48 
But a higher and more honourable distinction belongs 
to the tribe in the frequent allusions made to it in Holy 
Writ: the fir, along with the cedar, was used for the 
planks and beams in the erection of the glorious temple 
of Solomon. And in many passages it is also associated 
with that noble tree, in conveying images of prosperity 
and sublimity. 
From the sonorous quality of its wood, it is chosen 
almost before any other for musical instruments. Even 
in very early ages its adaptation to such uses was re¬ 
cognised ; for we read, when David brought up the ark 
from the house of Abinadab, be “ and all the house 
of Israel played before the Lord on all manner ol 
instruments made of fir wood; even on harps, and on 
psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on 
cymbals.” It is still used in our days for similar 
purposes; and, in a fanciful view, there is a strange but 
beautiful anomaly in this braver of the tempest, 
administering to the devotional and tender emotions of 
the heart. 
Thy throne a rock! thy canopy the skies ! 
And, circled in the mountains’ dark embrace, 
’ Mid what stem pomp thy towering branches rise! 
How wild, how lonely is thy dwelling place ! 
