216 Memoir of Rev. John Prince, LL. D. 
impressed upon the notice of every observer, that he was incapable 
of jealousy and suspicion. So far from allowing himself to harbor 
unkind feelings towards Mr. Adams, or to indulge the idea that he 
had treated him with injustice, he rejoiced in his reputation, delight- 
ed to promote his prosperity, and when he heard of his death was 
most deeply and tenderly affected. The following extract from a 
letter addressed to Mrs. Adams on the occasion, will sufficiently 
show how superior he was to every feeling of jealousy or resent- 
ment. It is, indeed, expressive of the most affectionate friendship, 
and of the sincerest sympathy. The extract is particularly interest- 
ing, as it presents those elevated and devout associations which were 
always connected, in his mind, with his favorite philosophical pur- 
suits. 
“Salem, January 25th, 1796. 
“ Dear Madam, : 
“It is with sincere sorrow and regret that I hear of the deat 
of Mr. Adams, and I heartily sympathize with you on that mournful 
event, an event which must have deeply wounded you, who was so 
intimately and tenderly connected with him. I ranked myself 
among his friends, and was gratified by the tokens which he gave me 
of his friendship, which I endeavored to return, by promoting his in- 
terest and reputation here among my friends in the line of his pro- 
fession. 
“But madam, though we lament his death, and the loss of his 
usefulness to society, yet it is a consolation that he has fallen in so 
good a cause: in promoting a knowledge of the works of nature 
among men, and leading their minds through these footsteps up to 
their Divine Author: in making the best and noblest use of Philo- 
sophy, that of expanding the idea of the Supreme Being in the 
minds of men, and impressing them with proper sentiments of piety , 
towards him. This is the noblest pursuit of man here, and in this 
our friend hath spent himself: can we doubt that he is now reaping 
his reward in a superior state of knowledge and happiness, where 
the works of God can be more extensively contemplated ; where 
the hidden things of nature which here perplex the philosopher, 
are more opened to the intelligent mind; and where God himself, 
the great, wise, and good author of the universe, gives a fuller dis- 
play of his perfections, to make those who love him supremely 
y- 
“ This, 1 doubt not, is the case with our departed friend, as I may 
judge from what I knew of his character, and the spirit of piety 
