Her mother, with a connection
that will probably strike the reader, had been fond of the book
of Job, and Hetty had, in a great measure, learned to read by the
frequent lessons she had received from the different chapters of
this venerable and sublime poem - now believed to be the oldest
book in the world. On this occasion the poor girl was submissive
to her training, and she turned to that well known part of the
sacred volume, with the readiness with which the practised counsel
would cite his authorities from the stores of legal wisdom. In
selecting the particular chapter, she was influenced by the caption,
and she chose that which stands in our English version as "Job
excuseth his desire of death." This she read steadily, from beginning
to end, in a sweet, low and plaintive voice; hoping devoutly that
the allegorical and abstruse sentences might convey to the heart of
the sufferer the consolation he needed. It is another peculiarity
of the comprehensive wisdom of the Bible that scarce a chapter,
unless it be strictly narration, can be turned to, that does not
contain some searching truth that is applicable to the condition of
every human heart, as well as to the temporal state of its owner,
either through the workings of that heart, or even in a still more
direct form.
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