GILPIN, BERNARD, 1517-83, an English clergyman of remarkable scholarship, diligence, liberality, and usefulness, b. at Kentmire, Westmoreland. He studied at Queen's college, Oxford, stimulated by the example and writings of Erasmus and giving great attention to the Scriptures in the original languages. Soon after graduation, he was chosen fellow of his college and took orders. On the opening of the new founda tion of Christ church Wolsey made him one of the head masters. At that time the university was divided on the subject of the reformation. Gilpin at first took ground against it; but, in preparing himself with an honest mind to oppose it, he became con vinced that it was in accordance with Scripture and the fathers, and embraced it. In 1552, he became vicar of Norton and was licensed' by Edward VI. as a "general preacher." On queen Mary's accession, he resigned his living and went to Louvain, where he resisted all the efforts of the priests to win him back to the Roman church. Returning to England during the queen's life, he found the persecution of the Protes tants still in progress. His uncle, bishop Tunstall, gave him the living of Easingdon and the rectory of Houghton-le-spring; protecting him also, notwithstanding•his open avowal of Protestant opinions. Afterward, however, lie was summoned to trial before bishop Bonner, but having broken- his leg on the journey, before he was able to travel again the queen died. He then devoted himself again to the diligent prosecution of his parish work and to itinerant labors through the country. Queen Elizabeth offered him the bishopric of Carlisle, which he declined. He continued until his death rector of Houghton, residing constantly iu his parish except when he visited the rue.or parts of the county of Northumberland, into which he introduced more regular ':,tabitd of life and more of Christian influences than had resulted from any previous labors. The parts of Redesdale and Tynedale are particularly named as the scenes of his labors. The people there, living on the borders of the two counties, had long led a lawless life, subsisting mostly on plunder. Gilpin went fearlessly among them, holding forth
the commands and sanctions of Christianity, and did much to change the character of the country. Hence he was commonly, called the "northern apostle," and for genera tions his name was repeated with reverence. His chief labors, however, were in his own parish of Houghton, which included 14 villages. It yielded him an ample income, being then, as now, one of the richest benefices in the north. He was a bachelor, and in hospitality resembled the character ascribed to the primitive bishops. Every fort night 40 bushels of corn, 20 bushels of malt, and a whole ox were consumed in his house, beside ample supplies of many other kinds. Having a large and wide parish and a great multitude of people, he kept a table for them every Sunday from Michael mas to Easter. The rectory house was alsO open to all travelers, and so great was the reverence which surrounded him that his liberality was rarely abused; even the most wicked were awed by it. His skill in settling differences was as celebrated as his hos pitality and his preaching; his benevolence was wisely exerted in providing instruction for the young, including homely learning for poor children generally, and preparation for the universities for a select number of promising youths. Of these last, he kept 24 in his own house, the greater part of them being poor men's sons, on whom he bestowed meat, drink, clothing, and instruction. From 'them, and from the grammar school which he founded, he supplied the church of England with a great store of learned men. Of his scholars, he always maintained at least six at the universities at his own expense, and, after their graduation, charged himself with the care of their settlement. Bishop Carleton. who wrote his life, was one of these scholars. Gilpin was also assidu ous in his attentions to the sick, and by his systematic beneficence won his second title of "father to the poor."