The Illustrious Providences in New England, Chapter 3
CHAP. III.
Concerning Remarkables about Thunder and Lightning. One at Salisbury in New-England struck dead thereby. Several at Marshfield. One at North-Hampton. The Captain of the Castle in Boston. Some Remarkables about Lightning in Rocksborough, Wenham, Marblehead, Cambridge. And in several Vessels at Sea. Some late parallel Instances, Of several in the last Century. Scripture Examples of Men slain by Lightning.
THere are who affirm that although terrible Lightnings with Thunders have ever been frequent in this Land, yet none were hurt thereby (neither Man nor Beast) for many years after the English did first settle in these American Desarts. But that of later years fatal and fearful slaughters have in that way been made amongst us, is most certain. And there are many who have in this respect been as Brands plucked out of the burning, when the Lord hath overthrown others as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. Such solemn works of Providence ought not to be forgotten. I shall now therefore proceed in giving an account of Remarkables respecting Thunder and Lightning, so far as I have received credible Information concerning them; The Particulars whereof are these which follow:
In Iuly 1654. A Man whose Name was Partridge (esteemed a very godly person) at Salisbury in New-England was killed with Thunder and Lightning, his House being first set on fire thereby, and himself with others endeavouring the quenching of it, by a second crack of Thunder with Lightning (he being at the door of his House) was struck dead, and never spake more. There were ten other persons also that were struck and lay for dead at the present, but they all revived, excepting Partridge. Some that viewed him, report that there were holes (like such as are made with shot) found in his Clothes, and Skin. One side of his Shirt and Body was scorched, and not the other. His House, though (as was said) set on fire by the Lightning in divers places, was not burnt down, but preserved by an abundance of Rain falling upon it.
Iuly 31. 1658. There hapned a Storm of Thunder and Lightning with Rain, in the Town of Marshfield in Plimouth Colony in New-England: Mr. Nathaneel Thomas, Iohn Philips, and another belonging to that Town, being in the Field, as they perceived the Storm a coming, betook themselves to the next House for Shelter: Iohn Philips sat down near the Chimney, his Face towards the inner Door. A black Cloud flying very low, out of it there came a great Ball of Fire, with a terrible crack of Thunder; the Fire-ball fell down just before the said Philips, he seemed to give a start on his Seat, and so fell backward, being struck dead, not the least motion of life appearing in him afterwards. Captain Thomas who sat directly opposite to Iohn Philips, about six foot distance from him, and a young Child that was then within three foot of him, through the Providence of God received no hurt, Yet many Bricks in the Chimney were beaten down, the principal Rafters split, the Battens next the Chimney in the Chamber were broken, one of the main Posts of the House into which the Summer was framed rent into shivers, and a great part of it was carried several Rod from the House, the Door before Philips, where the fire came down, was broken.
On the 28 of April A. D. 1664. A Company of the Neighbours being met together at the House of Henry Condliff in North-Hampton in New-England, to spend a few hours in Christian Conferences, and in Prayer; there hapned a Storm of Thunder and Rain; and as the good Man of the House was at Prayer, there came a Ball of Lightning in at the roof of the House which set the Thatch on fire, grated on the Timber, pierced through the Chamber-floor, no breach being made on the Boards; only one of the jouyces somewhat rased; Matthew Cole (who was Son in Law to the said Condliff) was struck stone dead as he was leaning over a Table, and joyning with the rest in Prayer. He did not stir nor groan after he was smitten, but continued standing as before, bearing upon the Table. There was no visible impression on his body or clothes, only the sole of one of his Shoes was rent from the upper Leather. There were about twelve persons in the Room; none else received any harm, only one Woman (who is still living) was struck upon the Head, which occasioned some deafness ever since. The Fire on the House was quenched by the seasonable help of Neighbours.
