Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-10-25


sion Of fear to sweep over il, as the boys
large, strangely bright eyes turned upon him.
As he advanced across the room, the fear and
shrinking changed to something like anguish
Of terror.
"Oh father" he said imploringly, don't !
don't do II now l' and he lifted one arm as
if to protect himself.
Mr.. Somers understood him The appeal
aud movement touched his feelings deeply.
"What ails you, my son2" The fathers
voice was low, plying and full Of tenderness.
Instantly the lines Of fear died out of the
boys face. His lips quiyered ed-tears came
brimming to his eyes.
My arms broke" he sobbed and then
the tears came running over his checks.
40 Richard !" calculated Mr.. Somers, as
he placed his hand softly on the boys fore.
head. How did it happen2"
" | couldn't get back in half an hour,
father without running all the way and [
fclt ugly hore"-laying his hand on his
breast" and didn't try to 90 quickly. |
went over the river because | was afraid
to come home and fell from pile Of
boards"
Have you seen doctor ?" Mr.. Somers
inquired anxously.
Yes, sir. They took me to the doctors
and he set my arm
Mr.. Somers bent over his child, with his
hand tenderly pressed on his forehead for
some moments in silence then, as his full
heart ovcr-ran in a current Of emotion, he
stopped and kissed him, murmuring My
poor boy"
Richard did not understand all his father
meant by the exclamation but he felt that
pity, forgiveness and love were in his heart
and these were more to him than his suffer.
ings, for in their warmth and consolation he
forgot his pain.
40 father :" he said, light falling on
his pale countenance -" love me and I'll be
good .'
Oh, the power of love Anger, rebuke
remonstrance, punishment-thesea are but ele.
ments Of weakness in comparison. How like
sharp thrust from the sword Of conviction
was this cry for love, sent up to Mr.. Somers
from the heart of his wayward, self-willed
stubborn, resistant aud defiant son
" Richard" 1t was month from the day
on which the arm had been broken. " Rich
ard, want you to 60 down to Mr.. Baird'
for me right quickly"
The father spoke kindly, yet in firm voice
Richard, who was reading shut his book in
stantly, and coming to his fathers side will
a cheerful " Yes, sir" stood looking at hin
awaiting his message
Take this note to Mr. Baird and bring m,
an answer
Yes, SIR And Richard took the note
and turning from his father, left his office will
light and willing footsteps
Love hath reader will than fear! !"
All, good morningl" said Mr. Somers
turning at the sound of a well known voic
and smiling pleasant welcome.
" sec you have found the better way,
remarked the neighbor.
Yes thanks to your timely uttered admo
nition," was replied. The better aud tb
easier way. A harsh word seems to max
leaden that boys feet while kind wor,
gives them the winds lightness."
" If parents would only take this to heart,
said the neighbor, "what a change would pas
over thousands and thousands of trouble
homes in our land How easy would the gov
ernment of children become! Love moves b
a sweet TRANSMISSION of Itself, electrically; bu
anger, sternness and appeal to fear, rule onl
by the law governing where force is oppose
TO force The stronger subdues the weake
and there follow perpetual reactions, rebc
lions and discord."