Page:A memoir of Granville Sharp.djvu/65

Rh improvements in husbandry, and methods of useful and legitimate commerce; to establish amicable correspondences; to encourage enterprise in exploring the unknown interior, not merely to gratify curiosity, but to obtain and disseminate useful knowledge; and to open sources of future intercourse." Granville Sharp was chosen one of the first Directors of this institution, at the advanced age of seventy-three, and until within half a year of his death, continued to give it his bright and powerful support. Prisons and prisoners—hospitals and penitentiaries—houses of refuge, and all other benevolent objects shared his care. In the year 1800, a remarkable scarcity occurring, he displayed the wholesome temper of his mind, by proposing to the clerk of Bridewell hospital, that instead of the usual annual dinner, the stewards who were to have furnished the expenses of it, should supply a sum of equal amount, towards the necessities of the patients in Bethlehem hospital.

The sources from which he derived the funds, which he so largely distributed, were, the love of his brothers and other friends—the confidence reposed in him, as their almoner, by wealthy and benevolent individuals; and bequests left him for his own use, as well as for general beneficence. His domestic affections were remarkably elegant and tender. An even cheerfulness of temper always distinguished him; and he was ever ready, with alacrity, when duty permitted, to dismiss business and study, and to join in the amusements of children. "How eagerly was the opening of his study door watched by his young relations, as the signal for mirth and play; how gaily did they bound at the notes of his tabor and pipe; how frequently did his ready pencil delight them, with delineations of birds, or beasts, or flowers, &c." He was peculiarly fond of the company of young persons in general; and the overflowing kindness of his heart towards them, met with a rich and sweet return in their artless and generous affections.

In sickness, he was a tender and edifying nurse.

His benevolence extended to animals. His heart told