The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-05-12
THE POWER OF KINDNESS.
BY Ii <.

"Tom! IIere!" said a father to his boy,
speaking in tones of authority. .as
The lad was at play. He looked TO-
wards his father, but did not leave his
companions. n ag'.
"Do you hear, sir!" spoke the father,
more sternly 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
pacel" said the latter, angrlly. Come
quickly! | want you. When ! speak l
look to be obeyed instantly. Here. take
this note to Mr.. Smith, and see that you
don, 60 to sleep by the way. Now run
as fast as you can go."
The boy took the note. There was
cloud upon his brow. He moved away
but at slow pace. -
"You, Tom! Is tha, doing as ordered! !
Is that going quckly9' called the father,
when he saw the boy creeping away. "ii
YOU are not back in half all hour, | will
punish you"
But words had little effect. The boys
feelings were hurt by the unkindness Of
the parent. He experienced sense OF
injustice consciousness that wrong had
been done him. By nature he was like
his father, proud and stubborn; and these
qualities ofhis mind were aroused. and he
indulgedin them, fearless Of consequences.
I'll never saw such boy" said the IA
ther, speaking TO friend who had observ-
ed the occurrence, "My words scarcely
make an impression on him" .,-...
"Kind words are often most powerful"
said the friend. ..l....
The father looked surprised.
| "Kind Words" continued the friend.
)"are like tho gentle rain and refreshing
dews; but harsh words bend and break
like the angry tempest. The first develop
and strengthen good affections, while the
others sweep over the heart in devastation
and mar and delorm all they touch. Try
him with kind words; they will prove an
hundred fold more powerful"
The father seemed hurt by this reproof;
but it left him thoughtful. An hour passed
ere his boy 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 he resolved to obey them. At
last the lad came slowly in. with cloudy
countenance, and reported the result ofhis
errand. Having stayed far beyond his
time. he looked Tor punishment, and was
prepared to receive it in spirit OF angry
defiance TO his surprise. after delivering
the message he had brought, his father, in
stead of an angry reprool and punishment
said kindly, Very well, my son; you car
20 to your play again
!, The boy wen, out. but was not happy
He had disobeyed and disobliged his ia
9 thcr. and the thought of this troubled him
: Harsh words had not cloiled his mind
u nor aroused spirit of reckless anger
9 Instead OF joining his companions; he wen
n and sat down Iy himself, grieving over hi
: acts OF disobedience. As he sat thus III
9 heard his name called. He listened!
" Thomas. my son." said his father
kindly. The boy sprang TO his feet, an
was almost instantly beside his parent
e "Did you call, faiher2" !.
III did, my son. Will you take thl
,r package to Mr.. Long for met"
"A There was no hesitation in the boy
>, manner. Ielookej pleased at the though
d of doing his father service, and reache
II out his hand for the package. On recei'
y ing it he bounded away with a light ste!
,ee .There is power in Kindness sal
ia the father. as he sat musing. after the lad
re- departure. Aud even while he sat musin
d over tho incident, the boy came bacl
,e and with cheerful, happy face, said;
re Can | do anything else for you, Il
te ,herl"
II. Yes, there is power in kindness
a. The tempest OF passion can only subdu
It. constrain, and break; but in love and gel
IN ileness there is the power Of the SUNNI
.~:. ~ 1o,., tLo s,,pcbiu0 llt.