CHAP. I. Of the Kind and Form of this Earthquake.

II. THere are two sorts of Earthquakes, Trembling and P [...]lsation. The differences of Earthquakes or their several Kinds, may be derived either from the Force of the Spirit issuing out of the Superficies of the Earth, or from the sound then made, and from other ac­cidents and effects. Hence it is, that in Lib. de Mun. There are reckon'd eight sorts of Earthquakes. Georgius Agricola lib. 2. de ortu subter. Makes four sorts of 'em, a Trembling when it quivers lateraly; Concussion when 'tis moved on high and shelving (in sublime & devexum;) arietation when contrary blows shake it. Lastly, in­clination when it is rowled like Water and the Waves. But the same Author in his fourth Book of those things that proceed out of the Earth, pag. 14. more accurately divides Earthquakes into sim­ple and compounded, and then subdvides both into their Species. Aristotle 2. Metaphys, reduces all sorts of Earthquakes to two gene­ral Heads, to wit [...] a trembling and [...] Pulsus, which division I thought good to follow in this place.

12. A Trembling is a Motion of the Earth according to its Latitude to the right and left side. Aristotle in the forecited place (says) that [...] i. e. trembling is towards the sides, and calls it also [...] and [...] from [...] which signifies to brandish: for the leaping of the Earth is, as it were, a brandishing. And this sort of Earthquke is frequent, but Pulsus and Arietation, as they call them, are more seldom, which Aristotle testifieth in his second Book of his Metaphys, chap. 8. Pulsus seldom shake the Earth, for beginnings are not so easily multiplied, &c.

13. Pulsus is a motion of the Earth according to its Longitude, to wit, when it is moved up or down. Aristotle says, [...] and divides it into [...] Systole and Diastole: to wit, either when the Vapour or Exhalation going up with violence, heaps up great Piles like Mountains, or removes or breaks Mountains themselves, or lastly sucks them into the Earth in its vasts gaping, as Pliny, Speaks.

14. But that Earthquake whereof we have spoken in the begin­ing, was different according to the diversity of places where i [...] was.

15. In plain places 'twas a Trembling, because it shook the Earth l [...]eraly to the right and the left. Those who then felt the Quaking, a [...]irm it to have been a lateral one, like [...] [...]ocking of a Cradle, [...]nd that th [...]se who lay in the same Bed, that night it happened, w [...]re violently justled one against the other, the cloaths being car­ried from side to side; but wheither or no, there were the same sort of Q [...]a [...]ing in all the places where it was. I am not very farward to affirm. But on [...] may be bold to conclude from the Event, that in most plac [...]s, the Earth was not violently thr [...]st forward, but did mostly tre [...]ble. And although this trembling (Tremor) be counted less peril [...]ous than either Pulsus, Arietation or Inclination, yet it doth not want its dangers, as those specially then experienced that lived in the highest H [...]ses and in Castles, from whence the Voices and Exclamations of the Guards, were heard every where throughout the Country, for when the Cradle is moved too much either to the right or left, there is danger of the Child's falling out, so when the Fondations or Buildings be moved laterally, both the Walls are in danger, especially in Towers where the substerra­neous Spirit being included within the Arches, doth as it were, force the Tower more either to this or that side; otherwise the hig [...]er the Walls are, the more sensible is the shaking (called, Vibratio.) This is certainly apparent from History, that the Town of Scarp, not far distant from Florence, in the Valley of Magellum, between the Vesuvian and Apennine Mountains, in the year 154▪ on the 3. of July did first Quake by such a sort of Vibration, and after­wards was so sh [...]ken, that most of the Houses were ruined, great Cracks and Chinks being made in them, and 500 of t [...]e Inhabitants were d [...]stroyed, which Eart [...]quake is related by Geor. Agricol. lib. de Natura rerum è terra effluentium pag 151. who Wr [...]t his Book the same year the Town was made ruinous.

16. B [...]t in M [...]u [...]tainous places, to this Trembling was added a Pulse. Eart [...]quakes are more noxious in Mountains than in Valleys, [...]y reason the more frequent subterraneous Cavities which there lye hid, into which the Spirits are more copiously gathered and prevail more strong [...]y, but esp [...]cially where the super [...]icies is solidly com­pacted and smoothly leve [...]led. Plinius lib. 2. cap. 8. (says) Nec mo [...]t [...]sa talicarent malo, neither do the Mountains are without such an inconvenience (evil.) I am sure the Alpes and Apennine Mountains h [...]ve off [...]en tr [...]mbled, which [...]ve occasion to that of Virgil Insolitis [...]cr [...]nt M [...]tib [...]s A [...]pes And the H. Scripture, says, Naham. 1. [...] Mo [...]tains are move [...] by God.

Switzerland also felt it at the very same time. A noted Wi [...]ness of which speaks after this manner. ‘Whilst I was Travelling in Swit­zerland in September and October, I found Men's minds terrifi [...]d more by that Earthquake, than I perce [...]ved they were in the more close parts of Germany. And that it was no [...] a simple Trembling of the Earth, but a certain Pulsus and Concussion joyned with a Trembling, those things that I saw eve [...]y where in those parts, the Effects of this Earthquake, sufficiently demonstrated to me, of which I will mention but one. There is a h [...]gh and scraggy Moun­tain two Hours Journey distant from Lucern, not v [...]ry remote from that stupendious Mountain which Pomponius Mela, call [...], Fractum Montem, the Vulgar (I know not by what sort of superstition) Pi­lat's Mountains, but the Inhabitants call it Burka (if I do remem­ber) under this Mountain on the Eight of September, about Two a Clock at Night, there arose a dreadful Bellowing and Fragor to the great Co [...]sternation of the Inhabitants that live thereabouts, there were elevated into the Air, as it were thick Fumes, which filled all the Neighbourhood; at lenghth the greatest part of the [...]op of the Mountain was broke off with a great noise, and tumbled down into the Lake of Lucern, which runs by it, but from the other part of the Mountain, which other People (called Ʋnder­waldensers) inhabit, some part also being violently thrown down, is reported to have buryed seven of the Inhabitants: so in the 85th. year of the last Age, part of the Mountain was broken off, three hours Journey distant from a certain Village called Hyborn, under the Jurisdiction of the Canton of Bern's; situated above the Lake Lemanus, from which issued a vehement Wind, which carried with it Stones, Clods, and Trees; so that having passed over the in­terjacent Hills, at the length the mesurable Village it self was over­whelmed and oppressed which the Destruction of its Inbabitants.’ The like Examples do every where occurr in History and Seneca, lib. 6. Nat. quest, reports out of Thucidides, that A [...]las was cleft and broken by an Earthquake not far from Locris.

17. Moreover one Earthquake is less frequent than another, and more extraordinary; one being purely miraculous, the other compounded both of Miracle and Nature.

18. An Earthquake meerly miraculous is, when the Earth is shaken by the immediate power of God, without the intervention of any Natural Cause.

Of which sort was that which happened at the suffering of Christ, [Page 6] Matth. 27 51. Pliny mentions a certain great Earthquake lib. 2. Cap. 84. in the time of Tiberius Caesar, Maximus, (say he) terrae memoria mortalium motus accidit Tiberii Caesaris principatu, duodecim Ʋrbibus Asiae una nocte prostratis, i. e. The greatest Earth­quake in the Memory of Men happened in the Reign of Tiberius Caesar, Twelve Cities of Asia being laid level in one Night. Corne­lius Tacitus in the end of his second Book, names them. But Niaphorus, lib. 1. Cap. 17. saies, Fourteen were destroyed. Saint Austin, lib. 2. de mirabilibus. Seripturae Writes that Eleven Cities in Thrace were destroyed by that Earthquake, which happened at our Saviour's Crucifixion. Eusebius reports from Phlegon (an old Au­thor) that many Houses in the City of Nissa, in Bithynia, fell down by the same Earthquake. But that Earthquake which Pleny mentions, could not be that, which happened at Christ's Crucifixi­on; for they do'nt agree in the numbers of years, for those Twelve Asiatick Cities fell in the third year of Tiberius's Reign, but Christ suffered in the 18th years of the Reign of that Emperor, or thereabouts. Moreover the saying of Dydimus is quoted concerning that miraculous Earthquake which was at the suffering of Christ, who says, Terrae Motus, &c. Earthquake often happened, but those which were before and after Christ, were only in some part of the Earth, but in the time of my Saviour Jesus Christ, it was not some particular Earthquake, but the whole Earth was shaken and torn from its Center: But I know not what credit one may give to this Opinion of Dydimus. The Scripture says, the Earth is so founded, that he shall never be moved, viz. as to its Profundity and Center, Psal. 104.5. He hath founded the Earth upon its basis that it should not be removed for ever. A paralel place, to which is in Eccles. 1.4.

