The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1850-07-11
A BenntlfnI L,t,Is sforx.

few weeks since, in coming down the North
River, was seated in the cabin of the JBagmif-
cent steamer Isaac Newton, in conversations with
some friends. 1t was becoming late in the even
ing and after another, seeking repose from the
cares and tolls OF the day, made preparations to re-
tire TO their berths. Sone pulling of their boots
and coats, lay themselves down to rest Others in
the attempt to make il seem as much like home as
possible, threw off more of their clothing-each
one as their coHfort apprehension Of danger die
tated.
| had noticed on deck a fne-lookng boy, of
about six years Of age, following around a man.
evidently his father, whose appearance indicated
him to be a foreigner, probably German-a man
Of medium height, and respectable dress. The
child was unusually fair and ine-looking hand
sonsely- featured, with an intelligent and affection
ate expression Of countenance; and from under
his German cap fell chesnut hair, thick cluster
my curls.
After walking about the cabin Tor time, the
father and son stopped within a few feet Of where
we were seated. and began preparations for going
to bed. ! w1iehed them. The father adjusted
and arranged the bed the child was to occupy
whieh was an upper berth, while the little fellow
was undressing himself. Having finished this, his
father tied handkerchief around his head to pro-
ect his curs, which looked if the sunlight from
his young, happy heart always rested there. This
done, looked for him to seek his resting. place
but instead oi this, he quietly kneeIed down upon
the ioor, put his little hands together beautifully
childhke and simple, resting his arms on the lower
berth, against which he knelt, he began his vesper
prayer.
The father sat down by his side, and waited the
conclusion 1t was, for a child, long prayer, but
well understood. | could hear the murmuring OF
his sweet voice, but could not distinguish the words
he spoke. There were men around him Christian
men retiring to rest without prayer or If praying
at all, kind of mental desire for protection, with
out sufficient courage or piety to kneel down in
steamboats, cabin, and before strangers, acknow-
ledge the goodness of God, or ask his protecting
love.
This the training of some pous mother.
Where was she now? How many times had her
kind hand been laid on the sunny locks, as she had
taught him to lisp his prayers
A beautiful sight ii was that child at PRAYER II
| the midst Of the busy thoughtless throng. He
| alone, Of this worldly multitude, draws nigh Il
/ heaven. thank the parental love that taught hin
| to lisp his evening prayer whether Catholic o
Protestant, whether dead living, whether far OF
or nigh. | could scarce refrain from weeping then
nor can now, as | see again that sweet child il
the crowded tumult OF a steamboats, cabin bendin.
| in devotion before his Maker.
/ But little while before, | saw a crowd Of ad
| miTng listeners gathering about a company o
Italian singers in the upper saloon-a mother and
| two sons, with voice and harp, and violin but nc
one needed cared tor the child at prayer
When the little boy had finished his evening
devotion, he arose and kissed his father most aec-
tonately who put him into his berth to rest for the
night felt strong desire to speak to them but
deferred it till morning. When morning came, the
confusion of landing prevented me from seeing
them again. But, if ever | meet that boy in his
happy youth, in his anxious manhood, in his de-
elining years, Pl thank him for the influence and
example of that nights DEVOTION and bless the name
of the mother that taught him.
Scarcely any passing incidents of my life ever
made deeper impression my mind. | went
to my room, and thanked God that had witnessed
II, and for its influence my heart. Who prays
a steamboat? Who traia their children TO pray
even at home ?--Homs Journal