Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1851-11-06
The Power of Kindness.

"Tom! Herem said a father to his boy, speaking il
authority.
The lad was at play. He looked toward his father
but did not leave his companions.
do you hear me, sir7" spoke the father more stern.
ly than at first.
With an unhappy face and reluctant step, the boy left
his play and approached his parent.
"Why do you creep along at a snail's psce1" said the
latter. %angri.y. "Come quickly, I want you. When ]
speak i look TO he oheyed instantly: Here, take this
the way. Now run as fast as you can CO."
Tho hoy took the note. There was a cloud upon his
brow. He moved away. hut at a slow pace.
lyon, Tom! is that doing as ! orderedi Is that GO
Ing ~quicklyl" called tho father. when he saw the hoy
creep away. "If you are not back in half an hour, ]
will punish YOU"
But tho words had but little effect. The boys feel.
ings were hurt by the unkindness of the parent. He
experienced a sense of injustice; a consciousness that
wrong had been done him. By nature he was like his
father, proud and stubborn: and these qualities of his
mind were aroused, and he INDUCED in them fearless of
consequences.
al never saw such a boy" said the father, speaking
to a friend who had observed the occurrence. My
words scarcely made an impression on him."
"Kind words often prove most powerful, " said the
friend. Tho father looked surprised.
kind words" continued the friend. care like the
gentle rain and the refreshing dews; but harsh words
bend and break like the angry tempest. They first de-
velope and strengthen good affections, while the others
sweep over tie heart in devastition, and mar and de-
form all they touch. Try him with kind words, they
will prove II hundred fold more powerful"
W. idttef eetUcu nuit w u IcIIObis "a ~ iet MN
Thoughtful. An hour passed away ere his son returned.
AT times during his absence he was angry at the delay,
and meditated the infection OF punishment. But the
words of remonstrance were in his ears, and ho resolv-
ed to obey them. At last the lad came slowly in with
a cloudy countenanee, and reported the result of his er.
rand. Having stayed far beyond his time, he looked for
punishment, and was prepared TO receive il with an an
cry defiance. To his surprise, after delivering the mes.
sage he had brought, his father, instead Of angry re.
proof aud punishment, said kindly, Every well, my son,
yon can 60 and play again."
The boy went out, but was not happy. He had diso-
beyed and d~isobliged his father: and the thought of this
troubled HIN. Harsh words had not clouded his mind
nor aroused a spirit Of reckless anger. Instead of join
ing his companions, he went and sat down by himself,
rrievinr over his act of disobedience. As be thus sat
be heard his name called. He listened.
Thomas, my son, !" said his father, kindly. The boy
sprnng to his feet, and was almost instantly beside his
parent.
''Did you call, fatherp
al did, my son. viii you take this package to Mr..
Long for me"
There was no hesitation in the boys manner. He
looked pleased ut the thought Of doing his father a ser.
vice. and reached out his hand for the package. On re-
ceiving il, he bounded away with a light step.
"There is a power in kindness, . said the father. as he
sat mnsing. after tho lads departure. And even while
he sat musing over The incident, the boy came back with
n cheerful. happy face. and said
Scan I do anything else for You, faiherf"
passion can only subdue, oonstrain, and break but in
love and ge~ntleness there Is the power Of the sumner
RAIN the dew, and the suashiss.