Selections from the letters and other papers of William Grover, preceded by a biographical notice of his life

Front matter

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Contents

CHAP. rAGE '

I. Biographical Memoir of William Grover , , 7 II. Meditations and Reflections 19

III. Letters and Papers relating to the Character

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, nobly 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 good-like 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 abasemerit and abnegation of self, to do it to his glory, and my own soul's true peace.

1801. — 9 mo. 14. Oh ! 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, to be found 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."

I I mo 9 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 w r ell 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.

1811. — 4 mo. 28. A precious sentiment it is, " that the spirit of benevolence, if cherished and encouraged, sends forth fresh shoots." The soul is enriched by an increase of benevolence, although the means of gratifying or exercising it, to an extent adequate to our feelings, may not be within our power.

1812. — 1 mo. 25. It is a precious thing to have a belief and feeling produced in our minds, that we are under the divine gracious care and protection. Perhaps I have not sustained more loss, or religious disadvantage, any way, than 1 have for want of more diligently minding the very gentle intimations or calls to inward stillness, A feeling of a connexion with the Fountain of Good is, above all things, to be prized ; and this feeling is utterly out of our control or command, and consequently to be accepted with reverence

MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS.

and cheerfulness, whenever vouchsafed. We cannot prize it too much : it is a treasure in prosperity : it is a treasure in adversity ; it will be emphatically a treasure, when the awful moments arrive for us to bid an eternal farewell to the things of time and sense.

8 mo. 22. We are, indeed, fearfully and wonderfully made. From the nature of our present condition, we see things very differently at different times ; perhaps, in part, occasioned by our attempting to see and judge when we are not in a situation for it.

10 mo. 24. Having now, except about three weeks, completed my sixtieth year, I may say, that in turning over some of the leaves of my past life, I may record occasions of reverent and humble thankfulness, for having been permitted to escape with as little of wounds and bruises as I have ; and for the extension of divine goodness and mercy towards me, many ways. And I think my religious experience, if I may call any thing which I have known by that name, has been much found in the path of faith, rather than of sight. Just enough vouchsafed to preserve me a believer in the path, and in the power which sustains in it. Perhaps this has been the manner in which I have been led along, because it was best for me, as most calculated to keep me humble ; often having nothing good, nor knowing how to come at any good ; but at times sweetly refreshed with calmness and serenity, rather than with the spirit of warm devotion, or any thing like exstacy or rapture.

1813.— 1 mo. 22. The great thing appears to be, to have the right hunger and thirst after righteousness excited and preserved, or maintained, in the mind ; then things which are of an earthly, transitory, or unsatisfying nature, will be trials, as they prevent a participation of the blessed fruits of this righteousness. Many are resting in these outward enjoyments, as if they were the end of our being ; but the true Christian, the true believer, is permitted to enjoy abundance of bles-

c * sings, without resting in them, and so has the comfort of the life which now is, and of that which is to come.

1814. — 3 mo. 24. To write of the immediate and particular influences of the Spirit of Truth upon the mind, in the way we understand and believe that subject, is a very delicate business, especially when an application is made to particular and striking instances ; because it may often happen that there is really not a capacity in the persons addressed, to receive what is advanced. Whether the doctrine of clear, immediate revelation, in the present day, be truth and reality, as we most surely believe, or not, it must be granted to be possible that it may be so ; that is, that it may be truth.

1814. — 4 mo. 1. How many ways to involve the mind in a continual something that seems plausible ; and so not keep it just in readiness to hear the call, to hearken to the voice, or yield to the gentle, inclining influence of divine love ; an influence often so soft and silent, as to be very, very easily put by, quashed, lost, forgotten.

1815. — 11 mo. 2. The occurrence of a great variety of things to engage the attention, on our own and other people's account, seems to fill up much of the time, which is passing over, never to return, that I have great occasion to be careful to give the preference to those things, if I can happily distinguish them, which are of the most importance ; because the remaining sands in the glass are spending very fast, and, most probably, in a few years, at the longest, there will be none remaining. Whilst we are conflicting with the vari-~ ous infirmities of our nature, it is a precious thing, to those who are favoured, under all, and through all, to grow in religious experience; not casting away the shield, either in the day, or in the night season : but in humble trust and dependence on divine support, pressing forward, holding fast the profession of their faith, not easily blown about by floating opinions, but watching for the manifestation of that light, and of that calming influence which satisfies the soul, and gives ability to rejoice, amidst the jeopardies of an earthly pilgrimage.

