The Illustrious Providences in New England, Chapter 4

The Illustrious Providences in New England · Chapter 4

p. 99CHAP. IV.

Some Philosophical Meditations. Concerning Antipathies and Sympathies. Of the Loadstone. Of the Nature and Wonderful Effects of Lightning. That Thunder-Storms are often caused by Satan; and sometimes by good Angels. Thunder is the Voice of God, and therefore to be dreaded. All Places in the habitable World are subject to it more or less. No Amulets can preserve men from being hurt thereby. The miserable estate of Wicked Men upon this account, and the happiness of the Righteous, who may be …ve all disquieting fears, with respect unto such terrible Accidents.

HAving thus far Related many Remarkable Providences, which have hapned in these goings down of the Sun; and some of the particulars, (especially in the last Chapter) being Tragical Stories: The Reader must give me leave upon this occasion a little to divert and recreate my mind, with some Philosophical Meditations; and to conclude with a Theological Improvement thereof. There are Wonders in the Works of Creation as well as Providence, the reason whereof the most knowing amongst Mortals, are p. 100not able to comprehend. Dost thou know the ballancings of the Clouds, the wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge? I have not yet seen any who give a satisfactory reason of those strange Fountains in New Spain, which Ebb and Flow with the Sea, though far from it; and which fall in Rainy Weather, and rise in dry; or concerning that Pit near St. Bartholmew's into which if one cast a stone though never so small, it makes a noise as great and terrible as a clap of Thunder. It is no difficult thing to produce a World of Instances, concerning which the usual Answer is, an occult Quality is the cause of this strange operation, which is only a Fig-lea… whereby our common Philosophers seek to hide their own ignorance. Nor may we (with Erastus) deny that there are marvelous Sympathies and Antipathies in the natures of things. We know that the Horse does abominate the Camel; the mighty Elephant is afraid of a Mouse: And they say that the Lion, who scorneth to turn his back upon the stoutest Animal, will tremble at the Crowing of a Cock. Some Men also have strange A…tipathies in their natures against that …ort of Food which others love and live upon. I have read of one that could not endure to eat either Bread or Flesh. Of another that p. 101fell into a Swoonding fit at the smell of a Rose. Others would do the like at the smell of Vineger, or at the sight of an Eel or a Frog. There was a Man that if he did hear the sound of a Bell, he would immediately die away. Another if he did happen to hear any one sweeping a Room, an inexpressible horror would sieze upon him. Another if he heard one whetting a Knife his Gumms would fall a bleeding. Another was not able to behold a Knife that had a sharp point, without being in a strange agony. Quercetus speaketh of one that died as he was sitting at the Table, only because an Apple was brought into his sight. There are some who if a Cat accidentally come into the Room, though they neither see it, nor are told of it, will presently be in a Sweat and ready to die away. There was lately one living in Stow-Market, that when ever it Thundred would fall into a violent Vomiting, and so continue until the Thunder-storm was over. A Woman had such an Antipathy against Cheese that if she did but eat a piece of Bread, cut with a Knife, which a little before had cut Cheese, it would cause a Deliquium, yet the same Woman when she was with Child delighted in no meat so much as in Cheese. There was la…ely (I know not but that he p. 102may be living still) a Man that if Pork, o… any thing made of Swines flesh were brought into the room, he would fall into a convulsive Sardonian Laughter; nor can he for his heart leave as long as that object is before him, so that if it should not be removed, he would certainly laugh himself to death. It is evident that the peculiar Antipathies of some persons are caused by the imaginations of their Parents. There was one that would fall into a Syncope if either a Calves-head or a Cabbage were brought near him. There were n…vi materni upon the Hypocondria of this person, on his right side there was the form of a Calves head, on his left side a Cabbage imprinted there by the Imagination of his Longing Mother. Most Wonderful is that which Libavius and others report, concerning a Man that would be surprized with a Lipothymy at the sight of his own Son; nay, upon his approaching near unto him, though he saw him not, for which some assigned this reason, that the Mother when she was with Child, used to feed upon such Meats as were abominable to the Father (concerning the rationality of this conjecture see Sr. Kenelm Digby's disco…e of Bodies, P. 409, 410.) but others said that the Midwife who b…ought him into the World was a p. 103Witch. Nor are the Sympathies in Nature less Wonderful than the Antipathies. There is a mutual Friendship between the Olive tree and the Myrtle. There is a certain Stone called Pantarbe which draws Gold unto it. So does the Adamas hairs and twigs. The Sympathy between the Load-stone and Iron, which do mutually attract each other, is admirable. There is no Philosopher but speaketh of this. Some have published whole Treatises (both profitable and pleasant) upon this Argument; In special Gilbert, Ward, Cabeus, Kepler, and of late Kircherus. I know many Fabulous things have been related concerning the Load-stone by inexperienced Philosophers, and so believed by many others, E. G. that Onions, or Garlick, or Ointments will cause it to lose its vertue. Iohnston, (and from him Dr. Brown in his vulgar Errors) hath truly asserted the contrary. Every one knoweth that the head of a Needle touched