The Works of Mr. Henry Needler

Compar'd with Wisdom, no Regard can claim;
With Her compar'd, can scarce deserve a Name.
Not half so Beauteous is the dawning Light;
Not half so Fair the Stars that gild the Night.
In vain the Gems of Ophir's favour'd Coast
Their dazled Lustre in her Presence boast:
Gay Orient Pearls and Gold in vain display
Their vanquish'd Glories in her brighter Day.
Before Her, brilliant Di'monds dimly shine,
And blushing Rubies own her Worth divine.
Richer and Happier He, whose hallow'd Breast
Of Wisdom's sacred Treasures is possess'd,
Than if he Monarch reign'd, of all the wealthy East.
The Just, by Wisdom's righteous Precepts led,
The peaceful Paths of Life securely tread,
The dang'rous Rocks of Vice with Safety shun,
And Virtue's pleasant Course serenely run.

Artists by Her their subtle Works devise:
'Tis She, with Counsel Sage instructs the Wise:
'Tis She, who teaches Princes to command
By wholesome Laws, and guides the Scepter'd Hand.

Before th' Eternal Mind, who dwells on high,
Hung up the spangled Curtains of the Sky,
With wond'rous Skill Earth's firm Foundations laid,
Or scoop'd the watry Deep's capacious Bed;
Before their tow'ring Heads the Mountains rear'd,
Or shady Woods and open Lawns appear'd;
Ere bubling Springs and Fountains had begun
Thro' painted Meads in Chrystal Streams to run;
Ere chearful Verdure cloath'd the Naked Field,
Or flow'ry Vales did blooming Odors yield,
Wisdom with uncreated Splendor shone,
And spread her Beams around th' Almighty's Throne,
Joyous, before the Sov'reign Presence play'd,
Who with Delight Immense her heav'nly Form survey'd!

And when this Universe with perfect Art
He rais'd, and cast in Order ev'ry Part;
The Spheres, that roll their steady Course above,
Prepar'd, and taught the Planets where to move;
When Laws He to the swelling Ocean gave,
And bound in Ropes of Sand the raging Wave;

To wand'ring Clouds their airy Flight assign'd,
And, whence to blow, inform'd the sweepy Wind,
Wisdom Supreme did o'er the Whole preside,
And in his awful Work the sacred Founder guide.

University of Virginia Library

A Paraphrase on Prov. VIII. Beginning at Ver. 10.