That Earthquake also happened at the Resurrection of Christ, is to be referred to those that are purely miraculous, Matth. 28.2. as is also that spoken of in the 4th. of Acts 31. and that, Acts 16.26. and also that which happened a little before the Promulgation of the Divine Law, Exod. 19.18. and that opening of the Earth that swal­lowed up Corah, Dathan, and Abiram, Numb. 16.21. And that which is mentioned, Amos 1.1. and Zac. 14.5. Yea, ye shall flie like as you fled from before the Earthquake in the days of Ʋzziah King of Judah, which, Josephus lib. 9. antiq. cap. 2. describes.

19. A mixt Earthquake, is that which hath a Natural cause, but extraordinarily, as it were increased by God, and in some sort en­larged [Page 7]beyond the Power of Nature. God often makes use of Na­tural Causes in the production even of miraculous Events, lest the Agents might not be hindered without necessity, and that he might shew that the Power of Nature, and second Causes are not at all repugnant to the Divine Power, but subordinate to it. And, Lastly, That he might shew that he hath the Power of Nature in his own hands and disposal, and that he can either augment their force, or diminish it.

20. And this Earthquake is observed to be twofold.

21. One is restrained to some certain Place, and included within some tract of Ground, so that it hath an unusual vehemency of Spirits under-ground, and wonderfully increased, from which arises de­structive and great hurt. Of which sort was that Earthquake which happened in the 20th, or as other reckon the 22th, year of Christ, of which we spoke before, whereby 14 Cities of Asia perished. Such a one was that also that happened in the Reign of Herod the Great, by which many Cities, Towns, and Villages being demolished in Judea, 30000 Jews perished, as Josephus says, in his 1st. Book of the Wars of the Jews, chap. 14. So from the year of Christ, 1170. to the year, 1345. all Germany was four times most grievously shaken, as one may see from Funccius, Stumpsius, Sigonius, Cedrenus, and others.

22. Some Earthquakes are unusual and remarkable in respect of their Latitude and Celerity, so that a great part of the World is shaken, and that some time quickly as it were, in an Hour or in a Moment. Which sort of Earthquake History mentions to have hap­pened in the time of Valentinian the Emperor, in the year of our Lord 369. by which the whole Earth was moved, in so much that many Islands in the East, with a great multitude of Men perished by Inundation, which is attested by Socrat. lib. 4. Hist. Eccles. cap. 32. Amianus Marcellinus, in the end of his 26 Book. Paul Orosius, lib. 7. Hist. cap. 32 Funccius in Chronol. so in the year of our Lord 1117. almost all the World shook, many Buildings being demolished every where by it, as Stumpsius relates, lib. 4. cap. 40. but in the year 1443. an Earthquake shook Poland, Hungary and Bohemia. King Ladistaus being not long after killed by the Turks, with a great overthrow of the Christians.

23. To this sort of Earthquakes is referred that wonderful and unusual one which happened in the year 1601. on the 8th of Septem­ber, between one and two of the Clock at Night.

24. For [...]s not probable that so great a Tract of this terren Globe, as that Earthquake passed through, could be moved by the ordinary and accustomed force of Nature, which not only our European Hemis­pl [...]e, Germany, France, Italy, Hungary, Bohemia, Thraoe, but Asia it self is r [...]ported to have felt. We have not yet heard for certain l [...]w [...]r th [...]t [...]arthq [...]ke reached into Asia and Africa, but this is certain, that the gre [...]t [...]st part of Europe trembled, and that, almost [...] the same [...]om [...]nt. Some Reports have lately been hatched, that [...], that two Towns called by the Turks Tartos and Copera, were s [...] allowed up by the gaping of the Earth, caused by that Earth­quake, to the [...]r [...]at Consternation of the Turks, who from that time belie [...] th [...]t si [...]istro [...]s and unlucky Events were pretended t [...] their Empire, which, if true, may make it apparent, that this Earthquake was not every where a Tremor, but in some places a Pulsus and [...]: to wit, where the Spirits abound, or the Ground is porous or gra [...]lly; as it is about the Euxine Sea, and at Constantinople, which City, if any in Europe, is infested with frequent and pernicious Earth­quakes.

In the year of our Lord 1356. it was so grievously shaken, that a great part of the Walls▪ where it looks into the Sea, fell down, with many Towers and Buildings, so that 13000 Men perished in the City, the Earthquakes lasting incessantly for 18 days. Agathias, lib. 5. pag. 541. relates a dreadful Earthquake that happened in this City. A little while before these thing happened (in the time of Justinian) the Earth was so dreadfully shaken at Bizantium, that al­most all the City fell down, after which another Earthquake ensued, that was so great, that I think there never was, nor will be the like again.

25. There are therefore two things in that Earthquake which make it extraordinary and very miraculous, the breadth, and that it pene­trated those places, which are not subject to Earthquakes: and the Ce­lerity of it.

And although the Mischiefs it caused in some Parts, may assure us ol [...]i [...]s vehemency, yet 'tis not so stupendious for its Mischiefs, as for its Latitude, Celerity, and Presage. For we read in History of far more dreadful havock and destruction made by some other Earth­quakes, and moreover we know from Physical Principles, that those [...]b [...]i [...]gs [...]hat extend farthest, are not so highly distrustful. For the force of Subterraneous Spirits, the more 'tis dissipated, the more [...]gui [...] it is.

CHAP. II. Of the Cause.

26. VVHether a Natural Cause can be assigned for both effects we must now enquire.

27. That there was a Natural Cause (although not alone) is evident from Observation.

28. For the time it self is such at is convenient for a Natural Earthquake, to wit, Autumn, and also near the Equinox, for about that time Earthquakes are wont to happen. Aristotle 2 Meteor cap. 8. says, t [...]uly Earthquakes happen chiefly in Autumn, because those times are most Windy: Which Pliny also relates, lib. 2. cap. 8.

29. It was also two of the Clock in the Morning, which is es­pecially adapted for Earthquakes. So Aristotle in the forecited place, says, there are more and greater Earthquakes in the Night, and adds, [...], especially in the Morning. And Pliny in the forecited place, says, the Morning and Evening Earth­quake are very great, but at the approach of day they are fre­quent, for the heat of the day dissolves and dissipates their matter. Natural cold contracts and binds it.

30. The consequent effects also do Evince that the Power of Na­ture was present.

31. For [...]o [...]ses and fragors issuing out of the Caverns of Earth, were heard about that time in the Neighbourhood, which is a cer­tain discovery of the Spirits and Winds agitated in the Cavities of the Earth, and as it were there striving reciprocally. If but a little Wind blows in [...]o a V [...]ssel, a sound, and as it were, a bellowing is heard. One from whence may conclude, what happen in so spacious Caverns as those o [...] the [...]arth. Hence it is, that Aristole says, The Spiritus ma [...]es a [...]n [...]ise under the Earth, as the Air being beaten up, sou [...]s variously, for there is no difference between this Spiritus and the Ai [...] (as to the effect of the sound) fo [...] this Spiri­tus verberati [...]g upon every thing is it self verberat [...]d upon: And Pliny lib. 2 cap. 8 says, There goes before and accompanies them a terrible noise, othe [...]wise a murmuring like to bellowing or the cry of Men, and the sound fragou [...] of clashing of Arms, according to [Page 10]the quality of the Matter receiving it, and the form either of Ca [...]n or [...]uniculus through which it permeates, &c.

32 [...] g [...]at Win is have ra [...] after an Earthquake, when a Ca [...] has immediately p [...]eceded it. This is also witnessed by expe­rience and by Ari [...]tle and Pliny in the forecited places, that Winds [...] after an [...]thquak [...] because those Winds which [...] befor [...] sh [...]t in the Eart [...], do brake out of it into the Air. A [...]d [...] do assert the same concerning the Calm, to wit, that it common [...]y goes before an Earthquake. In a Calm towards [...] [...]a [...]y, [...]ays Aristotle, there happen very many and very great Earthquakes because most of the Matter of the Winds is so restrained in the Caverns of the Earth, that it cannot more the Air: Yet we must not deny that even sometimes in windy Weather Earth­quakes have happened, because all the Matter of them doth enter in­to the Caverns of the Earth together. And even at the time of our Earthquake about three hours before it was observed to be some­what r [...]en, and I will not here make any tedious dispute with Geor. Agric. who says, lib 4. de Na [...]ura eorum que ef [...]luant [...]e terra, That Aristotle, when he mentions the darkness of the Sun, the calmness of the Weather, cold, a thin Cloud extended in length, did not in­tend to discover [...]he signs of Earthquakes (which Aristotle's Interpre­ters affirm) but prove by those things which sometimes happen, that W [...]d is the Cause of Earthquakes. But both may be asserted with­out [...]bsurdity, [...]owi [...], tha [...] they are signs of Earthquakes to come, and also evince that they are occasioned by Wind.