therewith will continue pointing towards the North Pole: so that the Magnet leaveth an impression of its own nature and vertue upon the Needle, causing it to stand pointed as the Magnet it self doth: The Loadstone it self is the hardest Iron; and it is a thing known that such Mines are naturally so (notwithstanding the Report of one who saith, that lately in Devonshire, Load-stones p. 104were found otherwise) posited in th… Earth. Just under the Line the Needle lieth Parallel with the Horizon, but Sailing North or South it begins to incline and increase according as it approacheth to either Pole, and would at last endeavour to erect it self, whence some ascribe these strange effects to the North Star, which they suppose to be very magnetical. There is reason to believe that the Earth is the great Magnet. Hence (as Mr. Seller observes) when a Bar of Iron has stood long in a Window, that end of it which is next to the Earth will have the same vertue which the Load-stone it self has. Some place the first Meridian at the Azores, because there the Needle varies not: but the like is to be said of some other parts of the World; yea under the very same Meridian in divers Latitudes there is a great variation as to the pointing of the Needle. It is affirmed, that between the shore of Ireland, France, Spain, Guiny, and the Azores, the North point varies towards the East, as some part of the Azores it deflecteth not. On the other side of the Azores, and this side of the Aequator, the North point of the Needle wheeleth to the West; so that in the Lat. 36. near the shore, the variation is about 11 gr. but on the other side of the Aequator it is quite otherwise, for in Brasilia the South point p. 105varies 12 gr. unto the West, but Elongating from the Coast of Brasilia toward the Shore of Africa it varies Eastward, and arriving at the Cape D…las Aquilas, it rests in the Meridian and looketh neither way. Dr. Brown in he Psudodoxia Epidemica P. 63. does rationally suppose that the cause of this variation may be the inequality of the Earth variously disposed, and indifferently mixed with the Sea. The Needle driveth that way where the greater and most powerful part of the Earth is placed. For whereas on this side the Isles of Azores the Needle varies Eastward, it may be occasioned by that vast Tract, viz. Europe, Asia and Africa, seated towards the East, and disposing the Needle that way. Sailing further it veers its lilly to the West, and regards that quarter wherein the Land is nearer or greater; and in the same Latitude, as it approacheth the shore augmenteth its variation. Hence at Rome there is a less variation (viz. but five degrees) than at London, for on the west side of Rome are seated the great Continents of France, Spain, Germany; but unto England there is almost no Earth West, but the whole extent of Europe and Asia lies Eastward, and therefore at London the variation is 11 Degrees. Thus also, by reason of the great Continent of Brasilia, the Needle deflects towards the Land 12 Degrees▪ but at the Straits p. 106of Magellan, where the Land is narrowed, and the Sea on the other side, it varies but 5 or 6. So because the Cape of De las Agullas hath Sea on both sides near it, and other Land remote, and as it were aequidistant from it, the Needle conforms to the Meridian. In certain Creeks and Vallies it proveth irregular; the reason whereof may be some vigorous part of the Earth not far distant. Thus D. Brown, whose arguings seem rational. Some have truly observed of Crocus Martis or Steel corroded with Vineger, Sulphur, or otherwise, and after reverberated by Fire, that the Load-stone will not at all attract it: nor will it adhere, but ly therein like Sand. It is likewise certain, that the fire will cause the Load-stone to lose its vertue; inasmuch as its Bituminous Spirits are thereby evaporated. Porta (Lib. 7. Cap. 7.) saith that he did to his great admiration see a Sulphurous flame brake out of the Load-stone which being dissipated, the Stone lost it's attractive vertue. Moreover, the Load-stone by being put into the fire may be caused quite to change its polarity. The truly Noble and Honourable Robert Boyle Esq, many of whose excellent Observations and experiments have been advantagious, not only to the English Nation but to the Learned World; in his Book of the Usefulness of Experimental; p. 107Natural Philosophy, Page 15. hath these words; Taking an Oblong Load-stone, and heating it red hot, I found the attractive faculty in not many minutes, either altogether abolish…, or at least so impaired and weakened, that I was scarce if at all able to discern it. But this … been observed, though not so faithfully re…ated, by more than one; wherefore I shall add, That by Refrigerating this red hot Load-stone either North or South, I found that I could give its extream… a Polarity (if I may so speak) which they would readily display upon an … Needle freely placed in aequilibrium: And not only so▪ but I could by refrigerating the …me end, sometimes North, and sometimes South, in a very short time change the Poles of the Load-stone a… pleasure, making that which was a q…arter of … hour before the North Pole, become… the South; and on the contrary, the formerly southern Pole become the northern. And this change was wrought on the Load-stone, not only by cooling it directly North and South, but by cooling it perpendicularly: that end of it which was contiguous to the Ground growing the Northern Pole and so (according to the Laws Magnetical) drawing to it the South end; and that which was remotest from the contrary one: As …f indeed the Terrestial Globe were as some Magnetic Philosophers have supposed it, but a great Magnes, p. 108since its effluvium's are able in some cases to impart a magnetic faculty to the Load-stone it self, Thus far Mr. Boyle;

