MIRPHER, or NIKEPHOR, a clergyman of the English church, was descended from a branch of the imperial line of Russia. That country being distracted by intestine commotions in the latter end of the sixteenth century, he 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, during the prevalence of the small pox, two of the brothers died of that disease. The surviving brother entered into holy orders, and in the year 1618 was presented to the rectory of Wooley in Huntingdonshire, a living rated under L.10 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 set 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 1648 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. Having left Huntingdonshire, he went to Hammersmith, where he resided till the Restoration put him in possession of his living again. Being upwards of 80 years of age, and very infirm, 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.