But h [...]e we do no [...] only acknowledge Nature, but joyn with it a singular force of Divine Power, neither ought we to sep [...]te Divine Operations even from those that are usual and often happen: seeing t [...]e very Heathens believed that there was no Earthquake, tho never so small, but had something Divine in it, as it is testified by Gellius lib. 2. cap 28 But [...]s often as the Scripture speaks of Earthquakes (which is often) so often do they divert our minds from the conside­ration of Nature alone, to the acknowledgment of the Omnipotent Power of the Lord, as Psal. 60 2. Thou had made the Earth to tremble, thou had broken it, and Psal. 77.19. Psal. 114 4, and 7. Tremble that Earth at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Ja [...]: Also, Psal. 10.32 He looketh on the Earth and it trembleth; he toucheth the Halls and they smoke, Job. 9.6. Which shaketh the Earth out [...] place, and the Pillars thereof tremble, Nah [...]m 1.5. The [...] quake at him, and the Hills melt.

33. But what should be the next Natural Cause of so stupendious Effects, to wit, so great Latitude, and so great Celerity in this Earth­quake? This I confess is difficulte to Trace, but I hope, I shall have leave to enquire diligently into it.

34. Which that I may do, I will first set down some Principles, where one may have good assurance for o [...]e Credit.

35 Seeing the Earth is round like a Globe, it hath Lines drawn from the Center to the Circumference.

36. These Line meet nearer about the Center, then at the Cir­cumference where they are farther distant.

37. Therefore the nearer any thing is the Center of the Earth, the mere closely is it contracted, rashing violently from thence to the Circumference, 'tis extended farther, and occupi [...] mere r [...]om.

38. The Spirit [...]or V [...]pours are sometime [...] more deeply hid to­wards the Center of the Earth, but sometimes (and that more fre­quently) they are generated in Caverns and Passages (meatus) near [...]r the Superficies of the Earth.

From the general Doctrine of Earthquakes in this place; I presup­pose the Earth is not otherwise moved then by Winds and Spirits en­gendred in its Cavitie [...], thence seeking an Exitus according to the quality of their Natures.

I know the Ancient Philosophers before Aristotle assigned other Causes of Earthquakes, whose different Opinions concerning them are recited by Plutarch, lib. 3. De Placitis Philosophorum, cap. 2. Seneca lib. 6. Mat. quest. Cap 4. Pliny lib. 2. Cap. 79. but especially, Ari­stotle, 2 Meteor, cap. 7. But amongst modern Authors Joannes Fran­ciseus, Picus Mirandula, lib. 1. examinis doctinae & vanitatis gen­tium, cap. 12. among which we must reckon Nicholaus Cusanu [...], who lib. 1. de Docta ignorantia, is of opinion, that the Earth is nei­ther of an Oval form, nor altogether Unmovable of it self. But no Opinion is more evident from Nature and Experience, than Ari­stotle, who asserts, that Winds and subterraneous Spirits are the Cause [...] of Earthquakes; for the heaviest Bodies are only to be mo­ved by that which hath the strongest Power to move; But among all inferiour Beings, the Wind or Spiritus is that which according to the qualifications of its own Nature, hath in i [...] a Power more ef­fective of Motion than any other body [...], which is expresly testified by Holy Writs, when it assimilates Angels to the Winds, Heb. 1.7. and many experiments do al [...]o evince it: For with how great a force doth a little G [...]n-Powd [...] diss [...]lv [...]d [Page 12]into Spirits by the heat of Fire burst out of the smallest Machines. So we see the Spirit of new Wine when seething, if the Fu [...]nell be stoped, do penetrate the Vessels, that they may break [...]orth It is sufficiently known of what Power they are in our Bodies, and what great Co [...]vul [...]o [...], Symp [...]o [...]ns, and Pains they are the causes of. So that Aristotle use h [...] thi [...] Example chiefly to confirm his Opinion of the Cause of Earthquake.

39. These Spirits being deep in the Earth and closeley contracted, the nearer they arrive a [...] the Superficies of the Earth, the more they are dissipated and scattered, and so they ex [...]end further in length and breadth.

40. And they more powerfully endeavour [...]o extri [...]e themselves; and they [...]ssu [...]on [...] more s [...]vis [...]ly, by now much he more they are deeply laid in the Earth, and closely contracted.

Which may be proved by he experiment of Fire, which when it is narrowly contracted, b [...]eaks for h [...]e more violently man instant, when it hath the opor [...]u [...]ity of in A [...]itu [...], to co [...]v [...]y i [...] se [...]f o [...]t, which is apparent in Gun, where the ig [...]ou force of the Gun-Powder being sh [...] in a nerrow room, breaks out swifter than one can think or imagin.

41. Which Principles being presupposed, let us now shew the Cause of the Earthquake which we are treating of, which extended so far, and was [...]o quickly caused.

42. It was a Vapour or Spiri [...] subtilly disposed and bur [...]ed pro­fundly toward the Center of the Earth or at least the Center of Europe, or of those Countries that were shaken, whence sallying out in great quantity and number, it spread fare and near with wonder­ful Celerity.

Trembling in the Earth is nothing else but the Thunder in a Cloud, says Pliny, lib 2. cap. 79. As therefore some Thunder reache [...] fur­ther, and issues out more violently than other, both according to the different disposition of the Cloud, and also according to the quantity and quality of the Spirit deeply [...]ried in the Cloud, or approaching nearer to its Superficies; so the greater or lesser Latitude and Celerity of Earthquakes, is to be derived from the different disposition and s [...]ituation of the Spirits. And that also, which we asserted of the Center, is easie to be understood: For that which is placed in the middle of a Circle or Globe, doth more easily move the whole Globe, than that which recedes from the Center towards the side of the Globe; which is well known by them who prepare [Page 13]Fireballs, and throw them into the Air, often to the great Admira­tion of the Spectators. And I call that the Center of Eu [...]ope, which is in the midst of that Circle which is drawn from one Extream o [...] Eu [...]ope to the other, in that space of the Terrene Goble in which Eu [...]ope is contained.

43. But whence comes it, that this Spirit is so deep, so subtil, and so [...]wist? Partly from the first, and partly from the second Causes.

44. The efficacy of Celestical Bodies doth d [...]s [...]rvedly claim the first place among second Causes, which rises from their different respect to one another, or the mixture of their li [...]ht and rays. S [...]ch is the [...]ower of the Subject as is it self, seeing therefore Heaven is the first, che [...]e [...]t, greatest, and swiftest of all Bodies, its Force and Efficacy must need [...] be the first, greatest and swiftest; for Heaven is so closely connexed with inferiour Bodies, that its virtue may be tr [...]ns [...]us [...]d into the Earth and communicated to it, even in its most abstruse rece [...]es: Whither he efficacy of the solar Rays doth reach, is evident from the generation of Metals and other subterraneous Bodies, which i [...] no ways possible without the Sun and its Rays.

45 The efficay and vertue of Saturn this very year was chefiest amongst the Planets, whence it happened that Ma [...]ter and Fuel was afforded for cold Vapours both above and within the Earth.

'Tis an Astronomical Rule confirmed by experience, that the Know­ledge of the Earthquake is to b [...]der [...]ved from Saturn, it being a Planet effective of cold and d [...]yne [...]s; And the first matter of Va­pours is cold and dry, which being gathered together at first, by the intervention of other Causes, [...]ro [...]s hot an [...] is rar [...]fied.

To which may be added the Qu [...]rate Aspect of Jupiter and Mars, in July, whereby cold Vapours are made hot and dis­posed for windy Temperament. 'Tis an old Opinion confirm­ed by Reasons drawn from the Nature and Pro [...]ert [...] of Pla­nets; and also from experience, that the Power of the three Su­per our Planets, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars [...]s most eminent in producing Earthquakes; the first by his light doth [...]ncrease cold Va­pours, which are made hot by the third, and so tempered by the se­cond, that the heat being neither able to subdue, nor b [...] subdued, there are necessarily generated flatuous Vapours, whereof we shall speak hereafter.

47 And when the Earthquake happened, the Sun was in the Sign of Virgo, which is it self very much ad [...]pted for Earthquake.

48. There happened in the foregoing Month of July two Eclipses, [Page 14]the Moon on [...], th [...] [...]un's on the Nineteenth, and no wonder [...] that [...]me divers [...]po [...]s were coll [...]ed within the [...]arth, so [...] R [...]ys of the [...] being weakned by their being [...] a [...]sing from ram, could not be [...] all which, the m [...]eting of two Eclip­ [...]s i [...] one Month [...]s a pre [...]ging Ev [...]nt.

