Dear "Journal"—As I was returning to Boston on a Western train, recently, my attention was arrested by a family party near me, composed of a young father and mother, and a little child, a year or more old.
I watched and studied the group for some time, held in spite of myself by an indefinable something which shone in their faces. It was not personal beauty, for it was better. It was radiant, beaming happiness; and I tried to believe that they were simply a very happy family, and that was all. But soon I heard them talking, and even their words were tuned in the same key of joy. When the little child had made some plucks at my sleeve, I was glad to turn, and say: "Will you tell me, madam, what it is that I see in your looks? I think you have the happiest face, I ever saw." "Why!" she said, "If you loved God, and God loved you, and had done as much for you as He has for me, your face would shine too, I think." Then I found that she belonged to what is called the Salvation Army, and this was her story:—
Two years ago they were living in sin,— the husband a drinker, and she not much better. A member of this Army went to see them, prevailed upon them to listen to the words which he had to say of the love of God for his children. Their hearts were touched. They repented of their past life, joined the Army, left their native place, and have been traveling ever since all over the country, never knowing where the night is to be passed, or the next meal taken, but leaving all care to the Father. "I have not seen so great faith, no, not in Israel." Then I began to interest the woman in C. S., and as I told her of the power of God to heal from sickness, as well as sin, the happy tears rolled down her face, and she said: "Oh let me tell you something now which I have not told to many. A year ago a large bunch gathered on my husband's neck. He wanted to go to a doctor; but I said, 'Wait, George, let us just take it to God, and leave it with Him;' and in twenty-four hours it was entirely gone; and I know God did it. Oh!" said she, "I am so glad to know that others know that God will keep them from sickness, if they will only let Him."
