"About three thousand years ago, the family of Elkanah dwelt on the
hill of Zophim, in Palestine. He was a just man, and one that feared
God. According to the custom of those days, he had two wives,
Peninnah and Hannah. Let us turn our thoughts to Hannah, for every
memory of her is pleasant. She had no son, on whom she could look as
a staff of joy for her old age. Yet Hannah had a worthy portion in
the love of Elkanah, which flowed unceasingly like a crystal stream.
Why was she thus loved? We believe because of the lovely spirit
which she had received from that gentleness of the eternal Son which
maketh great; and, like him, her voice was not heard in the streets.
Instead of the contentious temper of the women of this age, we find
in her a meek and quiet spirit; instead of pride, humility; and
instead of anger, patience; she was kind, pleasant, and abounding in
other graces. Shall not such a woman be praised?
"Now Elkanah took his family to Shiloh, to worship and feast before
the Lord. But the envious Peninnah so grieved Hannah that she could
neither eat nor drink. Soon, however, she heard the sweet tones of
her husband's voice.
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