S'tyS BEllNAEB GILPIN. 
^ Mu nster* and there put to death under the most exquisite torments# 
\'i^hich he endured with astonishing fortitude. He finished his extra- 
ktrdinary course when only twent}?'six years of age. 
sr;. . ■■ 
Bernard Gilpin. 
' This excellent parish priest was distinguished among his contem- 
poraries by the title of, the Apostle of the North. He was descended 
from an ancient and honourable family in Westmoreland, and born in 
1617. Being bred in the Roman Catholic religion, he for some time 
defended it, and held a disputation with Hooper, afterwards bishop 
of Worcester, and martyr for the Protestant faith ; but was foiled in 
another dispute, with Peter Martyr, and began seriously to examine 
the contested points. Being presented to the vicarage of Norton in 
Durham, he resigned it, and went abroad to consult eminent profes- 
sors on both sides; and after three years’ absence, returned a little 
before the death of queen Mary, satisfied in the doctrines of the 
Reformation. He was kindly received by his uncle, Dr. Tonstal, 
bishop of Durham ; who soon after gave him the archdeaconry of 
Durham, and rectory of Effington. Though the persecution was then 
at its height, he boldly preached against the vices, errors, and corrup- 
tions of the times, especially in the clergy, on which a charge, con- 
sisting of thirteen articles, was drawn up against him, and presented 
to the bishop. But Dr. Tonstal dismissed the cause in such a man- 
ner as to protect his nephew without endangering himself, and soon 
after presented him to the rich living of Houghton-le-Spring. 
He was again accused to the bishop, and again protected ; when his 
enemies, enraged at this second defeat, laid their complaint before 
Dr. Bonner, bishop of London, who immediately gave orders to ap- 
prehend him. Upon which, Mr. Gilpin bravely prepared for martyr- 
dom, and ordering bis steward to provide him a long garment, that 
he might make a decent appearance at the stake, set out for London. 
Luckily, however, he broke his leg on the journey, which protracted 
liis arrival until the queen’s death. 
Being immediately set at liberty, he returned to Houghton, where 
he w'as received by his parishioners with the sincerest joy. Upon 
the deprivation of the Popish bishops, he' was offered the see of Car- 
lisle, which he declined; and confining bis attention to his rectory, 
discharged all the duties of his function in the' most exemplary man- 
ner. He was not satisfied with the advice he gave in public, but 
used to instruct in private, and made his parishioners come to him 
with their difficulties. He had a most engaging manner towards those 
whom he thought w ell disposed. His very reproof was so conducted, 
that he seldom gave offence ; the becoming gentleness with which it 
was urged; making it always appear as the effect of friendship. By these 
means, in a few years he made a great change in his neighbourhood, 
and gave evidence what reformation a single man may effect, when 
lie has it at heart. He was particularly anxious to improve the 
minds of the younger part of his flock ; pressing them to mix religion 
with their labours, and, amidst the cares of this life, to have a con- 
stant eye upon the next. He attended to every thing that might he 
