An essay for the recording of illustrious providences

VII. That Notice be given of these Proposals unto our Brethren, the Elders of the Neighbour Colonies, that so we may enjoy their Concurrence, and Assistance herein.

VIII. When any thing of this Nature shall be ready for the Press, it appears on sundry Grounds very expedient, that it should be read, and approved of at some Meeting of the Elders, before Publication.

VIII. When any thing of this Nature shall be ready for the Presse, it appears on sundry Grounds very expedient, that it should be read, and approved of at some Meeting of the Elders, before Publication.

These things being Read and Considered; the Author of this Essay, was desired to begin the work which is here done; and I am Engaged to many for the Materials, and Informations which the following Collections do consist […] It is not easy to give an Account […] things, and yet no circumstantial mistakes ⟨image ?⟩attend what shall be related. Nor dare I aver, that there are none such in what follows. Only I have been careful to prevent them; and as to the substance of each passage, I am well assured it is according to Truth. That rare accident about the Lightning which: caused a wonderful change in the Compasses of a Vessel then at Sea, was as is in the Book expressed Page 91.92. Only it is uncertain whether they were then exactly in the Latitude of 38. For they had not taken an Observation for several days, but the Master of the Vessel affirms that to be the Latitude so near as they could conjecture. Since the Needle was changed by the Lightning, if a lesser Compass be set over it, the Needle therein (or any other touched with the Load-stone) will alter its polarity & turn about to the South, as I have divers times to my great admiration experimented. There is near the North point a dark spot, like as if it were burnt with a drop of Brimstone, supposed to