A58039:75
A token for mariners
A token for mariners containing many famous and wonderful instances of God's providence in sea dangers and deliverances, in mercifully preserving the lives of his poor creatures, when, in humane probability, at the point of perishing by shipwreck, famine, or other accidents. much enlarged, with the addition of many new relations, one whereof happening this present year, and never before printed. Mostly attested by the persons themselves. Also The seaman's preacher, being a sermon on the right improvement of such mercies. And prayers for seamen on all occasions.A token for mariners containing many famous and wonderful instances of God's providence in sea dangers and deliverances, in mercifully preserving the lives of his poor creatures, when, in humane probability, at the point of perishing by shipwrack, famine, or other accidents. much enlarg'd, with the addition of many new relations, one whereof happening this present year, and never before printed. Mostly attested by the persons themselves. Also The seaman's preacher, being a sermon on the right improvement of such mercies. And prayers for seamen on all occasions.
London: printed by Hugh Newman, 1698
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
In the beginning of January, as the days began to lengthen, the cold began to strengthen; which proceeded to that extremity, that it raised blisters on their flesh as if they had been burnt with fire, and if at any time they touched Iron, it would stick to their fingers like birdlime: If they went out a doors to fetch in a little water, it would so pinch them, that they were sore as if they had been beaten. In the beginning of Winter, with Pick-axes breaking the Ice daily, they got some water on the Sea-shore: but after the tenth of January, they had none but Snow water which they melted with hot Irons, which was their only Drink till the twentieth of May following.
By the last of January the days were seven or eight hours long, and then viewing their victuals again, they found that it would not last above six weeks longer, which made them fear further Famine; but they had recourse to God, who they knew, could supply them beyond their hopes.
Looking out on a bright day, they saw a great she Bear with her Cub coming towards their Tent, whereupon arming themselves with their Lances, they went ⟨p. 69⟩forth, and stayed her coming; she soon cast her greedy Eyes upon them, and hoping to devour them, hasted towards them: But with their Lances they gave her such an hearty welcome, that she tumbled upon the ground, biting the Snow for anger: the Cub seeing this, escaped by flight: The weather was so extreme cold, that they were fain presently to retire into the Tent, and having warmed themselves, they drew in the dead Bear, wherewith they dined merrily; and this Bear served them twenty days: Only this mischance they had, eating her Liver, it made their skins peel off; when she was spent, they yet feared that their Venison would not hold out till the Fleet came out of England; but God sent many Bears to their Tent, by times, at least forty, whereof they killed seven; One of which was exceeding great, at least six foot high; so that their Food increasing, they kept not themselves to such short commons, but oft eat two or three meals a Day, which much increased their strength.