Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A., late of Pembroke-College, Oxford, and Chaplain to the Rt. Hon. the Countess of Huntingdon (1771 Volume 2).djvu/13



ALMIGHTY GOD has in all ages shewn his power and mercy, in the marvellous and gracious deliverance of his church, and in the protection of righteous and religious kings and states, professing his holy and eternal truth, from the open invasion, wicked conspiracies, and malicious practices of all the enemies thereof. He hath by the manifestation of his providence delivered us from the hands of the Spaniards: they, with forty sail of small gallies and other craft, came into Cumberland Sound; but such a terror came upon them that they fled. With another fleet of thirty-six ships and vessels they came into Jekyl Sound, and after a sharp fight became masters thereof; we having only four vessels to oppose their force. We engaged them for the space of four hours, and not one of us was killed, though many of the enemy perished, and five were killed by one shot only. They landed four thousand five hundred, men, according to the account of the prisoners, and even of Englishmen, who escaped from them. The first party marched up through the woods to this town, and was within sight thereof, when delivered them into our hands, though we were but few in number. They fought and were soon dispersed and fled. Another party which supported them, also fought; but were soon put to flight. We may truly say, the hand of the fought for us; for in two attacks more than five hundred fled before fifty. At first they seemed to fight with courage; and the grenadiers particularly charged with great resolution; but their shot did not take place, insomuch that none of ours were killed; but they were broken and pursued with great slaughter, and by the report of the prisoners since taken, upwards of two hundred men never returned to their camp. They also came up with their half galleys towards the town, and returned without so much as firing one shot, leaving behind them some cannon, and many things they had taken. Twenty-eight sail attacked Fort-William, in which were only fifty men. After three hours fight, they went away and left the province, and were pursued as far as Saint John's. So that by this whole expedition, no more than two of ours were taken and two killed. We may therefore truly say, the hath done great things for us, who has delivered us out of the hands of the enemy.