Iuly 15. 1665. There were terrible cracks of Thunder. An House in Boston was struck by it, and the Dishes therein melted as they stood on the Shelves, but no other hurt done in the Town. Only Captain Davenport (a Worthy Man, and one that had in the Pequot War, ventured his life, and did great service for the Countrey) then residing in the Castle where he commanded: having that day wrought himself weary, and thinking to refresh himself with sleep, was killed with Lightning, as he lay upon his Bed asleep. Several of the Souldiers in the Castle were struck at the same time; but God spared their lives. It has been an old Opinion mentioned by Plutarch (sympos. lib. 4. q. 2.) that Men asleep are never smitten with Lightning; to confirm which it has been alledged, that one lying asleep, the Lightning melted the Money in his Purse without doing him any further harm: And that a Cradle, wherein a Child lay sleeping, was broken with the Lightning, and the Child not hurt; And that the Arrows of King Mithridates being near his Bed, were burnt with Lightning, and yet himself being asleep received no hurt; but as much of all this, may be affirmed of persons awake. And this sad Example (Triste jaces lucis evitandumque Bidental) of Captain Davenport, whom the Lightning found and left asleep, does confute the vulgar error mentioned. And no doubt but that many the like Instances to this have been known in the World, the Records whereof we have not. But I proceed:
Iune 23. 1666. In Marshfield, another dismal Storm of Rain with Thunder and Lightning hapned. There were then in the house of Iohn Philips (he was Father of that Iohn Philips who was slain by Lightning in the year 1658.) fourteen persons; the Woman of the house calling earnestly to shut the Door, that was no sooner done, but an astonishing Thunder-clap fell upon the house rent the Chimney, and split the Door. All in the house were struck. One of them (who is still living) saith, that when he came to himself, he saw the house full of Smoke, and perceived a grievous smell of Brimstone, and saw the fire ly scattered; though whether that fire came from Heaven or was violently hurled out of the Hearth, he can give no account. At first he thought all the people present, except himself, had been killed. But it pleased God to revive most of them. Only three of them were mortally wounded with Heavens Arrows, viz. the Wife of Iohn Philips, and another of his Sons a young Man about twenty years old, and William Shertly, who had a Child in his Arms, that received no hurt by the Lightning when himself was slain. This Shertly was at that time a sojourner in Iohn Philips his house; having been a little before burnt out of his own house. The Wife of this Shertly was with Child and near her full time, and struck down for dead at present, but God recovered her, so that she received no hurt, neither by fright nor stroke. Two little Children sitting upon the edge of a Table, had their lives preserved, though a Dog which lay behind them under the Table was killed.
In the same year (in the latter end of May) Samuel Ruggles of Rocksborough in New-England, going with a loaden Cart, was struck with Lightning. He did not hear the Thunder-clap, but was by the force of the Lightning e're he was aware, carried over his Cattle about ten foot distance from them. Attempting to rise up he found that he was not able to stand upon his right Leg, for his right foot was become limber, and would bend any way, feeling as if it had no bone in it, nevertheless, he made a shift with the use of one leg to get to his Cattle (being an Horse and two Oxen) which were all killed by the Lightning. He endeavoured to take off the Yoak from the neck of one of the Oxen, but then he perceived that his thumb and two fingers in one hand were stupified that he could not stir them; they looked like cold clay, the blood clear gone out of that part of his hand. But by rubbing his wounded leg and hand, blood and life came into them again. As he came home pulling off his Stocking, he found that on the inside of his right Leg (which smarted much) the hair was quite burnt off, and it looked red. Just over his Ankle his Stocking was singed on the inside, but not on the outside, and there were near upon twenty marks about as big as pins heads, which the Lightning had left thereon. Likewise the Shoe on his left foot, was by the Lightning struck off his foot, and carried above two Rods from him. On the upper leather at the heel of the Shoe, there were five holes burnt through it, bigger than those which are made with Duck Shot. As for the Beasts that were slain, the hair upon their skins was singed, so that one might perceive that the Lightning had run winding and turning strangely upon their bodies, leaving little marks no bigger then Corns of Gun-powder behind it. There was in the Cart a Chest which the Lightning pierced through, as also through a quire of Paper and twelve Napkins, melting some pewter dishes that were under them.
