excellency to the power of divine grace, mercifully granted to mankind, for their salvation, through the mediation of the blessed Redeemer, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The rectitude of his conduct, in the discharge of his moral and religious duties, his humility, meekness, and dedication to the cause of truth, were all fruits -of faith in the means thus graciously afforded.

" He was very exemplary in the fulfilment of his duty to his Maker, by a constant attendance of religious meetings, when of ability ; in which his solid deportment indicated great reverence of spirit, and fervency of desire to gain access to the Fountain of all Good ; and, on these occasions, we believe that his mind was often enriched with the incomes of divine love and peace.

" He was a great lover of retirement and meditation. The frequent reading of the Holy Scriptures was also a source of instruction and comfort to him ; and this practice he was often tenderly engaged to recommend to others, as one of the means by b 2 which they might be strengthened and encouraged to advance in the Christian path.

" The views he took of himself were humble, whilst his estimate of the true Christian character was a highly exalted one. Hence arose great vigilance and circumspection, that no part of his demeanour should dishonour the cause he so greatly valued and loved. This care was manifested in all his conduct; and evidently so, in transacting the affairs of the church, in which his judgment was clear, and his language persuasive ; tending much to encourage friends in the support of the discipline, in the executive part of which he very rarely excused himself from service ; having a great care for the prosperity of truth, and that his fellow-professors might be faithful in our testimonies, -and consistent in all their conduct, endeavouring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.

" Perhaps few have been so much favoured with the prevalence of love : it seemed to be the constant clothing of his mind, and was evinced towards all classes of society. The youth, especially, were the objects of his tender solicitude; for whose early attention to the reproofs of instruction, and for their growth and establishment in the Truth, he felt an unremitting concern."

His important services in our Yearly Meeting, and his communications to his friends, will be long remembered. He often spoke of the comfort which

OF WILLIAM GR0VER. O

he derived from reflecting on the goodness, and mercy, and loving-kindness of our Heavenly Father ; inviting others, and particularly his younger friends, to seek to live under the influence of his love. His remarks were clear, comprehensive, and concise ; and the precious influence which they produced, was often, in a remarkable degree, to be felt, after the conclusion of them.

He was a willing labourer in the church of Christ — an elder worthy of double honour; doing what his hands found to do with a cheerful heart, as one serving a good and gracious Master, and thus forcibly recommending the principles he professed. Highly valuing the care which our Christian discipline provides, and manifesting a deep concern for its being rightly and impartially exercised, he at the same time discovered much caution and tenderness in cases of delinquency, cherishing feelings of love and compassion, when judging of the errors and weaknesses of others. He was very anxious that all the meetings, established for transacting the affairs of our society, should be held under the influence of Christian love, and in the fear of the Lord ; being convinced that, were this the case, they would often be times of solid instruction.

Whilst he was a firm believer in the immediate teachings of the Holy Spirit, he was diffident in speaking of his own experience ; and though well persuaded that our religious principles lead to great spirituality, he was very cautious of judging others, or deciding for them. His desire was, that all might be drawn in love to seek after the guidance of that wisdom which cometh from above, and to see the beauty and excellency of the truth as it is in Jesus. Believing, as he did, that our predecessors had been called to uphold a pure and perfect standard of Christian doctrine, he was deeply solicitous that this might in no way be lowered by Friends of the present day ; and that they as individuals, and the Society as a body, might endeavour so to act, as to bring others to see and to acknowledge the consistency of our profession with the gospel dispensation.

His general appearance was meek and grave, exhibiting a bright example of a religious character ; an habitual gratitude, and filial fear of God, marking his life and demeanour. He behaved with great kindness and courtesy to all ; at the same time maintaining the dignity of a disciple of Christ, so that his deportment commanded esteem and deference.

