Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1881-05-28
n BEAUTIFUL LITTLE sToRY

a few weeks since, in coming down
the North river, | 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 ard tolls Of the
day, made preparations to retire TO the
berths. Some, pulling off their boots
and coats, lay themselves down TO rest;
others, in the attempt 70 make it seem
as much like home as possible, threw
off more OF their clothing-each one as
their comfort or apprehension OF danger
dictated.
had noticed on deck fine looking
boy, of about six years of age, following
around a man, evidently his father
whose appearance indicated him to be
foreigner, probably German-a man
of medium height, and respectable dress.
The child was unusually fair and fine
looking, with an intelligent and afiec
tionate expression of countenauce; and
from under his German cap fell chest
nut hair, in thick clustering curls.
After walking about Tor time, the
father and son stopped within few
feet of where we were seated, and be
gan 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 undresscd him
self. Having finished this, his 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, looked for
him to seek his restingplace but in
stead of this he quietly kneeled down
upon the floor, put his hands together
so beautifully chilllike 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 tie conclusion. 1t was, for a
child, a long prayer, but well under
stood. | could hear the murmuring OF
his sweet voice, but could not dstin-
guish the words he spoke. There were
men around him-Christian men re
tiring to rest without prayer; or, ifpray-
ing at all, kind OF mental desire tor
protection, without sufiic ct courage or
piety to kneel down in steamboats,
cabin, and before strangers, acknowledge
the goodness Of God, or ask his protect
ing love.
This was the training Of some pious
mother Where was she now? How
many times had her kind hard been laid
on the sunny locks, as she had taught
him to lisp bis prayer?
A beautiful sight it was; that child
at prayer in the midst of the busy,
thoughtess crew. lie, alone, Of this
worldly multitude, drew nigh TO Heaven
| 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. | could scarce
refrain from weeping then, nor can
now, as see again that sweet child, in
the crowded tumult of steamboats,
cabin, bending in devotion before his
Maker.
But a little while before, saw a
crowd OF admiring listeners gathering
about company of Italian singers in
the upper saloon-a mother and two
sons, with voice, harp aud violin; but
no one needed, no one cared for the
child at prayer.
When the little boy had finished his
evening devotion, he arose, kissed his
father very aigctionately, who put him
into his berth for the rest of the night
l felt a strong desire to speak to them,
but deferred it until morning. When
morning came, the confusion of landing
prevented me from seeing them again.
But, if ever meet that boy in his de
cIining years, I'll thank him for the in
tluence and example Of that nights de
votion, and bless the name OF the moth
er that taught him.
Scarcely any passing incident of my
lie ever made a deeper impression on
my mind. / went to my room, and
thanked God that | bad witnessed 1t,
aud for its influence on my heart. Who
prays on steamboat Who train their
childrenl