In that case she believed the natural woman would behave herself
naturally, and say the words and do the deeds called forth by the
situation. So Martha in this solemn session was seeking strength to give
up, strength to bear and to forbear, strength to see her household laws
and customs violated, and not go on the aggressive for their sanctity.
She had a custom that devout women in all ages have naturally followed.
She sat quiet before God and spoke to Him in low, whispered words. It
was not prayer; it was rather the still confidence of one who asks help
and counsel from a Friend, able and willing to give it.
"Dear God," she said, in a voice that none but God could hear, "give me
good, plain, household understanding--let me keep in mind that there is
no foolishness like falling out--help me to hold my temper well in hand
so that I may put things right as fast as they go wrong. I am jealous
about John--it _is_ hard to give him up. Thou gavest him to me, Thou
knowest. Oh, let nothing that happens unmother me!"
In this way she sat in the dark and silence and asked and waited for the
answer.
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