Bible Christian Magazine Robert Grose

Rev. Robert Grose THIS veteran minister was born on the 17th of February, 1830, at Polskeys, then a small hamlet in the parish of Roche, Cornwall. It has been allowed to fall into "ruinous decay," and consequently is now "without an inhabitant." He was the youngest of a family of seven-six brothers and one sister. When about eleven years of age he entered into the fold of the Good Shepherd, and became one of His tender lambs. The spiritual atmosphere of Tremoderett Sunday School was no doubt the principal factor in leading him to early discipleship. A few young disciples used to meet in a room for the purpose of singing favourite hymns, and offering simple prayers to "the great Father in heaven." In his boyhood he had a narrow escape from death by falling into a deep pool, and

must have been drowned had he not been rescued at the important crisis.

When a youth he signed the temperance pledge, and became a member of the juvenile branch of Rechabites. His parents and a brother died within a month of each other, before he was quite thirteen. In consequence of that sad event the home was broken up, and the furniture and the things on the land were sold, and his brother with himself went to reside with a married brother. His early education was received at the parish school and in the old Graca Bible Christian Chapel, in which a day school was kept by a very rigorous master.

The influence of change of residence, distance from the chapel, with a lack of oversight of "the elders of the church," were detrimental to his spiritual life, which by degrees dwindled, until his connection with the church ceased, and he sought in the world what it was impossible to find. Five or six years were sadly misapplied. They were years of unrest, deep regret, and bitter compunction. When about twenty-one, on a Sabbath morning, in the new Graca Chapel, he "returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of

his soul," literally wept his way to the Cross, and fully surrendered himself to the Christ. From that time he gave himself to reading and study, and soon began to engage in Christian service. At length his name appeared on the circuit plan, but without his consent. Preaching appeared to be too great an undertaking for him, and with a view of freedom from its responsibility he went to reside at Harrowbarrow, near Callington. He soon became a class leader, also a teacher, and treasurer of the Sunday school, and it was not long before he had appointments on the circuit plan. He made no other attempt to flee from the work, but continued to "preach Christ crucified" with increasing delight throughout the station. After about two years the ministers and leading friends advised him to offer for the ministry. At first he could not entertain the advice on account of the greatness of the undertaking, but after a fuller consideration he decided to place himself in the hands of the church.

He entered the ministry at the Conference of 1857, and was received into full Connexion at Hicks Mill, 1861. Two years after he was united in marriage to Miss Rickard, the elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Rickard,

of West Harrowbarrow Farm, Calstock. He has laboured in the following stations:-Tiverton, Hatherleigh, Truro, Helston, Looe, Padstow, Kingsbrompton, Liphook, Northlew, Ringsash, St. Columb, Chagford, Callington, and Somerton. Mr. Grose has occupied all the secretaryships in connection with districts. For some years he was secretary to the Examining Committee, and for many years in succession chapel secretary in four districts; the office was only vacated when he retired from full work.

Mr. Grose has made use of the pen. He has written several memoirs of leading friends, some articles, and a few sermons for the Bible Christian Magazine. Most of the sermons were preached to, and published by request of District Meetings. He has been advised to publish a volume of sermons, but has never given the matter serious thought.

"In weakness, and in fear and in much trembling," he has served the church of his choice, and strength has always been vouchsafed to enable him to make a "good profession before many witnesses." He values much the judgment of the Conference as expressed in the resolution relating

to his superannuation. He has always endeavoured to act the part of the peacemaker, and has done his utmost to escape personal contentions. Steady, methodical, with a strong desire to do to-day what ought not to be left till to-morrow, he has been a successful circuit minister, having determined to do his work as perfectly as human strength and ability would permit. He ever had the consciousness of the necessity of always doing his best, in order to minimise, as far as possible, his natural and other defects. Since his retirement from circuit work he has not been by any means idle. He still serves the churches, and has had the honour of being President of the local Free Church Council. Municipal work too has claimed his attention, and he is chairman of the Burial Board, a member of the Board of Guardians, and a member of the Higher Education Committee. In addition to these forms of work, Mr. Grose has rendered most welcome service in the Tavistock Circuit by taking several Sunday appointments. The pulpit has still for him its old charm and fascination, and he is never happier than when, from behind its sacred desk, he breaks to the people the Bread of Life.

[ Volume 1 pages 83 - 87 ]

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