Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1857-09-05
A Beautiful Little story.

eew weeks since, in coming down
the North River. | was seated in the cab
in of the magnificent steamer Isaac New
ion. in conversation with some ffIends.
|. was becoming late in the evening, and
one after another, seeking repose from
the cares and tolls Of the day, made prep
arations TO retire 10 their births. Some,
pulling of their boots and coats, laid
themselves down TO rest; others, IN me
attempt TO make il seem as much hke
home as possible, threw of more OF their
clothing-each one as his comfort or aP-
prehension of danger dictated.
had noticedo deck hne-looklng
boy, of about six years Of age, following
around man, evidently his father. whose
appearance indicated him 10 be foreign
er, probably German.-a man oil medi-
um height and respectable dress. Tho
child was unusually fair and fne-looking'
handsomely-feaured. with an intelligent
and aITeciionate expression OF countenance
and from under his German cap fell chest
nut hair and thick clustering curls.
After walking about the cabin for slme'
The father and son stopped within few
feet of where we were seated, and began
preparations for going TO bed. watch
ed Them. The father adjusted and ar
ranged the bed the child was 10 occupy,
which was an upper berth, while The li'-
lie fellow was undressing himself. Hav-
ing finished This, his father tied hand
kerchief around his head, 10 protect his
curls, which looked as if the sunligh'
from his young, happy hear, always rest
cd there. This done, / looked ior nun
to seek his resting place; but, instead oi
this, he quietly kneeled down upon the
floor, put his little hands together, SO
beautifully child-like and simple, resting
his arms upon the lower berth, against
which he knel,, he began his yesper pray
/ er.
The father sal down by his side and
waited the conclusion. Ii was, for child,
long prayer, but well understood. l
could hear the murmuring Of his sweet
voice, but could not distinguish the words
he spoke. There were men around him
Christian men retiring 10 rest without
prayer; or, if praying at all, kind OF
mental desire for protection, without suf-
fcIent courage or pieiy TO kneel down in
the steamboats, cabin, and before stran-
gers, acknowledge the goodness Of God,
to ask his protection and 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!
A beautiful sight it was, that child at
prayer, in midst of the busy, thoughtless
throng, He, alone, of this worldly null
liiude. draws nigh TO heaven--I thank the
parental love that taught him 10 lisp his
evening prayer, whether Catholic or Pro-
leslant, dead or living, whether far of or
nigh. | could scarce refrain from weep
ing then, nor can now, as see again
that sw eel child in the crowded ,umult of
the steamboats, cabin, beading in deyo-
tion before bis Maker.
But little while before saw a crowd
of admiring listeners gathering about
company Of Italian singers in the upper
saIoon-a mother and two sons, with
voice and harp, and violin; but no one
needed, no one cared for the little child at
prayer.
When the lille boy had finished his
evening devotion, he arose and kissed
his father most s6ectionately, who put
him IN his birth to rest for the night.
fell strong desire to speak 10 them, hut
deferred it ill morning. When morning
came, the confusion Of landing prevented
me from seeing them again. But il ever
| meet that boy in his happy youth, ia
his anxious manhood, in his declining
years, Ill thank him for tie 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 10 my room and thanked
God 4 al had Witnessed IT,, and for lis
influence on my heart. Who prays on a
steamboat Who teach their children 10
pray al home . Home Journal.
SUDDEN DEATB.--Mr BENJAMIN. w.