Geologia Norvegica, or, A brief instructive remembrancer concerning that very great and spacious earthquake, which hapned [sic] almost quite through the south parts of Norvvay upon the 24th day of April, in the year 1657 also physical, historical, and theological grounds and reasons concerning the causes and significations of earthquakes / written in the Danish tongue by Michael Peterson Escholt ... ; and Englished by Daniel Collins. Geologia Norvegica. English Escholt, Michel Pedersøn, d. 1666. 1663 Approx. 105 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 53 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2007-10 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A38593 Wing E3252 ESTC R15886 13147888 ocm 13147888 98081 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A38593) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 98081) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 416:4) Geologia Norvegica, or, A brief instructive remembrancer concerning that very great and spacious earthquake, which hapned [sic] almost quite through the south parts of Norvvay upon the 24th day of April, in the year 1657 also physical, historical, and theological grounds and reasons concerning the causes and significations of earthquakes / written in the Danish tongue by Michael Peterson Escholt ... ; and Englished by Daniel Collins. Geologia Norvegica. English Escholt, Michel Pedersøn, d. 1666. Collins, Daniel, 17th cent. [14], 93 p. Printed by J.H. for S. Thomson ..., London : 1663. Translation of: Geologia Norvegica. Errata on p. 93. Reproduction of original in Cambridge University Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. 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Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Earthquakes -- Norway. 2006-07 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2006-07 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2006-10 Mona Logarbo Sampled and proofread 2006-10 Mona Logarbo Text and markup reviewed and edited 2007-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion Imprimatur , Dan. Nicols R. P. D. Arch. Cant Capel . Domesticus . Ex aedibus Lambethanis , Martij 21 o 1662 / 3. Geologia Norvegica . Or , a brief instructive REMEMBRANCER , Concerning that very great and spacious EARTHQUAKE , Which hapned almost quite through the South parts of NORVVAY : Upon the 24 th . day of April , in the year 1657. Also Physical , Historical , and Theological Grounds and Reasons concerning the causes and significations of EARTHQUAKES . WRITTEN In the Danish Tongue , by Michael Peterson Escholt , sometimes Minister of Ackers-house Castle in Norway . And Englished by DANIEL COLLINS . London , Printed by J. H. for S. Thomson at the Bishops-head in St. Pauls Churchyard . 1663. MVNIFICENTIA REGIA . 1715. GEORGIVS D. G. MAG . BR . FR. ET HIB . REX F. D. portrait of Geroge I blazon of Cambridge University Library To the worthy Company of Merchants Trading into the Kingdom of Norway . D. C. wisheth much happiness . Honoured Friends , THis small ensuing Treatise falling into my hands in Norway some time since , after a serious perusal , I thought it not amisse to spend a little time in the translation thereof : and as an acknowledgement of the civilities you have been pleased to shew me : do offer it to your acceptation ; knowing , that as your abilities can judge of my endeavour to do the Author no injury , in rendring his sense ; so your ingenuity and Candor will excuse such failings , as herein possibly you may observe to have escaped him who is Yours to be commanded DAN . COLLINS . To the Reader . ALthough the publication of this little Translation , may seem superfluous unto many : whose knowledge gained by their study of , and search into , the wonderful works of God and nature , may very well make it so to them : yet I am apt to beleeve that others ( not so learned ) may receive some satisfaction hereby . It having been originally written in the Danish tongue by a Divine of Norway , reputed eminent for his Piety and parts , ( upon an occasion of the proper subject whereof it discourseth , which I think is not very common , as having not seen the like , yet resembling a little the cause of its being Englished ) and was well accepted of by the people there ; I doubt not but it may find indifferent , if not the like entertainment here ; however if any benefit do accrue unto any hereby , my pains will be recompensed . The judicious Reader is desired to understand it in the best sense it containeth ; in case the relish of the Danish dialect should any where make it ingrate to the sincerer pallate of his judgement , or the Historical part thereof , should seem to Hyperbolize . In confidence of which favour it is left to his mild censure , By the Cordial wisher of his welfare , DAN . COLLINS . The Preface . FOr the right and more perfect understanding of this speculative Discourse concerning Earthquakes , the Reader may have especial respect unto it under these following Heads or particulars , viz. 1. The Qualities and Properties of the Earth , its wonderfull , yet natural operations within it self . 