CONCERNING EARS by Elliott C. Chapman

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jun 25, 1894

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 20, No. 33.

CONCERNING EARS.

By Elliott C. Chapman

BY ELLIOTT C. CHAPMAN.

IN forming man the Lord in his goodness gave to his creatures these delicate and useful members, which he not only adjusted so as to be ornamental, but exceedingly practical as mediums of sound. Whether our all-wise Creator had in mind how convenient they would be for supporting spectacles, pencils, and various inventions of man, we will not venture to say, but certain it is that these little projections are made to serve in a diversity of ways. From the commonly considered genteel custom of bearing about in the name of earrings beautiful products of pride and extravagance in the so-called civilized countries of the world, they are made the recipients of hideous ornaments in some of the heathen lands. Some of these South Sea islanders are accustomed to make what they consider a very neat improvement on this little member by making a hole, which is gradually enlarged, until in some cases their entire wardrobe may be thrust through their ear. The stranger, upon visiting these parts, is usually much impressed with the custom of the young ladies in wearing flowers over their ears. These flowers are usually white, and stand out in bright contrast against the dark face of the islander.

As the ear is an opening through which Satan often assails the soul, the Lord has given some good instruction concerning the care of the ears. Sometimes they should be stopped, as shown by Isa. 33:14, 15, for the one "that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood" is of the sort which "shall dwell with the devouring fire." Again, they should be open to receive "the words of knowledge," and carefully garner the words of truth. Prov. 23:12; 2 Tim. 4:3, 4.

As to outward adorning, the word of God is not silent (1 Peter 3:3; 1 Tim. 2:9, 10); and he who reads these texts in the fear of God can readily see that the part which God would have us beautify is "the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."

Man often wearies of hearing, but there is One whose ears are never tired at the cry of his children. As it was when the prophets of old lifted their voices to God in earnest supplication, so we still have the assurance that "the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers." 1 Peter 3:12.

Papeete, Tahiti, March 25, 1894.