The Portsmouth inquirer. [volume] (Portsmouth, O. [Ohio]) 1849-1855, 1850-08-05

- dCautllu1 A1Alt4u 1loAJs
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. II wns
becoming late in the evening, and one Of.
ter another, seeking repose from the cares
and tolls of the day, made preparations ioI
retire 10 their berths. Some pulling of
their boots and coats, lay themselves down
to rest; others in the attempt TO make il
seem as much as possible like home, threw
of more Of their clothing --each one as his
comfort, or apprehension Of danger dictated.
had noticed on deck fine looking lit
lie boy Of about six years old, following
around man evidently his father, whose
appearance indicated him to be foreigner,
probably German--a man Of medium
height, and respectable dress. The chlId
was unusually fair and fne-ooking, hand
somely featured, with an intelligent and
affection;te expression of counteaance;
and from under his chesnut 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-
gnn preparations for going to bed. ! watch"
cd them. The father adjusted and arrang-
ed 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 q handkerchief arount
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 kneeled dowr
on the floor, pu. his little hands together, ST
beautifully childIike and simple, and resting
his arms on the lower berth, against which
he knelt he began his vesper prayers.
The father sat down by his side nn'
waited the conclusion. 1t was, for a chill
long prayer, but well understood.
could hear the murmuring Of his swee
voice, but could not distinguish the words
he spoke. But what q scene! Ther'
were men around him-Christian men
retiring to rest without prayer; or, if pray
ing at all, kind of mental desire for pre-
lection, without sufficient courage or piet,
TO knee down in steamboats, cabin, an
before strangers, acknowledge the good
ness Of God or his protective love.
This was the training of some pious m'
ther. Where was she now! How man
times had her kind hand been laid on thos
sunny locks, as she had taught him to lis
his prayers!
A beautiful sight it was, that child
prayer in the midst of the busy thoughtle'
throng. He alone, of the worldly mutt
tude, draws nigh TO heaven. ] thank tn
parental love that taught him to lisp b
evening prayer, whether Catholic or Pr
testant, whether dead or living, whethe
far off or nigh. 1t did me good, it mac
me better. could scarce refrain fro
weeping then, hor can | now, as see agai
that sweet child, in the crowded tumul
of steamboats, cabin, bending in dey
ton before his maker.
But little while before | saw crowd
ndmiring listeners gathering around a cor
pany Of Italian singers, in the upper s
loon-a mother and two sons with vo
and harp, and violin; but noone cared t
child at prayer.
When the little boy had finished his ev
ming devotion he arose, and kissed his fat
er most affectionutely, who put him in /
berth to rest for the night. felt n strol
desire to speak to them but deferred il u
til morning. When morning came d
confusion of landing prevented me fro
seeing them again. But, if ever me
that boy in his happy youth, in his anxio
manhood, in his declining years, | W
thank him for the influence and examp
Of that devotion, and bless the name of
mother that taught him to pray.
Scarcely any passing incident Of my Ii
ever made deeper impression on n
mind. ! went in my room, and thank
God that had Witnessed il, and for its i
Auence upon my heart. Who prays OF
Steamboat? Who train their children
pray, even at home 7"