2. The Fire which is found to be below in the Earth , its wonderfull nature , and powerfull effects . 3. The several Minerals , Mettals , and Substances in and under the Earth , and how they are wrought and changed . 4. The Air and Wind which is inclosed in the earth , and how it doth occasion great and terrible Earthquakes . 5. The Physical Description of Earthquakes , with their Species , Operation , and Natural Effects . 6. Historical Relations , what by Experience hath been commonly observed to follow after such great and remarkable Earthquakes . 7. A Theological Conclusion and Instruction out of the Holy and Infallible Word of God , what Earthquakes do signifie and teach unto us . Unto the Consideration of all which , and for the common Benefit of others , I was moved to compose this little Memorandum , by occasion of that very remarkeable and spatious Earthquake which happened in the South parts of Norway , the 24th . of April , in this present Year 1657. about a quarter of an hour before 12 a Clock at Noon , when the Sun was in the 15th . Degree of Taurus , and the Moon above the Earth in the first Degree of Aquarius , and the same day hapned also the Planetary Aspect , Quadratus Saturni & Veneris , and the following night , about 3 or 4 a Clock in the Morning another particular Earthquake began afresh , but was not so great as the former . Concerning the Earthquake which began in the day , I have true and certain Intelligence , That it stretched North and South , from Oasterdale , Sollewer , Totten Wallyers , Ringer Rick , the upper and lower Rummerick , down all along the Land , and through all Weeken , almost to Bawhouse , above 160 Miles in Length . And also from the Borders of Sweden that lie Eastward of Norway , thwart over all the Land Westward as far as Lindesnesse , being about 40 Miles more , and it carried such a noise and sound along with it , that the people at first knew not but it was the noise of Thunder , until they perceived the Houses shook , and all their Moveables , as Beds , Tables , and Benches , to totter , and as it were dance with shaking . As yet , I have not had a further Relation concerning it , but possibly it might have stretcht ▪ it self much farther both in breadth and length . Now this Earthquake was so strong and powerful , that it shook the very Islands in the Sea , and the great and small Rocks in the fresh Lakes ; and by the very great concussion and trembling did much amaze and terrifie those that were upon the water , and was more especially seen by such as were upon the great English and Hollands Ships , then here , as also upon other Vessels , Hoyes and small Boats. Yet it hath not done any remarkeable harm ( that is yet known ) any where in the Countrey ; either to Houses , Walls , or other Buildings , for which we ought to be very thankful to God , and to receive it as an especial Token of his Grace and Mercy , as not signifying unto our Countrey too very great Calamity or Destruction . But nevertheless in regard that this same Earthquake was of such a length and breadth , namely 160 miles in length , and as much in breadth , contrary to the Nature of all those Earthquakes that I ever read of , we need not doubt but that it doth fignifie some especial and remarkable Change and Alteration . And this puts me in mind of what the ancient Historiographer Herodotus hath recorded in his Lib. 6. That when any remarkable change or common calamity approaches , or is impendent over any Land , or people , it is commonly made plainly known by some such unusual preceding Signes and Tokens . And this may be more clearly verified by Examples out of the Scriptures ; for before the Canaanites and their bordering Neighbours were subdued and expelled by Joshua and the Israelites , this strange Sign was seen , That the water of Jordan contrary to its nature , stood still above , and ran out below , and gave the Israelites a free passage through upon dry ground , Josh . 3. 16. And likewise before the 5 Kings of the Amorites were conquered , and their Countrey possest by the People of Israel , the Sun and the Moon stood still each in his Celestial station , about the space of a whole Day , and a Night , Josh . 10. 13. Also before the Moabites were subdued by the Kings of Judah and Israel , the Moabites Water was turned into bloud , 2 Kin. 3. 