CHAPTER 5

The Framework of the Body-the Skeleton

(Continued from p.481 of Vol. 44.)

All these cranial bones, fitting closely together, remind us thus of the essential individuality of man. The frontal bone is perhaps the most prominent of all, rising unclothed by the hair, like a majestic mountain, guarding the portals of the soul. Across it is written, in some great measure, the character of the man. Here is placed the brand of shame, caused by sin; and here, blessed be God, will be written His name,

"When Thy new name's imprinted
On every sinless brow."

These are the most prominent of the cranial bones, knit together, as we have said, by the sutures which are well-nigh, if not quite, as rigid as the bones themselves. In infancy however these are far from this rigidity, and especially at the points of junction, form the fontanelles, where we count the pulsations in a babe. Thus we can read, in a sense, what goes on in the mind of the child, and can mold and influence it more readily than when it grows older. But even here there is a limit beyond which we must not go.

It is hardly in place here to do more than refer to the marvels of cranial surgery, which however do not contradict what has been said of man's individuality. A knowledge of the structure of the cranium and of the brain enables the skillful operator to relieve pressure, make examination, and remove growths; but all is done with the knowledge of the inviolability of which we have spoken.* *For a most engaging study of the brain, the reader is referred to the work of Dr. W. Hanna Thomson, "Brain and Personality," written by a Christian, and from a Christian standpoint.*

As we have said, the lower part of the frontal bone forms part of the eye-sockets, and of the nasal cavity. The ethmoid also forms parts of these, and closes the anterior part of the cranium. It is intimately connected with the structure of the nose, and through it pass the nerves of smell. The sphenoid bone behind the ethmoid also has a part in this structure, and binds the other cranial bones together. Both the ethmoid and sphenoid bones are extremely intricate in form, and quite light, especially the former. They have, along with the frontal and temporal bones, a number of cavities called sinuses. Those of the last, or mastoid sinuses, communicate with the cavity of the middle ear. Those of the three former communicate with the nasal cavity. Their linings may become inflamed, and painful infections result. Their condition doubtless depends much upon the general vigor and tone of health.

Of the spiritual meaning of this we can speak only in a general way. A more detailed study would carry us far beyond the limits of our present work. It must suffice to say that these inner parts are essential to the completion of the cranial cavity. They are also intimately joined with the nasal and other outer portions. There are parts of our spiritual being which have this twofold inner and outward connection. Some portions of the word of God are used in this twofold way, and enter intimately both into the structure of the inner man, and his outer relationships. Take for instance, "For we are His workmanship (πoίημα, a poem), created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God hath before prepared (lit.) that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2:10). Here the new creation in Christ is identified also with its outer expression. The eye, the senses of smell and of hearing by which we discern the character of outer things, in their framework are part of the new creation, of the inner man. The rule of the new creation is for the walk (Gal. 6:15, 16). See too the fruits of the new creation life outlined in Eph. 4:17 – 5:20. There are no hard and fast lines in the word of God where there is no connection between the inner and outward life. John's epistles partake largely of this ethmoidal and sphenoidal character. What care is needed to maintain spiritual health and prosperity, to avoid the dangers of mastoiditis, and other sinus affections (see 3 John).

Of the 14 bones of the face we will speak even more briefly. As has been said, they form the strong framework upon which the muscles of the face are molded to form the various features of the countenance. Six of these bones are in pairs – the nasal, forming the bridge of the nose; the inferior turbinated, the partition between the inside nostrils; the lacrymal, between the inside walls of the orbits; the malar, between the cheek-bones; the palate, between the back of hard palate and front of the posterior nasal passages; the maxillar, or upper jaw, forming part of the floor of the orbit, the floor and outer wall of the nasal cavity, and the greater part of the roof of the mouth. In addition to these six pairs we have the vomer, the partition between the nostrils, and the mandible, or lower jaw, the largest and strongest bone of the face. Perhaps the necessity for these various bones would be best understood by thinking of their elimination. Were the mandible removed, there could be no mastication or articulation – speech and nourishment would be almost completely prevented. The maxillar are equally necessary, and both are holders for the teeth. What disorganization, and worse, would result in the nasal structure if a single one of the bones were taken away.

So in the spiritual framework of our being, if those portions of divine truth were eliminated which enable us to detect evil, to enjoy good, to taste our spiritual food and prepare it for assimilation-what losers we would be. And how that spiritual beauty which is growing up unto a perfect man would be marred if its features were not braced and supported by the basis of divine truth, perfectly adapted to the "effectual working in the measure of every part." Let us dwell upon every feature, every organ of the face, and see how perfectly all is arranged. It is fitting that there should be just 14, 7×2 of these bones-completeness perfectly witnessed to. Truly both upon our material structure as well as the spiritual, our God has set the seal of completeness.

And when, with reverent and adoring hearts, we seek to apply these varied truths to Him who is the head, how this twofold stamp of the new creation, of which He is head, and of absolute perfection, is seen upon every feature. Here we see His absolutely inviolable individuality and aloofness of spirit, coupled with the most perfect expression of every thought and affection of His holy heart. How quick to detect evil, how rejoiced to perceive faith! How He fed upon the Word, did all according to that Word! Beneath all the gentleness and tenderness of His holy demeanor how immovable was the obedience to the will of the Father.

"We wonder at Thy lowly mind,
And fain would like Thee be;
And all our rest and pleasure find,
In learning, Lord, of Thee."

And while this is readily seen in our Lord's personality, we can also rejoice to recognize the perfection of His union with His church. Not a feature in Him, but is used for His saints-

"All that Thou hast, Thou hast for me."

Here we see the control over all the functions and activities of the body. Not a movement of the remotest member but is directed by the Head, not a process of digestion, respiration and elimination but finds its strength and motive power in the Head. The bony framework of the skull suggests all this, which in other connections will come before us later, as the Lord enables.

Little need be said of the Hyoid bone, which is the support of the tongue and gives an attachment to a number of muscles by which it is moved. Spiritual taste and speech thus rest upon the indwelling Word. Every word of our blessed Lord was thus according to the written Word, and based upon it. S. R.

(To be continued, D. V.)