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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 2, 1865

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 25, No. 22.

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Wisdom. No. 1.

By J. Clarke.

WISDOM can not be bought with gold, nor overcome by eloquence, nor terrified by fear, but she speaks in tones of love to the meek, and instructs the teachable.
Wisdom is found by those who love her, and who with tears and prayers do diligently seek her: but the half-hearted do not get a glimpse of her.
She avoids the wicked, but is found of those who would peril their lives to find her.
The peace that wisdom gives, elevates, refines, and purifies the human character, gives quietness and assurance, and makes a cottage seem a palace.
Wisdom is chary of her words, select as to the companyshe keeps, and searches closely the hearts of those who seek her.
With all her power she is gentle, and with all her knowledge she is humble and lowly.
The wicked mistake her humility for timidity, and her gentleness for want of courage.
Her voice is despised by the proud, and the unholy cannot appreciate her loveliness.
The wicked need not slight her to offend her, for she knows their hearts.
Wisdom knows her power, but will not exercise it till the appointed time.
While mercy lasts, she speaks in tones of love to the wanderer; but when probation closes, she will speak in tones of majesty that will shake the earth.
By wisdom Noah escaped destruction by the deluge, and built an ark in which man and beast were preserved in that dreadful and terrible time of destruction.
By wisdom Abraham acquired a character for learning and discretion, and devotion, which has come down to us unsullied and pure.
By wisdom Joseph saved himself from pollution, and prevented famine by his forecast.
By wisdom Moses patiently endured his exile in Midian, which prepared him for his labors in the Exodus of Israel from Egypt, and his long trial in the wilderness.
By wisdom Samuel though a child, reproved the house of Eli, and was firm and unwavering in his adherence to virtue while exposed to the influence of Hophni and Phineas, and their unholy associates.
By wisdom David pleased God and the people, as it appeared in his intrepid valor, and manly integrity, and humanity, and kindness to all, his condescension, and wise regard to the interests of his subjects, in his devotion to God, and his penitence for sin.
By wisdom Solomon built the temple, enriched his kingdom, and enlarged his dominions; but by slighting her, he apostatized, and his sun set in gloom.
By wisdom Hezekiah conquered the host of Sennacherib, and afterward averted and stayed the judgments of God for a time.
By wisdom Josiah though a child, restored life to a decayed church, revived the worship of God, and checked the sin of idolatry.
J. CLARKE.