22. I will not now speak of the many Signs and Tokens that preceded the Desolation and Destruction of the hardned Egyptians , and Jerusalem , because it would be too tedious to recite here : But I do averre , that when such unusual signs and tokens do happen , especially when such a Mountanous and Rocky Land , even from its Foundation upwards , with its Seas , Streams , and Rivers , shall for the space of so many Miles together , tremble and quake , we ought not in any case to slight , or think lightly of it Wherefore without any longer Delay , I will now enter upon my proposed Discourse . CHAP. I. Concerning the Qualities and Properties of the Earth ; its wonderfull , yet natural , operations within it self . WHen we seriously weigh and consider the inward and outward nature and properties of the earth , which God Almighty hath given unto it for the benefit of Mankind ; not only that we should have our being and habitation upon it , but also receive our natural lives support and maintenance from it : Then we may very well say with great Joy and Admiration , as the Kingly Prophet David did in Psalm 8. O Lord our Lord , how wonderful and glorious is thy name in all the earth . For we do in truth experimentally find , That the earth is in every kind like unto a loving and serviceable Mother , or Nurse unto us , and therefore is justly termed by that great Teacher of the Oeconomicks , namely Sirach , The Mother of us all , Chap. 40. v. 1. For when we are born into the world , the Earth entertaines us , and as long as we live in the world , by her plenty and liberality she nourishes and sustaines us , and finally , when we shall at last depart from hence again , she like a tender Mother , receives us , as it were into her Bosom , or Lap , and preserves us from all that evil whereof this world is full , and lets us rest within her self in peace , until the last day ; when she shall make such perfect restitution of us again , that she shall not suffer the least Joynt or Member of us , to be lost or perish ; no not a hair , or one drop of Bloud , wherewith Job comforteth himself in his great misery , in the 19th . Chap. of the Book of his Patience , V. 27. And besides this , we can never sufficiently conceive and apprehend what rich Treasure and precious Jewels the Earth retaineth within it self , partly hidden , and partly discoverable , some whereof she yearly distributeth to her Inhabitants . None of the four Elements is more constantly near us , or a more faithful , and continual Assistant unto us then the Earth . For the Elements of Water and Ayr do often much damnifie and endanger us ; the Element Fire is too high for us , or else might do us good by its warmth and operation , yet sometimes by Thunder and Lightning doth sufficiently affright and hurt us . But the element of Earth only , as a faithful Nursing Mother , never forsakes us , so long as the world endures , but without cessation doth constantly assist us in Life and Death , in Prosperity and Adversity , so that we are never forsaken of her in this World , no not after Death . And who can sufficiently conceive or express the wonderful Operations and Labours which the Earth yearly undergoes and performes , night and day for our sakes ? She hath never any rest , neither outwardly nor inwardly . Outwardly she produces and provides grass and Hay for those Creatures which are appointed by God to cloath and feed us ; and also several fruitful Trees , each according to his kind , in great numbers : Likewise divers sorts of Herbs , as well for our delight , as Food , Physick , and preservation of our healths . Besides great variety of Corn , as wheat , Rie , Barley , Pease , Oates , and divers other sorts of Grain , which afford us necessary Maintenance and Subsistence . Inwardly she workes and produces for us many kinds of Minerals , Metals , and precious Stones , which those that labour in the Mines know well how such her Treasure to search for , find , and get , out of the depth of her Bowels , and bring them to light and use . So that we may sufficiently see and observe that God Almighty hath his especial Laboratorium , or Work-house , even in the deepest and most bottomless places , not only to cause wholsom waters , warm Baths , Springs and Rivers to arise , but also to make and produce Gold , Silver , Copper , Tin , Iron , Lead , Brass , &c. And Multitudes of precious Stones . But now , when this Laboratorium or Work-house of the Lord , with all its Treasure and Glory , shall quake , tremble and shake , contrary to its Creators solid fixation , Psal . 89. 