Many Inventions

The result of the "Preacher's" research is solemnly stated in Eccl. 7, "Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions." This wise saying, however, is no longer supposed to be a challenge, or a reflection upon the world's progress, but in independence of God is accepted as a compliment to human genius, and as an encouragement to modern perseverance. On this very account man must be a witness against himself, since this ingenuity can only be displayed by inventions to improve his own state. "They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him... that he should still live forever, and not see corruption." Psa. 49:6-9.