The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-05-10

previous prose writer's of his nation.
Mr.. Gosse writes: His sentences are
short. pointed and exact. He has little
or nothing of the redundant languor of
his contemporaries: and justice has
never yet been done to him as pioneer
in English prose-
Unlike the majority of Missionaries,
wilkins was well rewarded during his
life. lie was born at Fawslcy, North
amptonshire. in 1911. lie was the son
Of an oxford goldsmith and his writings
might well serve as texts for those who
believe strongly in heredity His
father, says a contemporary account,
was "a very ingenosc man with n very
mechanical head. lie was much for
trying OF experiments, and his head ran
much upon the perpetual mo- ION" This
subject 1t may he remarked. appears
in the works of the son, who devotes
several chapters to n study of perpetual
motion. although he does not seem to
have believed it as feasible as flying.
John wilkins received his first in
struction from his grandfather. John
bod, Puritan divine of considerable
fame in his day. The youth might
have been enrolled among the IIar-
ward prodgies had he lived to-day. for
he entered New Inn Hall at oxford at
the age of 10 and received his a. u.
at Magdalcn four years later. He re-
manned ut OXford as "A tutor for a few
years, took orders. became vicar in
his native parish, and then for several
years acted as private chaplain tv
nohlcmen. AT the age of 81 he was
active in forming the group of scien-
lists which was later to become the
Royal Society. and he is generally re-
earded as the founder of that famous
body.
When the civil war broke out he took
tie side of the Parliamentarians and
was rewarded with the wardenship of
Wadham College, oxford. He became
at once one of the leading spirits of the
university and in 1856 he increased his
growing influence by his marriage to
Robna French, the widowed sister Of
Oliver Cromwell. Under his guidance
Wadham became the most fourishing
college in the university. John Evelyn
says that he tooic great pains to pre-
serve the Universities from the
| Ignorant, saCril.gious Commanders and
! Soldiers. who would fame have de-
molish'd all places and persons that
pretended To learning" In 1859 he was
, transferred to Cambridge, where, as
master Of Trinity. "he was much
! honored and heartily loved by all" This
| post, despite IN" petition OF the fellows,
he lost at the Restoration.
| Wilkins soon succeeded in making
peace with the Victorious ruNal!sts. and
| N 1860 he was made prcbendary of
| York, the first Of "A series Of church
! Offices which eliminated IN 1868 in his
| appointment as Bishop e Chester. an
office which he held until his death in
| 1872 Had he lived few years
| longer he n.ght have been one Of the
most influential men in all England
for Pepys records that at Is all the
| talk, | find that pr Wilkins my
| friend, the Bishop Of Chester. shall he
| removed TO Winchester. and he Lord
! Treasurer. Though this Ice foolish
talk, Yet do gather that he is a
! mighty rising man. as being l.atitu-
dnar!an. and tn" Duke If buckingham
his great friend"
or his worth his friends men
eminent IN Their day. were quick To
give evidence Il called At purdans."
| writes Evelyn in his famous Diary.