National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1871-08-18

| was III SUCH hlli Noi'', anu WV"
such n pleasant smile, that Richard felt
that he could go through fire and water, as
the saying Is, To oblirc him.
"Cert ,inly, sin" he replied, in the most
compliant manner. reaching out his hand
for the letter. "I'll do it with the great
est pleasure"
"As well be killed for sheep az a
lamb" said the boy. a. he took his way TO
the post-oiIicc. "'The half hours up and
the noggng earned lie can only take the
other inch OF my life at the worst, and
then there'll be an end of it,"
And he tried TO whistle up state OF
complete Indifference: but the notes be
sent out upon the listening air were not
light and thought-iree, as the robins war
hlc, nor sweet and tender as the little yell
low birds song. The boys mind was not
at case.
After depositing the letter, Edward
snnntered away in list.ess, indetermlnate
manner. Going home was not in his mind
There was an angry father there; and
punishment awaited his return. He did
not feel in the least inclined to meet the
nogging within an inch of his life at an
earlier moment that was absolutely ncces
Sary. A SIGHT OF the river which ran
short distance from the town, gave direc-
tion to his wavcring thought; and off he
started for the pleasant stream on whose
bosom he loved to glide bending to the
light sprineing oar.
"You don't expect to see him in half an
hour. Of course" said a gentleman, who
had been witness to the contest between
the boy aud his father, and who had not
failed to notice the excited and haffed
tate of Mr. Somerss mind. Age, charac-
ter. on relation gave him warrant for this
free speech. 1t was not received as an
intrusion. but in some Difference of manner,
" He knows the penalty" Mr. Somers
knit his brows severely. Cruel purposes
drew his lip, firmly together.
(which YOU mean to ntiict %
AS surely as there is strength in this
right arm - And he stretched out the
vigorous member.
Even TO within an inch OF the boys
life ;" A pair of calm eyes locked into the
face Of the angry father; a mild, rebuking
voice was in bis ears.
- will bend or break him, sir. That is
my duty. What hope is there for will
FULLY disobedient child"
Small hope, fer" said the other.
Then is not my duty plain ~
"Therc is no question as to your duty,
in the abstract being pain-the duty ot
securing submission from your child-but
it is barely possible that you are not using
the right means. Mrs. Hewitt has ex-
pressed beautifully. in single line, truth
that may help you to see some better way
to reach the case. Do you remember it ~
Mr.. Somers shook his head.
'For love hath reader will than fear"
"Lovc" There was spirit of rejection
in the voice of Mr.. Somers.
"Wo need not be unklnd, austere,
For love hath reader will than fear"
The neiehbor repeated the coupiet in 2
low. emphatic voice, his tones lingering on
the words that needed expression, so as
to bring on the full meaning they had
power to convey. The eyes of Mr.. Somers
iell away from his face. lie showed
slight uneasineSs of manner. His stern
countcnance relaxed something of its stern
ness.
"a homelier, but more strongly express
ed form of the same sentiment, is given in
the old proverb, made when language went
to its meaning by the shortest way
Honey catches more flies than vinegar
Now, friend Snmers, having tried the vine
car for a good while, and with most dis
couraging results, let me suggest your
resort to honey. In other words, change
vour whole mode OF discipline. Speak
kindly. and in low, firm voice to Richard,
instead of in the bluff, imperative, queru-
| lous. or angry manner in which you almost
always address him. Let him feel that
YOU really love him; that there is solt,
warm, attachable side to your character,
and, nv word fol it, he will move to your
bidding with winged feet. | have studied
the boy, and see in him good and noble
qualities. But he has inherited from his
| father certain impatience OF control, ana
will ever on the alert to resist unduly
applied force You may lead him, by lo7c,
anvw here but. under the rule OF fear, you
will drive him, certainly, beyond your in
nuencc. Forgive my pam speech. | have
wished to say this before, but, until now,
saw no good opportunity.
The whole aspect of Mr.. Somers under
went a change. Conviction struck to his
heart. He saw that he had been unjust to
the boy, unlovng, unkind. Back to his
own early days his thought went with
bound. and there came vivid remembrances
of states into which ne had been thrown
hy harsh treatment, states from which no
punishment, however severe, could move
him Kindness had always been to his
heart like melting sunshine; sternness like
On lev wind. And Richard was like him
How strange that he had never thought OF
this before
A long sigh quivered up from the op-
pressed heart of Mr.. Somsrs.
al could only think so" he said. but
the obstinate self-wil of the boy is SO firm
ly inrooted.' ,
THAT YOU can never tear IT up by force,
smoke out the friend. THE only way Is
TO weaken its vital currents, to cat OIL the
flow of life. and let it wither for lack oi
sustenance, and die"
Perhaps you are right" said Mr.. Som
ers. in troubled, uneasy way. But
what am to do now p gave him half
an hour in which to do an GRAND laid my
commands on him, and enforced them by
threats of punishment. Is my word to 60
for nought Shall boy DEFY me y
4 flash of anger cleaned over the fathers
face.
"Gently, patiently, forgivirgly deal with
the offender" replied the neighbor, as he
laid his hand on the arm OF Mr.. Somers.
"Let love rule, not anger. Is be all to
blame No. Does not the origin of the
wrong lie most with yourself? T? Has it not
grown out oe your unwise discipline Be
o;n correction at the source. First get IN
. r;ght attitude yourself, and then bring
him right. As you provoked disobedience
n Mo nresent case, restrain the Furnishing