That [...] by the Eclipses of the Sun and the Moo [...]; is the [...] of [...] 2 M [...]t [...]or, c [...]p 8 and of Pliny [...] which is confirmed by ex [...]ience [...] [...]o [...] only [...], but [...] r [...]c [...]ss [...]s b [...]n [...]ene rat [...]d [...]y the heat [...] R [...]s, [...]es by a certain Spi [...]it, are purged fro [...] th [...] r [...]d n­ [...] [...] is which can [...]ot be when those l [...]ts are [...]i [...]cl [...]p [...]d. For [...] s [...]p [...] f [...]uot [...]s [...]umouts abound, and a [...]so the po [...]s of th [...] [...]a [...]th wh [...]ch th [...] [...] would otherwise op [...]n, ar [...] shut up, so that he Va­p [...]u [...]s cannot regularly and convenientl [...] exhale: So says Aris [...]otle, [...] M [...]t [...]or cap S. [...]thqu [...]kes happen abo [...]t the time of [...]clipses for [...] the defect of [...]i [...]ht, [...]n cessa [...]y [...]n [...]u [...]s the d [...]se [...] of [...]eat, which i [...] cau [...]ed by the Sun or [...] on throughout the Air. Ne [...]her do [...]h that A [...] [...] Rul [...] want its Found [...]t [...]on; many [...]conv [...]mencies ensue to the Wo [...]ld upon the Obscu [...]atio [...] of b [...]th the [...]um [...]aries of Heaven in the [...] M [...]nth. I don't sp [...]ake h [...]re of that eff [...]t of [...]clip [...]es which is in Potentia and hath its reg [...]rd to futurities, b [...]t of that which is in Actu and accompanies an [...]clipse con [...]dered in it self.

49. To which may be added that which is a [...]earer Cause, to wit, [...] Constitut [...]on of the Air, which in the p [...]c din [...] Summer was [...] [...]apted for the [...]en [...]ration of flatuo [...]s Vapours.

50. Abou [...] th [...] beginning of Summer, there was very hot Weather, by which the Faith was prep [...]red and disposed to engender and receive Vapou [...]s.

51. Which was foll [...]wed in the midst of Summer by continual [...], by which the Earth being opened b [...]fore, by the pr [...]c [...]ding [...], [...]as [...] deeply w [...]tted, that abundance of Humours must ne­ [...]ssarily have b [...]n [...]ored up.

Which c [...]n [...] the R [...]n, is attested by A [...]istotle in the afor [...]said place, 2. M [...]te [...]r, [...] (says he) happen in Spring and [...], but [...]sp [...]ci [...] i [...] [...]iny Weather, because then th [...]re is a [...] E [...]haltation, which being in [...]rcepted in the nar [...]o [...] passages of the E [...]th, is there th [...]t in; because the Ca [...]ties of the Earth are full, but when the Wind in contr [...]cted w [...]hin a narrow place, it [...] eff [...]ive of Mot [...]n. And there is a remark [...]ble [Page 15]place in the beginning of the Chapter, where he says, that the Earth is of it self dry, yet, but reason of showers fa [...]ing on [...], [...]t hath likewise much moisture which proceeds from the [...] and [...]re which is in it self, and engenders much Spirits both wi [...]hin and without it self Neither is there any reason why any one should ob [...] w [...]t Seneca says, in qu [...]st. nat [...]. That no rain is so great [...]s to [...] to or We [...] t [...]e Earth above two Foot: For that is not true of ever [...] shower of [...]ain, nor of much and continued rain, neither in the Su­perficies of th [...] Earth, the only conveyance of rain into the Earth, but it also is carried through the Caves of the Earth that are open and is in great pl [...]ry infu [...]'d into the in [...] Recesses of the Earth, by Fountains, Wells, and Rivers which are increased by rai [...].

52. To which rainy Weather was added an unusual co [...]d in the Dog Days, by which the Passages and Pores of it were so shut up, that the Humours gathered together in the Earth could not evaporat [...].

53. And the South West wind blowed for many days together, so that the Vapours accommodated for an E [...]rthquake were en [...]e [...]d and nourished. For the South Wind is warm and moist, so that i [...] hath been rightly observed by Aristotle, that it is apt both to excite and nourish the matter that causes an Earthquake; and as the [...]outh-West Wind is near in place, so in temper and effect.

54. Which cold Weather was presently followed by a ca [...]mness and heat a little before the end of August. So that the Vapo [...]s which had been generated by continual Rain within the Cave [...]ns of the Earth, grew dry: And a Vapour made warm b [...]c [...]es a sl [...] ­tuous. And when there arise such contention between cold [...] or and heat, in which the cold is neither q [...]ite overcome and consu­med, nor the heat is altogether conqu [...]rou [...], winds are eng [...]nd [...]ed. Which is rightly observed by Physicians in the Bodies of Men, when he [...]t acting up [...]n Phleg [...]n cannot totally consume it, then are gene­rated W [...]nds.

55. It could not be but that the Vapours contracted within the Earth by the [...]pposing cold, both proper to the Earth, and also caused by the i [...]al Constitution of the Air, should be deeply laid. No otherwi [...]e t [...]an it the Spirits are more deeply concealed and constrain [...]d, when the coldness of the Clouds doth resist and constrain more s [...]iffly.

56. The subterraneous Fire scattered through the Cavi­ties of the Earth, so heated these Vapours sh [...]t up in the Earth very deeply, that it made them more subtil and more a [...]il [...], the Caverns [Page 16]thr [...]ugh Europe and other places being disposed for it, for the Reas [...]s a [...]ore ment [...]o [...]e [...].

That there is [...]ire every where scattered through the Cavities of the Earth, bo [...]h the Fire which in many places breake forth out of the most pr [...]found C [...]ves of the Earth doth evince, as also the hot Waters or Baths which rise in many places, to add nothing of the engend [...]ing of S [...]phur, Brimstone, and other Minerals, in which there is an igneous force and nature. The burning of Aetna equally celebrated by Peers and G [...]ographers, is described by So­in [...]us, c [...]p. 2 Heny, the Nephew of that [...]i [...]y, by his Sister whose death the V [...]suvian Mountain caused, say, lib. 2 Epict. ‘Not long [...]n [...]e the Island Georgia (one of those isles they c [...]ll the Third) sha­ken by a dreadful Earthq [...]ake and gap [...]ng, there [...]ssu [...]d out some much F [...]ame, so many [...]ot Stores, so much Sulph [...]r and burning [...]rimstones which were t [...]rown into the Air that many Houses were Bu [...]nt, Inhabitants destroyed, Vine-yards and Gardens quite de­feced.’ But whence come so many Flames under the Earth? From the dry Vapours which being so closely press'd in the Earth, and from several motions and agitattions in it, Fire doth necessarily Kindle: For Fire, says Aristotle, is [...]igh [...]ed smoke. About the year 1541 Fire broke out of a fou [...]tain named Elis [...]um. Gregor. Agri­cola d [...] squae [...]ff [...]uunt è terr [...]l [...]b. 4. pag. 152. [...]nd Stra [...]o Writes, that so great [...]re issued out of the Earth, that some Towns were consu­med, and among th [...]m S [...]dom at the Lake [...]phaltites: But we are t [...]ught better by M [...]ses in his sacred History. Moreover as our Fire wh [...] 'tis shut in, is moved up and down by a various Reciprocation, some doubt not bu [...] su [...]te [...]ra [...]ous [...]ire is diversly excited, and some­times slies downwards [...]nto the most profound Ca [...]e [...]nes, and some­times [...]pwar [...]s, towards the highest Parts of the Earth, as the [...]arth is variously changed and dispo [...]ed by Heaven and the Air.

57 [...]n [...] these I take to be the second Causes of that Spi [...]it which lately shoo [...] the Earth so swiftly and so deeply, which yet could not [...]k [...]ly produce to unusual an Earthquake, by its Natural Power alone.

58. To which was added that chief and first Cause, God, who by an extraordinary way of a [...]ing, wonderfully [...]ner [...]sed the s [...]r [...]th of that Spirit [...]s genera [...]ed within the Earth, an [...] added one d [...]r [...]e of force to [...]t be [...]ond its own Power, which N [...]ture c [...]uld no add, so that this Earthquake may be recko [...]ed not purely Na [...]ural, but mixt with both, as we a [...]erted before. For ad Mi­racles [Page 17]do not exclude N [...]ture, but many include it, so that they increase its force and vertue, and ext [...]rd it to that degree, to which it could not attain unless the A [...]n [...]g [...]y Pow [...]r [...] were superadded. The Scripture doth prepose u [...]to is [...]n evident E [...]p [...]e of it in Sampson, whose predigious strength by his b [...]ddy Temp [...]r, and all his Sinews and Mus [...]les were so exceedingly streng. However God himself did reinforce and increase them so much that be could rent into pieces a young roaring Lion like a Kid, Judg. 14.7. that he could break the strongest Cords like a Linnen-thread or Flax; that he could slay a Thousand Men, with the Jaw of an A [...]s, Judg. 15. That he could take the Do [...]rs of the Gates of the City, and the two Posts, and carry them upon his Shoulders to the tep of an Hill, Judg. 16. So the Divine Power of God did increase the natural strength of David, that he could overthrew this prodi­gious and Stronglined body Goliah with a S [...]ing only. 1 San [...]ud 17. To the same kind of Miracle we may refer the Example of [...]lijah. 1 King. 19. where it is said, that having eat a Cake and drank Wa­ter out of a Cruise, he was so sustained, that in the strength of that Meat he went forty days and forty nights unto Hereb, the Mount of God. There are evidences enough throughout all the Doctrines of Divines concerning the variety of Miracles, their many [...]orts and their ends to shew that these strengthning and reinforcing of Natural Faculties, though supplied by God; may fall out also on err Ages, as we have observed in a few words before in the nineteenth Theo­rem.

