[Leycester, in his _Cheshire_, says, "Bishop Bridgeman was the son
of Thomas Bridgeman of Greenway in Devonshire," but other
authorities make him a native of Exeter. Prince (_Worthies of
Devon_, p. 99.) says, "He was born in the city of Exeter, not far
from the palace-gate there, of honest and gentile parentage. His
father was Edmund Bridgeman, sometime high-sheriff of that city
and county, A.D. 1578. Who his mother was I do not find." In
Wood's _Fasti_, vol. i. p. 286. Mr. Bliss has the following note:
"John Bridgman, natus erat Exoniæ. Vid. Izaak's _Antiq. of
Exeter_, p. 156. S.T.P. Cant. Coll. Magd. an. 1612. Vid. Prynne's
_Antipathy_, p. 290., and _Worthies of Devon_, BAKER." Ormerod
(_Hist. of Cheshire_, i. 79.) says, "He was the compiler of a
valuable work relating to the ecclesiastical history of the
diocese, now deposited in the episcopal registry, and usually
denominated Bishop Bridgeman's _Leger_." For other particulars
respecting him, consult Walker's _Sufferings of the Clergy_, Part
II. p. 10.; Ackermann's _Cambridge_, vol. ii. p 160.; Prynne's
_New Discovery of the Prelate's Tyranny_, pp. 91. 108. 218.; and
Cole's MSS. vol. xxvii. p. 218.]
_Rouse, the Scottish Psalmist._--Can any of your readers favour me with
some particulars of the life of Rouse, the author of the Scottish
metrical version of the Psalms? His name does not appear in any of the
biographical dictionaries I have had an opportunity of consulting. From
some historical scraps this version had come into the hands of the
Westminster Assembly of Divines--was afterwards transmitted by them to
the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, who appointed
commissioners, &c., for consideration--and was, on 23rd Nov. 1649,
sanctioned by the General Assembly, and any other version discharged
from being used in the Kirk or its families. Notwithstanding some
doggerel interspersed, the version is allowed to be distinguished for a
sweet easy simplicity, and well suited to the devotional purpose
intended. Rouse evidently was considerably endowed with the _vis
poetica_; and it is to be regretted, that he who has rendered such
important service to our national church, should not be known more than
by name; at least, this is the predicament in which I stand, along with
a few friends, whose notice has been incidentally drawn to the subject.