GILPIN. 257 by plunder. In this wretched part of the country, where noone would even travel if he could avoid it, Mr. Gil Pin never failed to spend some part of the year, labouring for the good of their souls. He had fixed places for preaching, and punctually attended. If he came where there was a church, he made use of it ; but if there were none, he used to preach in barns, or any other large buildings, wheregreat crowds of people were sure to attend. In these itinerating excursions, his labours were always very great, and he often endured themost amazing hardships. This, excellent servant of Christ sometimes gave incon- testible evidence of his firmness in reproving the vices of the greatest as well as the poorest. Having at one time made the requisite preparations for his journey to Reads- dale and Tyne-dale, he received a message from Dr. Barns, bishop of Durham, appointing him to preach a visitation sermon on the following sabbath. He therefore acquainted the bishop with his engagements, and the obligation he was under to fulfil them, begging his lordship at that time to excuse him. As the bishop returned no answer, he con- cluded that he was satisfied, and set out on his journey. But, upon his return, he was greatly surprised to find himself suspended. After some time, he received an order to meet the bishop and many of the clergy, when the bishop ordered Mr. Gilpin, to preach before them. He pleaded his suspension, and that he was unprepared ; but the bishop immediately took off his suspension, and would admit of no excuse. Mr. Gilpin then went up into the pulpit, and preached upon the high charge of a christian bishop. In the sermon, after exposing the corruptions of the clergy, he boldly addressed the bishop in these words Let not " your lordship say, that these crimes have been committed " by others, without your knowledge; for whatever either " yourself shall do in person, or suffer through your con- " nivance to be done by others, is wholly your own. " Therefore, in the presence of God, angels, and men, I " pronounce you to be the author of all these evils. Yea, " and in that strict day of general account, I will be a " witness to testify against you, that all these things have " come to your knowledge by my means; and all these " men shall bear witness thereof, who have heard me speak` " to you this day." This great freedom alarmed all who wished well to Mr. Gilpin. They said, the bishop had now got that advantage over him which his enemies had long' sought to obtain. And VOL. I.
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