CHAP. III. Of the Effects and Presages.

59. ALthough those things which happen contrary to Nature, have not an end properly and perse out of Nature, yet they have their effects presages, and portenta [...], When Earthquake happ [...]ns be­sides its Nature, it cannot have an end properly, and p [...]se in res­pect of the Earth. For the end of every thing is according to its [Page 18]Nature, 2. Phys. 3. But in respect of the Vapours or Spiritus by which the Earth is moved, this end is assigned by Naturalists, that the nature of that Spi [...]itus may be preserved whilst sallying out of the Earth, it ascends into the open Air, making its own way out of the Caverns o [...] the Earth, in which it was included as in its Prison, so g [...]ning a place proper and agreablee to its own Nature.

60. And seeing this Earthquake is mixed with Nature and Mira­cle, it hath Natural effects, and also its presages from the super­natural Ordination of God.

61. The effects will be as is the Cause, to wit, Praeternatural, that is contrary to Nature.

62. Three of which effects are more especially to be feared, which both the Nature of Earthquakes, and Experience, and the Observation of Examples do evince, to wit, Sickness, Inundations, and Sterility.

63. Earthquakes cause Epidemical and Contagious Distempers, because the Vapours in the Caverns of the Earth either contract rot­tenness or some venemous qualities (especially if shut up in it for any considerable time) and thence sallying out, they make impres­sions in the Air that surrounds us, which when drawn into our Bodies by breathing, there must needs be impressed the like qualities in the inmost Bowels of our Bodies; Neither do they only infect the Air, but also the Water without which we cannot be. That the quality of subterraneous Vapours is very prejudiciable to our Health, is testified by experience in those places where the Earth abounding with Minerals, s [...]nds into the Air frequent Exhalations, but es­pecially if the Earth be porous and loose. Neither need we go very far for Examples: Those Caverns which are at the Sharp, and the Fountains of Schwalbuh may testifie it, which are so much infested with venemous Exhaltations, that Dogs or Hens carried into them, die sooner than any one can imagine. Geor. Agric. hath Writ ac­curately lib. 2. de nat. rer. è terra effluent. When at the begin­ning of the Book he Writes, the Air which is shut up a long time in any Concavity of the Earth, rots and is made pestilent: And a li [...]te after; there are in many places of the Earth serobes, exhaling mortiferous Vapours, but no where more then in Italy, &c. Carda­nus also in the Appendix of his Work de Re [...]um varietate, explains the thing by some Histories and Examples. Moreover the History of all Times teacheth us what grievous and pestilent Distempers have been caused by Earthquakes. Seneca lib. 6. quoest. natu. attests that a Flock of 600 Sheep was destroyed by an Earthquake in [Page 19]the Province called Pompeia. Sheep being of a very soft nature and carry their heads near the Ground. In the 19th. years from the building of Rome, after an Earthquake, followed a Plague, which lasting three years, there died at Rome 30000 men. So in the year of our Lord 748. after an Earthquake in Palestine a great Sickness was prevalent in Sicily, Greece, and Thrace.

And in the year 801. when Charles the Great was invested with the Empire, Upper Germany was infested with a vehement Earthquake, but especially the Coast of the Rhine, which was followed by a Pe­stilence, which dreadfully afflicted Germany and other Places. Stump. lib. 4. cap. 21. So in the year 1309. on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, all Germany shook, and the Plague afterwards raged throughout the Country, so that 60000 men are reported to have died at Florence and 90000 at Lubeck. That God the Father of all Mercy would grant, that no such consequence may happen from our late Earthquake, and that the Epidemical Disease which now infest these Places, so near to a kind of a putrid and malignant Feaver may not be converted into a more dangerous Distemper. The unlucky Eclipses and Positions of the heavenly Bodies this years portend some such things in other Countries. The Northern Latitude of Saturn in the Sign of Scorpius; and those four Eclipses of the foregoing year, two of which happened in the Month of June, whereof that of the Sun was a stupendious one for its Mag­nitude, will exert their Operations this year as the Masters do reckon.

But that the Waters are also polluted by those Vapours is known by the Fountains, which both before and after Earthquakes are wont to be impurer and thicker. Which is also attested by Pliny, lib. 2. cap. 81. where, he says, The Water in Wells is th [...]cker and not without a loath some smell, which odour is Sulphu [...]eo [...]s and metalline, from whence one may certainly conclude that some Va­pours sallying out of the Earth, have mingled themselves with the Water. Hence it is, that Pherecydes Pythagoras his Master foretold an Earthquake by drawing some Water out of a Well, con­cerning which Pliny Writes, as by some Divine Presage, lib. 2. cap. 29. Which Cicero m [...]ntions 1. de Divinat. Geor. Agricol. lib. 4. de efflu. è terr. pag. 153. think that muddy Water in Wells is most commonly a Sign of an Earthquake already begun, and he believes that no proper and certain Sign of future Earthquake can be assigned, for those that are delivered by Writers are either the Sign of an [Page 20]Earthquake just b [...]g [...]n, or its Modas; so that they may happen w [...]ho [...] future Earthquake.

64. [...] Earch are therefore wont to ensue Earth­quake, [...] [...]olently s [...]lying out of the Earth, [...] Caverns wa [...]re [...] the [...] [...]eous Waters are [...] Water is [...] more abound [...] manner driven into [...] and [...] of Fountains and R [...]vers.

[...] by A [...]le, 2. [...]. cap. 8. Exhalations [...] with great Force, c [...]y along with [...] whatsoever Wa [...] [...] and he [...]ds in the same place, that [...] Wills that blow the co [...]ary way are the Cause of it, because [...] E [...]th, it cannot repel the Sea brought a­gai [...]t it by another Wind Examples also observed in History, [...] the [...]am. For P [...]c [...]p [...]u [...], lib. 3. de bello Gothor [...]n, pag. 3 [...]3. [...] ribes the unusual In [...]n [...]a [...]on of Egypt, as arising from an Earth­quake. About [...] time [...] Earthquake [...]ppe [...]ed which shook [...] Ach [...]ia and the other places, about the S [...]nas G [...]se [...]s, an [...] [...] [...]uit [...] number of other places and levelled ei [...]ht Citi [...] [...]oth Ground. And the Earth in some places when it had gaped [...], cam [...] again to its former state, but in other places [...] so much cle [...]t, that the People of that Country were [...] m [...]k [...] a large Circuit to converte with one another. But in [...] Sea between The [...]aly and Beotia there arose so great [...] Co [...]m [...]ion [...] so great an in [...]ndation, that great desolation was [...] of M [...]atai [...]s, Ed [...]ices, and Men. In the see and year [...] of Flev. Va [...]a [...]i [...]iam and Vale [...]s, the Sea to s [...]led that o [...]erflowing Sicily, it Buried in its Waves [...]nal Towas and V [...]lag [...]s. In the year 1508. a [...] Earthquake was so [...] most g [...]e [...]ou; I [...]dation; t [...]roug [...]out all Italy and Germany. And wish we might take example and experiment of that calam [...]y [...] the late Earthquake, that we mig [...]t be brought to repenta [...].

In the same place 'tis sad, ‘We have ne [...]s daily of [...]ae [...] ous Inundations through the Butchy of Juliers and Clav [...]s, and the Oriental F [...]iezla [...]d.’ We have been eye Witnesses of th [...] [...] ­su [...] [...]creasing of the River Neker, which overflowed in December and J [...]m [...]y, with a considerable damage.

How the Rome hath oversloved, the Inhabitants know to their own forrow and loss, where [...]at unus [...]a [...] Inundation proceeding from the River and Rivulets in December, between Strab [...]ang and Sp [...]re [...], as it was fard to several persons, so among the rest [...] the head of an Ancient Family.

65. Lastly, Barrenness is the consequent of an Earthquake because of the envenomed Vapoars which while they p [...]rm [...]ace the pores of the [...]arth, leave behind them their Venemou [...] Footsteps, and [...] Qualiti [...] both on the Earth it self, and also [...] the enlivening Power sit for the production of Corn is [...]. Wonderful and different were the Sentiments of the co [...]m [...] [...] People after the late Earthquake, a [...] is usual; and Husband [...] every where heard interpreting this Earthquake as a Joyful O [...]n [...]n [...] a singular future Fertili [...]y. But this Conjecture is easily [...]esuted by the consideration of Natural Causes, especially since History [...] the contrary. For in the Year 315. from the building of Rome, so great a Scarcity and Barrenness so lowed an Earthquake, th [...] Li [...]y mentions it as remarkable that many threw themselves into Tiber, where they made at one another to devour themselves. In the Year of our Lord 542 an universal and most grievous Famine ensu [...]d upon an Earthquake, that was it self almost universal, as [...] Paul Diaco [...], lib. 16. The same happened in the Year 1326. and again [...]n [...]. But as Plagu [...] and Inundation do not follow a [...] Earthquake [...] but [...] so neither do B [...] ­renu [...]s and Fam [...]ne: For as the Subterrancous Spirit [...] are not alway; equally disposed, so sometimes they are les [...] en [...]omed [...]nd de­struct [...]u [...] and more subtil, that they ethale sooner, neither do they so easily imprint on the Ground any quality no [...] to the Fr [...]it, wh [...]en that we may experience in this Earthquake the next. Harvest, let him a [...]one who is able to crown the Year with his B [...]ssing gram.

