The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1857-10-07
A BEAUTIFUL LITTLE STORY.


A few weeks since, In coming down the
Norh River, was seated in the cabin of
the magnificent steamer Isaac Newton, In
conversation with some friends. It,was be-
coming late in the evening, and one after
another, seeking repose frotn the cares and
tolls of the day, made preparations to retire
to their births Some, pulling offtheir boots
and coats, laid themselves down 10 rest, 9th.
ers, in The attempt to make It seem as much
like home- as possible, threw off, more of
their clothing-each one as his. comfort or
apprehension Of danger dictated.
1 had noticed on deck fihe-leeking boy
of about six years of age, following arounda
man evidently his father, whose appearance
| indicated him TO be foreigner, probably
German, man of medium height and re.
spectacle dress. The child was unusually
fair and fine looking, handsomely featured,
with an intelligent and affectionate express
sion of countenance and form, under his
German cap fell chestnut hair and thick clus-
iering curls.
After walking about the cabin for time,
the father and son stopped within few feet
of where we were seated, and began prep.
arations for going TO bed. watched them.
The father adjusted and arranged the bed
the child was to occupy, which looked as If
the sunlight from his young, happy heart al.
ways rested there. This done, looked for
him 10 seek his resting place but, instead
he quickly 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 knelt, he be-
gan his vesper prayer.
The father sat down by his side and wait.
cd the conclusion. II was, for child, q
long prayer but well understood. Icould
hear the murmuring of his sweet voice, but
could not distinguish the words he spoke.
There were men around him--Christian
men retiring to rest without prayer; or If
praying at all, a kind of mental desire for
protection, without sufficient courage or pi-
ETY. to kneel down in the steamboats, cab
in and, before strangers, acknowledge the
goodness of God, TO ask his protection and
love.
This was the training of some pious moth
or. Where was she nowa How many
times had her kind hand been laid upon the
locks, as she had taught him to lisp his pray
ers?
a beautiful sight It was, that child at pray.
er in midst of busy, ,houghtless thong
He alone, of this worldly multitude draws
night TO heaven. thank the parental love
that taught him TO lisp his evening prayer,
whether Catholic or Protestant, dead or liv-
ing, whether far off or nigh. Icould scarce
refrain from weeping then, nor can l now,
as see again that sweet child In the crowd.
ed tumult of the steamboats, cabin, bending
in devotion before his Maker. 1
But a little while before saw a crowd d
admiring listeners gathered about compa-
ny 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 little child at prayer.
When the little boy had finished his eve
ming devotion. he arose and kissed his ia
ther most affectionately, who put him in his
birth 10 sleep for the night I felt strong
desire to speak 10 them, but deferred it till
morning When morning came, the confu-
sion of landing prevented me from seeing
them again. But, il ever meet with that
boy in his happy youth, in his anxious man.
hood, in his declining years Tll thank him
for the influence and example of that nightss
devotion, and bless the name of the mother
that taught him. Scarcely any passing Incl
dent ofmy life ever made deeper impress
sion on my mind. went TO my room and
thanked God that had witnessed it, and for
its influence on my heart. Who prays on
steamboat Who teach their children TO
pray at home Home Journal.