1817. — 6 mo. When individuals, through disobedience or unfaithfulness, have been brought into grievous perplexity and embarrassment, it often happens, that, in condescending goodness towards his poor creatures, our Almighty Father does not will their continuance in this wilderness condition, but is graciously disposed to bring them out of it. But then, if we would come forth perfect, his own ail-wise process must be submitted to with patience and resignation. Whatever the provings and the humiliation required, we may rest satisfied that they are necessary to effect the purpose intended ; and if we are at length brought through so as to stand in a state of acceptance before Him, and to partake of the peace which He gives, we shall not have to say, we have suffered more for the attainment of the prize, than it is found to be worth. Oh i the unspeakable value, to the exercised mind, of patience and resignation.

1818. — 4 mo. 27. conversing this morning

on the politics of Europe, concluded with this beautiful sentiment : " that there is nothing; substantial and satisfactory but the Supreme Good ; in it, the deeper we go, and the more largely we drink, the better and happier we are ; whereas, in outward acquirements, if we could attain to the summit and perfection of them, the very possession and enjoyment palls."

1818. — 9 mo. 6. Oh! the inestimable favour it is, to be true believers, and thereby to be made, from time to time, partakers of the [spiritual] bread which is broken, and the wine which is in mercy handed to sustain, to animate, to enliven the soul.

1819. — 6 mo. 15. Oh! for some share of inheritance, or fellowship, with those whom the Lord delighteth to bless.

1821. — 1 mo. 5. Many are the favours which the tried and exercised servants of the Lord have to commemorate, in the course of their devotion to his cause. May we all, in our various allotments, endeavour to he more and more preserved in a state of watchful dependence upon Him : that so, whether at home or abroad, our experience of his goodness, mercy, and truth, may be enlarged and confirmed, to our own consolation and encouragement of others.

1821. — 5 mo. 20. The Yearly Meeting was largely attended, and was a solid, instructive, and interesting season. As a religious society, we have much indeed to be thankful for ; and I do hope there is much to be encouraged about, as to the state of things among us, although much to lament. Perhaps few things more to be lamented, than that many of us are not enough convinced, that there is no advancing in true Christian experience, and inheriting the riches, and privileges, and consolations of the gospel of Christ, without submitting to his yoke, and bearing his cross.

1822. — 9 mo, 8. Reverently do I wish to acknowledge the belief, that there is that which can richly make amends for every privation, heal every breach, cause the wilderness and the solitary place to be glad, and the desert to rejoice and blossom as the rose. But, oh ! for an increase of capacity to look unto this, and to walk worthy of receiving such blessing.

1823. — 2 mo. 23. It is a great privilege, in affliction, to be near tender, sympathizing friends ; particularly, may 1 not say-, at our time of life, when both bodily and mental energy may be considered on the decline. And oh i that, in all our trials, both inward and outward, the divine arm of everlasting loving-kindness and compassion may be underneath, to bear up and sustain, and afford us a safe landing at last, beyond the reach of all conflict and all fear.

1823. — 7 mo. 21, We require some one to speak to freely, and also confidentially. And besides, how greatly is human comfort, at times increased, by a reciprocity of innocent communication. I believe it relieves the more weighty, and, sometimes, over-anxious cogitations of the mind ; and, by so relieving, contributes to our resuming them with more effect and advantage.

1824. — 3 mo. 7. How much I desire that nothing, amidst all the ups and downs that occur, may be permitted to prevent us from seeking after the love and favour, the support and protection of our Heavenly Father. I think I scarcely ever found and felMt more needful for myself, than now of late time.

Give what Thou wilt, without Thee we are poor, And with Thee, rich, take what Thou wilt away.

1823. — 10 mo. 12. How earnestly to be desired is a complete redemption from all selfishness : then would envy, pride, and wrath, no more torment the poor mind.

1824. — 4 mo. May I, with reverence and humility, say, that 1 believe there is nothing to separate the redeemed soul from the spirit of the blessed Redeemer ; and that, where He is, there will also his servants be. He that is in Christ is a new creature ; and being, through redeeming love and mercy, brought into Him, and continuing in Him, who is the resurrection and the life, such shall never die, but remain in Him for ever and evermore.

1824. — 8 mo. 1. It is a great comfort, when past seventy, to be pretty well ; so as to enjoy the bounty of kind Providence, and endeavour to improve the further portion of time allotted ; so that we may, through mercy, be ready for the final, awful change, when it comes.