At another time in Rocksborough, a Thunder Storm hapning, broke into the house of Thomas Bishop, striking off some Clapboards, splitting two Studs of the end Spar, and running down by each side of the Window, where stood a Bed with three Children in it. Over the head of the Bed were three Guns and a Sword, which were so melted with the Lightning that they began to run. It made a hole through the floor, and coming into a lower room it beat down the shutter of the Window, and running on a shelf of Pewter, it melted several Dishes there; and descending lower, it melted a Brass Morter, and a Brass Kettle. The Children in the Bed were wonderfully preserved: for a Lath at the corner of it was burnt, and Splinters flew about their Clothes and Faces, and there was not an hands breadth between them and the fire, yet received they no hurt.
On the 18 of May (being the Lords day) A. D. 1673. The People at Wenham (their worthy Pastor Mr. Antipas Newman being lately dead) prevailed with the Reverend Mr. Higginson of Salem, to spend that Sabbath amongst them. The afternoon Sermon being ended, he with several of the Town went to Mr. Newman his House; w…lest they were in discourse there, about the word and works of God, a Thunder storm arose. After a while a smart Clap of Thunder broke upon the House, and especially into the Room where they were sitting, and discoursing together; It did for the present deafen them all, filling the Room with smoke, and a strong smell as of Brimstone. With the Thunder-clap, came in a Ball of Fire as big as the Bullet of a great Gun, which suddenly went up the Chimney, as also the Smoke did. This Ball of Fire was seen at the feet of Richard Goldsmith, who sat on a Leather Chair, next the Chimney, at which instant he fell off the Chair on the Ground. As soon as the Smoke was gone, some in the room endeavoured to hold him up, but found him dead; also the Dog that lay under the Chair was found stone dead, but not the least hurt done to the Chair. All that could be perceived by the Man, was, that the hair of head near one of his Ears was a little singed. There were seven or eight in that room, and more in the next; yet (through the merciful providence of God) none else had the least harm. This Richard Goldsmith, who was thus slain, was a Shoemaker by Trade, being reputed a good Man for the main; but had blemished his Christian Profession by frequent breaking of his promise, it being too common with him (as with too many Professors amongst us) to be free and forward in engaging but backward in performing. Yet this must further be added, that half a year before his Death, God gave him a deep sence of his Evils, that he made it his business not only that his peace might be made with God, but with Men also, unto whom he had given just offence. He went up and down bewailing his great sin in promise-breaking; and was become a very conscientious and lively Christian, promoting holy and edifying Discourses, as he had occasion. At that very time when he was struck dead, he was speaking of some passages in the Sermon he had newly heard, and his last words were, blessed be the Lord.
In the same year, on the 21. of Iune, being Saturday in the afternoon; another Thunder-storm arose; during which Storm Iosiah Walton (the youngest Son of Mr. William Walton late Minister of Marble-head) was in a Ketch coming in from Sea, and being before the Harbours mouth, the Wind suddenly shifted to the Northward; a violent Gust of Wind coming down on the Vessel, the Seamen concluded to hand their Sails, Iosiah Walton got upon the Main-yard to expedite the matter, and foot down the Sail; when there hapned a terrible flash of Lightning, which breaking forth out of the C…o…d, struck down three Men who were on the Deck, without doing them any hurt; but Iosiah Walton being (as was said) on the Main-yard, the Lightning shattered his Thighbone all in pieces, and did split and shiver the Main-mast of the Vessel, and scorcht the Rigging. Iosiah Walton falling down upon the Deck, his Leg was broken short off. His Brother being on the Deck, did (with others) take him up, and found him alive, but sorely scorched and wounded. They brought him on shore to his Mothers House. At first he was very sensible of his case; and took leave of his Friends, giving himself to a serious preparation for another World. His Relations used all means possible for his recovery; though he himself told them he was a duplicate page duplicate page duplicate page duplicate page dead man, and the use of means would but put him to more misery. His Bones were so shattered, that it was not possible for the Art of Man to reduce them; Also, the violent heat of the weather occasioned a Gangrene. In this misery he continued until the next Wednesday morning; and then departed this life; he was an hopeful young-man.
