“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 down:  “she eats, and her countenance is no more sad.”

Another morning dawns.  Hannah, has obtained her husband’s sanction to the vow which she made in her anguish.  Elkanah and his household rise early and worship before the Lord, and return to their house in Ramah.

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A year passes, another and another, but Hannah is not found among the multitude going up to Shiloh.  Has she, the pious and devoted one, become indifferent to the service of Jehovah, or have the reproaches and taunts of Peninnah become too intolerable in the presence of her neighbors, so that she remains at home for peace?  No.  Reproach will harm her no longer.  As the company departs, she stands with smiling countenance looking upon their preparations, and in her arms a fair son; and her parting words to her husband are—­“I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the Lord, and there abide forever.”

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