The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1878-12-18
Kindness to Parents,

Not long since, writes correspondent
OF an exchange, as took my seat in the
cars for days ride, I observed, seated
opposite me, an elderly lady and mid
dle-aged gentleman, who I inferred, from
some casual remark. had been travelling
day or two. 1t was very early hour in
the morning, and the lady was apparent
ly sleeping. II
We rode in silence for some time, when
the lady awoke, and heard the gentle
man address her as mother. His dig
nified, unobtrusive manner, and the ten
der, deferential tone of voice, at once
drew my attention to them, and having
no company, my thoughts were my own.
All the tender care which a mother
could bestow on an infant child, was
given by that son to his mother The
slightest movement on her part to adjust
her furs, or cloak, or overshoes, or any
change Of position, called forth his ready
hand in assistance, and the inquiries.
care you comfortable, mother? Do you
feel tirsd2 Lay your head on my shout
der, and rest YOURSELF
At noon the cars stopped for the pas
sengers to obtain refreshments. It was
showing too fast Tor the mother to get out
Of the cars and the son brought her cup
of coffee.
SIS it just right, motfer2" he inquired,
as she tasted it.
''A little more cream would make it
better: it is, however, very good as it is"
was her reply.
"Let me get you some more"
mo my son-it will make you too
much trouble; it is very good as it is"
He went out, and soon returned with
the cream, and poured a little into the
coffee, and then little more till it was
'..iust right" He then sat down by her
side, and I heard him say, in the same
low tone of voice that at first attracted
my attention, Il am glad, mother, that I
can do anything to make you conlforta
bic, it is such pleasure to me-"
81 thank you, my son." she replied, in
he same spirit and tone of voice as that
her son. --
Beautiful, thought I, as I quietly
Watched them, and saw manifested their
mutual love and confidence. My mind
went back to the time when this son,
now in manhood's strength, was a little
helpless infant, and pictured that
mother watching over him, caring for
him with solicitude such as mothers
only can feel. And through all the
years of childhood and youth, up to
manhood, the watchtul eye was over him,
the guiding hand ever ready to lead, and
amorher's love ever ready to restrain him
from doing wrong. Now it is his turn,
when life's meridian with her is past
and the infrmities of age are creeping
on, to repay her, in some degree, for all
the labor bestowed on him; and faithful
~ and affectionately did he seem fulfill
ing his duty. How many grown up sons
there are who seem to feel it beneath
them to show any tenderness for their
mothers! 1t IS feminine, they say.
They will perform acts OF kindness, but
in business kind OF way, or because 1t
is their duty, little dreaming that they
are crushing the maternal spirit by such
cold heartless acts.
Acts of kindness, done in that spirit
manifested in the incident above, mention
ed, have an untold influence. The path
way down to the grave would be cheered,
made even joyful, and old age would
be exempt from much of the gloom that
is often experienced.
The reflex influence is also great. A
young man who is habitually tender of
his mother, and deferential to her, will
make good citizen, true friend, and
will be faithful in all the walks of life.
: Sol.