A lady was walking homeward from a shopping excursion, carrying two or three packages in her hand, while by her side walked her little boy. The child was weary; the little feet began to lag, and soon the wailing cry arose:
“I’m too tired. I want somebody to let me ride home.”
The mother looked about her, but there was no street-car going in her direction. She took one of her parcels and gave it to the child.
“Mama is tired, too, and Willie must help her to get home. She is glad she has such a brave little man to take care of her, and help her to carry the bundles.”
Instantly the little fellow straightened, his step quickened, and he reached for the offered parcel, saying stoutly:
“I’ll carry ‘em all, mama.”
It was only the old, old lesson that our Father is always teaching us, — “Is the homeward way weary? Try to lighten another’s burden, and the loving service shall smooth your own path.”
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Source: Signs of the Times, Copyright July 28, 1898, Pacific Press, http://www.signstimes.com
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[Original illustration at this number was a duplicate of HolwickID #20928]