Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1857-10-16
ABEAUTIFUL LITTLE STORY.

A few weeks since, in coming down
the Nor.h river, l was seated in the ca
binetof magnificent steamer Isaac New |
ton, in conversation with some friends
1t was becoming late in the evening, and
one afer another seeking repose from i.
the cars and tolls of the day, made pre-
paratioB to retire 10 their berths. Some
pulling off their boots and coat, lay them
selves Gown to the rest; others, in the
attempt TO make it seem as much ike
home as possible, threw off more of their
clothing-each one as their comfort or
apprehension Of danger dictated.
had noticed. on deck fine looking
boy of about six years old, following
around aman, evidently his father, whose
appearance indicated him to be a for
eigner, probably a German man of
medium height, and respectable appear
ance. The child was unusually fair and
fine looking, handsomely feature, with an
intelligent and afectionate expression of
countenance ; and from his German cap
fell chestnut hair, in thick clustering
curls.
After walking about the cabin for
while, the father and son stopped within
la few feet of where We were seated, and
began preparations for going TO bed. I
watched them. The father adjusted and
arranged the bed the child was to occu-
Ply, which was an upper berth, while the
little fellow undressed himself. Having
/ furnished this, his father tied 4 handker-
chief around his head TO protect his curls,
which looked as if the sunlight from his
young, happy heart always rested there.
This done, l looked for him TO seek his
Testing-place; but, instead Of this, he
quietly kneeIed down upon the floor, put
his little hands together, so beautifully
childlike and simple, resting his arms on
the lower berth against which he knelt,
be began his vesper prayer.
The father sat down by his side, and
waited the conclusion. Il was for a child,
4 long prayer, but well understood. I
could hear the murmurirg of his sweet
voice, but could not distinguish the words
he spoke. There were men around
him-Christian men, retiring to rest
without sufficient courage or piety TO
kneel down in a steamboats, cabin, and
before strangers acknowledge the good
ness of the goodness of God, or asking
His protection.
This was the training of some pious
mother. Where was she now? How
many times had her kind hand laid on
the sunny locks, as she taught him to
lisp his prayer?'
\ beautiful sight it was, that child al
prayer in the midst of the busy, thought
less throng. He alone, Of this worldly
multitude, draws nigh to Heaven. ]
thank the parental love that taught him
TO lisp his evening prayer, whether fan
or nigh. / could scarce restrain from
weeping then, or can now, as 1 see
again that sweet child, in the crowded
tumuIt of steamboat cabin, bending in
devotion to his Maker
But little while before l saw a crowd
Of admired listeners gather about a com.
pany of Italian singers in the upper ga.
) loon-a mother and her two sons, witt
voice, and harp. and violin but no one
needed, no one cared for the child a
prayer.
When the child had finished his even.
ing devotion, he arose and kissed hi:
father most afectionately, who put him
into his berth to rest for the night. l fell
a strong desire to speak to them, but de.
ferred it until morning. When morning
came, the confusion of landing prevented
me from seeing them again. But if ever
meet that boy again in his youth, in hi:
declining years, I'll thank him for the
; influence and example of that nights de.
votion, and bless the the name of the
mother who taught him.
Scarcely any passing incident of M
life ever made a deeper impression on MI
mind. went to my room, and thanked
God that had witnessed it, and its in.
tiuence on my heart. Who prays on
steamboat? Who teach their children
to pray al home Home Journal.