Also D. Brown shews, that if we erect a red hot Wire until it cool, then hang it up with Wax and untwisted Silk where the lower end and that which cooled next the Earth does rest, that is the Northern point. And if a Wire be heated only at one end, according as the end is cooled upwards or downwards, it respectively requires a verticity. He also observes, if a Load-stone be made red hot in the fire, it amits the magnetical vigor it had before, and acquireth another from the Earth, in its refrigeration, for that part which cooleth next the Earth will acquire the respect of the North; the experiment whereof he made in a Load-stone of parallelogram or long square figure, wherein only inverting the extreams as it came out of the fire, he altered the Poles or faces thereof at pleasure. Unto some such reason as this, must the wonderful change occasioned by the Lightning in the Compasses of Mr. Lad's Vessel be ascribed: probably the heat of the Lightning caused the Needle to lose its vertue, and the Compass in the Bidikle might stand pointed to the South, and that unhung in the Locker to the West, when they grew cold again, and accordingly p. 109continue pointing so ever after.

There is also that which is very mysterious and beyond humane Capacity to comprehend, in Thunder and Lightning. The Thunder of his Power, who can understand? Also, Can any understand the spreadings of the Clouds, or the noise of his Tabernacle? Hence Elihu said (some Interpreters think there was a Thunder-storm at the very instant when those words were spoken) in Iob 37. 5. foreign He Thundreth marveils. It is indeed manifest that these wonderful Meteors are generated out of a Nitrous and Sulphurous Matter. Hence it is commonly out of dark and thick Clouds that Hail and coals of Fire break forth, Psal. 18. 11, 12. The Scent which the Lightning useth to leave behind it, in places where it falls, is a sufficient evidence of its being of a Sulphurous nature. Nay the persons (as well as places) smitten there with have sometimes smelt strong of Brimstone. Two years ago there was a Ship riding at Anchor in a place in France; and a furious Tempest suddenly arising, the Main-Mast wes split in pieces with a Clap of Thunder; the Pendant on the top of the Main-Top-Mast was burnt to Ashes, twelve Men were beat upon the Deck, five of which lay p. 110for dead a considerable time, no Pulse or Breath being perceived, their Eyes and Teeth immovable, yet had they no visible wound, only an intolerable smell of Brimstone; about half an hour after by rubbing and forceing open their Mouths, and pouring down some Cordials, they recovered. At the same time six others were miserably burnt, their flesh being scorched, yet their Garments not so much as singed; their skin much discoloured. See Mr. Burton's Miracles of Nature, Page 181.

Likewise, August 23. 1682. A Man walking in the Field near Darkin in England, was struck with a Clap of Thunder. One who was near him, ran to take him up, but found him dead, and his body exceeding hot… and withal smelling so strong of Sulphur that he was forced to let him ly a considerable time ere he could be removed. It is reported, that sometimes Thunder and Lightning has been generated out of the Sulphurous and Bituminous matter which the fiery Mountain Aetna hath cast forth, We know that when there is a mixture of Nitre, Sulphur, and unslaked Lime, Water will cause fire to break out. And when unto Nitre Brimstone is added, a Report is caused thereby. And unquestionably, p. 111Nitre is a special ingredient in the matter of Thunder and Lightning; This we may gather from the descension of the flame, which descends not only obliquely but perpendicularly, and that argues it does so not from any external force, but naturally… Mr. William Clark in his natural History of Nitre, observes that if the quantity of an ounce be put in a fire-shovel, and a live coal put upon it, the fire-shovel in the bottom will be red hot, and burn through whatever is under it; which demonstrates that this sort of fire does naturally burn downwards, when as all other fires do naturally ascend. For this cause Stella cadens is rationally concluded to be a Nitrous Substance; the like is to be affirmed of the Lightning. Hence also is its terrible and irresistable force. The Nitre in Gunpowder is as the aforesaid Author expresseth it Anima Pyrii Pulveris, Sulphur without Salt Peter has no powerful expulsion with it. The discharging great pieces of Ordnance is f…tly called Artificial Thundring and Lightning, since thereby Men do in a moment blow up Houses, beat down Castles, batter Mountains in pieces. So that there is nothing in nature does so admirably and Artificially resemble the Thunder and Lightning, both in respect of the Report, and the terrible, and sudden p. 112and amazing execution done thereby: Flammas Iovis & sonitus imitatu… Olympi: Hence as those that are shot with a Bullet do not hear the Gun, being struck before the report cometh to their Ears; so is it usually with them that are Thunder-struck, the lightning is upon them before the noise is heard. Men commonly tremble at the dreadful crack when as, if they hear any thing, the danger useth to be past as to that particular Thunder-clap; though another may come and kill them before they hear it. The Nitre in the Lightning may likewise be esteemed the natural cause of its being of so penetrating and burning a nature. For there is not the like fiery substance in the World again as Nitre is. Many have been of the Opinion that there is a Bolt or Stone de…cending with the Thunder, but that's a vulgar Error, The Fulmen or Thunder-bolt is the same with the Lightning, being a Nitro-sulphurious Spirit. It must needs be a more subtile and spiritual body than any Stone is of, that shall penetrate so as these Meteors do. Its true that our Translation reads the words in Psal. 78. 41. He gave their Flocks to hot Thunder-bolts: But the Original Word foreign Translated Thunderbolts, signifieth Burning Coals; so that Lightning is thereby intended. Avicenn… p. 113doth indeed say, that he saw a Thunder-bolt which fell at Corduba in Spain, and that it had a Sulphurous smell, and was like A…moni…. It is possible that not only Sulphurous and Bituminous but stony substances may be generated in the Clouds with the Lightning. George Agricola writeth that near Lurgea, a mass of Iron being fifty pound in weight, fell from the Clouds, which some attempted to make Swords of, but the fire could not melt it, nor hammers bring it into form.

