exposition of the Arts tends to excite the spirit of covetousness, and the homage of their hearts is divided between the worship of Mammon and the adoration of Genius. But opposed to all these views and objects, stands that system of divine religion revealed in the Bible-a system embracing man in every aspect, and in every relation. It exhibits the relation of every creature to God, and claims the recognition of the attributes of Deity, as these are manifested in the material, mental, and moral spheres of existence. Impressed with this fact, the writer has sought in vain for any thing approaching to a general acknowledgment of God in the works of Art, even among those professing belief in Divine Revelation. Occasional hints are found escaping from the pen of distinguished writers, but these usually pass unheeded by the mass of readers; and the references seem so incidental, that the mind is constrained to feel, that the subject was not esteemed of much importance by the author. Recognising the supremacy of God in every department of His works, and believing that dishonour has been done to His name by the non-recognition of His attributes, in the artificial phenomena of the world, the author of the following Treatise has felt constrained, by a solemn sense of duty, to submit to the public the views and feelings which, to his own soul, have invested mechanical inventions with a halo of light-even with the beams of reflected Divinity. The elementary thoughts hereafter illustrated were suggested within the luminous walls of the CRYSTAL PALACE. Every object seemed to re-echo the announcement of the ancient prophet "This also cometh from the LORD of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working." Every hour devoted to reflection upon this subject has convinced the author more deeply of its vast importance and lasting interest. Nothing has diminished the mental pleasure first realized, save a growing consciousness of inability to grasp the magnitude of the theme. The sources of illustration are wide as the world, and embrace every period of human history. Many imperfections will doubtless appear to the mere critic, but it is comparatively of little moment what opinion literary circles may form of these feeble efforts to awaken a new train of thought, provided that general readers may be led to recognize the manifestations of Deity in artificial phenomena, and consequently, respond to the angelic anthem,“ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.' KIRKINTILLOCH, November, 1855. CONTENTS. THE INTRODUCTION OF MECHANICAL INVENTIONS A PROOF THAT THEY ARE EMANATIONS OF THE WISDOM, POWER, AND Elements of Machinery-Mechanical Powers and Forces- The Inventor-Objection Answered-The Arts in Relation THE GRADUAL DEVELOPMENT OF MECHANICAL INVENTIONS AN EVIDENCE THAT THEY ARE COMMUNICATED IN ACCORD- ANCE WITH THE PURPOSES OF GOD. The Mariner's Compass-The Art of Printing-The Steam Engine The Spinning Mill-The Power Loom-The Railway and Electric Telegraph-Objection-Commerce and Railways-Relation of Capital to Railway Develop- The Providence of God in Relation to Mechanical Inventions -The Bible Record of their Rise and Progress-Garden- ing-Clothing-Tilling - Building Tent-Making- Musical Instruments-Founding-Special Monuments- Inspiration of Genius-Legislation and Government-War -Mechanical-Scientific-Exposition of the Arts in Con- SCRIPTURE RECORD OF INSPIRED GENIUS DEVOTED TO THE ORDINARY PURPOSES OF SOCIAL LIFE. Inspired Wisdom Evolved in Agriculture-In Architecture -In Works of Taste and Ornament-In Ship-Building- THE THEOLOGY OF INVENTIONS. INTRODUCTION. THEOLOGY is that science which treats of the being and attributes of God,-his relations to us, the dispensations of his providence, his will with respect to our actions, and his purposes with regard to our end. One branch of this comprehensive science is termed Natural Theology, or that science which treats of the being, attributes, and will of God, as evincible from the various phenomena of created objects. The first revelation of God to intelligent beings was contained in the book of nature, at the opening of which "the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy." This comprehensive volume embraces the universe, and reveals to man, in physical development, the eternal decrees of the all-wise Creator. It is, in fact, the elder manuscript of infinite wisdom, replete in every page with internal and external evidence of its Divine Author. "The heavens declare |