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.
* * * * *
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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