In the Year 1492. At Ensishemium, a stone of three hundred pound weight fell from the Clouds, which is kept as a Monument in the Temple there. And in 1581, A Stone came out of the Clouds in Thuringia, which was so hot that it could not be touched, with which one might strike fire as with a Flint. There is now to be seen at Dresden a Stone which descended out of a Cloud; and is reserved amongst the Admiranda belonging to the Elector of Saxony: some lately living were present at the Fall of that Stone. Again An… 1618. In Bohemia, a considerable quantity of Brass…mettal fell from the Clouds. No longer since than May 28. 1677. at a Village near … in Germany, there was a Tempes… of Lightning, and a great multitude of stones of a green and partly caerulean colour fell p. 114therewith, and a considerable mass of Mineral matter, in tast like Vitriol, being pondrous and friable, having also metallick sparks like Gold intermixed. That which is by some called the Rain-stone or Thunder-bolt, was by the Antients termed Ceraunia, because of the smell like that of an Horn when put into the fire, which does attend it. Learned Gesner. (who in respect of his vast Knowledge in the works of God, may be called the Solomon of the former age) saith that a Gentleman gave him one of those Stones, supposing it to be a Thunder-bolt, and that it was five digits in length, and three in breadth. This sort o… Stone is usually in form like unto an Iron Wedge, and has an hole quite through it. Ioh. de Laet in his Treatise de Gemmis Lib. 2… Gap. 24. relates that he saw another of those Stones. Boetius (de Gemmis Lib. 2. Cap. 261.) reports that many persons worthy of credit, affirmed that when Houses or Trees had been broken with the Thunder, they did by digging find such Stones in the places where the stroke was given. Nevertheless, that Ful…inous Stones or Thunderbolts do alwayes descen… out of the Clouds, when such breache… are made by the Lightning, is (as I said) … vulgar Err…r.

