CHAP. XV. TRUST IN THE TROTECTION OF GOD. 41 'J 



having interests in common, rather than become separated 

 and disunited, if not hostile communities. The prince said 

 it was his earnest desire to do all he could to mitigate the 

 sufferings of the people, and to render them contented and 

 prosperous ; and that, if his life was spared, he should still 

 do so, trusting in Grod to direct and preserve him. He said 

 some of his friends remonstrated with him for going about 

 with so few attendants ; " But," he added, " I put my trust 

 in Grod. If it be His will that I should live. He will protect 

 me." I said, " Yes ; God will preserve us in doing what is 

 right ; but it is our duty to use the means He places Avithin 

 our reach to prevent mcked men from doing mischief." He 

 said, " I do not think I should, in reality, be more safe with 

 a larger number of attendants. My chief trust is in God. 

 He is the sovereign of life." 



The sentiment thus expressed was often repeated by the 

 prince, and had been more than once exemplified in his 

 conduct. I heard from more parties than one that, but a 

 short time before my arrival at the capital, an attempt had 

 been made upon his life. One of the idol-keepers was said 

 to have concealed himself \^dth some of his adherents in a 

 part of the way along which the prince was expected to pass, 

 in sroing to visit the commander-in-chief, who was sick. The 

 assassin had raised his spear as the prince approached ; and, 

 if not actually making the thrust, it was so near his person, 

 that the prince either seized or dashed aside the weapon w^ith 

 his o^vn hand. The attendants of the prince secm'ed and 

 would have despatched the man at once, and the chief officer, 

 it is said, gave orders for him to be put to death that night ; 

 but the prince interposed, and said, " God is the sovereign of 

 life. He has preserved my life, and it is not necessary for 

 its continued preservation that I should destroy the life of 

 this man. Let him live, but be sent to a distant part of the 

 country, and there so secured as to prevent farther mischief 



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