The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1857-11-05
A RaautiruI Little Story.

A few weeks sinre in coming down the North
river, was se4t.d in the cabin OF the magnlii-
cent steamer Isaac Nel1ton, in conversation
with some friends. II was becoming late in the
evening, and one after another seeking repose
from the tolls and cares of the day. made pre-
parstions to retire to their berlhs. Some, pull
ing off their boots and coat, lay themselves
down to rest Others in the attempt to make II
seem as much at home as possible, threw oil more
of their clothing. each one as their comfort or
apprehension OF danger dictated.
/ had noticed on deck fne looking boy, of
about six years Of age, following round a man,
evidently his father whose appearance indicated
him to be a foreigner, probably GtrmAn,-a
man Of medium height and respectable appear
snce. The child was unusually fair aud fine
looking, handsomely featured, with an iutelli-
gent and atf.ctiOndte expression OF countenance;
and from his German cap fell chestnut hair in
thick clustering curs.
After walking about the cabin for time, the
farther and son stopped within few feet of
where we were seated. aud began preparing for
going To bed / watched them. Til. father ad-
justed aud arranged tht b'd me child was to
'Oucnpy, which was an upper be,ta, while the
little fellow was u1dressns himself. H'vlng
finished this, h.S father tied a handkerchief
around his rGdd to protect his curIs which
locked as il the sunlight from his young happy
heart always rested there. This done, looked
for him 20 seek his resting place; but Instead
OF this, he quietly kneeled down upon the floor,
put his Hltle hands together, $ BEAUTIFULLY chill
like and simple, resting his arms on the lower
berth, against which he kneli, and began his ves-
per prayer.
The father sat down BY his side, and waited
the conclusion. II was for child, long
prayer, but well understood. | could hear the
nurmuring of his sweet voice, but could not dis
liuguish the words he spoke. There were mrn
around him-Christian men, retiring to rest
witout sufficient courage or piety to kneel down
ina steamboats, cabin, and before strangers, ac-
knowledge the goodness Of God, or ask His pro-
ircting love.
This was the training of some pious mother
Where was she now? How many times had heI
kind hand been laid on the sunny locks, as she
taught him TO lisp his prayers
A beautiful sight it was, that child al
prayer in the midst of the busy, thoughtless
lhrong. He alone, of this worldly multitude
draws nigh TO heaven. | thank the parental love
that taught him to lisp this evening prayer
whether lar off or nigh. | could scarcely restaln
from weeping then, nor can | now, as ! see
sgain that sweet child, in the crowded tunult
Of steamboat cabin. bending in devotion to
his Maker
But little while before, saw a crowd Of ad'
mring listeners gathering about company o
italian singers in the upper saloon-a mother
ana TWO suns. WIN NOlSTi anu ~ ollH Wv
lin; but no one needed, no one cared Tor the
child at prayer.
When the little boy had finished his evening
devotion, he arose aud kissed his father most
offcctonsely, who put him in his berth TO resi-
for the night felt strong desire TO speak IL
them, but deferred it till morning When
morning came the confusion of landing prevent
ed me from seeing them again. But If ever
meet that by in his happy youth, or IN his de-
clinius wears, I'll thank him for the Influence
aud example of that nights devotion, and bles;
the name of the mother who taught him
ScarcrIy any passing incident Of my life eve
made deeper impression on my mind. wen
to my room, and thanked God that | had wit
s,essed it, and for it's influence on my heart
Who prays on steamboat? Who teaches thei
children to pray even at hom'7-Hons Journal