Volcano weekly ledger., 1856-01-26
A BEAUTIFUL SKETCH.

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 be-
coming late in the evening, and one after
another seeking repose from the cares and
tolls of the day, made preparations to retire
TO their berths. Some pulling off their boots
and coats to lay themselves down to rest
Others in the attempt to make it seem as
much as possible like home, threw off more
of their clothng-each as his own comfort
or apprehension of danger indicated.
/ had noticed on the deck fine looking
little 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 child was
unusually fair and fine looking, handsome
features, with an intelligent and affectionate
expression OF countenance, and from his
little German cap fell his chestnut hair, in
thick, clustering, beautiful curls.
After walking about the cabin for time,
the father and son stopped within few feet
OF where we were seated and began prepar-
ations for going to bed | 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
a 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 rest
ing place, but instead of this he quietly
In taA tho hiol ban do
together so beautifully childlike 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 and wait
ed the conclusion. 1t was for a child, a
long prayer, but well understood. / could
hear the murmuring Of his sweet voice, but
could not distinguish the words he spoke
But what scene There were men around
him-Christian men-retring to rest without
prayer, or if praying at ALL kind of mental
desire for protection, without sufficient cour-
age or pety to kneel down in steamboats,
cabin, and before strangers, acknowledge
the goodness 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 those
sunny locks, as she had taught him TO lisp
his prayers?
A beautiful sight was this, that child at
prayer, in the midst of the busy thoughtless
throng. He alone, of the reclining multi
tude, draws nigh to Heaven l thank
the paternal love that taught him to lisp his
evening prayer, whether Catholic or Protes-
tant, whether dead or living whether far of
or nigh. 1t did me good; it made me better.
| could scarce refrain from weeping then, nor
can | now, as see again that sweet child, in
the crowded tumult of steamboat cabin,
bending in devotion to his Maker.
But little while before | saw crowd Of
admirng listeners gathering about a crowd
of Italian singers, in the upper saloon-a
mother and two sons, with voice and harp
and violin; but no one needed, no one cared
for the child at prayer.
When the little boy had finished his eve
ming devotions, he arose and kissed his father
most affectionately, who put him in his berth
to rest for the night. / felt strong desire
to speak to them, but deferred till morning.
When morning came, the confusion Of land
ing prevented me from seeing them again.
But, if ever meet that boy in his happy
youth, in his anxious manhood, in his declin-
ing years, I'll thank him for the influence and
example of that nights devotion, and bless
the name of the mother that taught him to
pray.
Scarcely any passing incident of my life
ever made deeper impression on my mind.
l went to my room and thanked God that
l had witnessed it, and for its influence ON
my heart Who prays on steamboat
Who train their children to pray at home?