Memoir of Rev. John Prince, LL. D. 217 
which he has discovered in his lectures, the last of his works. To 
have put a finishing hand to these, and sent them forth into the 
world, previous to his death, must have given him great satisfaction, 
as he has left behind him the teachings of a philosopher, to instruct 
men in the noblest pursuits, and enable them to derive from these 
the most rational pleasures, in the contemplation of God as seen 
in his works. If this laborious task has been one means of short- 
ening his days, we have to lament an effect which has produced a 
loss to us, though a gain to him. And it affords no small degree of 
satisfaction to me, that though dead, he yet speaketh iff those wri- 
tings in the language of a religious philosopher, who I must think, 
is the noblest of mankind. And in my imagination I conceive him 
participating in those sublime pleasures of heavenly devotion, to 
which he looked forward with such pious affection in some parts of his 
works. It is our part to follow him in death, as we cannot (if our 
selfishness would wish it) recall him to this imperfect life. Let us 
derive consolation from the hope of meeting him in a more perfect 
state—one better adapted to religious and philosophical improve- 
ment—the happiness of which will more than compensate us for all 
the troubles and disappointments of this life.” 
The christian piety of Dr. Prince was put to the severest test. 
Life had for him its full share of troubles, and the disease of which 
he finally died subjected him to the most excruciating sufferings, but 
no one ever heard a murmur or a complaint pass his lips. Neither 
the spirit of resignation nor the spirit of faith deserted him for a 
moment. ‘The gospel shed its sweetest and divinest radiance upon 
his bed of suffering and death, and we may humbly hope that 
his spirit has been received to its rest and welcomed to the rewards 
of benevolence, integrity and truth. 
And now, before I close the delineation, let me present to view 
the philosopher, the divine, and the christian, as these titles all be- 
came combined in his character in the evening of his days. 
Old age, to those who reach it, is a sure test of character. To 
the man whose passions have been his masters, and whose min 
not been furnished to endure its trials, old age is but one protracted 
season of weariness, wretchedness, and woe. But to the true chris- 
tian, and the real philosopher, it is, notwithstanding its infirmities, a 
most precious period. It affords an opportunity of rest and repose ; 
the labors of life accomplished, the mind can calmly and quietly 
look back over the bell and if the past has been void of offence 
Vou. XXXI.— 28 
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