An essay for the recording of illustrious providences

It is not Heresy to believe that Satan has sometimes a great operation in causing Thunder-storms. I know this is vehemently denied by some. The late Witch-Advocates call it Blasphemy. And an old Council did Anathematize the men that are thus persuaded: but by their Favour; An orthodox & rational Man may be of the Opinion, that when the Devil has before him the Vapours and Materials out of which the Thunder and Lightning are generated, his Art is such as that he can bring them into form. If Chemists can make their aurumsulminans, what strange things may this Infernal Chemist effect? The Holy ⟨p. 125⟩Scriptures intimate as much as this cometh to In the sacred Story concerning Job, we find that Satan did raise a great Wind which blew down the House where Job's Children were Feasting. And it is said, Chap.1.ver.16. That the fire of God fell from Heaven, and burnt up the Sheep and the Servants; This [Greek or Hebrew] Fire of God was no doubt Thunder and Lightning; and such as was extraordinary, and is therefore expressed with the Name of God, as is usual amongst the Hebrews. Satan had a deep policy in going that way to work, thereby hoping to make Job believe God was his Enemy. Mr. Caryl (according to his wonted manner) does both wittily and judiciously paraphrase upon the place; The fire of God (saith he) here is conceived to have been some terrible flash of Lightning; and it is the more probable because it is said to fall down from Heaven, that is, •ut of the Air. There Satan can do mighty things, command much of the Magazine of Heaven, where that dreadful Artillery which makes men tremble, those fiery Meteors, Thunder and Lightning are stored and lodged. Satan let loose by God can do wonders in the Air; He can raise Storms, He can discharge the great Ordnance of Heaven, Thunder and Lightning; and by his Art can make them more terrible and dreadful than they are in their own ⟨p. 126⟩nature. Satan is said to be the Prince of the Power of the Air, Eph.2.2. And we read of the working of Satan with all power and signs; and lying words, 2 Thess. 2. 9. It is moreover predicted in the Revelation, that Antichrist should cause fire to come down from Heaven,