PHYSIOLOGY OF THE TONGUE.
By H. F. Phelps
It may appear to be no place in a paper like this to talk of physiology; but when we remember that physiology is only a term applied to uses of an organ, it may be excusable, especially as the tongue is often put to some uses that are not right in the sight of God. The tongue is a wonderful member. It is worthy of some thought. Its uses are many. One very important use is that of rolling our food in the mouth while the teeth are doing their work. This is a good work surely, and it should be done well. But what shall we say of those who put it to the unhealthy use of rolling tobacco as a sweet morsel? Another very important office that it was made to fill, is that of praising God, and asking him for what we need. But how often do we find it used in cursing God, and complaining of his providences. Again, it was made to speak kind, comforting words to our companions, who are the sharers of our trials and sorrows. But how often is it made to be the instrument of speaking harsh, cutting words—words that burn like coals of fire, and cut to the very heart. Once more. It was made to communicate words of instruction to those children whom God has given us, that they may form characters for eternity. But do we always do it? No, indeed we do not!—a great shame upon us, who are looking for Him who was dead, and is alive. And yet again. It was made to confess our faults to God, and to one another. But how often do we find it put to the use of confessing the faults of others, not before God, but before those who should not hear them. If we see faults in another (and who does not?) the tongue is to be the very instrument by which we are to humbly tell him of his fault, between us and him alone. We so read in the words of the great Teacher, and by this means we may be the humble instrument of restoring the erring. Let us return to the simplicity of our first works. “He who steals my purse, steals trash, but he who filches from me my good name, robs me of that which will not enrich him, and makes me poor indeed.”