Richard Bernard

Richard Bernard (1568–1641) was an English Puritan clergyman and writer. Life Bernard was born in Epworth and received his education at Christ's College, Cambridge, where he matriculated in 1592, obtained his BA in 1595, and an MA in 1598. His university education was paid for by Frances and Isabel Darcy who were supporters of radical protestants. He was married in 1601 and had six children. From 1612 to 1641 he lived in Somerset and preached in Batcombe. Bernard was a Calvinist Puritan, but a moderate one. Bernard advocated a joyful approach to life, instead of the more serious and pious disposition that was encouraged at the time. Bernard wrote: