Consequences of a Thoughtless Prank
In a country town many years ago, some children were met for a social evening at an old farm-house, and while the sport was at its height, a little boy thought it would be “funny” to draw a chair out from under a little girl, and let her sit down on the floor. He watched his opportunity, and made the attempt; but the little girl, seeing what he was doing, jumped back into the chair, and, striking her spine upon one of its projections, broke her back. For seven years, from fourteen to twenty-one, she lay upon her bed, and during all that time was carried from her chamber to the parlor but once. Thirty years have passed; I have just returned from a visit to her sick chamber. Thirty years of disability and pain as the consequence of a thoughtless deed by a little boy. A few strangers minister to her daily wants, without whose aid she would be sent to the “poor-house” or home for the wretched and homeless poor. Terrible consequences to follow a thoughtless act. Let boys be careful. Let all remember that consequences walk hand in hand with every deed and that “for all our deeds, God will bring us into judgment.”—Christian Era.