All the earth (says the scripture) now sought Solomon, to hear the wisdom which “God had put into his heart;” “for he had wisdom, and understanding, and largeness of heart, even as the sands on the sea-shore, excelling all the children of the East country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.” He composed a thousand and five hymns, or songs, and spoke three thousand proverbs; and those who came “to hear the wisdom of Solomon from all parts of the earth,” purchased the privilege by “bringing every man his presents, vessels of gold, and garments, and spice, horses and mules, a rate year by year.” Yet this more than human wisdom and mortal power, this high supremacy in all things, this mastery over the minds, the opinions, the lives, the fortunes and the liberty of millions, this highest monopoly of human prosperity and glory, ever cited in the records of six thousand years, suddenly passed away like the dream of a vision! Faith abandoned the most zealous worshipper of Jehovah, even while his votive hecatombs yet flooded the streets of Jerusalem with blood, and while the air was filled with the odours of his incense, “which smelt to Heaven.” Power melted from the hands of the mightiest, wisdom from the mind of the wisest, and the world's consideration was suddenly turned into its pity and contempt.