An essay for the recording of illustrious providences

The like vanity is in their Opinion, who suppose that the Stone by Philosophers called Brontias (i. e.) the Thunder-bolt will secure them from harm by Lightning. To conclude, must miserable is the State of all Christless Sinners, who know not but that every Thunder-storm which comes, may send them to Hell in a moment.

Hi sunt qui trepidant & ad omnia fulgur• pallent, Cum tonat, exanimes primo quoque murmurt Coeli.

The Psalmist alludes to a Thunder Storm, when he saith, The Lord will rain upon the Wicked Snares (the Lightning cometh suddenly, and taketh Men as Birds in a snare before they think of it) Fire and Brimstone and a tempest of horrors, Psal. 11. 6. The Atheism of Epicurus of old, (and of some in these days) who taught, that inasmuch as Thunder proceeds from natural causes, it is a childish thing for Men to have an awe upon ⟨p. 133⟩their hearts when they hear that voice, I say such Atheism is folly and wickedness. For the great God maketh the way for the Lightning of Thunder; nor does it ever miss or mistake its way, but always lights where God has appointed it, Job 28.26. He directs the Lightning under the whole Heaven, and unto the ends of the Earth; after it a voice roareth, that they may do whatsoever he commanded them upon the face of the world in the Earth, Job 37.3,12. Yea, and good Men should from this consideration be incited to endeavour that their Garments be kept from defilement, and that they be always walking with God, since they know not but that Death may come upon them suddenly in such a way and by such means as this; As to outward Evils, there is one event to the Righteous and to the Wicked; to him that sacrificeth & to him that sacrificeth not, as is the good so is the sinner. The examples mentioned in the preceding Chapter do confirm it, since divers of those whom the Thunder killed, were good men. And they that are in Christ, and who make it their design to live unto God, need not be dismayed at the most terrifying Thunder-claps, no more than a Child should be afraid when he hears the voice of his loving Father. Notable is that passage related