The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1857-12-25
A Beautiful Little Story.

A few weeks since, incoming down the
North river, | was seated in the cabin OF
the magnificent steamer Isaac Newton, IN
conversation with some friends. II was
becoming late in the evening, and one at'
ter another seeking reposc from the tolls
and cares Of the day, made preparations
to retire to their terths. Some putting
off their boots and coats threw themselves
down to rest; others, in the attempt to
make il seem rs much at home as posi-
bic, threw off more Of their clothing
each one us their comfort or apprehen'
sion Of danger dictated.
I had noticed on deck, fine looking
boy of about six years Of age, following
around u man, evidently his father, whose
appearance indicated him to be n foreign.
er-probably a Gcrman-a man OF me-
dunn height and respectable appearance.
The child was unusually fair and fine
looking, handsomely featured, with an in
telligent and afectionate expression ol
countcnancc; and from his German cap
fell chestnut hair in thick clustering curls
After walking about the cabin for a
time, the father and son stopped within
few feet Of wlcrc we>werc seated and
began preparations for going TO bed. ]
watched them. The father adjusted aud
arranged the bed the child was to occu.
py, which was an upper berth, while the
little fellow was undressing himself
Having finished this, his father tied q
handkerchief around his head TO protcc,
his curls, which locked as if the sunlight
from his young happy heart always rest
cd there. This done, ] looked for him to
seek his resting place; but instead o.
this, he quietly kncelcd down upon the
floor, put his little hands together, SC
beautifully chilJ.likc and simple, resting
his arms on the lower berth, against which
he knclt, he began his vesper prayer.
The father sat down by his side, and
waited the conclusion. 1t was, for ;
child, a long prayer, but well understood
could 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 withou
sufficient courage or pioty IN lnccl dowi
in a steamboat cabin, and before stranger
acknowledge the goodness Of God, or asl
His protecting love.
This was the training Of some piou'
mother. Where was she now! How
many times had her kind hand been lait
{ on the sunny locks as she taught him tc
lisp his prayers'
A beautiful sight it was, that child q
, prayer in the midst Of the busy, thought
less throng. He alone, Of this world,
|. multitude, draws nigh to heaven. Ithanl
the parental love that taught him to lisl
this evening prayer. whether far of o
, nigh. | could scarce refrain from weep
, ing then, nor can now, as see agail
, that sweet child, in the crowded tumul
of steamboat cabin, bending in devotion
to his Maker.
But little while before saw crowt
of admiring listeners, gathering about I
r company OF Italian singers in the upPc
saloon-a mother and two sons, will
voice, and harp, and violin: but no ont
needed, no one cared for the child a
prayer.
Wlfen the little boy had finished hi
r evening devotion, he arose and kissed hi
father most atfectionately, who put hin
into his berth to rest for the night.
felt a strong desire to speak to them, bn
{ deferred it until morning. When morn
, ing came, the confusion Of landing pre-
vented me from seeing them again. Blu
, il ever meet that boy in his happ,
|. youth, or in his declining years, vii
thank him for the influences and exam
pie Of that nights devotion, and bless th'
name of the mother who taught him.
Scarcely any passing event of my liz
ever made a deeper impression on m!
mind. went TO my room, thanked Coz
that had witnessed it, and for its inau
cncc on my heart. Who prays on
steamboatl Who teach their childrcl
TO pray, even at home.