Pomeroy weekly telegraph. [volume] (Pomeroy, Meigs County, Ohio) 1860-1866, 1865-12-07
Power of Kindness.

"1'om, here |" said father to his boy, speak
ing in tones of authority "-
The lad was at play He looked towards
his father, but did not leave his companions,
"Do you hear me, sir?' spoke the father,
more sternly than at first.
With an unhappy face and relunctant step,
the boy left his play and approached his
parent
why doyou creep along at snaiFs pace7
said the father angrily. Come quickly, |
want you; when speak / like to be obeyed
instantly. Here, take this note to Mr. Smith,
and see that you don't 60 to sleep by the way.
Now run as fast as you can go"
| The boy took the note; there was Q cloud
upon his brow. He moved onward but at a
slow pace.
"You, Tom! is that doing as l ordered p
Is that going quickly p called the father,
when he saw the boy creeping away. "lf
you are not back in half an hour will punish
YOU"
But the words had little effect The boy IS
feelings were hurt by the unkindness OF the
parent; he experienced sense of injustice,
consciousness that wrong had been done to
him. By nature he was like his father, proud
and stubborn and these qualities of his mind
were aroused, and he INDUCED in them, less
of consequence .--
II never saw such boy said the father,
speaking to friend who observed the occur
renee. my words scarcely made an i'm
preston on him.
"Kind words often prove most powerful"
said the friend .ls.0...
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 devel6p and strengthen
good affections, while the others sweep over
the heart in devastation and mar and deiorm
all they touch. Try him with kind words,
they will prove hundred-toid more power
full" a.. .r ..t
The parent seemed hurt by the reproof, but
it left him thoughtful An hour passed away
ere his boy returned. At times during his
absence he was angry at the delay but the
words of remonstrancc were in his ears, and
he resolved to obey them. .r-
At last the lad came slowly in with cloudy
countenance, and reported the result of his
errand. Having stayed far beyond his time
he looked for punishment, and was prepared
to receive it with an angry defiance.
To his surprise, after delivering the mes
sage he had brought, his father, instead of
angry reproot and punishment, said kindly
VERY we'll, my son, you can go out to play
again"
The boy went out but was not happy. He
had disobeyed and dsobliged his father, and
the thought of this troubled,him. Harsh words
had not clouded bis mind nor aroused spirit
of reckless anger. Instead of joining his
companions, he went and sat down by him
SELF grievng over his act of dlsobedience.--
While he thus sat he heard his name called
"Thomas, my son. said his father kindly
The boy sprang to his feet, and was soon
beside his. parent. 4r
"Did you call, fatherg'
II did, my son. Will you take this pick
age to Mr.. Long for me 2"
There was no hesitation in the boy S man
ner; he looked pleased at the thought of do
ing his father a service, and reached out his
hand for the package. On receiving it he
bounded away with a light step.
"There is power in kindness" said the
father, as he sat musing after the lads de-
parture. And even while he sat musing over
the incident, the boy came back with cheer
ful, happy face, and said,-
"Can 1 do anything else for you, father =
Yes, there is a power of kindness The
tempest of passion can only subdue, constrain,
and break; but in love and gentleness there
is power of the summer rain, the dew, and
the sunshine ~.