An essay for the recording of illustrious providences

I shall say no more concerning the M. SS. only that it was sent over to Reverend Mr. Davenport, by (as I suppose) Mr. Hartlib. How it came to lie dormient in his hands I know not: though I had the happiness of special Intimacy with that worthy Man, I do not remember that ever I heard him speak any thing of it. But since his Death, looking over his M. SS's I met with this, and communicated it to other Ministers, who highly approved of the noble design aimed at therein. Soon after which, some Proposals in order to the reviving of this work were drawn up, and presented at a general Meeting of the Ministers in this Colony, May 12. 1681. which it may not be unsuitable here to recite.

Some PROPOSALS concerning the RECORDING of Illustrious PROVIDENCES. I. IN Order to the promoving of a design of this Nature, so as shall be indeed for Gods Glory, and the good of Posterity, ⟨image 7⟩it is necessary that utmost care shall be taken that All, and Only Remarkable Providences be Recorded and Published. II. Such Divine Judgements, Tempests, Floods, Earth-quakes, Thunders as are unusual, strange Apparitions or what ever else shall happen that is Prodigious, Witchcrafts, Diabolical Possessions, Remarkable Judgements upon noted Sinners: eminent Deliverances, and Answers of Prayer, are to be reckoned among Illustrious Providences. III. Inasmuch as we find in Scripture, as well as in Ecclesiastical History, that the Ministers of God have been improved in the Recording and Declaring the works of the Lord; and since they are in divers respects under peculiar Advantages there unto: It is proposed, that each one in that capacity may diligently enquire into, and Record such Illustrious Providences as have happened, or from time to time shall happen, in the places whereunto they do belong: and that the Witnesses of such notable Occurrents ⟨image 7⟩be likewise set down in Writing. IV. Although it be true, that this Design cannot be brought unto Perfection in one or two years, yet it is much to be desired that something may be done therein out of hand, as a Specimen of a more large Volume, that so this work may be set on foot, and Posterity may be encouraged to go on therewith. V. It is therefore Proposed that the Elders may concur in desiring some one that hath Leisure and Ability for the management of such an undertaking, with all convenient speed to begin therewith. VI. And that therefore other Elders do without delay make Enquiry concerning the Remarkable Occurrents that have formerly