GILPIN. 259 laid out, in his opinion, was that which encouraged industry. He took great pleasure in making up the losses of those who were laborious. If a poor man had lost a beast, he would send him another in its room : or if the farmers had at any time a bad harvest, he would make them an abatement in their tithes. Thus, as far as he was able, he took the mis- fortunes of his parish upon himself, and, like a true shepherd, exposed himself for his flock. In the distant places where he preached, as well as in his own neighbourhood, his generosity and benevolence were continuallymanifested, particularly in the parts of Northum- berland where he preached. Upon the public road, he never passed an opportunity of doing good. He was often known to take off his cloak, and give it to a poor traveller. " When he began a journey to those distant places," it is said, " he would have ten pounds in his purse ; and at his coming home, would be twenty nobles in debt, which he would always pay within a fortnight after." Among the many instances of Mr. Gilpin's uncommon benevolence, was the erection and endowment of a public grammar school. His school was no sooner opened, than it began to flourish; and there was so greata resort of young people to it, that in a little time the town could not accom- modate them. For the sake of convenience, however, he fitted up his own house, where he had seldom fewer than twenty or thirty children. The greater part of these were poor children, whom he not only educated, but clothed and maintained. He was also at the expense of boarding many poor children in the town. He sent many of hisscholars to the university, and devoted sixty pounds a year to their support during their continuance there. The common allowance for each scholar was tenpounds annually ; which to a sober youth wasat that time a sufficient support. And he not only procured able teachers for his school, but took a very activepart himself in the constant inspection of it. To increase the number of his scholars, one method which he used was rather singular. Whenever he met with a poor boy upon the road, he would make trial ofhis abilities by asking him questions ; and if he was pleased with him, would provide for his education. Among those educated at his school, and sent to the university, were Dr. George Carleton, afterwards bishop of Chichester, who published. Mr. Gilpin's life; Dr. HenryAiray, and the celebratedMr. Hugh Broughton. Towards the close of life, ltr. Gilpin went throughhis
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