Karamsin, in his history of Russia, relates that when the inhabitants of
Livonia were first converted from Paganism to Christianity, they hesitated
whether they should adopt the faith of the Russian or German church; at
length in their extreme perplexity, they determined to decide their doubts
in a most summary manner by casting lots, when chance prevailed in favour
of the latter. There are many cases in which this example might be
followed very advantageously, thereby saving a great deal of time and
vexation to the parties; for instance, it might be very beneficially
introduced into the court of chancery, for then let the decision fall out
as it might, the suitors would resign themselves to it as the decree of
fate, as they must do even in the end after waiting half their lives. If
the adage of _Bis dat qui cito dat_, be true, it is no less certain that
he who denies at once, at length gives us something, for he gives us time.
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