The Effects produced by the Lightning p. 115are exceeding marvelous, sometimes Gold, Silver, Brass, Iron has been melted thereby, when the things wherein they have been kept, received no hurt; yea, when the Wax on the Bags which contained them, has not been so much as melted. Liquors have been thereby exhausted out of Vessels, when the Vessels themselves remained untouched: And (which is more wonderful) when the Cask has been broken by the Lightning, the Wine has remained as it were included in a skin, without being spilt; the reason whereof Sennertus supposeth to be, in that the heat of the Lightning did condense the exterior parts of the Wine. It is also a very strange thing, which Histories report concerning Marcia (a Roman Princess) that the Child in her body was smitten and killed with Lightning, and yet the Mother received no hurt in her own Body. It is hard to give a clear and satisfactory Reason why if a piece of Iron be laid upon the Cask it prevents the Thunder from marring the Wine contained therein, and also keeps Milk from turning. The Virtuosi of France in their Philosophical Conferences (vol. 2. P. 427.) suppose a Sympathy between Iron and the gross vapors of Thunder and Lightning. They say that which is commonly called the Thunder-bolt does sometimes p. 116resemble Steel, as it were to shew the correspondence that there is between Iron and Thunder: So that the Air being impregna…e by those noisome vapours which are of the same nature with Iron, meeting with some piece of it laid on a Vessel, is joyned to the Iron by Sympathy, the Iron by its attractive vertue receives them, and by its retentive retains them, and by that means prevents the effects. This conjecture is ingenious Nor is it easie to give a solid Reason why the Lightning should hurt one creature rather than another. Naturalists observe that it is … Feles canes & capras magis illorum obnoxios … observatio sedula dedit, saith Iohnston. Bart… linus conjectures the reason to be the hali…s in the bodies of those creatures, which are… …it nutriment for the fulminious spirits to p… upon. When fire is set to a train of Gunpowder; it will run accordingly straight or crooked, upwards or downwards as the matter it feeds upon is disposed: So proportionably here: but this is a Subject for ingenious minds further to inquire into. It is moreover difficult to determine how Men are killed therewith, when no visible impression is made upon their Bodies. Some think it is by meer instantaneous suffocation of their A… mal spirits. That poysonful vapours do sometimes… p. 117attend the Lightning is manifest. Seneca saith, that Wine which has been congealed with the Lightning, after it is dissolved, and in appearance returned to its pristine state, it causeth the persons that shall drink of it, either to die or become mad. Naturalists observe, that venemous Creatures being struck with Lightning lose their poyson; the reason of which may be, not only the heat but the venome of those Vapours attracting the poyson to themselves. And that Vapors will kill in a moment is past doubt. In the Philosophical transactions for the year 1665. (P. 44.) It is related that seven or eight persons going down Stairs into a Coal-pit, they fell down dead as if they had been shot: There being one of them whose Wife was informed that her Husband was stifled, she went near to him without any inconvenience; but when she went a little further, the Vapors caused her instantly to fall down dead. And it is famously known, concerning the Lake Avernus in Campania, that if Birds attempt to fly over it, the deadly vapors thereof kill them in a moment. But the Lightning doth more than meerly suffocate with mortiferous vapors. It sometimes penetrates the Brain, and shrivels the Heart and Liver when nothing does appear outwardly. And it does (as Dr. p. 118Goodwin in his lately published judicious Discourse about the punishment of Sinners in the other World (P. 44.) aptly expresseth) lick up. the vital and animal spirits that run in the Body, when yet the body it self remains unburnt. Those spirits are the Vinculum, the tye of Union between the Soul and Body, which the Lightning may consume without so much as singing the body or cloaths there… Nevertheless, upon some it leaveth direful marks, and breaketh their very bones in pieces, and sometimes tears away the flesh from the Bones. There are some Remarkable Instances confirming this, published in the Philosophical Transactions. Dr. Wallis in a Letter written at Oxford, May. 12. 1666. giving an account of a very sad accident which had then newly hapned there.

He saith, that two Schollars of Wadham Colledge, being alone in a Boat (without a Waterman) having newly thrust off from shore, at Medley to come homewards, standing near the head of the Boat, were presently with a stroke of Thunder or Lightning, both struck off out of the Boat into the Water, the one of them stark dead, in whom though presently taken out of the water (having been by relation scarce a minute in it) there was not discerned any appearance of Life, sense or motion: p. 119the other was stuck fast in the Mud (with his feet downwards, and his upper parts above water) like a Post not able to help himself out; but besides a present astonying or numness had no other hurt: but was for the present so disturbed in his Senses that he knew not how he came out of the Boat, nor could remember either Thunder or Lightning that did effect it: and was very feeble and faint upon it (which though presently put into a warm Bed) he had not throughly recovered by the next night; and whither since he have or no, I know not. Others in another Boat, about ten or twenty yards from these (as by their description I estimate) felt a disturbance and shaking in their Boat, and one of them had his Chair struck from under him, and thrown upon him, but had no hurt. These immediately made up to the others, and (some leaping into the Water to them) presently drew them into the Boat or on shore; yet none of them saw these two fall into the water (not looking that way) but heard one of them cry for help pesently upon the stroke, and smelt a very strong stinking smell in the Air; which, when I asked him that told it me, what kind of stink? he said, like such a smell, as is perceived upon the p. 120striking of Flints together.

He that was dead (when by putting into (a warm Bed, and rubbing, and putting strong Waters into his month, &c. no Life could be brought into him) was the next morning brought to Town; where among multitudes of others, who came to see; Dr. Willis. Dr. Mellington, Dr. Lower, and myself, with some others, went to view the Corps, where we found no wound at all in the skin; the face and neck swart and black, but not more than might be ordinary, by the setling of the blood: on the right side of the Neck was a little blackish spott about an inch long, and about a quarter of an inch broad at the broadest, and was as if it had been seared with a hot Iron: and as I remember, one somewhat bigger on the left side of the neck below the ear. Streight down the Breast, but towards the left side of it, was a large place, about three quarters of a foot in length, and about two inches in breadth; in some places more, in some less which was burnt and hard, like Leather burnt with the fire, of a deep blackish red colour, not much unlike the scorched skin of a rosted Pig: and on the forepart of the left Shoulder such another spot about as big as a shilling; but that in the neck was p. 121blacker and seemed more seared. From the top of the right shoulder, sloping downwards towards that place in his Breast, was a narrow line of the like scorched skin; as if somewhat had come in there at the neck, and had run down to the breast and there spread broader.

