An essay for the recording of illustrious providences

A thing not unlike to this happened (though not in New-England yet) in America, about a year ago. For in September 1682. A man at the Isle of Providence belonging to a Vessel whereof one Wollery was Master, being charged with some deceit in a matter that had been committed to him, in order to his own Vindication, horridly wished that the Devil might put out his eyes, if he had done as was suspected concerning him. That very night a Rheum fell into his Eyes, so as that within a few days he became stark blind. His company being astonished at the Divine hand which thus conspicuously and signally appeared; put him ashore at Providence, and left him there. A Physician being desired to undertake his Cure, hearing how he came to lose his sight, refused to meddle with him. This account I lately received from credible ⟨p. 358⟩persons, who knew and have often seen the Man whom the Devil (according to his own wicked wish) made blind, through the dreadful and righteous judgement of God.

A thing not unlike to this hapned (though not in New-England yet) in America, about a year ago. For in September 1682. A man at the Isle of Providence belonging to a Vessel whereof one Wollery was Master, being charged with some deceit in a matter that had been committed to him, in order to his own Vindication, horridly wished that the Devil might put out his eyes, if he had done as was suspected concerning him. That very night a Rhume fell into his Eyes, so as that within a few dayes he became stark blind. His company being astonished at the Divine hand which thus conspicuously and signally appeared; put him ashore at Providence, and left him there. A Physitian being desired to undertake his Cure, hearing how he came to lose his sight, refused to meddle with him. This account I lately received from credible ⟨p. 358⟩persons, who knew and have often seen the Man whom the Devil (according to his own wicked wish) made blind, through the dreadful and righteous judgement of God.

Moreover, that worse than brutish sin of Drunkenness, hath been witnessed against from Heaven by severe and signal Judgements. It was a sign of the fearful Wrath of God, upon that notorious Drunkard, at a place called Seatucket in Long-Island; who as he was in Drink, fell into the Fire (the People in the House then being in Bed and asleep) and so continued for some considerable time, until he received his Deaths wound. At his first awakening he roared out Fire! Fire! as if it had been one in Hell, to the great astonishment of all that heard him. One in the House flung a pail of Water on him to quench his Clothes, but that added to his torment; so he continued yelling after an hideous manner, Fire! Fire! and within a day or two died in great misery. And though this Drunkard died by fire, it is Remarkable that many of those who have loved drink, have died by water, and that at the very time when their understandings have been drowned with Drink. It is an awful consideration, that there have been at several times above forty persons in this Land, whom death