The Daily empire. (Dayton, Ohio) 1865-1867, 1865-12-08
THE DAILY EMPIRE.



tom, herel" said father 10 his boy,
speaking In tones of authority.
The lad was at play. He looked toward
his father, but did not leave his compan-
ions.
"Do you hear me, sirp" 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 snairs
pace?' said the father anRrily. "COme
quickly, want you; when speak like To
be obcyed instantly. Here, take this note
10 Mr.. Smith, and see that you don't 90 TO
sleep by the way. Now run rs fast as you
can go|
The boy took the note; there was clo,nl
upon his brow. He moved onward but at
a slow pace.
"You, Tom Is that doing rs ordered !?
Is that going quicklyY' called the father
when he saw the boy creeping away "lf
you are not back In half an hour will pun
ish YOU"
But the words had little effect Tile
boys feelings were hurt by the uukindness
of the parent; he experienced a sense of
injustice, consciousness that wrong had
beeu done 10 him. BY nature he was like
his father, proud and stubborn; and these
qualities of his mind were aroused and he
tndnlged in them, less of consequence.
Il never saw such boy" said the father
speaking to u friend, who observed the oo-
crTrcnce. "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 'are
like the gentle rain, the 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. aud
mar and detorm all they touch. Try him
with kind words, they will prove hundred
fold more powerful
The parent seemed hurt by the reprooC
but left him Thoughtful. An hour passed
away ere his boy returned. At times dur
ing his absence he was angry at the delay
hut the words of remonstrance We're in his
ears, and he resolved to obey them.
At last the lad came slowly in. with a
cloudy countenance, and reported the re-
suit of his errand. Having stayed far he
yond his time, he looked for punishment.
and was prepared to receive it with an an
CRY defiance.
TO his surprise, after delivering the mes
sage he had brought, his father, instead of
angry repr0of and punishment, said kindly,
Very well, my son, You can 20 out to play
again"
The boy went out, but was not happy.
lie had ulsoDeyed and disobliged his father,
and the thought of this troubled him.
Harsh words had not clouded his mind nor
aroused a spirit of reckless anger. Instead
of joining his companions he went and sat
down by himself grieving over his act of
disobediencc. While he thus sat he heard
his name called.
"ThOmas, my son, said his father kindly.
The boy sprlng to his feet, and was soon
beside his parent.
did you call, lather?n
81 did my son. VIII you take this pack
age To MIR. Long for mepr
There was no hesitation in the boys man
ner; he looked pleased at the Thought of
doing his father a service, and reached out
his hand for the package On receiving 1t
he bounded away with light step.
There Is power in kindness" said the
father, asRhe sat musing after the lads de-
parture. And even while he sat musine
over the Incident, the boy came back with
cheerful, happy face. and said.--
Can do anything else for you, flther?r
Yes, there Is a power in kindness. The
tempest of passion can only subdue, con
strain, and break; and in love and gentle
ness there Is power of the summer rain, the
dew, and the sunshine.