In the Year 1678. on the 29 th. of Iune, at Cambridge in New-England; A Thunder-clap with Lightning broke into the next house to the Colledge. It tore away and shattered into pieces a considerable quantity of the Tyle on the Roof thereof. In one Room there then hapned to be the Wife of Iohn Benjamin (Daughter to Thomas Swetman, the Owner of the House) who then had an Infant about two Moneths old in her Arms; also another Woman. They were all of them struck; the Child being by the force of the Lightning carried out of the Mothers Arms, and thrown upon the Floor some distance from her. The Mother was at first thought to be dead, but God restored her, though she lost the use of her Limbs for some considerable time. Her feet were singed with the Lightning, and yet no sign thereof appearing on her Shoes. Also the Child and the other Woman recovered. In the next room were seven or eight persons who received no hurt. It was above a quarter of an hour before they could help the persons thus smitten, for the room was so full of Smoke (smelling like Brimstone) that they could not see them. Some Swine being near the Door as the Lightning fell, were thrown into the House, and seemed dead awhile, but afterwards came to life again. A Cat was killed therewith. A Pewter Candlestick standing upon a joynt-stool; some part of it was melted and carried away before the Lightning, and stuck in the Chamber floor over head, like Swan shot, and yet the Candlestick it self was not so much as shaken off from the Stool whereon it stood.
Iune 12. 1680. There was an amazing Thunder-storm at Hampton in New-England. The Lightning fell upon the House of Mr. Ioseph Smith, strangely shattering it in divers places. His Wife (the Grand-Daughter of that Eminent Man of God, Mr. Cotton, who was the famous Teacher of the Church of Christ, first in Old, and then in New Boston) lay as dead for the present; being struck down with the Lightning, near the Chimney, yet God mercifully spared and restored her. But the said Smith his Mother (a gracious Woman) was strvck dead and never recovered again.
Besides all these which have been mentioned, one or two in Connecticut Colony, and four Persons dwelling in the Northern parts of this Countrey, were smitten with the fire of God, about sixteen years ago; the circumstances of which Providences (though very Remarkable) I have not as yet received from those that were acquainted therewith; and therefore cannot here publish them. Also, some Remarkables about Thunder hapned the last year.
A Reverend Friend in a Neighbour Colony, in a Letter bearing August 3. 1682. Writeth thus;
We have had of late great Storms of Rain and Wind, and some of Thunder and Lightning, whereby Execution has been done, though with sparing mercy to Men: Mr. Jones his House in New-Haven, was broken into by the Lightning, and strange work made in one Room especially, in which one of his Children had been but a little before. This was done June 8. 1682. A little after which at Norwalk, there were nine working Oxen smitten dead at once, within a small compass of Ground. The next MonethMonth at Greenwich, there were seven Swine and a Dog …illed with the Lightning, very near a dwelling House, where a Family of Children (their Parents not at home when Lightning hapned) were much frighted, but received no other hurt: what are these but warning pieces, shewing that Mens lives may go next? Thus he,
I proceed now to give an account of some late Remarkables about Thunder and Lightning, wherein several Vessels at Sea were concerned.
