An essay for the recording of illustrious providences

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 Elih• said (some Interpreters think there was a Thunder-storm at the very instant when those words were spoken) in Job 37. 5. [Greek or Hebrew] He Thundereth marvels. 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 Hall 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 it's 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 MainMast was split in pieces with a Clap of Thunder; the Pendant on the top of the MainTop-Mast was burnt to Ashes, twelve Men were beat upon the Deck, five of which lay ⟨p. 110⟩for dead a considerable time, no Pulse o• 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 forcing 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.

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 Elih• said (some Interpreters think there was a Thunder-storm at the very instant when those words were spoken) in Job 37. 5. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 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 Hall and coals of Fire break forth,