1824. — 12 mo. 8. How unspeakably worthy our love, our allegiance, our seeking after, and our more frequent communion, is the Spirit of Truth. How ought it to be [sought after] from day to day, and through the day, so as to raise and bear up our minds above the things of time, even whilst we are necessarily engaged in them ; seeing they are all very uncertain, and we may be taken from them, or they from us, very unexpectedly. In such case, to have our minds previously well acquainted with divine love, and, as it were, enwrapped with it — what a treasure !

1825. — 3 mo. What a fine thing it is to be preserved in the humility, simplicity, and stability which Truth gives to its sincere and devoted disciples. Oh ! for a more general, deep acquaintance with the value of true quiet, where the thirst for change and novelty is not felt ; but a sincere waiting and desire is known, after that which is not of man, nor of the strength and abilities of man, but of the Lord. Here, I believe, the creature will be kept low, diffident, and fearful of itself ; and more ready and desirous to be taught and instructed, than to fancy itself qualified to instruct others.

The creation of the world and of man was, and

is, a marvellous display of the divine glory ; and the highest dignity and happiness of man, is to live, in unison with this effect of the divine will and purpose, that we may not missof intended good and enjoyment, which it seems are only to be this way come at. Our Heavenly Father wants nothing. He is perfect ; his glory is perfect ; and this or that act are only a display of such part of his glory, as his infinite wisdom thinks meet, and for the best, at any particular period, or on any particular occasion.

— — The expression of beautiful sentiments, and the reading and approving of them, afford a delight to the mind ; but do not always deepen us in religious sensibility, or increase our love for the simplicity of the Truth as it is in Jesus, or advance us in the consequent knowledge and experience of heavenly good. In contemplating this subject, 1 have remembered the import of a few expressions of an eminent minister: " We love the splendid, pleasant picture ; but this is an easy pur-

X chase, in comparison of the deep-hid, inestimable pearl of substantial truth."

This morning I have a somewhat luminous view

of the nature and preciousness of the gospel ministry, and other rightly-religious exercises. God is the inexhaustible fountain of all good : there is no goodness but what comes from Him ; consequently, nothing for poor human nature to plume itself upon. This divine power goes forth in such manner, time, and degree, as is consistent with its own infinite wisdom and goodness ; in displays of beneficence, mercy, and blessing to its creatures : sometimes in immediate communications of light, life, and divine virtue and sweetness to the souls of individuals, for their own advancement in the path of salvation ; and sometimes in precious gifts of qualification, for the benefit of others, the edification of the church, and for other religious services.

• To have a mind preserved in such a state as to

be susceptible of the impression of heavenly good, I esteem of primary and vital importance. To those who desire to witness the fulness of gospel privilege and blessing, this is very essential ; seeing that there are seasons in which such a sweetness and precious solemnity are to be witnessed, as is comparable, in degree, to heaven upon earth ; as well as that it is our Christian duty to lead others, by our example and influence, to the same enjoyment.

By how many and how various means do we

get broken down, aVid gradually prepared for our eternal separation from this frail and uncertain state of being ; and how exceedingly is it to be desired that we may all so improve the time of health and bodily ability, as that, when sickness, pain, and affliction are measured out to us, we may be favoured with that sweetness and peace which bear up the mind above the w r aves, and enable us to say, the rod as well as the staff of the Lord's goodness, are our comfort and our rejoicing.

Convince me, more and more, O Lord ! I beseech thee, that thy time is the only time for true refreshment and comfort to the poor soul : and that every visitation of thy love and life is exceedingly precious, and not to be trilled with or passed by, as to a more convenient season of mine.

Grant, I pray thee, that the chief study of my life may be to be found in a state of readiness to receive, adopt, and yield to every of thy gracious offers of love and life ; that so my poor soul may indeed have a share in the spiritual kingdom of Thee, the living and true God, even in this life ; and so come increasingly to know that Thou art the only true riches, and that every thing else is fleeting and uncertain.

Remove, I pray thee, by the gentle showers of thy celestial rain, the hardness of my heart, and make it very susceptible of the impressions of thy Holy Spirit : that I may be indeed thv servant, and that Thou mavst delight to bless me, and increase my knowledge and experience in thy precious truth, and in Thyself, the only and enduring treasure of the soul.