Iuly 17. 1677. A Vessel whereof Mr. Thomas Berry was Master, set Sail from Boston in New-England, Bound for the Island of Madera… About 3. h. P. M. being half way between Cape Cod and Brewsters Islands, they were becalmed; and they perceived a Thunder-shower arising in the North-Northwest. The Master ordered all their Sails (except their two Courses) to be furled. When the shower drew near to them, they had only the foresail abroad; all the Men were busie in lashing fast the Long-boat; The Master was walking upon the Deck, and as he came near the Main-mast, he beheld something very black fly before him, about the bigness of a small Mast, at the Larboard side; and immediately he heard a dreadful and amazing noise, not like a single Canon, but as if great Armies of Men had been firing one against another; presently upon which the Master was struck clear round, and fell down for dead upon the Deck, continuing so for about seven minutes; but then he revived, having his hands much burnt with the Lightning. The Ship seemed to be on fire; and a very great Smoke having a Sulphurous smell came from between the Decks; so that no man was able to stay there, for more than half an hour after this surprizing Accident hapned. The Main-mast was split from the Top-gallant-mast head to the lower Deck. The Partners of the Pump were struck up at the Star-board side, and one end of two Cabbins staved down betwixt Decks. Two holes were made in one of the Pumps about the bigness of two Musquet Bullets. They were forced to return to Boston again, in order to the fitting of the Vessel with a new Mast. Through the mercy of the most high, no person in the Vessel received any hurt, besides what hath been expressed. Yet it is Remarkable that the same day, about the same time, two Men in or near Wenham were killed with Lightning, as they sat under a tree in the Woods.
On Iune the sixth A. D. 1682. A Ship called the Iamaica Merchant, Captain Ioseph Wild Commander, being then in the Gulph of Florida, Lat. 27. gr. about 1 h. P. M. was surprized with an amazing Thunder shower; the Lightning split the Main-mast, and knocked down one of the Sea-men, and set the Ship on fire between Decks, in several places. They used utmost endeavour to extinguish the fire, but could not do it; seeing they were unable to overcome those Flames, they betook themselves to their Boat. The fire was so furious between the Cabbin and the Deck in the Steeridge, that they could not go to the relief of each other, insomuch that a Man and his Wife were parted. The Man leaped over-board into the Sea, and so swam to the Boat: his Wife and a Child were taken out of a Gallery Window into the Boat. Three Men more were saved by leaping out of the Cabbin Window. There were aboard this Vessel which Heaven thus set on fire, thirty four persons; yet all escaped with their lives: For the gracious providence of God so ordered, as that Captain Iohn Bennet was then in company, who received these distressed and astonished Creatures into his Ship: so did they behold the Vessel burning, until about 8 h. P. M. when that which remained sunk to the bottom of the Sea. The Master with several of the Seamen were by Captain Bennet brought safe to New-England, where they declared how wonderfully they had been delivered from Death which God both by fire and water had threatned them with.
March 16. 1682, 3. A ship whereof Robert Luist is Master being then at Sea (bound for New-England) in Lat. 27. gr. about 2. h. A. M▪ it began to Thunder and Lighten. They beh…ld three Corpusants (as Mariners call them) on the Yards: The Thunder grew fiercer, and thicker than before. Suddenly their Vessel was filled with Smoke, and the smell of Brimstone, that the poor men were terrified with the apprehension of their Ships being on fire. There came down from the Clouds a stream or flame of Fire as big as the Ships Mast, which fell on the middle of the Deck, where the Mate was standing, but then was thrown flat upon his back with three Men more that were but a little distance from him. They that were yet untouched, thought, not only that their fellow Mariners had been struck dead, but their Deck broken in pieces by that blow, whose sound seemed …o them to exceed the report of many great Guns fired off at once. Some that were less dangerously hurt, made an Out-cry that their legs were scalded; but the Mate lay speechless and senseless. When he began to come to himself, he made sad complaints of a burden lying upon his back. When Day came, they perceived their Main-top-mast was split▪ and the Top-sail burnt. The Lightning seemed like small coals of fire blown overboard.
