74 ".SPEAK, LORD, THY SERVE ANT IHEARE Il."

feast, Iannah could not go. Can you think why? Her
prayer had been answered and instead of going to the tab-
ernacle to worship she sang sweet songs to the baby in
her arms, and her face looked down into his clear eyes,
her own bright and glad in her new mother-love. She
stayed at home several years, until little Samuel could do
without his mother's hand to wash and dress him, and he
could help i-eli in some of his work. Then she took him
to the Holy Place to keep the vow she had made to God
if he would only hear her prayer. She had told him all
about God, and that he was to stay there; but I 'm sure
there were tears in their eyes when they said Good-by.
Samuel stayed with Eli. His little feet could step quick-
ly and wait on the aged priest ; he could help with the light-
ing of the lamps for service, for opening the doors-which
were heavy curtains, and in many ways.
 One night while little Samuel was asleep a voice
called his name. He ran to Eli; but Eli said, I called
not; lie down again." Again he heard his name; he
went to Eli and said, Here am I, for thou didst call me."
He said, I called not, my son; lie down again." The
third time he was called, Eli knew that the Lord was
speaking to the boy who had been asked of Him and
given back to Him, and he told him if he was called again
to say, Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth."
 Then the boy lay very still, and when he heard his
name he answered as Eli said. Then God talked with the