The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1853-02-26
MORAL g. RELIGIOUS.
Washington AIlstons Prayer.

forrl",! one Of the most prominent TRAITS OF
his beautiful character. Connected with this
chara ,tcristir is a remarkable incident in his
early life, which has been related by one OF
his few infinite friends Mr. All>ton was a
member of The Episcopal Church. Although
III earl lie he was ever a constant attendant.
h,. was not strongly attached to religion, nor
eminent Tor his piety. 1t would be too much
to say that he was an unbrlicvcr, or even a
s,.rntir in his views but he was wont to speak
slightly OF rel -ious things, and even TO ENJOY
iesis at the expense of holy subjects. His
FEELINGS however. underwent remarkable
change in consequence OF a singular event IN
: his lite. which made a very strong IMPRESSION
and was even regarded by him as a divine
intcrpo>ition m his behalf.
Not long after his marriage with his first
wifi, the sister of the late DR. Claiming. he
made his second visit to Europe. After res
idcnce there of little more than year, his
pecuniary wants became very pressing and
ur.ent-more 5" than at any other period of
his life. He was even at times at loss for
the means of purchasing the ncccssarics Of
life
On one Of these occasions, as he himself
used to narratc thccvcnt h. was in his studio
rcflcriing almost with feeling of de>pera-
ton. upon his condition. His conscience
seemed to tell him that he had deserved his
affections, and drawn them upon himself by
his neglect of religion, and his want of due
gratitude for past tavors from Heaven. His
heart all at once seemed filled with the hope
that God would listen TO his PRAYERS, if he
would offer up his direct expressions of pen
jtcnrc, and ask divine aid He accordingly
locked his door Withdrew TO corner Of the
room. threw himself upon his knees, AMI
PRAYED for loaf Of bread for himself and his
wife.
While thus employed, knock was heard
at the door. y feeling of momcntary shame
a. being detected in this position and If fear
lest he might have been Observed, induced
him to hasten and open the door. \ stran-
ger inquired for Mr. Allston lie was any
iou> to know who was the fortunate purchas-
cr Of the Angel Urirl, regarded by the artist
as owe of his masterpieces. and which had
won the prize at the exhibition Of the Acad-
emv. He was told that it had not vet been
sold.
Can it be possible: Not sold? Where is
-, it to be had ,"
in this very room. Here it is'-produr-
ING the painting from corner and wiping
off the dust.
Is it tor sale? Can it be bought Z" was the
" eager intcrrogatory
r 1T is for sale but its value has never vet
= to my idea of its worth been adequately ap
d prcciatcd, and | would not part with it.
n What is its price ~
r Il have done atiixins any nominal sum.
: leave it for Won to name the price
"Will four hundred pounds be an adequat,
II recompense?"
1T is more than have ever asked for it"
Then the painting is mine"
J" The stranger introduced himself rs tn,
Marquis of Stafford. and became from tina
moment one of the warm->t friends of Nj
' AISton. BY him, Mr. AIl>ton was introdur
> cd into the society Of the nobility and gentr,
III and he became one Of the most favored ofths
many gftcd minds that adorned the circle t.
- which he was thus introduced but in WIFI!
= he was never fond of appearing often
:" The instantaneous relief thus afforded b,
The lihcralitv of this noble visitor, was alwav
Il regarded by Al>ton As a direct answer to hi
T. prayer. and it made deep impression upor
d his mind. To this event he was ever aftc
/" wont to attribute the increase of devotional
+ feelings. which became prominent trait !,
his character.
ut &: Samuel Roberts. OF Richmond y. II. il
fit OF in,oAicaron attempted to force an en-
v" trance INTO the house of his brother. when thu
after DISCHARGED heavily loaded gun at hin
Il - badly wouniing him that he died in a few
V lays. The deceased was fifty wears old, an,
'ca,"> large family. The brother who com
l. n'ir'cl til" violence wa, protecting the inc
1t !Iiltc'> vie from the assaults other husband
T. Nine. Jenny Lind ColIs,l.,;l. l..