Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1854-11-26
Dont9's department.
The Boy who got up to PRAY.


1t was night. Black, heavy clouds were scud-
ding across the sky The wind blew loud and
fierce 1t howled around the parsonage as if it
would vent its rage on seepers within, and then
baffied in its attempts it would retire into the dis
tance with low, ominous growl. Presently it
would return with increased rage, and blow its
mighty breath against the house. till it tottered on
its foundations
Under one of the gables of the parsonage little
boy was sleeping. He was only six years old; the
soft, faxen curls fell over his forehead His head
rested on plumpy little hand. His long eyeash
es dropped over his rosy cheeks, and around his
mouth played smile, as if his dreams were peace
full and happy. His father and mother were both
dead; perhaps as ministering spirits they were
watching over him, and in his dreams he may have
imagined himself his fathers knee, receiving his
warm caress or pressed to the bosom Of the mother
who used to sooth his troubles by her words OF gen.
tleness and love. He slept quietly and soundly.
The howling of the storm did not disturb him, al
though it was continually growing louder and fer
Ger.
There came tremendous gust of wind against
the gable. 1t tcreaked, snapped, and fell The wind
had triumphed. The roof crushed through the cell
ing the little sleeper and filled the room with
mortar, bricks and broken timber Every thing in
the apartment was covered with the ruins, except
the bed on which was the lone orphan. An i'm
mense timber had fallen across the pillow from
which he had slipped down while sleeding.
Arthur-for by this name shall call the child
lived with his uncle and aunt.-His uncle was
clergyman. They loved him very much and done
every thing they could to make him good and hap
py. s.- -i-il .A I'D ---
When they heard the falling of the timber, they
ran afrighted to his ROOM but the door coouId not
be opened so much had been thrown against it.
The gentleman Immediately knocked out one of the
panels and crawled through He seized Arthur in
his arms. Before he could get out of the room an
other fall flOm the ceiling covered the bed from
which the child had just been rescued.
His aunt took him, wrapped him in blanket,
and elasping him close to her heart carried him to
her own room. Arthur not at all alarmed for
himself. He was too young to know the greatness
of the danger he had escaped. When he heard the
timbers falling he feared his uncle and aunt would
be killed; and when he found they were safe, his
first wish was to get down from his aunts arms,
and on his knees thank God for saving his dear
friends
After doing so, in his simple words, he told her
that he was cold when his nurse undressed him,
that he got into bed without saying his prayers.
But he could not 60 to sleep He thought his Father
in heaven would not give him his daily bread if he
did not ask for it, so he got up in the dark, after
the nurse had left him and said them.
40 aunty l am so glad" he continued, that
good spirit put it into my heart not to be afraid of
the dark and cold, for if had not said my prayers
that timber would have fallen on my head"
What a lesson this dear boy learned of the pro-
tectng care of his heavenly Father! trust he viii
never lose his confidence, which as the Bible SAYS
has great recompense of reward. 1t is sweet to
trust in God, to feel that his eye is ever upon u.s.
to watch over US and keep us from evil.
I suppose most of those who read this story
bout Arthur, have learned to repeat the Lords
prayer. Do you say it as a mere form, because
your mother has taught you it, or do you think
what you are saying? Do you believe God is real
ly listening to you, and will grant your request?
Arthur evidently had faith in God lie believ-
ed he would hear and answer his prayer and God
did hear his prayer, and delivered him from evil
New York Independent.