66. And a this Earthquake was not only natural, but or kind to a miraculous one, so also see us to contain in it the Presages and Porten a of some wonderful and extraordinary Change; among Mankind I said before that God add [...]d a Supernatural for [...] and degres o the Natural Causes of this Earthquake. And God doth nothing in vain, but direct all to some certain end and s [...]op [...], so that 'tis necessary something should be in this Earthquake more than could proceed from the power of Nature alone.

67. But as Co [...]nets do not o [...] themselves and their own nature cause or denounce any Change in Kingdoms, and any other Ha­mane A [...]fai [...], so neither do Earthquakes; but such events hap [...]a in these wonderful and secret Works of Nature from the disp [...]d and Ordinations of God, partly exciting Me [...]s Minds and p [...]om, [...]ng them, partly terrifying them with those sear of Fu [...]uriti [...]s. The Rainbow of its own Nature can neither be a surety for, nor con­firm [Page 22]the Grace and Covenant of God to the World, that there shall be no more an universal Flood, but it doth engage for, and con­firm it by a supernatural Revelation, which the gracious Counsel of God imposed on this work of Nature. The same must be deter­mined of Earthquakes, Comets, Chasins and other wonderful Me­teors in Nature.

68. But what change in Europe doth this Earthquake presage? This neither I nor any body else can easily tell. He alone knows who endowed the Earthquake with the signification of Futurities, who encreased and augmented the Power of Nature; and lastly who hath at his own dispose, both the Causes and their Effects.

69. The Scripture, as far I could observe, speaks of Earth­quakes after a three fold manner.

70. Sometimes as of the Sign and Symbol of the present Grace of God already held forth. As was that Earthquake by which the Apostles and other Members of the Primitive Church were confirmed against the intermediate As [...]aults of their Enemies, by the hearing and the presence of God from Heaven, of which Acts 4. v. 31. But when they had prayed, says Luke, the place in which they were Assenbl [...]d was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost. To which is to be referred that Earthquake that happened at the Resurrection of Christ, the Angel of the Lord descending from Heaven, and Rowling away the Stone from the mouth of the Se­pulchre, of which, Matt. cap. 98. vers. 2. makes mention. To the number of these Earthquakes doth also belong that which is mentioned, Acts 16. ve [...]s. [...]6. But in the middle of the night, Paul and Sil [...]s were Fraying and Singing of Psalm [...], when on a sudden there was a great Earthquake, so that the Foundations of the Prison were shaken, and the Doors were oppened, and all their bonds were [...]sed.

71. But as such Earthquakes are soldom, so they are meerly Mi­ra [...]o [...]: and such Examples are not easily to be found either in the E [...]tory of our own or former Times: For the Sins of Men de­se [...]ve o [...]h [...]rwise.

72. But the Scripture often speaks of an Earthquake as of the Messenger and Witness of the Divine Wrath, and the presage of Pu­nishment to certain Kingdoms and Provinces for the Publick and Private Sins of the eminent Ones. The Scripture scarcely over speaks more frequently of any presage of the Wrath of God and in pending Punishments, than of an Earthquake, as the 2d. of [Page 23] Sam. 22. vers. 8. Psalm. 18. vers. 8. The Earth is shaken and m [...] ­ved, because his Wrath is Kindled. Job 9. vers. 5, 6. Who remove [...] Mountains, so as he is not observed; who overturns them in his Wrath, who moves the Earth out of its place; So that the Pillars thereof shake. So Eccles. 39 32. There are Winds created for puni­shment, in the consummated time they pour out the strength and fury of him that made them. And the like places in Joel 2.1. Na. 1.5. Amos 1. 1. Zac. 14. Numb. 10.21. And God was pleased to pro­mulgate his Laws by an Earthquake, Exod. 19.18. That he might testifie that, that punishment was ready for the breakers of them. To which must be referr'd that Earthquake which happened whilst Christ suffered, Matt. 27.51. The Earth, says he, was moved, and the Rocks were split; which was also a Testimony of Christ's Innocence. John in the Revela. denouncing the Wrath of God and the punishments which are to be poured forth on the later days, makes often mention of an Earthquake, cap. 6.12. Cap. 8.6. cap. 2.13. There was, says he, in that hour a great Earthquake, and the tenth part of the World fell, and there were kill'd in the Earth­quake 7000 men, and the rest was terrified and gave Glory to the God of Heaven. cap. 16.18. There was a great Earthquake, such as never was since Men were on the Earth, an Earthquake, says he, so great. Which sayings although they have an Allegorical inter­pretation, yet they may be taken properly; or at least they will lead us to this, that the Scripture doth commonly represent de­structful punishments and calamities by an Earthquake.

73. For nothing seems to be a greater punishment and calamity to Mankind, than an Earthquake.

74. For all o [...]her fatal punishments are wont to ensue upon an Earthquake, and we may sooner foresee War, Famine, and Pesti­lence, and so take heed of, and avoid them by preparing proper Re­medies, than we can foresee avoid and fly from an Earthquake: seeing the Spiritus in the Earth is not restrained by any Humane force, neither can we fly away from the Earth. Hence it is that Experien­ce witnesseth, that Brute Beasts and Men are terrified by nothing so much as by an Earthquakes; so we see that even the most savage and cruel Hearts of Tyrants, that have their minds hardened most against God and Men, have been terrified by Earthquakes. There is extant in Josephus, a memorable passage concerning this, lib. 1. de bell. Jud. cap. 14. and lib. 15. Autiq. Jud. Where Herod a despiser of God and Men, thus Speaks to his Army. Let not the Fear of [Page 24]inanimate things [...] all terrifie you, nor imagine that Earthquake is an [...] of future dis [...]ctio [...]; for the defects of the Elements themselves [...]e Natural, and infor [...]o other los [...] than, that which they cause; so that when they d [...]happen, they are inded [...]y their own greatness. These Proph [...]ne Speeches did the Tyrant then utter, whilst he himself was so astonished in his own Mind, that he offered Sacrifice for the ap­peasing of God, as Josephus mentions in the same place. The Heath [...]s being always terrined by Earthquakes, began then in ear­nest to think of appeasing God, and rightly of instituting their Sacri­fices. Hence it is, that Pliny saith, lib. 2. cap. 8 [...]. For there is not only in an Earthquake some simple evil and danger, but an equal or greater Omen of something to come. The City of Rome never t [...]mbled (yet it shook in the year 537. about fifty seven times) but it was the Omen of some future Event. Therefore that impious say­ing of Seneca is repugnant to the Sense and Conscience of Mankind. The God [...] do nothing of these thing, neither is the Heaven or the Earth shaken by the anger of the Deities. So Gellius, lib. 2. cap. 28. What is the Cause of Earthquake, is not yet manifest: Therefore the [...]cient Romans, when they either perceived or were told that the Earth s [...]ook, commanded by their Edits that Holydays should be kept, but in the publishing of them did not name the God [...]s usual, for whom the same were to be kept, and Marcus Varro, says, [...]was so observed by the Decide of the Priests, because 'twas [...]n­certain whether the [...]rth trembled by the Power of the Gods or Goddesses. There is ext [...]nt in Rosinus, the History of some Supersti­tious expiation, lib. 4. pag. [...]6 where he says, That grievous La [...]th­ [...]es ensued upon the Death of Valentinian. Crete was vehemently shaken with all Peloponnesus and the rest of Greece, except Athens and the Country thereof, which they say, was saved by this means. N [...]storius the High Priest s [...]w in a Dream the Athenians advis'd to prefer the Hero Achilles to the highest Honnours, for this would be [...]st advantagious; he therefore being taught by Divine Speculations, after having performed a solemn Sacrifice, placed the [...]ma [...]e of the [...]e [...]o under A [...]in [...]'s, so was Athen [...] and [...]ll its Lard s [...]e from the Earthquake. There is a p [...]lled place in Synesius Cyre. Epis. 61. of Devotion in the time of Earthquakes. God often (say [...] he ‘caused an Earthquake in the day time, and Men stood commonly upright whist they pray'd, for the Ground w [...]s shaken wherefore thinking the S [...]a [...] more severely shaker th [...]n the Land, [...]an to the Heaven, [...]’ Christian of the [...]ive Church [...]s [...]d not to fly to [Page 25]any unkown God, but to the true one that shake; the Earth and implored his Grace and Mercy; an Example of which pious Custom is related by Justinian the Emperour, who when he heard that Antiochia was shaken by a grievous Earthquake, in which a great number of Men had perished, presently laid down his Dia­dem and Imperial Robes, and put Sackcloth, and published an Edict whereby he commanded his subjects to Fast and Pray for many days, and to do all other things, which testifie a serious repentance. Sozomenus, lib. 6. cap. 2. Stump, lib. 7. cap. 28.

