An essay for the recording of illustrious providences

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; whilst 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 •s 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 •eet 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 ••om 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 ⟨p. 82⟩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; b•• 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 sense 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.