An essay for the recording of illustrious providences

We proceed to some other:

Remarkable was that deliverance mentioned ⟨p. 15⟩both by Mr. Janeway, and Mr. Burton, wherein that gallant Commander Major Edward Gibbons of Boston in New-England, and others were concerned. The substance of the Story is this. A New-England Vessel going from Boston to some other parts of America, was through the continuance of contrary winds, kept long at Sea, so that they were in very great straits for want of Provision, and seeing they could not hope for any relief from Earth or Sea, they apply themselves to Heaven in humble and hearty Prayers, but no Calm ensuing, one of them made this sorrowful motion, that they should cast Lots, which of them should die first, to satisfy the ravenous Hunger of the rest. After many a sad Debate, they come to a result, the Lot is cast, and one of the company is taken, but where is the Executioner to be found to act this Office upon a poor Innocent? It is death new to think who shall act this bloody part in the Tragedy: But before they fall upon this in-voluntary Execution, they once more went unto their Prayers, and while they were calling upon God, he answered them, for there leapt a mighty Fish into the Boat, which was a double joy to them, not only in relieving their miserable hunger, which no doubt made them quick Cooks, but because ⟨p. 16⟩they looked upon it to be sent from God, and to be a token of their Deliverance. But Alas! the Fish is soon caten, and their former Exigencies come upon them, which sink their spirits into despair; for they know not of another Morsel. To Lot they go again the second time, which falleth upon another person; but still none can be found to Sacrifice him; they again send their Prayers to Heaven with all manner of fervency, when behold a second Answer from above! a great Bird lights, and fixes it self upon the Mast: which one of the Company espies, and he goes, and there she stands, till he took her with his hand by the wing. This was life from the dead the second time, and they feasted themselves herewith, as hoping that second Providence was fore-runner of their complete Deliverance. But they have still the same Disappointments, they can see no Land, they know not where they are. Hunger increaseth again upon them, and they have no hopes to be saved but by a third Miracle.