BICKERSTETH, Rev. EDWARD. an influential clergyman of the church of England, was b. at Kirkby Lonsdale, in Mar. 19, 1786. lie commenced life as a post-office clerk; and afterwards. having served an apprenticeship to a London attorney. established a lucrative solicitor's business in Norwich. Here, he took great interest In all meetings of a religious nature, and soon became so deeply impressed with the inipo•t ance of religious truth. that he resolved to devote himself to the ministry. Being admitted to orders, lie was sent by the church missionary society to reorganize their mission stations in Africa. liaving most satisfactorily accomplished his mission, 13. was, on his return, appointed secretary to the church missionary society, and continued to dis charge the duties of the office with unwearied energy and devotion that won for himself a high reputation and extensive influence, as well as great prosperity for the institution be represented, until 1830. when he resigned on acceptance of the rectory of Walton, in
Ilertfordshirc. Here, until his death. which took place Feb. 24, 1830, he took an active part in promoting. both by tongue and pen, almost every work having for its object the spread of religious truth whether at home or abroad. B. belonged to what is known as the evangelical section of the church of England, and took a decided part egainst the endowment of Maynooth, and in opposition to the spread of tractarianism in his own church. He was also one of the founders of the evangelical alliance. Of his religious writings—whieh have been collected in 16 vols. (Lond., 18531—the most popular are, .4. Help to the Study of the Scriptures (written before lie was ordained), The Christian Student. and A Treatise on the Lord's Supper. B. also edited Vie Christian Family Library, ti work consisting of 40 vols.