There is one Remarkable more about Thunder and Lightning, which I am lately informed of by persons concerned therein; some circumstances in the Relation being as wonderfull, as any of the preceding particulars▪ Thus it was: On Iuly 24. in the Year 1681▪ The Ship called Albemarl (whereof Mr. Edward Lad was then Master) being an hundred leagues from Cape Cod, in Lat. 48. about 3 h. P. M. met with a Thunder Storm. The Lightning burnt the Main-top-sail, split the Main-cap in pieces, rent the Mast all along. There was in special one dreadful Clap of Thunder, the report bigger than of a great Gun, at which all the Ships Company were amazed; then did there fall something from the Clouds upon the stern of the Boat, which broke into many small parts; split one of the Pumps, the other Pump much hurt also. It was a Bituminous matter, smelling much like fired Gun-powder. It continued burning in the stern of the Boat, they did with Sticks dissipate it, and poured much Water on it, and yet they were not able by all that they could do to extinguish it, until such time as all the matter was consumed. But the strangest thing of all, is yet to be mentioned. When night came, observing the Stars, they perceived that their Compasses were changed. As for the Compass in the Biddikil, the North point was turned clear South. There were two other Compasses unhung in the Locker, in the Cabbin. In one of which the North point stood South, like that in the Biddikil; as for the other, the North point stood West. So that they Sailed by a Needle whose Polarity was quite changed. The Seamen were at first puzled how to work their Vessel right, considering that the South point of their Compass was now become North, but after a little use, it was easie to them. Thus did they Sail a thousand Leagues. As for the Compass wherein the Lightning had made the Needle to point Westward, since it was brought to New-England the Glass being broke, it has by means of the Air coming to it, wholly lost its virtue. One of those Compasses which had quite changed the Polarity from North to South, is still extant in Boston; and at present in my custody. The North point of the Needle doth remain fixed to this day, as it did immediately after the Lightning caused an alteration. The natural reason of which may be enquired into in the next Chapter: But before I pass to that, it may be, it will be grateful to the Reader, for me here to commemorate some parallel Instances, which have lately hapned in other parts of the World, unto which I proceed, contenting my self with one or two Examples, reserving others for the subsequent Chapter; where we shall have further occasion to take notice of them.
The Authors Ephemeridum Medico-Physicarum Germanicarum, have informed the World, that on August 14. 1669. it Thundred and Lightned as if Heaven and Earth would come together. And at the house of a Gentleman who lived near Bergen, the fiery Lightning flashed through four inner rooms at once, entring into a Beer Cellar, with its force it threw down the Earthen Vessels, with the Windows and Doors where it came: but the Tin and Iron Vessels were partly melted, and partly burnt with black spots remaining on them. Where it entred the Cellar, the Barrels were removed out of their right places; where it went out, it left the Taps shaking. In one room the binding was taken off from the back of a Bible, and the Margin was accurately cut by the Lightning without hurting the Letters, as if it had been done by the hands of some Artists: beginning at the Re…elation, and (which is wonderful) ending with the twelfth Chapter of 1 Epistle to the Corinthians, which Chapter fell in course to be expounded in publick the next Lords day. Six Women sitting in the same Chimney filled with a Sulphurous and choaking Mist, that … could scarce breathe; not far from the Bed of a Woman that was then lying in, were struck down, the hangings of the room burnt, and the Mother of the Woman in Child-bed lay for dead at present; but after a while, the other recovering their sences, examined what hurt was done to the Woman thought to be dead: her Kerchief was burnt as if it had been done with Gun-powder; she had about her a silver Chain, which was melted and broke into five parts: her under Garments were not so much as singed; but just under her Paps she was very much burnt. After she came to her self, she was very sensible of pain in the place where the Lightning had caused that wound. To lenifie which Womens Milk was made use of. But Blisters arising, the dolour was increased, until a skilful Physician prescribed this Unguent. R. Mucilag. Sem. Cydoniorum C. aq. Malv. extract half an Ounce. Succ. Planta…. rec. an ounce and half. Lytharg. aur. subt. pert. half a drachm. m. ad fict. whereby the inflamation was allayed.
