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 death 

 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 Jiis 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 

 happy. 



" This, I doubt not, is the case with our departed friend, as I may 

 judge from what I knew of his characterj and the spirit of piety 



