18 FEBRUARY 1899, Page 16

FACES.

[To THE EDITOR 01 THI "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—In your interesting article on the above subject in the Spectator of February 4th you remark on the power of the mind or soul to mould the body, as is seen in the countenances of the thinker and saint. It may not perhaps be without interest to mention bow very useful I find this fact to be in my daily duties as a hospital chaplain. By continually scanning the faces of a never ceasing stream of new patients, one learns to make a very fairly accurate diagnosis of the religions state of mind within by merely looking at a person's face, and before any word is uttered ; it becomes, indeed, oomparatively easy to distinguish between the opponent, the indifferent, and the earnest without any questioning whatever. It may seem exaggerated, but I believe it to be true that it can very generally be seen from the face to what form of religion a man belongs. And what seems to be more remarkable is the effect that a man's work has through the mind on his face. The being accustomed to rule others seems to leave a distinct trace on the face, as does also the being ruled by others. Many trades can be distinguished by the face, and there seems to be a par- ticularly marked difference on the face between the coarser and more refined trades. I do not in the least wish to pose as an adept on this subject; very far from it. Nor do I profess to see more than my neighbours. But having for some time thought that there is a great deal yet to be dis- covered on this line of thought, and as my experiences seem to bear out what is put forward in your article, I have thought it might possibly be interesting to mention them.—I am, Sir,