By the same Authors, it is also Related, that in Iune A. D. 1671. an house was struck with Lightning in four places, in some places the Timber was split, and in other places had holes made in it, as if bored through with an Awger, but no impression of fire … any where to be seen. A Girl fifteen years old, sitting in the Chimney, was struck down and lay for dead, the space of half an hour. And it is probable, that she had never recovered, had not an able Physician been sent for, who viewing her, perceived that the Clothes about her Breast were made to look blewish by the Lightning: It had also caused her Paps to look fiery and blackish, as if they had been scorched with Gun-powder. Under her Breast the Lightning had left creases, a cross her body, of a brownish colour. Also some creases made by the Lightning as broad as ones finger run along her left Leg reaching to her Foot. The Physician caused two spoonfuls of Apoplectick Water to be poured down her throat, upon which she instantly revived, complaining of a great heat in her Jaws and much pain, in the places hurt by the Lightning. Half a drachm of Pulvis Bezoarticus Anglicus, in the water of sweet Chervil was given to her, which caused a plentiful sweat, whereby the pain in her Jaws was dimi…ished. Being still feave…ish, an emulsion made with Poppy seed, Millet, Carduus Benedictus, &c. was made use of, upon which the Patient had ease and recovered. It appears by this as well as other instances, that great care should be had of those that are Thunde-struck, that they be not given up for quite dead, before all means be used in order to their being revived. Paulus Zacchias in Questionibus Medicis giveth Rules whereby it may be known whether persons smitten with Lightning be dead, past all recovery or no. And the History put forth by Iaccbus Iavellus in an Epistle emitted with his Medicinae Compendium, describes the cure of persons struck with Lightning. I have not my self seen those Books; but whoso shall see cause to obtain and consult them, will I suppose find therein things worth their reading and consideration. Something to this purpose I find in the Scholion on the Germ. Ephem. for the year 1671. obs. 37. p. 69. The Reader that is desirous to see more Remarkable Instances about Thunder and Lightning, wherein persons living in former age were concerned, if he please to look into Zuinger his Theatrum vit. Human. Vol. 2. Lib. 2. P. 322. & Lib. 7. P. 475, 545. & Vol. 3. Lib. 1. P. 631. & Vol. 5. Lib. 4. P. 1371. he will find many notable and memorable passages which that industrious Author hath collected. Though none more awful (to my Remembrance) than that which hapned A. D. 1546. when Meckelen (a principal City in Brabant) was set on fire, and suffered a fearful Conflagration by Lightning: So it was, that at the very time. when this Thunder-Storm hapned, an Inn-keeper (whose Name was Croes) had in his house some Guests, who were playing at Cards. The Inn-keeper going into his Wine-Celler to fetch Drink for his merry Guests, at that moment the furious Tempest plucked up the house and carried it a good way off. Every one of the Men that were playing at Cards were found dead with their Cards in their hands; only the Inn-keeper himself, being in the Wine-Cellar (which was arched) escaped with his Life.
This brings to mind a strange passage related by Cardan (de variet Lib. 8. C. 43.) who saith, that eight men sitting down together under an Oak, as they were at Supper, a flash of Lightning smote and …lew them all; And they were found in the very posture that the Lightning surprized them in: one with the Meat in his Mouth, another seemed to be Drinking, another with a Cup in his hand, which he intended to bring to his Mouth, &c. They looked like Images made black with the Lightning.
As for Scripture Examples of Men slain by Lightning; it is the judgement of the Judicious and Learned Zuinger, that the Sodomites & those 250 that being with Corab in his Conspiracy presumed to offer Incense▪ Numb. 16. 35. And Nadab and Abihu, and th… two Semicenturions with their Souldiers, who came to apprehend the Prophet Elijah, were all killed by Lightning from Heaven.