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286
Hereditary Genius
Erskine, Ralph, continued—
B. Ebenezer Erskine.* See above.
Evans, John, D.D. (1680--1730, aet. 50). His vivacity, joined with great judgment,
made a very uncommon mixture. His industry was indefatigable. He was
descended from a race of ministers for four generations, and, excepting one
interruption, quite up to the Reformation: say six generations in all.
Gilpin, Bernard (1517—1583, aet. 66); the “Apostle of the North.” Was one of
several children. He showed extraordinary genius in childhood, and an early
disposition to seriousness and contemplative life; but as he grew older he
became practical and energetic, and none the less pious. He was greatly
beloved. In beginning his career he suffered from religious persecution, and if
Queen Mary had lived a little longer there is little doubt but that he would have
been martyred. He remained Rector of Houghton during the whole of his later
life, refusing a bishopric. He built a school, and picked up intelligent boys and
educated them, and became their friend and guardian in after-life. He had
extraordinary influence over the wild border-people of his neighbourhood,
going fearlessly among them. He was affluent and generous; a hater of slander
and a composer of differences. He was tall and slender, careless of amusement,
and rather abstemious. Was unmarried. His relationships are good, but distant.
gB. Bishop Tonstall, one of the most enlightened Churchmen of his time.
NP. Richard Gilpin, D.D., of Greystock, who was ejected thence by the Act of
Uniformity.
NPPS. William Gilpin (“Forest Scenery”), an excellent pastor and good
schoolmaster, was [PS.], to Richard and the biographer of Bernard Gilpin. I
know nothing about the intervening relations; I wish I did, for I should expect
to find that the Gilpin blood had produced other noteworthy results.
Gouge, Thomas (1605—1681, aet. 76); educated at Eton and King's College,
Cambridge; minister of St. Sepulchre's, in London, for twenty-four years. He
originated the
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