p. 11 | ANSWER TO PRAYER

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Feb 13, 1901

ANSWER TO PRAYER.

WASHINGTON ALLSTON, the celebrated artist and poet, gives us an interesting account of an occurrence in his own life which he regarded as an instance of especial aid from a divine source.

Having married a sister of the eminent Dr. Channing, he made his second visit to Europe, and settled in London as an artist. He met with little success, and for a time was at a loss for the means of procuring the necessaries of life. Reflecting one day, with a feeling of almost desperation, upon his condition, he found himself all at once filled with the hope that God would help him if he only asked His help. So he locked his door, withdrew to a corner of his room, and falling on his knees prayed earnestly for help from on high.

While thus kneeling in supplication he was aroused by some one knocking at the door. He opened it to a stranger, who announced himself as the Marquis of Stafford, and inquired if his painting of the angel Uriel was sold. Receiving a negative reply, the nobleman paid him four hundred pounds for the beautiful production, and was so pleased that he introduced the poor artist to the leading nobility and gentry, and thus to both fame and fortune. Allston never looked upon this as a mere happy coincidence; but the feeling that led him to prayer, and the immediate relief which followed, he always regarded as the direct interposition of God in his behalf in the hour of his need. As the result he was led to a Christian life, and fixed devotional habits became predominant traits in his character to the end of his life.—Brotherhood Star.