There was no need for her to work. Elkanah, her husband, was far from
poor. He belonged to a distinguished family; for the Bible tells us
that he was the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the
son of Zuph. "Who were they?" you say. I do not know; but they were
distinguished people, no doubt, or their names would not have been
mentioned.
Hannah might have seated herself with her family, and, with folded
arms and dishevelled hair, read novels from year to year, if there had
been any to read; but when I see her making that garment, and taking
it over to Samuel, I know she is industrious from principle as well as
from pleasure. God would not have a mother become a drudge or a slave;
He would have her employ all the helps possible in this day in the
rearing of her children. But Hannah ought never to be ashamed to be
found making a coat for Samuel.
Most mothers need no counsel in this direction. The wrinkles on their
brow, the pallor on their cheek, the thimble-mark on their finger,
attest that they are faithful in their maternal duties. The bloom, and
the brightness, and the vivacity of girlhood have given place for the
grander dignity, and usefulness, and industry of motherhood. But there
is