212 Memoir of Rev. John Prince, LL. D. 
or be changed for those of agriculture and science? How often have I 
wished I had power to turn all hearts to the rules of christianity, and 
correct every passion and sentiment which does not accord with it. 
Then I would next turn every ship of war into a telescope of equal 
magnitude and power, and send its commander on a cruise to make 
discoveries in the ocean of the universe. But, stop! we must not 
anticipate the order and method of Providence, who, in his time, 
will, I doubt not, produce this revolution in favor of human nature.” 
Dr. Prince was eminently learned in almost every department of 
Natural Philosophy. And what he knew, it was his great delight to 
communicate. His visitors were introduced, through his admirable 
apparatus and specimens, to the wonders of Astronomy, Optics, 
Pneumatics, Botany, Mineralogy, Chemistry, and Entomology. 
Indeed there is nothing beautiful, brilliant, dazzling, or rich, in avy 
department of the outward world, which the ingenuity and skill 
of man has yet been able to explore, that he did not spread out 
before them. And all was illustrated, explained, and set forth, 
with a facility, a clearness, a sprightliness of manner, which never 
failed to charm the admiring listener. As an experimental lecturer 
and operator, in his own parlor and surrounded by his private friends, 
he was never surpassed- by any public professor of science. 
delightful amenity and simplicity of his manners and spirit were in 
admirable harmony with the genius of science itself, and he never 
explored the glorious mysteries and glittering recesses of nature, 
without discerning, and causing all others to discern and adore, tra- 
ces of the power and wisdom efsits author. Wherever he walk 
with science there he walked with God. Whenever he led another 
into the hidden halls of nature’s temple, he taught him to pay glad 
and admiring homage to the enshrined divinity. 
Dr. Prince brought his scientific skill and learning to contribute 
to the diffusion of useful instruction and refined entertainment in a 
great variety of ingenious methods. He was as much interested in 
man, as in nature. His knowledge of the history and usages of na- 
tions was very extensive. All the arts of civilized and social life 
had engaged his study. In architecture, painting, and the fine arts 
generally, his taste was highly cultivated. His collection of engra- 
vings and specimens was very extensive and curious. By meats- 
of optical instruments he was enabled to make a most satisfactory 
display of all these treasures of knowledge. In the course of a win- 
ter’s evening, his delighted visitor, sitting all the while quietly in his 
Po) Oo ESS OS 
