Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1858-07-02
l1outb's Department.
A REArrIEIlL STORY

a few weeks since. in coming down the
North River, l was seated in the magnificent
steamer Isaac Newton, in conversation with
some friends. 1t was becoming late in the
evening, and one after another seeking re-
pose from the tolls Of the day, made prcpa-
tions to retire to their berths Some pulling
off their boots and coats lay themselves down
to rest; and others in the attempt to make it
look as much like home as possible threw off
more Of their clothing-each one as their
comfort or apprehension of DANCED dictated.
] had noticed on deck fine looking boy
about six years of age, following around a
man evidently his father, whose appearance
indicated him to be foreigner probably a
German man of medium height and re-
spectacle appearance. The child was unu-
sually fair and fine looking, handsomely
featured, with an intelligent and afectionate
expression If cuuutenancc, and from his cap
fell clustering chestnut curls.
After walking about the cabin for time,
the father and son stopped within 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 to occupy, which was an upper
berth, while the little fellow was undressing.
Having finished this his father tied hand
kerchicf around his head to protect his curls,
which looked as if the sunlight from his young
happy heart always rested there. This done,
| looked for him to seek his resting place /;
but instead Of doing this, he quietly knoeed
down upon the floor, put his little hands to-
gether, so beautifully child-like and simple,
resting his arms on the lower berth against
which he knelt, he began his yespcr prayer
The father sat down by his side and awaited
the conclusion. IL was long prayer, for a
child, bnt well understood. | could hear the
murmuring 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 pity to knoel
down in a steamboats, cabin, and, before
strangers. acknowledge the goodness of God
or ask for his protecting love.
This was the training of some pious moth
or. Where was she now How many times
had her kind hand been laid on his sunny
locks as she taught him his prayer;
A beautiful sight it was, the child at prayer
in the midst of the busy. thoughtless throng.
He alone of this worldly multitude draws
nigh to Heaven. thank the parental love
that taught him to lisp his evening prayer,
whether far off or nigh. could scarce re-
irain from weeping then, nor can now, as |
SEQ again that sweet child in the crowded tu-
multi of a steamboat cabin, bending in deyo-
ton to his Maker
But little while before. | saw a crowd of
admiring listeners gathering about company
OF Italian singers in the upper saloon-com-
posed of mother and two sons, with voices
and harp, and violin, but no one needed, no
one cared for the child at prayer,
When the little boy had finished his eve
ming devotion, he arose and kissed his father
afectionately, who put him into his berth to
rest for the night | felt strong desire to
speak to them, but deferred it till morning.
When morning came, the proiusion of landing
prevented me from seeing them again. But
if ever meet that boy in his declining Years.
I'll thank him for the influence and example
of that nights devotion, and bless the moth
er who taught him.-Houe journal.