There is extant also an Epistle of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus to the People of Asia, wherein he exhorts them not to lay the Fault of the Earthquake upon the Christians, but rather religiously to invoke after their fashion the Author of the Earthquake; ‘It will not be ab­sur'd, continues he, to comfort your sorrow by a just warning, for I have found out that in such occasions you do ascribe these ordinary Events to some motive of envy, that the God, whom they trust much to, may have; and whilst that you know not the Reasons there­of, you do neglect every time the Worship of the other Gods, and so you endeavour to put away and cast down the Worship of the immortal God, whom the Christians do adore.’

And there is no doubt but that many pious Men every where through Germany and other Countrys, devoutly and religiously followed that pious Custom of the Ancient Church, and stirr'd up themselves to se­rious Repentance and ardent invoking of God's name: which effect if it hath not happened in all, yet the thoughts of the Evils which have in all Ages ensued upon the Earthquakes, ought still to stir them up and awaken them to true repentance, seeing those effects have been observed by the most severe Writers of Earthquakes. For it is not rash to say that commotions of the mind follow an Earthquake, as a Shadow the Body. Neither does it want its natural Causes, for 'tis certain that the Air we draw in, have several change of altera­tions by Earthquakes, and the Temperament, and so the m [...]nners of Men are much affected with the temperateness or intemperatness of the Air, and they are disposed by it, if we believe the most kilful Physitians, and our own experience. Histories are full of Examples, of which I will instance but one or two. Delus trembled about the time of the Peloponnesian War (which was called immoveable by Pin­dar, as Seneca relate out of Callisthenes, lib. 5. Nat. quaest.) Whilst Brenno was attacking the Del-phian Temple, there happened so great an Earthquake, and so great a Tempest mingled with Hail and Rain, [Page 26]that the Gaulois Army were almost overwhelmed. Earthquakes hap­pened often in the Carthaginian War, so that 'twas said at Rome, an Earthquake happened 57 times in the same year, in which the Romans and the Carthagians fighting at the Lake Trasimenian, were neither of them sensible of a great Earthquake which was there, Flin. lib. 2. cap. 4 and in the 83. he says, That two Mountains ran against one another, rising and retiring with a great noise, by which concourse all the Towns were dash'd to peices and Cattle between kill'd, which was in the year before the Social War, and says he, I know not but it may be more fatal to Italy, than the War.

In the year of our Lord 369. many Earthquakes happened every where which where followed by a most severe Persecution under the Emperour Valantinian, as is attested by Hierome and Eusebius. In the year 455. a remarkable Earthquake preceded those dreadful de­vastations of the Country of Attila, as is Witnessed among others by Stump: lib. 4. cap. 54. So in the year 841. Herbipolis shook about twenty times, upon which a bloody War ensued between the Em­perour Lotharin, and his Brother. So in the year 1171. a War broke out between the French and Sweedes, when several Earthquakes had preceded it every where through Germany. So in the same year 1171. a great War arose between the Emperour Friderick the I. and Pope Alexander the III. In the year 1372. on the first of June, a dreadful Earthquake shook Germany, and a little after ensued a grievous War in Bavaria and Sweedland. Also in the year 1384. on Christmas's-Eve, the Earthquake shook, and a little after ensued the dreadful War of Leopol with the Switzers, which was both destruction to the House of Austria, and fatal to the Young Prince Leopold. In the ye [...]r 1521. before Belgrade was taken by the Turks, the Neighbourhood shook for 3 days together, and many Houses fell down every where. I cannot but set down the Words of a wise old Man, Gaspar Peucer, which are extant in his Commentary of Di­vinations, pag. 389. ‘The Mountains of Suda and the Towns built there felt: Not only one or two, but continual shakings of the Earth (which says History always denounce great Wars and destructive Se­ditions) the Houses shaking as if it proceeded from the distinct im­pulse of Winds.’ These things undoubtedly threaten dreadful destru­ction and calamities, which I pray God mercifully mitigate for the sake of his Church, and spare the innocent and guiltless Ages for the sake of his Eternal Son Jesus Christ. But there is another Exam­ple fresher in our Memory, viz. of the year 1590. when some parts [Page 27]of Germany, especially Austria, Bavaria, and Misnia were shaken, which Earthquake is the more remarkable and worthy to be compa­red with the late one, because it happened almost at the same time, viz. on 5th. of September, and because a litte after the Tu [...]k [...]sh War grew more outragious in Hungary. And lastly, because a little after, as it were the three supporters of Germany fell down. First in the same Month the Earthquake was, viz. September the 25th. Christian the Elector of Saxony died, and 'tis still fresh in the Hi­story what disturbances ensued upon it, in the Saxon and Misnani Churches. Not many months after John Casimir the A [...]ministr [...]tor and Tutor of the Elector Palatin died, who came behind none of the most Valiant Heroes. And Lastly, William the Lantgrave of Hesse. The loss of which three Princes in so short a time, all prudent Men thought ominous to Germany, as they do still, for that Germany seem not yet either to have shamn'd or overcome that Omen. Nei­ther shall I here mention those Wars which Moschus again in the same year stirred up in Lifland and Sweedland, nor the death of those Emi­nent Men Francis Hottoman, Cujavus, and some others, nor that which happened in France, the Siege of Paris, which continued for many months together, neither will I mention that two years after­wards, viz. in 92. seven other German Princes besides Casimir of Excellent Memory, were taken out of this World, and that a War arose between the two Elect Bishops of Labert, while the Canor's dissagreed about it; and that in the same year, Clement VIII. was chosen Pope, who was formidable for his craft and cunning. Which things seeing they are all thus experienced, let us stir up our minds to serious and servent Prayers, and to the Observation of the si­nistrous Omens of the last Earthquake, and while we are deprecating the Portenta, let us prepare our selves for future Evils and the fatal change of Europe, foretold us by this Earthquake, and foreseen by Wise Men. For it is possible either to shun decreed mis­fortunes either publick or private, or to render them more mild by piety, reason, due remedies applied from Counsel, and by o [...]po­sing good contraty to those Evils. But let us consider that there are two sorts of Motions in the Spirit of Mankind. There are some motions in the good Spirits, and some in the ill-natured and wicked ones. And as it happeneth that the illnatured Spirit do stir themselves for the ruine and destruction of the best setled and ordered Kingdoms and Empires. So it happeneth often that God stirs up some profita­ble and convenient Motions in the Spirits of the greatest Princes, or [Page 28]in the Republicks, wherewith all the evil design; and machinations of the wicked are happely broken, and a good Peace and Tranquillity is procured as well to these Kingdoms, as to the Church. To which we may refer this great Revolution lately happened in this Kingdom of England.

A little before this Earthquake which happened in France, in 1601. the Dauphine Lewis the XIII. was born in that Kingdom, and at the very hour of it the late Elector Palatin had his Son born.

It is commonly said, that motions of Heroick-souls are great and easie. Neither is History defective in Examples of the Birth of great Heroes and Princes born just at the time, when there were Earth­quakes. Writers, says Hercules, was born whilest the Earth was shak­ing although I am not ignorant what credit is to be given to the History of Hercules; yet this is apparent from the Relation, that the An­cients thought that an Earthquake was an Omen and Presage of a great and Heroick-soul in those whose birth happened at the same time. But there are other Examples of Earthquakes extant in History, by which God h [...]th (as by a portentum) attested his wrath against the enemies of the Righteous, and his favour to the Godly, by some joyful Omen. Theodorus, lib. 5. Hist. cap. 34. about the year 402. mentions, that Chrysostome was banished by the Emperour Arcadius, b [...]t the first Night after his departure, the Emperours Palace was shaken by some terrible an Earthquake, that being frightned by that prodi­gy, he sent Messengers after him, and honourably received him, whom he had ignominiously thrust out. And Ruffinus, lib. 1. cap. 28. Writes that Julian and Jews were terrified from repairing the Temple at Jerusalem by a dreadful Earthquake, which they were earnestly endeavouring to effect before, out of hatred and ignominy to Christ. So God discovered his anger against Diocletian the Cruel Persecutor of the Chr [...]stians, by an Earthquake, in which many thousand Men perished. Theod. lib. 2. Hist. cap. 26. when a Councel was held at Antioch, where the Decrees of the Nicen Synod and Athanasius were condemned by Arrians, not long after ensued a most grievous Earthquake, which lasting a whole year, was very destructive to Antioch A [...]no 347 related by the Tripar. Hist lib. 4. cap. 15. Evagriu [...] lib 2. cap. 12. Funccius in the year 344. and memorable in tha [...] which E [...]tropius notes about the time the Arrian Heresie and Tyr [...]nny spre [...]d through the East, that there were frequent Earth­qu [...]kes, and that those places shook grievously. Neither is that which the same A [...]thor relates less remarkable, that presently after the [Page 29]Death of the Apostles Paul, Laodicea, and Collossus were swallowed up by an Earthquake, so that the punishement of those that contem­ned the Doctrine of Paul, might be conspicuous. And I seem not to have spoken rashly, when I said that no punishment or calam [...]ty is more grievous than an Earthquake, seeing 'tis an evil that can neither before seen, nor easily averted by any Remedies. Pliny. lib. 2. cap. 82. prescribes two Remedies against Earthquakes, viz. to dig many holes in the Earth, and make many passages there; but this is both labourious and almost as dangerous to Cities and Towns, as an Earthquake. But perhaps some body will say, we shall be safe in Rivers against Earthquakes. I confess there is some safety in Rivers, and Synecius whom I cited before, Writ is that in a great Earthquake; he thought the Sea more secure than the Land; but that doth not want its dangers neither; for the bottoms of Rivers are obnoxious to Earthquakes, as we shall shew in our Problems, and the Earth may easily gape under the Water or some heap of Earth plunged into the River from the Neighbouring shore, may over­whelm us, and sometimes Rivers us'd to be dried by Earthquakes, so that they that seek safety in the Rivers against an Earthquake, may find their Death and Grave. But I cannot conjecture what should be the meaning of that which Agathias, lib. 5. says, is the true Platonic Opinions, that he that perished by an Earthquake is to be esteemed more happy than he that saved from it. For if an Earthquake be a most grievous punishment, which the Scripture attests, he cannot be happy who is involved in an Evil, grievous in it self, and terrible to all Mankind.

