Mixipher, an English divine, was born in Russia, and of the imperial line. When that country was distracted by intestine commotions, in the latter end of the 16th century, and the royal house particularly was so feverishly persecuted by impostors, this gentleman and his two brothers were sent over to England, and recommended to the care of Mr Joseph Bidell a Russia merchant. Mr Bidell, when they were of age fit for the university, sent them to Oxford, where the smallpox unhappily prevailing, two of them died of it. We know not whether this surviving brother took any degrees or not, but it is very probable he did, since he entered into holy orders; and in the year 1618, was presented to the rectory of Wooley in Huntingdonshire, a living of no very considerable value, being rated under 10l. in the king's books. Here he did his duty with great cheerfulness and alacrity; and although he was twice invited back to his native country by some who would have ventured their utmost to have fet him on the throne of his ancestors, he chose rather to remain with his flock, and to serve God in the humble station of a parish priest. Yet in 1643, he underwent the severest trials from the rage of the fanatics; who, not satisfied with depriving him of his living, insulted him in the most barbarous manner; for, having procured a file of musqueteers to pull him out of his pulpit, as he was preaching on a Sunday, they turned his wife and small children into the street, into which also they threw his goods. The poor man in this distress raised a tent under some trees in the churchyard, over against his house, where he and his family lived for a week. One day having gotten a few eggs, he picked up some rotten wood and dry sticks, and with these made a fire in the church porch, in order to boil them; but some of his adversaries, to show how far they could carry their rage against the church (for this poor man was so harmless they could have none against him), came and kicked about his fire, threw down his billet, and broke his eggs.

After this, having still a little money, he made a small Alpheus purchase in that neighbourhood, built a house, and lived there some years. He was encouraged to this by the Presbyterian minister, who came in his room, who honestly paid him the fifth part of the annual income of the living, which was the allowance made by parliament to ejected ministers, treated him with great humanity, and did him all the favours in his power. It is a great misfortune that this gentleman's name is not preserved, his conduct in this respect being the more laudable, because it was not a little singular. Afterwards, probably on the death or removal of this gentleman, Mr Alpher left Huntingdonshire, and came and resided at Hammersmith till the Restoration put him in possession of his living again. He returned on this occasion to Huntingdonshire, where he did not stay long; for being upwards of 80, and withal very infirm, he could not perform the duties of his function. Having, therefore, settled a curate, he retired to his eldest son's house at Hammersmith, where soon after he died, much honoured and respected, and affording a remarkable instance of the vicissitudes of the world.