Our dear and honoured friend was particularly pleased with the society of young persons; and to many of this class he was endeared by the sweetness and affability of his manners, conversing with them in a way which secured their confidence and esteem. He felt tender solicitude for them, in thinking of the temptations to which they were peculiarly exposed ; and whether any hints which he offered to these, were designed to encourage them to persevere in the right way of the Lord, or to check the early appearance of a departure from Christian simplicity, they were expressed with so much love, that they found a ready entrance into the heart. Highly valuing the approved writings of our Society, he often recommended them to the attention of those in early life. He promoted also their perusal of works of literature and useful information; but saw a danger in the young and inexperienced entering much into the religious opinions of others. Yet he was far from being illiberal in his views, often gratefully acknowledging his belief, that sects and distinctions are lost in the divine sight.

William Grover appeared to think unkindly of no one ; but, when obliged to censure the conduct of any, he did it with great feeling and compassion. At the same time, there was a quick perception of what was wrong, and it was not allowed to pass unreproved. He had a strong objection to hearing the absent slightly spoken of, or their faults made the topic of conversation. On these occasions he would observe silence, or remind the company to be careful in their remarks on others, lest they should unguardedly injure the character of their friends ; being himself careful not to make comparisons. He was of a cheerful, contented disposition, and considered it right to derive pleasure and gratification from temporal things, as blessings from the hand of an Almighty Benefactor; provided they were kept in subordination to the great purpose of life, and not suffered to engross too much of the time and affections. He met the vicissitudes of life with calmness, and was careful not to suffer cross occurrences to discompose his mind, or to draw him into the use of impatient expressions.

The remembrance of his absent friends was frequent and lively; and he evinced a warm affection for those whom he had loved and esteemed in his youth. He seldom forgot the afflicted, whether rich or poor. To those of the latter class he was kind and considerate, relieving their wants, often visiting them in their dwellings, when he would enter into conversation in a way adapted to them, and peculiar to himself; and frequently, in the retired circle of his own family, would speak of and commiserate the condition of those who had received fewer blessings than himself, or who had had a greater portion of affliction or suffering.

He was a man of great punctuality and order in the daily transactions of life, seldom deferring until the morrow the work of the day ; steady and diligent in what he undertook, and a good economist of time. Few were aware of the extent of his usefulness in cases of a private nature, among his neighbours. To these he was free of access on all occasions; and much of his time was employed in their service. Possessing an intelligent mind and a clear judgment, he was often consulted; and his assistance was frequently solicited to settle little differences. He entered into such cases with great deliberation : his decisions were not hastily formed, and they were mostly well received.

OF WILLIAM GROVER. 'J

When the Auxiliary Bible Society was formed in that part of the county of Essex in which he resided, he readily united in the support of it, and took an active part in investigating the want of the Scriptures among his poorer neighbours. He was a diligent member of the committee until the time of his illness, and felt a lively interest in the circulation of the Scriptures both at home and abroad. At the same time, he was anxious that the concerns of this society might be conducted under the influence of those feelings, and in that temper of mind, to which the Sacred Writings bear testimony; and, whilst believing, as he did, in the divine authority of Holy Scripture, he was very desirous that these records should be properly designated, and that men should not confound the possession and distribution of the Bible, and the mere knowledge of its contents, with the partaking of those living waters which flow immediately from Christ, the fountain of life — of that bread which cometh down from heaven, and which, when received with a lively, operative faith, enables us to work out the salvation of the soul with fear and trembling.

His friends had ample evidence of his being a firm believer in the essential doctrines of the Gospel. In a memorandum left behind him, he says : " I believe it is consistent with the genuine principles of Friends, that all the communications of the mercy, love, power, and goodness of God to his creature man, are in, by, and through our Lord and Saviour

Jesus Christ, and no otherwise, and in this belief I am thankful to live and unite."

In a letter, written in the eleventh month, 1823, after alluding, in terms of strong disapprobation, to the views of one whose sentiments were decidedly contrary to those of our society, " on a point of such supreme importance as the divine nature of our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ," he proceeds: " Can I close this subject better, than with the following quotation from a recently-published pamphlet, in which the writer, when speaking of Christ, says : ( What encouragement and comfort is there in the contemplation of his character and offices, both as prophetically indicated, and evangelically displayed, from the first and most obscure, to the last and most comprehensive and expressive : viz. The Bruiser of the Serpent's head ; Immanuel, God with us ; the Lord our righteousness ; the Child born; the Son given, upon whose shoulders the government of his people is for ever to be; whose name should be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace ; the root and the offspring of David ; the bright and morning Star ; the Son of Man ; the Son and Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world; who hath loved us, and washed us in his blood *.' "

William Grover possessed a sound constitution, and enjoyed remarkably good health, until within a few months of his death. On the 16th of 5th month, 1825, he left home early in the morning, to attend the Yearly Meeting, from which he had been very seldom absent for nearly forty years. He arrived in London in time for the first sitting of the meeting of ministers and elders, and acted as an assistant to the clerk; an office which he had for some time acceptably filled, and which he resigned at the close of that sitting. With his accustomed alacrity and interest in the concerns of the society, he entered, throughout the day, into the proceedings of the meeting. Towards the evening he felt unwell, and, in the course of the night was so alarmingly ill, that his wife was sent for early the following morning. His disorder was a very painful one; and, for several days, his life was considered to be in great danger. His medical attendants attributed his restoration to health, so far as it took place, to the serenity and humble resignation with which he bore his sufferings, as much as to the means which were employed.

The following memorandum, written in London, on the occasion of this illness, was found among his papers.

" This has been a remarkable visitation, such an one as I never knew ; except that of the small-pox, more than forty years ago, may be at all compared with it. I might be said to be attacked very unexpectedly, and in a lonely condition; but help and comfort, as to outward accommodation, sprang up remarkably; and I think it might be said, that every requisite was supplied. As to the most important part, it seemed to have a great effect in breaking the mind off from this world, and exciting earnest desires for a preparation and fitness to enter into rest and peace everlasting.

" One feature was very striking : the kind, affectionate interest of Friends respecting me and my case, was indeed beyond what it would seem proper to record. But, at the same time r perhaps at scarce any period have I so feelingly and clearly seen my own unworthiness and insignificance, or so feelingly prized a state of littleness and humble reduction; so that, like a little babe, I might be permitted, in simplicity and perfect innocence, to draw nourishment in quietness from the breast of ever-enduring and inexhaustible consolation;"

In a letter to two or his intimate friends, he remarks :

"I am desirous (I hope with a degree of humble gratitude) of informing you, that, within three or four days, considerable improvement in my health has taken place; and, whilst I am so abundantly sensible, from recent past experience, of the uncertainty of the things of time, yet I wish duly to appreciate this rich favour, permitted to a poor traveller through the chequered vale of time."

Towards' the end of the sixth month, he so far recovered, as to be able to return home, on which occasion he made the following memorandum.

1825.— 7 mo. 13. " Being permitted, on the 30th ult. in company with my dear wife, cousin Elizabeth Glaisyer, and John Hooper, to reach home in safety, I am aware it is my duty, not only as a child, to crave divine consolation, but also to watch the openings and presentations of duty which may be vouchsafed, however small ; so that the talent entrusted may not be buried under the feelings of feebleness, or any thing else." ,

In two letters to his friends, not long afterwards, he thus alludes to his illness :

1825.— 8 mo. 7. "We can see but little before us ; and what a favour it is, when circumstances arise, to be enabled to meet them with prudence and peaceful resignation. This illness may be said to be a proof that we are not our own keepers, but poor, dependent creatures. Oh ! thabwe may have light in our dwelling and on our path; and, through boundless mercy, peace within our borders."

8 mo. 26. " Respecting resignation, how just are thy remarks, that our wishes as well as our works should at all times harmonize with the divine will: indeed, our study should be, to be circumscribed thereby; but; this is no light matter, but a high and most precious attainment. Do not thy remarks, however, beg two most interesting questions ; namely, /the day's work accomplished, and the expected consequent reward?' also, ' the time arrived for dissolving every tender, earthly tie V With awfulness and reverence these may be left in the holy, dispensing hand of Him who doeth all things well ; whilst we, in grateful, humble, sensibility of the value of the present precious blessings, manifest our due estimation of them, by neglecting no proper means to secure their continuance, in due and filial submission, all the while, to his infinite wisdom, goodness, and mercy."

