p190_Dairy of Martha Call

190
Sunday, Jan 23
This morning we were exceedingly pleased to see
Mr Little once more in the pulpit. He has been
suffering for a number of weeks with a slow fever,
and looks quite feeble now, but he gave us a most
excellent sermon from the text "He that has ears
to hear, let him hear." He spoke first of the
adaptation of means to ends. This is of two kinds
first a natural adaptation, as the lungs are
adapted to recieve and throw out the air, which is
done involuntarily, and without any action of the
will. secondly a moral adaptation, when it is by
the will that the adaptation is made.

The command of the text does not apply merely to
hearing with the outward ear, there is no need of
a command for this. Man is so constituted that
whatever sound strikes upon the tympanum of the
ear, must be heard. It refers to something more, to
hearing with attention – Then he spoke of the ways
in which God speaks to us, and which he that
hath ears to hear, is exalted to hear. First in
the Bible this is the most direct revelation of
God's will. To us is accorded the priveledge of reading
and studying it with none to molest us, or make us
afraid. Niether Pope nor Pagan can prevent our having
it every one in his own language, and we glory in it.
Not one but would defend the priveledge with his life.