Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1850-05-03
4 Beautiful little Story.

a few weeks since, in coming down the
North river, | was seated In the cabin of
the magnificent steamer Isaac Newton. In
conversation With some friends 1t was
becoming late in the evening, and one af-
ter another. seeking repose from the cares
and tolls Of the day, made preparations
to retire to their berths. Some pulling
of their boots and coats, lay themselves
down to rest; others in order to make il
seem as much as possible Ike home. threw
off more Of their clothing-each one as
his comfort or apprehension Of danger
dictated
had noticed on deck fine-lookinc lit
tie boy, OF about six years old. following
around z man evidently his father. whose
appearance indicated him 10 be foreign
er, probIbly German man Of medi-
um height, and respectfully dressed The
child was unusually fair, and fine looking
handsomely featured, with an intelligent
ard atfectlonate expression Of countenance
and from under his little German cap
fell his chestnut hair, in thick, clustering
beautiful curls
After walking about the cabin for some
time, the father and son stopped within a
few feet Of where we were seated. and be
gan preparations for going to bed. I
watched them The father adjusted and
arranged the bed the child was to occupy.
which was an upper berth, while the little
fellow was undressing himself Having
finished this, his father tied handkerchief
around his head to protect his curls, which
looked as if the sunlight from his young
happy heart always rested there This
done | looked for him to seek his resting
place, but instead OF this he quietly kneel-
ed down on the floor, put his little hands
together, so beautifully child-like and
simple; resting his arms on the lower
berth, against which he knelt, he began
his yesper prayers.
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. But what a scene There
were men around him-Christian men
retiring to rest without prayer; or. if
praying at all, kind Of mental desire
for protection, without sufficient courage
kneel down IN a steamboats, 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 now2 How
many times had her kind hand been laid
on those sunny locks as she had taught
him to lisp his prayers.
A beautiful sight it was. that child at
prayer in the midst Of the busy. thought
less throng lie alone Of the worldly
draws nirh to heaven. thank
the parental love that taught him to lisp
his evening prayer, whether Catholic or
Protestant, whether dead or living. wheth-
er far off or nigh [ could scarcely re
frain from weeping then, nor can [ now.
as 1 see that sweet child, in the crowded
tumult of a steamboats, cabin, bending in
devotion before his Maker
But a little while before [ saw a crowd
Of admiriug listeners gathering about a
Of Italian singers in the upper
saloon-a mother and two sons, with voice
and harp and violin; bat no one needed.
no one cared for the child at PRAYER.
When the little boy had finished his
evening devotion. lie arose and kissed his
father most afectionately, who put him in
bis berth to rest for the night. I felt
strong desire to speak to them, but defer
red it till morning When morning came,
the confusion Of landing prevented me
from seeing them But. if ever [ meet
that boy in his happy youth in his anxious
manhood, or in his declining years I'll
thank him for the influence and example
Of that nights devotion, and bless the
name Of that mother who taught him to
pray.
Scarcely any passing incident of my
life ever made a deeper impression on my
mind. / went to my room. and thanked
God that l had witnessed it, and for its
influence on my heart Who can pray on
4 steamboat Who trains Their children
10 prav. even at home