Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1881-05-18
A Beautiful Little story.

A lew weeks blDCe. III COuluR uO"n
the North riyer, was seated in the
cabin of the magnificent steamer, Isaac
Newton, in conversation with some
friends. 1t was growing late in the
evening, and one after another, seeking
repose from the cares and tolls OF the
day, made preparation to retire to the
berths. Some, pulling of their boots
and coats, lay themselves down to rest;
others, 10 the attempt to make it seem
as much like home as possible, threw
off more of their clotLing-each one as
their comfort or apprehension OF danger
dictated.
I had noticed Oh deck a fine looking
boy, of about six years of age, follow
inc around man, evidently bis father
whose appearance indicated him to be a
foreigner, probably German-a man OF
medium height, and respectable dress.
The child was unusually fair and fine
looking, with an intelligent and affec-
tionate expression Of countenance; and
from under his German cap fell chest
nut hair, in thick clustering curls.
After walking about for time, the
father aud son stopped within a few
feet Of where we were seated, and be-
gan preparations for going to bed. l
watched them. The father adjusted
and arranged the bed the child was to
occupy, which was an upper BERTH
while the little fellow uudressed him.
self. Having finished this. bis father
tied handkerchief around his head, to
protect his curls, which looked as if the
sunlight from his young, happy heart
rested there. This done, 1 looked for
him to seek his resting-place, but in
stead Of this he quietly kneeled down
upon the foor, put his hands together
so beautifully childlike 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
waited the conclusion. 1t was, for a
child, long prayer, but we'll under
stood. l could hear the murmuripg OF
his sweet voice, but could not dlstln-
guish the words he spoke. There were
men around him-Christian men re-
tiring TO rest without prayer; or, II pray
ing at all, kind of mental desire for
protection, without sufficient courage or
piety to kneel down in steamboats,
cabin, and before strangers, acknow'
ledge the goodness Of God, or ask hia
protecting love.
This was the training Of sone pious
mother. Where was she now How
many times had her kind hand been laid
on the sunRy locks, as she had taught
him to lisp his prayer?
A beautiful sight it was, that child
at prayer in the midst Of the busy
thoughtless crew. He. alone, OF thi;
| worldly multitude drew nigh 20 Heaven
I thank the parental love that taught
him to. lisp his prayer, whether Catho'
| lie or Protestant, whether dead or living
whether far off or nigh. 1 could scarce
refrain from weeping then, nor can
now, as 1 see again that sweet child, in
the crowded tumult OF steamboat
cabin, bending in devotion before bis
Maker.
But little while before, saw
crowd of aamiring listeners gathering
about company OF Italian singers II
the upper saloon-a mother aud two
sons, with voice, harp and violin bu
no one needed. no one cared for the
child at prayer.
When the little boy had finished bis
evening devotion, he arose, kissed his
father very a1ectionately, who put hin
into his berth for the rest Of the night
felt strong desire to speak to them
but deferred it until morning. Wher
morning came, the confusion OF landing
prevented me from seeing them again
But, if 1 ever meet that boy in his
declining years, I'll thank hun for the
Influence and example Of that nights
devotion, and bless the name OF the
mother that taught him.
Scarcely any passing incident o! my
life ever made deeper impression or
my mind. l went to my room, and
thanked God that l had witnessed it
and for its influence on my heart. Who
prass on a steamboat Who train theil
children?