Gossuin

Gossuin an abbot of Anchin, theologian and scholastic philosopher, was born at Douai in 1086. He was one of the most distinguished students of the University of Paris, where he soon gained the reputation of an excellent grammarian and dialectician. Being admitted to the school of Joslain de Vierzy, who later became bishop of Soissons and also minister of Louis VII, king of France, he was selected by his fellow-students to bring to Abelard, the rival of his teacher, a challenge on science. On his return to his native city, Gossuin entered into orders, and became successively minister of several monasteries. He was at the abbey of Anchin when pope Innocent II charged him with the conversion of Abelard, who had been condemned to confinement and silence. Afterwards he was appointed abbot of Saint- Pierre-de-Chalons, and of Lobbes, in Hainaut, but he refused to accept. Gossuin finally accepted the abbey of Anchin, and-governed wisely this opulent monastery. He assisted at the Council of Rheims in 1147, where he gained the friendship of St. Bernard. Gossuin died in 1166. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.