7:12
But let us first unite in a prayer of thanksgiving to our God for all His mercies , especially this -- that our dear boys are restored to us unharmed . '' They knelt , and led by him , all hearts united in a fervent outpouring of gratitude and praise to the Giver of all good . `` Hitherto hath the Lord helped us . '' -- 1 SAMUEL 7:12 . It was a lovely Sabbath afternoon , still and bright ; Elsie sat alone on the veranda , enjoying the beauty of the sea and the delicious breeze coming from it . She had been reading , and the book lay in her lap , one hand resting upon the open page ; but she was deep in meditation , her eyes following the restless movements of the waves that , with the rising tide , dashed higher and higher upon the beach below . For the last half hour she had been the solitary tenant of the veranda , while the others enjoyed their siesta or a lounge upon the beach .