As the health of William Grover improved a little after his return home, his friends cherished the pleasing hope that his valuable life would be lengthened, and that they should be permitted longer to partake of the instruction to be derived from his bright example and Christian counsel. But He who ordereth all in perfect wisdom, and who will graciously supply the spiritual need of those who look in faith unto Him, saw meet to terminate the trials of this his faithful servant, and to admit him, as there is every reason to believe, to the participation of that peace and joy which are reserved for the righteous in the life which is to come.

" The expressions of a religious nature, that our late dear friend uttered towards the close of life, were not numerous ; but they all partook of that humble, yet confiding and peaceful character, that distinguished him when in health, and bespoke a mind looking towards heaven, of which, he said, he had ' had a pleasant view, particularly of late;' and that he was ' favoured to feel very little condemnation.' At different times he thus expressed himself: ' The prevailing desire of my mind has been, for many years, that I might close in peace. I have had many blessings, many temptations, and many trials in my time ; but have been mercifully helped through them.' At one time, evidently under great tenderness of spirit, he observed, ' The shadow of divine mercy is very broad ;' and at another, when conversing about his illness, he said, f It is a source of great consolation to know, that He who formed us is near.'

" In the afternoon of the day preceding his decease, he expressed himself to the following effect : ' There is nothing so precious, whether in youth or in age, sickness or health, as a sense of the divine presence and love. I have had great cause thankfully to believe, that the protecting arm of kind Providence has been with me all my life long, from my youth up ;' and, after a pause, added, ' It is my greatest desire that my sun, which now seems nearly set, may go down in brightness, without a cloud ; relying only upon the goodness of the Almighty, who can change a life of suffering for one of comfort and endless happiness — who can make a death-bed as a bed of roses. Yea, I bless thy holy name, thy presence and love can make a death-bed as a bed of roses.' Afterwards he said, in nearly these words : ' My life seems fast closing, and my afflictions nearly at an end. I have been greatly afflicted, [alluding probably to his illness,] but doubt not that it has been in unspeakable, unerring wisdom, that I have been

16 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR, &C

thrown, again and again, into the furnace ; which is, no doubt, designed for my further refinement. Oh ! may all the purposes of the Almighty be fulfilled. Oh ! what a precious state is that, where nothing is wanted but the celestial gate to be opened. All praise I ascribe unto the Lord's holy name*.'"

He was enabled to bear, with great patience and Christian fortitude, the extreme sufferings which he endured within a short time of his death ; but, for a few hours before the close, he was mercifully relieved from all pain, and his end was remarkably peaceful. He died the 11th of the 10th month, 1825, in the seventy-third year of his age.

See the Memorial of Thaxted Monthly Meeting.

Chap. II. Meditations And Reflections

1783. — 4 mo. 27. How different a character is he who is fond of procrastinating and delaying, from him, who, with a wise regard to the uncertainty of to-morrow, ncbly improves each opportunity whilst he has it.

1783. — 10 mo. 15. From disobedience and difficulty, surely I am a dwarf, by not coming rightly forward to the duty of the day. How main a thing, through all, is an attention to the conclusion. Do not some of us labour and toil ourselves, to do that from fear, which those who are in the life of goodness do from love ?

1784. — 10 mo, 13. Oh that none in ease and plenty may contribute, improperly, to make it difficult for those in less favoured circumstances to think of the Author of their being with gratitude and love.

1790.— 5 mo. 11. " While ye have the light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of the light." It appears a precious thing rightly to believe in the light, and to follow it; treading in the just man's path, which is said to be " as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." It is probable that many under our name do not believe in this light, nor expect, through faithfulness to its discoveries, to be led on further and further to the knowledge of the will of God, and to an establishment in his peaceable kingdom, even whilst in this life : not being like minded with a remnant who believe that his kingdom is come ; and who desire, according to ability, to be pressing into it, that they may be faithful subjects of it, and that the government may be on the shoulders of Him whom they desire to serve.