The Buttons of his Dublet were most of them off, which some thought might have been torn off with the blast, getting in at the neck, and then bursting its way out, for which the greatest presumption was (to me) that besides four or five Buttons wanting towards the bottom of the breast, there were about half a dozen together clear off from the bottom of the Collar downwards, and I do not remember that the rest of the buttons did seem to be near worn out, but almost new. The Collar of his Doublet just over the fore-part of the right Shoulder was quite broken asunder, cloth and stiffening, streight and downwards, as if cut or chopt asunder, but with a blunt tool; only the inward linnen or …ustian lining of it was whole, by which, and by the view of the ragg'd edges, it seemed manifest to me, that it was from a stroke inward (from without) not outwards from within.

His Hat was strangely torn, not just on p. 122the Crown, but on the side of the Hat, and on the Brim. On the side of it was a great hole, more than to put in ones fist through it: some part of it being quite struck away, and from thence divers gashes every way, as if torn or cut with a dull tool, and some of them of a good length, almost quite to the edges of the brim. And besides these, one or two gashes more, which did not communicate with that hole in the side. This also was judged to be by a stroke inwards; not so much from the view of the edges of those Gashes (from which there was scarce any judgement to be made either way) but because the lining was not torn, only ript from the edge of the Hat (where it was sown on) on that side where the hole was made. But his Hat not being found upon his head, but at some distance from him, it did not appear against what part of his head that hole was made.

Another sad disaster hapned Ianuary 24 1665, 6. When one Mr. Brooks of Hampshire going from Winchester towards his House near Andover, in very bad weather, was himself slain by Lightning, and the Horse he rode on under him. For about a Mile from Winchester he was found with p. 123his face beaten into the Ground, one Leg in the Stirrup, the other in the Horses main▪ his Cloathes all burnt off his back, not a piece as big as an Hankerchief left intire, and his Hair and all his body singed. With the force that struck him down, his nose was beaten into his face, and his Chin into his Breast; where was a Wound cut almost as low as to his Navil; and his clothes being as aforesaid torn, the pieces were so scattered and consumed, that not enough to fill the crown of a Hat could be found. His Gloves were whole, but his hands in them singed to the Bone. The Hip-bone and Shoulder of his Horse burnt and bruised, and his Saddle torn in little pieces.

Very Remarkable also was that which hapned forty five years ago at another place in England, viz. Withycomb in Devonshire, where on October 21. A. D. 1638. being Sabbath day, whilest the People were attending the publick Worship of God, a black Cloud coming over the Church, there was suddenly an amazing Clap of Thunder, and with it a Ball of fire came in at the Window, whereby the House was very much damnified, and the People many of them struck down. Some of the Seats in the body of the Church p. 124were turned upside down, yet they that sa… in them received no hurt. A Gentleman of note there (one Mr. Hill) sitting in his Seat by the Chancil, had his head suddenly smitten against the Wall, by which blow he died that night. Another had his Head cloven, his Skull rent in three pieces, and his Brains thrown upon the Ground whole. The hair of his head through the violence of the blow stuck fast to the Pillar that was near him. A Woman attempting to run out of the Church, had her clothes set on fire; and her flesh on her back torn almost to the very bone. See Mr. Clarks Examples Vol. 1. Chap. 104. P, 501.