Oh adorable Goodness, Wisdom, and Power !

preserve me so, I pray Thee, that nothing may deprive me oi the capacity to enjoy Thee, according to the manner and degree in which it may please Thee, in thy mercy, to make thyself known to thy poor, unworthy, but depending creature, in time and to all eternity.

Chap. III

EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS AND OTHER PAPFRS RELATING TO THE CHARACTER AND PRINCIPLES OF OUR RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. ™«ttfLES

Some Remarks on the Religious Principles of the People called Quakers, as to Wars and Fightings.

It becomes those who profess faith towards God, and who, in obedience to what they believe to be their religious duty, differ in some things from other professors, to be > willing, in meekness and fear, to render a reason tor that difference. And as there may be many who have not been fully informed of the grounds on which the people called Quakers, ever since they were a people, have borne a testimony against Wars and Fightings, it may be acceptable to some serious inquirers to know a little what those grounds are.

1st. They believe that the happiness of mankind, in an especial manner, depends upon their living in the fear of God ; walking in obedience to the secret manifestations of Truth, through that divine principle of light and grace given to every man to profit with ; forsaking every thing which this divine principle manifests to be evil ; and following after every thing which it manifests to be righteous, holy, and acceptable to God our Creator, our beneficent Preserver, and final Judge.

2nd. They believe that the Christian religion is a rel ligion of universal love ; and that, as the minds of men are, through divine assistance, gathered into this love, they become qualified to fulfil that injunction of Christ Jesus, the author of the Christian religion ; " Love your

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32 ON THE CHARACTER AND PRINCIPLES

enemies ; bless them that curse you ; do good to them that hate you." They believe that this truly noble and happy state of mind is not attainable in our own will and time ; but that, as mankind yield to the secret influences of that divine principle of light and grace in the heart, alluded to, they are favoured, more and more, to gain an ascendency over self-love, and to witness an enlargement of heart, so as to desire the good of all, and that all may be brought to partake of that happiness which results from the favour and blessing of Almighty God.

3rd. They believe, that as this divine love has full place in the minds of any people, the understanding becomes enlightened, so as clearly to see that all contention is out of the Truth, and out of the way of substantial happiness. And a desire accompanies these, that no part of their conduct may contribute to discord in any shape, either between families, between neighbours, or between nations ; but being made sensible that all contention is evil, and that the continuance thereof interrupts the comfort of mankind, they desire to be preserved from doing any thing to keep it alive ; and, consequently, to manifest by their conduct, that they believe it more consistent for the professed followers of Christ to take no active part in war; because war brings grievous calamity upon the earth, destroys the lives of our fellow-creatures, and tends to cherish that spirit of animosity and confusion which is inconsistent with the gospel of peace.

4th. They believe that passage of the Sacred Writings to be particularly encouraging to those who profess faith in God, and in his divine providence and protection : " As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people, from henceforth even for ever ;" and that the strongest bulwark to any nation, is the favour and protection of Him, who can save with equal ease in times of great perplexity, as in seasons of less outward difficulty.

OF OUR RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 33

5th. They believe that the way to obtain this favour and protection, is to walk faithfully before Him ; reverently depending upon Him, and in all things desiring that his will may be the rule and government of our lives. And they believe that, for a nation so walking and so depending, there is greater safety in this trust in the divine arm of power, than in the strength of armies ; and that it is beautifully consistent for those in any nation who are thus convinced and thus believing, to endeavour, in humility and reverence, to cast their care upon Him, desiring to be resigned to every dispensation of his providence ; and that, whatever happens, they may be found clear in his sight of having contributed to the distress, the unspeakable distress and bloodshed of their fellow-creatures.

Extracts from Letters, fyc.

1815. — 12 mo. 29. I am not aware that Friends, as a Society, rate too highly the ground on which they are called to stand ; although unhappily, too many of us do not maintain our standing. And I think we may safely believe this, without ascribing any thing to the creature, or magnifying the people ; but reverently acquiescing with and acknowledging the Power whence the gifts and ability proceed.

If, by a mighty hand, and by a stretched-out arm, our predecessors were brought forth from amidst the different denominations of professors, and enabled to bear faithful and undeviating testimony to the spirituality of the gospel — to the necessity of following the Captain of salvation, whithersoever He is pleased to lead by his light and truth manifested in the secret of the soul ; in other words, in the path of self-denial and the daily cross — to the necessity of avoiding all conformity with formality, all unrighteous conformity to the