8 mo. 17. It is a fine thing to be preserved from every snare. I believe we may be so engaged in things which bear the appearance of being lawful, and even necessary and incumbent, as to be disqualified from possessing that tender, childlike, attentive state of mind, which appears so necessary to our growth in a divine life, and to a true filial obedience, in all things, to the will of our Heavenly Father.

1792. — 4 mo. 12. Oh! for a sincere love and attachment to that pure and undefiled religion, which stands in a filial devotedness of heart to do the Lord's -will, and in a reverent, holy travail of soul, to be made truly acquainted with what his will is ; that so we may not be deceived, under an apprehension that we are fulfilling the divine will, when we are rather frustrating it by doing our own. This, I believe, may be the case, even in things which may have a goodlike appearance.

1799. — 6 mo. 13. I believe it is good for young men to make a point of devoting a small portion, at least, of every day, to read a little in the Bible, and endeavour after a little calm and quiet in their minds. Something may be presented to the minds in these short seasons of inward calm, which may a little nourish and cherish the divine life in the soul, and make room for the love of God to prevail a little ; and so, as this love is cherished and found to grow, the love of the world, and earnest desire after it, will lessen, and the soul be prepared to take its chief delight in something spiritual and heavenly.

1799. — 6 mo. 22. I feel low, under a sense of my want of the necessary qualification for active service in the church. Oh ! that there may be more of a waiting for the putting forth ; and a deeper and more frequently-renewed travail after dwelling in the pure life of religion, and after inward communion with the Lord ; — to know his will, and receive ability, in the abasement and abnegation of self, to do it to his glory, and my own soul's true peace.

1801. — 9 mo. 14. Oh 1 that we may be made what the Lord would have us to be ; that is, in harmony with his work in the earth ; standing faithful, according to the present day's administration and service, as many of our worthy predecessors stood faithful in their day and time. The great thing is, c 2 to bejound in our lot, let the state of Truth's cause be whatsoever it may in the world.

I think I see a great danger in Friends getting into easy circumstances : it renders them not so strong, and able to endure hardness as good soldiers. I believe all we have must be at the divine disposal, and so felt by us, before we can be fully qualified to endure all things that may be required of a disciple of Christ, in filling up his lot in the militant church.

1810. — 8 mo. 8. I find a great proneness in the mind to be, every now and then, laying hold of something wherein to expect a sort of permanency of satisfaction, if not of delight; but I doubt my capacity to do this, and yet retain a due readiness sincerely to say, " Thy will be done," should these things be called for. When we use the words, " Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven," surely we mean to be sincere ; but what submission and devotion of heart and will does this imply : no obstruction or resistance to the divine will "as in heaven."

II mo. 8. I believe we came into this world for the great and momentous purpose of being eternally happy. Even the present life, which is a mixed and a probationary state, is replete with numberless blessings, and precious enjoyments, along with the attendant trials. And our duty and highest interest is, so to encounter the trials incident to this present existence, and so to participate of the comforts and mercies afforded, as that our minds may be capable to bless the Lord for his goodness, in giving us a being, and preserving us ; and to meet the end with resignation and peace.

11 mo. 10. The true dignity of man — of a Christian — consists in endeavouring to fill up his duty, in the station which he is permitted to fill in this world. There are few, if any situations, in which a man who is upright may not shine. There is lustre in integrity; and the peace which Christ gives to his humble, dependent children, can reach the humble cottager, as well as the inhabitant of the mansion. Many, by having their eye out after things not within their reach, nor within their sphere, neglect or overlook surrounding and intended blessings ; and so are not thankful, as they might be. Thankfulness for mercies received is a very precious feeling, and gives a sweet relish to what we enjoy. Let us, therefore, in the first place, be sensible and feel what we are, and diligently occupy and improve our talents and gifts in the fear of the Lord ; and desire, above all things, to be kept within the reach of his blessing; so shall the increase, if permitted, be enjoyed without violating the peace of our minds.