Maker, as she
could in no other friend. It were useless to go to her husband with the
oft-told trouble. He is ever fond and kind; but though she is childless,
he is not, and he cannot appreciate the extent of her grief. All that
human sympathy can do, he will do, but human sympathy cannot be perfect.
It were worse than useless to tell him of Peninnah's taunts and
reproaches. It would be wicked, and bring upon her Heaven's just wrath,
if she did aught to mar the peace of a happy family. No; there is no
earthly ear into which she can "pour out her soul." But here her tears
may flow unrestrained, and she need leave nothing unsaid.

"O Thou who hidest the sorrowing soul under the shadow of thy wings--who
art witness to the tears which must be hidden from all other eyes--who
dost listen patiently to the sighs and groans which can be breathed in
no other presence--to whom are freely told the griefs which the dearest
earthly friend cannot comprehend,--Thou who upbraidest not--who
understandest and dost appreciate perfectly the woes under which the
stricken soul sways like a reed in the tempest, and whose infinite love
and sympathy reaches to the deepest recesses of the heart--unto whom
none ever appealed in vain--God of all grace and consolation, blessed
are they who put their trust in thee."

Long and earnest is Hannah's communion with her God; and as she pleads
her cause with humility, and penitence, and love, she feels her burdened
heart grow lighter. Hope springs up where was only despair, and a new
life spreads itself before her; even the hard thoughts which she had
harbored towards Peninnah had melted as she knelt in that holy presence.
The love of the Eternal has bathed her spirit in its blessed flood, and
grief, and selfishness, and envy have alike been washed away.
Strengthened with might by the spirit of the Lord, she puts forth a
vigorous faith; and taking hold on the covenant faithfulness of Jehovah,
she makes a solemn vow. The turmoil within is hushed. She rises and goes
forth like one who is prepared for any trial--who is endued with
strength by a mighty though unseen power, and sustained by a love which
has none of the imperfect and unsatisfying elements that must always
mingle with the purest earthly affection. Meek, confiding, and gentle as
ever, she is yet not the same. She meets reproach even from the High
Priest himself with calmness. She returns to her husband and his family
no longer shrinking and bowed