An essay for the recording of illustrious providences

At another time in Rocksborough, a Thunder Storm happening, 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 Mortar, 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.

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