Home on Leave

The sailor is home once more, away from the stormy waters of the North Sea — away from the fear of the submarine and the mine—home to tread the village street once more; a child on either side of him, and the mother waiting in the home for father come at last. He has just passed the old church he has known since he was a boy, and ‘mid the snow that lies thickly round, his heart is warm with love and joy, for he is home on leave.
Oh! the joy of these home-comings now, when tens of thousands of happy soldiers and sailors see their loved ones once again. But oh! the sadness in many hearts. How many will never come home again, and we have to sit in the shadows and think of all the loving ways of those who are lost to us on earth forever. They have gone to the heavenly home, to be for “ever with the Lord.” I have seen many a dear one go from earth to heaven.