75. Lastly, The Scripture speaks of an Earthquake as of a Sign or the forerunner of the last decretorial Judgment, at which a little before the end of the World, that great Judge will appear with the Angels of his Power, who himself, say Luke 21.11. That there will be great Earthquakes in every place before his coming; And Matth. 24.7. He makes use of almost the same Words. The Prophe­sies of future Signs, respects both the destruction of the Temple and City of Jerusalem, and the end of the World. Therefore that which is asserted of great Earthquakes, may be accommodated to both those times. For Josephus diligently observes how great Earth­quakes preceded the last sacking of Jerusalem.

76. Of this sorts of [...] good Men think that was, of which we are now treating, by which the Son of God in this last Age of the World, would warn and excite Mens minds, that they [Page 30]might seriously and timely prepare themselves for the great Sessions, and hear that Sentence either of Eternal Life or Death, never to be revoked. I see no reason why we should doubt that some Signs nearer and greater forerunners of the coming of Christ to Judgment than others. And therefore although this Earthquake be to be num­bred among those Signs, as the ingenious and learn'd Mr. Beverly elegantly insinuates, yet 'tis likely there will be some other Earth­quake more terrible, meerly miraculous and nearer the Day of Judgment. Which he may be applied to other Signs, as darkning of the Sun and Moon, may be gathered from 24 of Matth. and 21 of Luke, and from Acts 2.19. where Peter cites that of Joel, I will give Miracles in Heaven above, and Signs in the Earth below; Blood, and Fire, and the Vapour of the Smoak. The Sun shall be changed into Darkness, and the Moon into Blood, before that great and glorious Day of the Lord comes, &c▪. Thou Lord Jesus come, com [...] quickly, or if it seems good to thee to delay, grant that while the Earth shakes and Hell rages, while Kingdoms, Empires, and Kings are shaken and dashed one against the other; the Church, thy little Flock may enjoy, at least a moderate quiet and rest both here in England, and throughout the whole World. Amen.

CHAP. IV. Of the likeness or unlikeness of these two Earthquakes.

77. IT remaineth now, that we may examine, in what these two Earthquakes do agree, and in what they do differ, as well in their Forms and Causes, as in their Effects.

As to the Form, 'tis said in the 15th. Theorem, that the first was partly trembling and partly pulsative, according to the diver­sity of the plainness or unplainness of the Fields. But all do agree, that this last was some kind of panting or brandishing Motion, for the Earth was shaken lateraly according to its Latitude; now that don't befall so in the Pulse or Vibration; and that sort of Earthquake is more frequent. Upon the lassing of the first all Authors do not agree: But as to this last, 'tis Witnessed from [Page 31]all places, that it did last two Minutes. I will only mention these words of Mr. Edward d' Auvergne, Chaplain to my Lord John Bathe, Governour of the Cittadel of Plimouth, in his Relation of the most [...]markable Transactions of the last Campaign, in the Confederate Army, where he was, pag. 61. We felt an Earthquake, says he, which lasted about two Minutes, and shook the Earth very violently. It was felt at the same time all over Flanders, in many parts of England and France, and in other places of Europe, we had it about two of the Cloek: It caused a great Consternation in our new Garison of Dix­muyde; some thinking at first that the French had undermined several parts of the Town, and were in Ambuscades, going to blow them up.

78. We may observe among the other Conformities of these two Earthquakes, these two chiefly; the Conformity of the Month; and the Conformity of the Day. Nay, we should make some considera­tion of the Time on the Day on both, to wit, that the first hap­pened at two of the Clock in the Morning; the last at two of the Clock in the Afternoon, so 'tis only the intercalation of 12 hours; which Event is remarkable enough. But now in regard of the Conformity of the Month: We have observed in the 45 Theorem, that amongst the Planets, the Efficacy of Saturn did prevail that year. The same is happened this last year; as 'tis clear by the Observations of Mr. John Partridge, that Famous Mathematician, upon the Month of September: He says so, the Month of September begins with Quartile of Saturn and Venus. The Trine Jupiter and Mercury with a wet and windy Air. 2dly. 'Tis observed in the 46 and 47 Theorems, that the Power of the three superious Planets, Saturn, Jupiter and Mars, is the most eminent in producing Earthquakes. Besides 'tis constant­ly affirmed, that the first Earthquake happened when the Sun was in Virgo. So were all these things disposed at the time of this last Earth­quake. These are the very words of our forementioned Mathema­tician. All the mutual Aspects of the Planets in this Month are Sol and Virgo, Luna and Libra, Saturnus and Sagittarious, Jupiter and Gemini. Mars in Libra, Venus in Virgo, Mercurious in Libra, Can­cer in Libra. At last he doth conclude thus his Observations upon that Month. The Quartile of the Sun and Saturn, and the Sun and Jupiter, will in some measure influence September also, &c. To which we may joyn, the Temper of the Air in that very Month; whose first part was warm and wet by turns; but the most part warm and windy: so if we confer these things with what is said in the 52 and [Page 30] [...] [Page 31] [...] [Page 32]53 Theorems, we shall see that the Dispositions of the Air were the same, to wit, rainy Wheather in the Dog-days. There was also a very high South-west wind in that Month, tho 'tis true that the Air was calm enough that very day when the Earth was shaken. Last­ly, As these two Earthqu [...]kes had their Conformities in their Causes, so had they in their Effects, though not in such a high degree. 'Tis observed that there are three Effects proceeding from Earthquakes.

• 1. Universal Sickness.
• 2. Overflowing of Rivers
• 3. Scarcity of Fruit or Barrenness.

As to the first, we did hear from many parts of France and Italy, that some Malignant Feaver did appear, and 'twas reported that some kind of Plague hath been discovered in the Province of Languedoc. We must adore the Divine Providence, who hath kept this Kingdom from all these Mischiefs, wherein it was in­volved by so many Sicknesses, when the first Earthquake happened, in the last year of Queen Elizabeth's Reign. Bu [...] as to the overflow­ing of Rivers, we had lately too many proofs of this effect; so that I need not to enlarge in the recital of many particular mischances that happened in many places almost overwhelmed, where several Per­sons have been lost by the Flood.

We should now come to examine the third effect of Earthquakes in reference to the first, that is the scarcity and barr [...]nness. But we leave it to be felt and proved in France, where we know it is great. And though all sorts of Provisions are grown so dear since the Month of December last, in this Kingdom, and especially in London, yet that cannot be call'd scarcity; every one knows well enough the diffe­rence between dearness and scarcity. The continuance of bad Wea­ther may always cause the same effect without any former Earth­quake. We hope then that the same Divine Mercy which has pre­served this Kingdom, and gathered therein so many thou [...]and [...] of Fo­reign Souls, and provided them with Bread seven years long by Mi­racle, will continue to send the same Blessings of Plenty unto this Nation, who hath pitied his distracted People: The past Events being a kind of Security for the future. Whereupon we trust that God will spare these Islands, wherein the Candlestick of his Gospel, hath been kept fast, against all the Attempts of Popery. And so we conclude that the seven past years of Plenty are observable enough to put us in mind of the extraordinary and miraculous Providence of God for our Relief in a strange Land: So 'tis to be feared also that his design hath been to warn us by this present dearness, to be wary afterward, and to turn our selves from any abusing profuse­ness [Page 33]of his Graces; otherwise the Bread staff of shall certainly be broken, it will be without strength; 'Tis the threatning he makes by Ezekiel against the Land which hath sinned and grievously trespassed a­gainst him, Ezek. 14.13.