The New Hampshire Gazette

To the Printer, &c.

SIR,

I cannot express my Thankfulness to Almighty GOD, for a great and wonderful Mercy vouchsafed to myself and several Thousands more, and indeed to the whole British Nation. I do not subscribe my Name, nor that of my Ship, lest I should be thought to affect the Reputation of being religious, and (to confess the Truth) to avoid that Ridicule and Contempt which (amongst us) is cast on every Appearance of Godly Fear and Concern for the immortal Soul.

On the 25th Day of September last, 20 Sail of the Line and 4 Frigates were cruising off Louisbourg. A violent Storm came on, blowing directly in Shore. The Sea burst over our Ships like Mountains, carried away Masts and Rigging, and laid many of our Ships on the Side. We endeavour'd to relieve ourselves by beating to Windward, and some of us by cutting off our Masts, and throwing Guns and Anchors over-board: But all was in vain; the whole Fleet drove toward a rocky Shore. After struggling 14 Hours; the nearest Ship (the Tilbury, Capt. Barnsley) dashed against the Rocks, and in a few Minutes most of them perished. The Grafton struck also, but by God's providential Care, and by throwing out her Anchors, was stayed a few Minutes. December 13. The most distant Ship was now but two Miles from Shore, and in all Probability but half an Hour Let it be remembered, O! my Soul, while thou hast any being. Let (perhaps not half that Time) from Destruction. When, behold! it be remembered O! Britain, to the End of the World!--of a sudden the Wind shifted round to the Point directly opposite to where it was before. A blessed Gale blowing off Shore, carried us clear from Rocks. and Death, and O! perhaps, (with Respect to many of us) from Damnation.

Never was the Hand of God more visible, with Regard both to Judgement and Mercy. He that looks to any other Cause must be a blind Infidel indeed. How is this Providence of God calculated to stir us up to fear so great a God, whom Winds and Waves obey; to obey so gracious a Father, who in the Midst of Wrath remembers Mercy? Blessed, for ever blessed, be thy Mercy and wondrous Love, O glorious Almighty Father. To thy tender Care I owe my Life: and to thy Mediation and Intercession O! blessed Jesus.-- O! enable me to shew forth thy Praise not only with my Lips but with my Life, by devoting myself entirely to thy Service, O! God