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. II was be-.
coming late in the evening, and one after
another, seeking reposn from the cares and
tolls of the day, made preparations to retire
to their births Some, pulling of their boots
and coats, laid themselves down 10 rest, 9th.
crs, in Tho attempt to make it seem as much
like homo as possible, threw OF more of
their clothing-each one az his comfort or
apprehension of danger dictated.
had noticed on deck fine-looking boy
Of about six years of age, following arounda
man evidently his father, whose appearances
indicated him TO be a 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 ancctonate cxprcs-
sion of counonanco and form, under his
German cap fell chestnut hair and thick cus.
,cring curls
After walking about tho 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 ABUSED and arranged the bed
| the child was to occupy, which looked as IL
the sunlight from his young, happy heart al
ways rested there. The done, looked for
him TO 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 tho
lower berth, against which he knelt, he be.
gan his vespor prayer.
The father sat down by his side and wait.
ed the conclusion. II was, for a child, q
long prayer but we'll understood. could
hear the mumuring 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 II
praying at all, kind Of mental desire for
protection, without sufficient courage or pi.
ETY. to kncel down in the steamboats, cab
in and, before strangers, acknowledge the
goodness Of God, 10 ask his protection and
love.
This was the training OF some pious moth e.
er. Where was she now7 How many
times had her kind hand been laid upon the
locks, as she had tau ght him 10 lisp his pray
crsi
beautiful sight it was, that child at pray.
er in midst OF busy, Ihoughtless throng.-
He alone, Of this worldly multitude draws
night 10 heaven. thank the parental love
that taught him TO lisp his evening PRAYER,
whether Catholic or Protestant, dead or liv-
ing, whether far of or nigh Iconld scarce
refrain from weering then, nor can now,
az see again that sweet child IN the crowd
ed tumult Of the steamboat. cabin, bending
in devotion before his Maker.
But little while before saw a crowd OF
adminng 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
!or the little child at prayer.
When the little boy had finished his eve
ming devotion, he arose and kissed his IA.
thcr most atEectionately, vino put him in hi.
birth 10 sleep - the night | felt strong
desire TO speak 10 them, but deferred it I'LL
morning. When morning came, the coufl-
sion OF landing prevented me from seeing
them again. But, if ever NEE. with thai
boy in his happy youth, in his anxious man.
hood, in his declining years Ill thank him
for the influence and example Of that night.
devotion, ard bless the name of the mo her
that taught him Scarcely any passing inci.
den: OF nay lie ever made deeper impress
siou on nv mind went 10 my room anc
thanked God that had witnessed it, and fos
It's influence on my heart. Who pays on q
steamboat! Who teach their children tc
pray al home -Homs Jlarnat