The Westerly echo, & Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1854-1858, 1857-08-27

NC uiWuyS Ct. OyVcster LAY.
A BEAUrIFuL LITTLE SroRY.a(
few weeks since, in 'SomiDg down the
North river, j was seated in the cabin of
the magnificent steamer Isaac Newton,
in conversation with some friends. 1t
was becoming late iu the evening, and
one AFTER another seeking repose from
the cares and tolls OF the day, made pre-
parations TO retire to their berths. Some
pulling off their boots and coat, la,
themselves down to rest others, in tn,
attempt to make it seem as much lik,
home as possible, threw off more ofthei'
clothing-each one as their comfort or
apprehension of danger dictated.
| had noticed on deck fine looking
boy, Of about six years of age, following
around a man evidently his father, whose
appearance indicated him to be for.
cigner, probably a German-a man o.
medium height, and respectable appear.
ance. The child was unusually fair and
fine looking, handsomely featured, with
an intelligent and affectionate expires.
sitn Of countcnance and from his Ger
man cap fell chestnut hair, in thick
clustering curis
After walking about the cabu for a
time, the father and son stopped within
a few feet Of where We were seated, and
began preparations for going to bed. ]
watched them. The father adjusted
and arranged the bed the child was tc
occupy, which was an upper berth, while
the little fellow was undressing himself
Having finished this, his father tied q
handkerchief around his head to protec,
his curls, which looked as if the sun
light from his young, happy heart al
ways rested there. This done, l looked
for him to seek his resting place but
instead Of this, he quietly kneeled dowr
upon the floor, put bis little hands to-
gether, SO beautifully chldlke and sim
pie. resting his arms on the lower bertt
against which be knclt, be began BIZ
vcsper prayer.
The father sat down by his side, and
waited the conclusion 1t was for &
child, a long prayer, but well understood
1 could hear the murmuring of mis- sweet
voice, but could not distinguish the
words he spoke. There were mer
around him-Cbristian men, retiring to
rest without sufficient courage or piety
to kneel down in steamboats, cabin,
aud 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 the SUNNY locks, as she taught him
to lisp bis prayers
A beautiful sight II was, that child al
prayer in the midst Of the busy, Thought
less throng He alone, Of this worfdl,
multitude, draws uigh to heave
thank the parental love that -
to lisp this evening prayer, whether ia
off or nigh. ioould scarce restrain from
wdeping then, nor can Inow, as | Sc
again that sweet child, in the crowde,
tumult Of a steamboat cabin, bending il
But little while before saw crow
OF adniring listeners gathering about
Vppmy of Italian singers in the uppe
s3loon-a mother and two sons, wit
voice. aud barto1nd violin but no on
beedcd, no one cared for the child o
prayer.
When the little boy had flushed hi
evening devotion, he arose and kisse
his father most affectionatcly, who pr
him into bis berth to rest for the nigh
l feltastrong desire to speak to then
but deferred il ill morning. Whe
morning came, the confusion Of landiD
prevented me from seeing them agair
But II ever met tbrt boy again in b
happy youth, In bis dccliug years, j
thank bim for the influence and exam
pie Of that nights devotion, and blc'
,he same Of Tho mother who otaugbt hin
Scarcely any passing incident Of M
life ever made deeper impression o
my mind. ! went 10 my room, an
thanked God that had witnessed II
aud Iof i,s idnucpco on my heart VIII
pfays on q steamboa, ,. Who teach lhoi
children 70 prey even o, home lion
JoHfHai