The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1858-01-27
A BEAUTIFUL LITTLE STORY.

few weeks since, in coming down the
North river, was seated 10 the cabin of the
magnificent steamer Isaac Newton, in con-
versation with some friends. II was becnm-
ing late in the evening, and one afleranolher
seeking repose from the cares and tolls Of the
days, made preparations to retire TO their
berth. Some pulling of their boots and coat.
lay themselves down to the rest; Others, in
tile attempt to make il seem as much like
home as possible, threw Oi more Of their
clothing-each one as their comfort or ap-
prehenson Of danger dictated.
had noticed on deck fine looking boy of
about six years old, following around a man,
evidently his father, whose appearance III
dicated him to be 4 foreigner, probably
German-a man Of medium height, and res
pectable appearance. The child was unusu.
ally fair and fine looking, handsomely featur-
ed, with an intelligent and aiiectiUnate ex>
preston Of countenance and from his Ger
man cap fell chestnut hair, in thick cluster.
ing curls.
After working about tile cabin for while,
the father and son stopped within few feet
Of where we were seated, and began prepara-
tiUn for going to bed. watched them. Tire
father adjusted and arranged the bed the
child was to occupy, which was an upper
berth, while The little fellow undressed him
self. Having finished this, bis father tied a
handkerchief around his head to protect his
| curls, which luoked as il the sunlight from
| his young, happy heart always rested there.
] This done, looked for him 10 seek bis rest
/ ing place, but. instead Of this, be quietly
! kneeled down upon the floor, put his little
/ hands together, 50 beautifully childIike and
simple, resting his arms on the lower berth
against which he knelt, he began his vesper
prayer.
The father sat down By his side. and wait
ed the conclusion. twas, for child, long
PRAYER, but well understood. could hear
! the mumnring Of his sweet voice, but eoaii
not distinguish tte words ne spoke. There
were men around him-Christain men, re-
j firing q rest without sufficient courage 81
pcty 70 kaeel down Id d steamboats, cabin,
and before strangers acknowledge thc good
ness % God, nr asking Ills protection.
This was The training of some pous mn
ther Where was She nov? How many times
had her kind hand laid On tie sunny locks,
is sIe taught Linn 10 lisp his prayers
!, beautiful sight il was, that child al pray.
er III The midst nf tile ba.s, thouehtless
throng. lie alone, of tits worldly multitude.
draws nigh to Heaven. ti.snk tie parental
love that taught him to lisp lis evening prays
er, whether far Or nigh. could scarce res.
train from weeping taen, or can | now, as
see again that sweet child, in the crowded
tumut d i steamboat cabin, bending III de-
vution 10 his Maker.
n But little while before saw crowd Of
admiring listeners gather about company oi
Italian singers in the upper saioOn--a mo
ther and her two suns, with voice and harpe
|: and suin but no one needed, no one cared
for the child 1t prayer.
When the child had finished lis evening
devotion. lie arose and kissed his father most
aiiectonatelv, who put him into bis berth Ia
rest for the night felt strong desire ii
speak % them. but deferred ii until morning
/, When morning came the Confusion u land.
ing prevented me from seeing them again.
| But fever meet that bnt again III his youth
or lii declining years, I'ii think him for the
!; inllaenCe and example Uf ,iiat nights dcro,
ti1n. aud bles, tie name uf the mother who
! taught him.
Scarcely any passing incident Of ny Iifc
ever made deeper impression On my mind
. ! ven. II NY fnan, and thanked Gid that |
had witnessed Il, ani for lis influence ON my
: Heart. Who prays IN steamboatf Wh1
i teach their children 70 pray II home:
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