=23.= The author of this book, whilst himself a firm adherent of monotheism, shews a not altogether intolerant appreciation of those systems in which either the heavenly bodies or the elements seem to occupy the most important place:— 1. For verily all men by nature were but vain who had no perception of God, And from the good things that are seen they gained not power to know him that is, Neither by giving heed to the works did they recognise the artificer; 2. But either fire, or wind, or swift air, Or circling stars, or raging water, or the luminaries of heaven, They thought to be gods that rule the world. 3. And if it was through delight in their beauty that they took them to be the gods, Let them know how much better than these is their sovereign Lord: For the first author of beauty created them: 4. But if it was through astonishment at their power and influence, Let them understand from them how much more powerful is he that formed them: 5. For from the greatness of the beauty even of created things In like proportion does man form the image of their first maker. 6. But yet for these men there is but small blame, For they too peradventure do but go astray While they are seeking God and desiring to find him. _Wisdom of Solomon_, xiii 1-6. The same author rises to still greater heights when he personifies Wisdom or Philosophy as a Spirit attendant upon, and almost identified with the deity. Here his language resembles that of the Avestic hymns, describing the angels attendant upon Ahura Mazdā[60]:— 22. For there is in Wisdom a spirit quick of understanding, holy, Alone in kind, manifold, Subtil, freely moving, Clear in utterance, unpolluted, Distinct, unharmed, Loving what is good, keen, unhindered, 23. Beneficent, loving toward man, Stedfast, sure, free from care. All-powerful, all-surveying, And penetrating through all spirits That are quick of understanding, pure, most subtil: 24. For wisdom is more mobile than any motion: Yea, she pervadeth and penetrateth all things by reason of her pureness. 25. For she is a breath of the power of God, And a clear effluence of the glory of the Almighty: Therefore can nothing defiled find entrance into her. 26. For she is an effulgence from everlasting light, And an unspotted mirror of the working of God, And an image of his goodness. 27. And she, being one, hath power to do all things: And remaining in herself, reneweth all things, And from generation to generation passing into holy souls She maketh men friends of God, and prophets; 29. For she is fairer than the sun, And above all the constellations of the stars.