wanted me. Accordingly she returned with me to grandmother's room, and led my cousin into an adjoining apartment. The door was ajar, and I listened with bated breath. Mother told Mehitable all about this mysterious voice, and asked if she really did hear Mary's name pronounced in audible tones. My cousin answered quickly, and emphasized her affirmation.
That night, before going to rest, my mother read to me the Scriptural narrative of little Samuel, and bade me, when the voice called again, to reply as he did, “Speak, Lord; for Thy servant heareth.” The voice came; but I was afraid, and did not answer. Afterward I wept, and prayed that God would forgive me, resolving to do, next time, as my mother had bidden me. When the call came again I did answer, in the words of Samuel, but never again to the material senses was that mysterious call repeated.
| Is it not much that I may worship Him, |
| With naught my spirit's breathings to control, |
| And feel His presence in the vast and dim |
| And whispering woods, where dying thunders roll |
| From the far cataracts? Shall I not rejoice |
| That I have learned at last to know His voice |
| From man's? — I will rejoice ! My soaring soul |
| Now hath redeemed her birthright of the day, |
| And won, through clouds, to Him, her own unfettered way! |
| — Mrs. Hemans. |
