Washington telegraph., 1853-01-12
Washington AIIston's Prayer.

The strong devotional feelings of this late
distinguished artist, formed one Of the most
prominent traits Of his beautiful character.
Connected with this characteristic i a re-
markable incident in his early life, which
has been related by one Of his few intimate
friends. Mr.. Allston was member Of the
Episcopal church. Although in early life
he was ever constant attendant, he was not
strongly attached to religion, nor eminent for
his piety. 1t would be too much to say that
he was an unbeliever, or even skeptic in
his views, but he was wont to speak slightly
OF religious things. and even to ENJOY iests
at the expense Of holy subjects. His feel
ings, however, underwent remarkable
change, in consequence Of singular event
in his life, which made a very strong i'm
preston, and was even regarded by him al
direct interposition in his behalf.
Not long after his marriage with his first
wife, the sister Of the late Dr. Claiming,
he made his second visit to Europe After
residence there Of little more than a
year, his pecuniary wants become very
pressing and urgent-more SO than at any
other period Of his life He was even at
times at loss for the means Of purchasing
the necessa,les Of life.
On one Of these occasions, as he himself
used to narrate the event he was in his stu
dio, rejecting, almost with feeling Of des-
peration. upon his condition. His con-
science seemed to tell him that ho had
deserved his Affections and drawn them
upon himself, by his neglect Of religion,
and his want Of due gratitude for past
favors from Heaven. His heart, all at
once, seemed filled with the hope that
God would listen to his prayers, if he would
offer up bis direct expressions Of penitence,
and ask for divine'aid. He accordingly lock-
ed his door, withdrew to a corner Of the
room, threw himself upon bis knees prayed
for a loaf Of bread for himself and bis wife.
While thus employed, knock was heard
at the door. a feeling Of momentary shame
at being detected in this position, and Of fear
lest he might have been observed, induced
him to hasten and open the door A stran-
ger inquired for Mr. Allstnn. lie was anx-
ious to know who was the fortunate purchas-
er of the painting Of the Angel Uriel, re-
garded by the artist as one Of his master
pieces, and which had won the prize at the
exhibition Of the Academy. He was told
that it had not been sold
Can it be possible? Not sold? Where i
it to be had,"
''In this very rooom Here it is,"-pro-
ducing the painting from corner, and wip-
ing off the dust
els it for sale? Can it Be bought" was
the eager interrogatory
at is for sale; but its value has never
yet, to my idea Of its worth, been adequate
ly appreciated. and would not part with
"What is its price?'
Il have done affixing any nominal sum-
| have always, % far, exceeded my offers
| leave it for you to name the price,
"Will four hundred pounds be an ade-
quate recompense?"
TT is more than | have ever asked for
it,"
Then the painting i mine"
The stranger introduced himself as the
Marquis Of Stafford, and he became from
that moment one of the warmest friends Of
Allston. BY him, Mr. Allston was intro
duced into the society Of the nobility and
gentry, and he became one Of the most IA
vored Of the many gifted minds that adorn-
ed the circle to which he was thus introduc-
ed, but in which he was never fond Of ap-
pearing often.
The instantaneous relief thus afforded by
the liberality Of this noble visitor, was al
ways regarded by Allston as direct answer
to his prayer, and it made deep impression
upon his mind To this event lie was ever
after wont to attribute the increase Of de-
votionai feeling, which became promi-
net trait in his character.