It is not Heresie to believe that Satan has sometimes a great operation in causing Thunder-storms. I know this is vehemently denied by some. The late Witch-Advocates call it Blasphemy. And an old Council did Anathematize the men that are thus perswaded: but by their Favour; An orthodox & rational Man may be of the Opinion, that when the Devil has before him the Vapors and Materials out of which the Thunder and Lightning are generated, his Art is such as that he can bring them into form. If Chymists can make their aurumfulminans, what strange thing… may this Infernal Chymist effect? The Holy p. 125ptures intimate as much as this cometh to In the sacred Story concerning Iob, we find that Satan did raise a great Wind which blew down the House where Iob's Children were Feasting. And it is said, Chap. 1. ver. 16. That the fire of God fell from Heaven, and burnt up the Sheep and the Servants; This foreign Fire of God was no doubt Thunder and Lightning; and such as was extraordinary, and is therefore expressed with the Name of God, as is usual amongst the Hebrews. Satan had a deep policy in going that way to work, thereby hoping to make Iob believe God was his Enemy. Mr. Caryl (according to his wonted manner) does both wittily and judiciously paraphrase upon the place; The fire of God (saith he) here is conceived to have been some terrible flash of Lightning; and it is the more probable because it is said to fall down from Heaven, that is, cut of the Air. There Satan can do mighty things, command much of the Magazine of Heaven, where that dreadful Artillery which makes men tremble, those fiery Meteors, Thunder and Lightning are stored and lodged. Satan let loose by God can do wonders in the Air; He can raise Storms, He can discharge the great Ordnance of Heaven, Thunder and Lightning; and by his Art can make them more terrible and dreadful than they are in their own p. 126nature. Satan is said to be the Prince of the Power of the Air, Eph. 2. 2. And we read of the working of Satan with all power and signs, and lying words, 2 Thess. 2. 9. It is moreover predicted in the Revelation, that Antichrist should cause fire to come down from Heaven, Rev. 13. 13. Accordingly we read in History, that some of the Popes have by their skill in the black Art, caused Balls of fire to be seen in the Air. So then it is not beyond Satans power to effect such things, if the great God give him leave, without whose leave he cannot blow a Feather: much less raise a Thunder-storm. And as the Scriptures intimate Satan's Power in the Air to be great, so Histories do abundantly confirm it by remarkable Instances. One of the Scholars of Empedocles has testified, that he saw his Master raising Winds and laying them again; and there were once many Witnesses of it, whence they called Empedocles foreign Clemens Alexandrinus mentions this as unquestionably true. Our great Rainold (de libris Apoeryphis Lect. 202.) saith, that we may from Iob conclude, it was not impossible for Empedocles by the Devils aid, to do as has been reported of him. Dio relates that when the Roman Army in the dayes of the Emperour Cl…udius, pursuing the Africa…, p. 127was in extream danger of perishing by Drought: a Magician undertook to procure water for them, and presently upon his Incantations, an astonishing shower fell. Iovianus Pontanus reports, that when King Ferdinand besieged the City Suella, all the waters in the Cisterns being dried up, the Citizens had like to have lost their lives by the prevailing Drought. The Popish Priests undertook by Conjuration to obtain Water. The Magical Ceremonies by them observed were most horrid and ridiculous. For they took an Asse, and put the Sacrament of the Eucharist into his Mouth, sang Funeral Verses over him, and then buried him alive before the Church doors; as soon as these rites, so pleasing to the Devil were finished, the Heavens began to look black, and the Sea to be agitated with Winds, and anon it rained, and lightned, after a most horrendous manner. Smetius in his Miscellanies, Lib. 5. Relates that a Girl foolishly imitating the Ceremonies of her Nurse, whom she had sometimes seen raising Tempests, immediately a prodigious Storm of Thunder and Lightning hapned, so as that a Village near Lipsia was thereby set on fire▪ This Relation is mentioned by Sennertus, as a thing really true. At some places in Denmark, it is a common and a wicked practice p. 128to buy Winds, when they are going to Sea… If Satan has so far the power of the Air as to cause Winds, he may cause Storms also Livy reports concerning Romulus, that he was by a Tempest of Thunder and Lightning transported no man knew whither, being after that never heard of. Meurerus (in Comment Meteorolog.) speaketh of a Man, that going between Lipsia and Torga, was suddenly carried out of sight by a Thunder-storm, and never seen more. And the truth of our assertion, seems to be confirmed by one of those sad effects of Lightning mentioned in the precedeing Chapter. For I am informed that when Matthew Cole was killed with the Lightning at North-hampton, the D…mon… which disturbed his Sister Ann Cole (forty miles distant) in Hartford, spoke of it; intimating their concurrence in that terrible accident.

The Iewish Rabbins affirm, that all great and suddain Destructions are from Satan, the Angel of Death. That he has frequently a… hand therein is past doubt. And if the fallen Angels are able (when God shall grant the… a Commission) to cause fearful and … Thunders, it is much more true concerning the good and holy Angels, 2 King. 1. 14, … When the Law was given at Mount … p. 129there were amazing Thundrings and Lightnings, wherein the great God saw meet to make use of the Ministry of Holy Angels, Act. 7. 53. Gal. 3. 19. Heb. 2. 2. Some think that Sodom was destroyed by extraordinary Lightning. Its certain that Holy Angels had an hand in effecting that Desolation, Gen. 19. 13. We know that one Night the Angel of the Lord smote in the Camp of the Assyrians an 185000. It is not improbable, but that those Assyrians were killed with Lightning: For it was with respect to that tremendous Providence, that those words were uttered, Who amongst us shall dwell with the devouring Fire, Isai. 33. 14. Ecclesiastical History informs us that the Iews being encouraged by the Apostate Iulian, were resolved to re-build their. Temple; but Lightning from Heaven consumed not only their Work, but all their Tools and Instruments wherewith that cursed Enterprize was to have been carried on, so was their design utterly frustrate. Why might not holy Angels have an hand in that Lightning? There occurs to my mind, a Remarkable Passage mentioned by Dr. Beard in his Chapter about the Protection of Holy Angels over them that fear God (P. 443.) he saith, that a certain Man travelling between two Woods in a great Tempest of Thunder p. 130and Lightning, rode under an Oak to shelter himself, but his Horse would by no means stay under that Oak, but whither his Master would or no, went from that Tree and stayed very quietly under another Tree not far off; he had not been there many Minutes before the first Oak was torn all to fitters with a fearful Clap of Thunder and Lightning. Surely there was the invisible Guardianship of an Holy Angel in that Providence.

