Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-09-18
A BEAUTIFUL LITTLE STORY.

few weeks since in coming down the North riv-
er was seated in the cabin OF the magnificent steam
er Isaac Newton. in conversation with some friends.
1t was coming late in the evening" and one alter an
other, seeking repose from the cares and tolls OF the
day, made preparation 10 retire 10 their berhs.-
Some pulling off their boots and coats, lay themselves
down to rest; others, in the attemptto make tseem
as much like home as possible, threw off more OF
their clolhihg-each one as their comfort or appre-
hension of danger dictated.
had noticed on deck a fine looking boy, OF about
six years of age, following around man, evidently
his father, whose appearance indicated him TO be
foreigner, probably Germnn-a. man of medium
height and respectable dress. The child was unusu-
ally fair and fine looking, handsomely featured with
an intelligent and afectonaie Expression of coune-
nance and from under his German cap fell chestnut
hair, in thick clustering curls.
After walking about for time, the father and son
stopped within few feet of where we were seated,
and began preparations for going to bed. watched
them. The father adjusted and arranged the bed the
clkd was to occupy, which was upper berth while
the little fellow was undressing himself. Having
finished this, his father tied handkerchief around his
head, to protect his cnrs, which looked as if the
light from his young, happy heart always rested there.
This done, looked for him to seek his resting place,
but instead Of this he quietly kneeed down upon the
floor, put his hands together beautifully chldIike
and simple, resting his arms on the lower berth, a
gains which he knelt; he began his vesper prayer.
The father sat down by his side, and waited the
conclusion. 1t was for child, a 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 hn-Chrstian men
retiring to rest without prayer; or if praying at all,
kind of mental desire for protection, without suffi-
l., IL ohoat1
cabin and before strangers, acknowledge the good
ness Of God or ask his protecting love-
This was the training of some pious 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?
beautiful sight il was, that child atprayer in the
midst of the busy, thoughless hrong. lie, alone,
of this worldly multitude, drew nigh 10 Heaven.
thank the paernal love that taught him 10 lisp his
evening PRAYER, whether Catholic or Protestant,
whether dead or living, whether far off or nigh.
could scarce refrain from weeping then, nor can
now, as see again that sweet child, in The crowded
tumult of steamboats, cabin, bending in devotion
before his Maker
But ,e while BEFORE saw crowd Of admi-
ring listeners gathering about company Of Italian
singers in the upper saloon-a mother aud two sons,
with voice, harp and violin but no one needed, no
one cared for The child al prayer.
When the little boy had finished his evening devo-
ton he arose and kissed his father most affection
ately, who put him into his berth 10 rest for the night
felt strong desire to speak to them, but deferred
i, till morning. When morning came, the confusion
of landing prevented me from seeing them again.
But, if ever meet that boy in his declining years,
I'll thank him for the influence and example of that
nights devotion, and bless the name of the mother
that taught him.
Scarcely any passing incident Of my life ever made
deeper impression on my mind. went to my room,
and thanked God that had witnessed il, and for its
influence on my heart. Who prays on steamboat
Who train their children to pray, even at home 3
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