The first of these displays of God's will in this passage was of revenge toward a sailor. He was as Bradford described him "a proud and very profane young man... of a lusty, able body." The sailor would "always be condemning the poor people" of the Mayflower because of their seasickness. The sailor went as far as to say that he hoped to help cast them overboard before they reached the mainland. Bradford believed that God was pleased to smite this young man with a grievous disease and ironically cause him to be the first to die and be thrown overboard. This proves that Bradford's god is all-powerful and able to seek and gain revenge against those who go against god's chosen people.
             In this passage, there are also several allusions to events that take place in past religious writings including the Bible. In one, Bradford speaks of Mount Pisgah, where the Hebrews could see what lay before them. Bradford infers that the pilgrims have it harder because they do not know what lies ahead of them. In another citation he speaks of "wise" Seneca, who said he would rather take 20 years and go by land than in shorter time travel via the ocean. In some way, Bradford believed that he is similar to other historical religious journeys and he considers that his journey is much like, if not more difficult and significant, than those before him.
             When they come ashore, Bradford describes the pilgrims falling to their knees and blessing the " God who had brought them over the vast and furious ocean, and delivered them from all the perils and miseries thereof, again to set their feet on the firm and stable earth, their proper element." Here, Bradford gives God credit for the pilgrims' survival. The passage does not say that God indirectly gives the sailors the strength and integrity to enable them safely come to the end of the journey, but it states a direct connection with God and the pilgr...