80 The True Riches.

to avoid strife and confusion, the right to
enter the boats should be determined by lot.
Having ascertained the exact number that
could be carried by the boats, a corresponding
number of long slips of paper was provided,
and intermingled with a number of shorter
slips, and it was determined that those who
drew the long lots should have the right of
leaving the vessel, and that those who drew
the short lots should remain. The drawing
of the lots was a time of feverish anxiety,
of breathless suspense. Every one felt that
his own destiny, and many the destinies
of those most dear to them, depended upon
an event over which no control could be
exercised. Death or life was to be deter-
mined by the drawing of a long or short slip
of paper. Some, doubtless, even then enjoyed
the confidence of faith, knowing that, while
“the lot is cast into the lap, the whole dis-
posing thereof is of the Lord.” Such would
feel safe in the hands of One by whom all
things are arranged, and without whose
permission not even a sparrow falls fluttering
to the ground.

The lots are drawn. It is now known who