The Elk advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Elk Co., Pa.) 186?-1868, 1867-07-18
Written for the Elk A dvocate.
INNOCENCE AND GUILT.
BY VIOLET.

A celebrated artist wished to paint
picture Of innocence. Long and vainly
he sought for a suitable model, and had
almost given up his idea, when one day
as he was riding through small village,
he beheld beautiful cottage almos
hidden by trees and shrubbery. Seated
in front of it upon grassy knoll was :.
lovely child-such a vision of beauty
as had often fitted through the artists
dreams, but which till now he had nev
er SEEN. Long, golden curls shaded the
fair, pure brow of the infant, and almos
rivalled in beauty his eyes of Heaven
own hue. And then his attitude Hi
sweet-voiced young mother was repeat,
ing aloud some simple evening prayer,
while the child listened with great at
tention, his tiny hands folded, and his
blue eyes raised to Heaven, beseechine
more eloquently than if he had uttered
the most feryent prayer. The painter
attention Was Immediately attracted to
this scene he alighted from his horse,
and saluting the mother, entered int
conversation with her. He praised the
rare beauty of the child, and making
known his ardent desire, requested
permission to paint the child's portrait.
This was granted, and the artist chose
it as a model for his picure of innocence.
In due time the picture was finished and
won golden opinions from all, while tie
nrtIsa ualuAn 4ho,, oil
works.
Years after he conceived a desire for
painting picture of guilt, and gain we
find him in search OF model. 10 pro.
cure one he obtained permission to visit
the prisons.
lie had almost resolved to give up
the search, when he was one day shown
man OF the most wretched appearance,
a new prisoner. His face wore a fearful
aspect; crime was stamped upon every
feature oaths and blasphemies were
his language. This mar, the painter
thought, would be the best model Of
guilt he could obtain, and he Immediate
ly drew the first sketch, While draw
ing he could not help relating how lie
painted lis picture Of innocence, and
contrasting it with the picture he was
just sketchiug. The prisoner expressed
wish to see the picture, and the artist
promised to Oring it the next day.
The painting was brought, and Vh.!o
the wretched man gazed upon the hoay-
enly countcnance of the child, his whol.
frame quivered with some powerful cn.-
otioD. Tears gushed forth, and fell uu-
needed. Alas ! how long had those
saving drops been strangers to his eyes
Long and violently he wept-aud, Oh,
what dreadful sight i: is to see
strong man weep! The artist kind.
whispered words Of comfort, at last lho
criminal in broken voice exc,a;muLr
=" | was that child, often has my mo.ho.
related to me the circumstances. NJ
dear mother. Woul that had listen
ell TO hrr geutle teachings, bat, thacs
God, she never knew the worst, for lorg
has sue slept in he peaceful grave"
That sinful heart was complets.y
broker. He entreated the artist d.
bring a minister OF God that he mig.
make his peace with Heaven. o.
joyfal erraud ! The minister arriy.}
and administered comfort to the heai
broken man, who was truly repentans
Scarce was the picture completed who
he slept that sleep which knows 90
waking. ....'.
The two pictures now hang side b,
sile in the artists studio, and no emia.
ly tire ,sure would tempt hin to part Wiz
them. 'raey are dear to him, not as
works If art, but as bang tile means o.
bringi y guilty sou. to repentance.