132 THE SHIPWRECK,

benefits which he had derived even from his severest trials,
and on the numberless blessings with which he had been
favoured: and a sentiment of gratitude would penetrate
his soul, and he would feel that his happiness and repose
were proportioned to the confidence with which he aban-
doned himself to the will of that Providence which wisely
disposes of all events for man’s greatest good.

Merville’s friendship, his kindness, care and foresight,
greatly contributed to reconcile him to his sad exile. The
more he conversed with that noble-hearted youth, the more
he admired his genuine sensibility, the benevolence of bis
character and the sterling soundness of his understand-
ing: and this young nobleman, formerly so haughty, so
capricious, so obstinately self-willed, and sometimes so
cruelly unjust, now found in the society of a poor sailor,
whom he had once hated and despised, his sole pleasure
and consolation.

Thus did the two youthful exiles, after the long and
savage warfare their mutual hatred and revenge urged
them to pursue against each other, now verify those beau-
tiful words of holy writ:

“Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren
to dwell together in unity !”