Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1850-1854, 1852-05-21
THE POWER OF KINDNESS.

Tom! herer said father to his boy, speak
ing in authority. The lad was at play. lie
looked toward his father, and did not leave his
companions.
DO you hear, my son p spoke the father more
sternly than before.
With an unhappy face and reluctant step, the
boy lett his play and approached his parent.
why do you creep along at q snaii's pace ?
said the latter, angrily. Come quickly, when
want YOU. When | speak, | look to be obeyed
Instantly. Here, take this note 10 Mr.. Smith,
and see that you don't go 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 that doing as I ordered Is
saw the boy creep away. If you are not back
in half an hour, | will punish you.
But the words had little effect The boy
feelings were hu., by the unkindness of the pa
rent He experienced a sense of injustice--a
consciousness that wrong had been done him
BY nature he was like his father, proud and stub
born: and these qualities of his mind were arOus-
ed and he INDUCED in them fearless of conse-
quences.
Il never saw such boy, said the father, spea-
king to a friend who had observed the occur
renee. My words scarcely made an impression
on him.
Kind words often prove most powerful, said
the friend.
The father looked surprised.
kind words continued the friend, 'arc like
the gentle rain and the refreshing deWs; but
harsh words bend and break like the angry tenn
pest The first develop and strengthen good al
tections, while the other sweeps over the heart
in devastation, and mar and deform all they touch
Try him with kind words; they Will prove a
hundred fold more powerful
The latter seemed hurt by the reproof, but 1t
left him thoughtful. An hour passed away ere
his son returned. At times during his absence
he was angry at the delay, and meditated the in
Fiction of punishment. But the words OF re-
monstrance were in his ears, and he resolved TO
obey them.
At last the lad came slowly in with cloudy
countenance, and reported the result OF his err
rand Having stayed far beyond his time, he
looked for punishment, and was prepared to re-
ccvc it with angry defiance. TO his surprise,
after delivering the message he had brought, his
father, instead of angry reproof and punishment,
said kindly, Very we'll, my son, you can 90 and
play again
The boy went out, but was not happy. He
had disobeyed and disobliged his father, and the
thought Of this troubled him. Harsh words had
not couded his mind nor aroused spirit OF reck-
less anger. Instead of joining his companions,
he went and sat down by himself, grievng over
his act of disobodience. As he thus sat, he heard
his name called. lie listened.
Thomas, my son. said the father, kindly
The boy sprang to lis feet, and was almost IN
stanty beside his parent.
Did you call, father?
q did, my son. VIII you take this package to
Mr.. Long for me?
There was no hesitation in the boys manner.
HelooAed pleased at the thought of doing his
ftlo4 e. service I'D reached ont his hand for the
package. On receiving II, ne bounded away
with light step.
There's a power in kindness, said the father,
as he sat musing after the lads departure. And
even while he sat musing over the incident, the
boy came back with cheerful, happy face, and
said, Can do anything else for you, father?
Yes, there is power in kindness. The tenn
pest of passion csn only subdue, constran' and
break. But in love and gentleness there is the
power of the summer rain, the dew, and the sun
shine.