But though it be true, that both natural Causes and Angels do many times concurre when Thunder and Lightning, with the awful effects thereof, happen; nevertheless, the supream cause must not be disackno…ledged. The Eternal himself has a mighty hand of providence in such works. He thundreth with the voice of His Excellency. Among the Greeks Thunder was stiled foreign And the Scripture calls it the Voice of the Lord. The God of Glory Thundereth. The Voice of the Lord is very powerful, the Voice of the Lord is full of Majesty, the Voice of the Lord breaketh the Cedars, the Voice of the Lord divideth the Flames of Fires: Lightnings are also said to be the Arrows of God, Psal. 18. 14. upon which account the Children of Men ought to dread the hand of the Highest therein. And the more for that all places in the habitable World are exposed unto Dangers and Destruction by this Artillery of Heaven; though some parts of the Earth are naturally subject thereunto more than others. Acosta saith, that it seldom Thunders about Brasil; but such Lightnings are frequent there, as make the Night appear brighter than the Noon Day. Travell…rs report, that there are some Snowy Mountains in Africa, on which the Cracks of Thunder are so loud and vehement, as that they are heard fifty Miles off at Sea. In some parts of Tartaria, it will both Snow and Thunder at the same time. In the Northern Climates, there use to be vehement Thunders, and Men are often struck dead thereby; In the Province of Terravara in Spain, grows the Wood for the Cross, to which Superstious Papists attribute a power to preserve Men from Thunder. So did the Gentiles of Old, vainly think to secure themselves from Heavens Gun-shot, by carrying those things about them, which they supposed would be as Amulets to defend them from all harm. The Tents of the old Emperors were made of Seal-Leather, because they imagined that the Sea-Calf could not be Thunder-struck. Tyberius wore a Crown of Lawrel upon his Head, for that the Philosophers told him that the Lightning could not hurt the Bay Tree. R… diginus p. 132affirms the like concerning the Fig-tree. But others declare that they have seen the Laurel smitten and withered with the Lightning: therefore the Conimbricensian Philosophers acknowledge this immunity to be fictitious. The like vanity is in their Opinion, who suppose that the Stone by Philosophers called Brontias (i. e.) the Thunder-bolt will secure them from harm by Lightning. To conclude, most miserable is the State of all Christless Sinners, who know not but that every Thunder-storm which comes, may send them to Hell in a moment.

Hi sunt qui trepidant & ad omnia fulgur… pallent,

Cum tonat, exanimes primo quoque murmure Coeli.

The Psalmist alludes to a Thunder… Storm, when he saith, The Lord will rain upon the Wicked Snares (the Lightning cometh suddenly, and taketh Men as Birds in snare before they think of it) Fire and Brimstone▪ and a tempest of horrors, Psal. 11. 6. The Atheism of Epicurus of old, (and of some i… these dayes) who taught, that inasmuch … Thunder proceeds from natural causes, it is … childish thing for Men to have an awe upo… p. 133their hearts when they hear that voice, I say such Atheism is folly and wickedness. For the great God maketh the way for the Lightning of Thunder; nor does it ever miss or mistake its way, but alwayes lights where God has appointed it, Iob 28. 26. He directs the Lightning under the whole Heaven, and unto the ends of the Earth; after it a voice roareth, that they may do whatsoever he commanded them upon the face of the world in the Earth, Iob 37. 3, 12. Yea, and good Men should from this consideration be incited to endeavour that their Garments be kept from defilement, and that they be alwayes walking with God, since they know not but that Death may come upon them suddenly in such a way and by such means as this; As to outward Evils, there is one event to the Righteous and to the Wicked; to him that sacrificeth & to him that sacrificeth not, as is the good so is the sinner. The examples mentioned in the proceding Chapter do confirm it, since divers of those whom the Thunder killed, were good men. And they that are in Christ, and who make it their design to live unto God, need not be dismayed at the most terrifying Thunder-claps, no more than a Child should be afraid when he hears the voice of his loving Father. Notable is that passage related p. 134by Mr. Ambrose, in his Treatise of Angels (P. 265. & by Mr. Clark, vol. 1. P. 512.) A prophane Man, who was also a Persecutor of Mr. Bolton, riding abroad, it Thundred very dreadfully; at the which the Man greatly trembled; his Wife, who was eminent for Godliness being with him, asked, why he was so much afraid? to whom he replied; are not you afraid to hear these dreadful Thunder claps? no (saith she) not at all, for I know it is the voice of my Heavenly Father; and should a Child be afraid to hear, his Fathers voice? At the which the Man was amazed, concluding with himself, these Puritans have a divine principle in them, which the World seeth not, that they should have peace and serenity in their Souls when others are filled with dismal fears and horrors. He thereupon went to Mr. Bolton, bewailing the wrong he had done him, begging his Pardon and Prayers, and that he would tell him what he must do that so his Soul might be saved: and he became a very godly man ever after. This was an happy Thunder-Storm.