Memoir of Rev. John Prince, LL. D. 203 
stances in reference to Mr. Prince’s state of health, constitutional 
infirmities, and the disease which finally terminated his life, have been 
particularly mentioned, as illustrative of the power of philosophical 
pursuits, and a perfectly regulated and equable state of the feelings 
and temper to prolong life, even in opposition to the most unfavor- 
able influences. y 
The basis of Dr. Prince’s philosophical attainments was laid in 
the thirst for knowledge already alluded to. This trait was. early 
developed, and continued to be his most marked characteristic until 
the very hand of death was upon him. It was exercised in almost 
every possible direction, and as his memory was wonderfully capa- 
cious and retentive, the result was that he accumulated and had at 
command as large an amount of knowledge, as can easily be found 
in the possession of any one mind. Without taking into the account 
what he derived from books, and few men have ever read more, his 
eyes and his ears were always open and his hands were always busy. 
No idle moment ever passed over him. He noticed every occur- 
rence, and explored every object within the reach of his curious ob- 
servation. When a mere boy he was intent to learn all that was 
going on in the great world around him; and this appetite for know- 
ledge enabled him to lay up a body of reminiscences, drawn from 
his early youth and from every period of his life, which made him, 
in his old age, a truly instructive companion. He was an attentive 
and inquisitive spectator of the opening scenes of the revolutionary 
drama in Boston, from the massacre through all the intermediate 
events, including the destruction of the tea, to the battles of Lexing- 
ton and Bunker Hill. He was equally well stored with facts in ref- 
erence to men and things during all the subsequent period of his 
life; and what he knew, he related, in a style of narrative, such as 
those who enjoyed his acquaintance, can scarcely expect ever to 
find equalled. 
In this connection it is necessary to remark, as it was indeed a 
most distinguishing trait in the character of Dr. Prince, and one 
worthy of imitation by all men, and especially by clergymen, that 
vigorous, unremitted, and universal as was his thirst for knowledge, 
it was invariably kept within the bounds of prudence, propriety, and 
good feeling. Probably no man ever lived more free from the 
charge of being a prier into other persons’ affairs, or a tattler of their 
failings. He did not appear to have a sense to discern the private 
frailties or follies of men. His lips were never known to circulate 
i 
