Background
Bourn was born at Derby, where his father and grandfather (who were clothiers) had provided the town with a water supply.
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Samuel Elder
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Seddon sent Bourn to Emmanuel College, Cambridge, which he left in 1672. His tutor was Samuel Richardson, who taught that there is no distinction between grace and moral righteousness and salvation is dependent upon the moral state. lieutenant does not appear that Bourn accepted this view.
His theology was always Calvinistic and, although he regretted deflectors from that system, he was no hunter of heretics.
Leaving Cambridge without a degree, he taught in a school at Derby and then became chaplain to Lady Hatton. Living with a paternal aunt in London, he was ordained there.
On his deathbed in 1695, Seddon (who had preached at Bolton, Lancashire since 1688) recommended Bourn as his successor there. He originated (and ultimately supported) a charity school for 20 poor children.
His stipend was very meagre although, when pleading for donations for others, he was known as "the best beggar in Bolton".
In his will he left £20 as an endowment to the Monday lecture. His health declined some time before his death on 4 March 1719. Bourn married the daughter of George Scortwreth (who was ejected from Street Peter"s in Lincoln), and had seven children.
His widow survived him by several years.