11. & 2 Pet. Ch. 3. v. 5. Then certainly there must be something out of order somewhere , that doth signifie some especial and unusual thing . Moreover touching such things as Nature doth so work and produce in the innermost parts and bowels of the Earth , they do partly shew themselves openly above the earth , and do often break out both to the greatest admiration , and terrour of men : Such are Meteors , that is , Fogs , Mists , bright burning Damps , like a flame that flies about , which the Vulgar in Denmarke call the Lanthorn-man , and also Rings about the Sun and Moon , and a certain moveable Light in the Heavens , which often shewes like Souldiers fighting , Ships sayling , two or three Sunnes together , and the like ; All which is caused partly by only earthish , and partly by earthish and waterish Mixtures and Damps together , proceeding from the wonderful workings of Nature within the earth . And this we may be assured of , that there happens no such admirable and powerful effects of Nature above the Earth , but that there is far greater , and more wonderful operations below and within the earth , by the various workings and Concoctions of Nature , partly by subterraneous water , and partly by subterraneous fire . Concerning the subterraneous waters , you shall have better Information in the Second and Fourth Chapters , how they may be the Cause of Great Earthquakes ; but we must speak somthing here concerning the subterraneous Fire , which doth also cause great motion and powerful stirrings in the Earth , and doth often help to the production of Earthquakes , and shall be handled in the Following Chapter . CHAP. II. Concerning Fire which is found to be below in the Earth , its wonderful Nature and powerful Effects . THe Learned and wise Searchers and Inspectors into Nature deny not , but that such substances , as the waters in the innermost parts of the Earth have their course through , and do cover , steep and soak , do give the same waters several and distinct vertues , smels , qualities , tasts , and colours . As for example ; The water that runs through , steeps , soakes , or covers Brimstony or Victrillish earth , hath a far different nature , vertue , tast , and colour , from that which runs through Salt-Peterish , Allomish , or Limish earth ; but they will by no meanes grant that Brimstone Bitumen , or other such stuffe which easily and suddenly takes fire above the Earth , should so heat those seething hot Springs within the earth , which do arise in several places thereof , because the fire is not after such a manner secretly contained and hidden in them , as it is in a Flint , Steel , or in Calce viva , that is , unslak't Lime ; for assoon as the Flint and Steel is forcibly struck together , they do presently produce apparent fire . And when water toucheth , or is cast upon unslak't Lime , it kindles it self , and presently discovers the secret nature of the fire that is in it , and that so plainly , that it will quickly set any thing a fire that will be kindled by fire . And therefore we must not think that either the heat of the Sun , or motus continui , strong and perpetual motions , which do otherwise occasion great heat here on earth , and sometimes produces fire in Nature , or the inward Warmth of the earth , or any other substance which the subterraneous waters have their course through within the earth , can be the cause of the said waters being so boyling hot , as it is in the hot Bathes , and in many other places of the Earth where it springs up ; but it must be the subterraneous fire it self , to which it only and properly belongs in altissimo Caloris gradu , to heat it in so high a degree . Which fire without doubt is kindled in several parts of the earth , when the subterraneous water forceth it self per subterraneos meatus , or the subterraneous passages and pores of the Earth , where Calx viva , or other such kind of inflameable matter is , as aforesaid . And it is here to be observed , That Bitumen ( by us called Jewes Lime ) will burn in the water , without having any ayr , but then it must first be set on fire above the water in the open Ayr , and when it is kindled , it will not be quenched by water , no more then burning Pitch or Tarre will ; but the more water is cast upon it , the fiercer it burnes . There is also a Stone called Gagates , that will burn vehemently in the water ; which Galen did so much admire , that only to find and see it , he sail'd with great danger of his Life round about Lycia . Now Brimstone is a substance found in the Earth , which is easily kindled when it is above the Earth , but it will not burn except it have Ayr , whence it may readily be observed , that it is not Brimstone , but Bitumen , or Calx viva , or some other substance yet unknown , which is the thing that so burneth in the subterraneous waters , and from whence they receive such their extraordinary heat , that in many places of the Earth they spring up so extream boyling hot , that one may scald Swine , Fowle , or the like in them , and that so suddainly , that a man can scarce dip them into those warers before the hair and feathers come off : and if one hold them never so little in , their very flesh will be boyled from the bones , like some hot Springs in Island , and in Germany : as Thermae , Badenses , and the like . Of this sort of hot springs , called in Latine Thermae , and by us commonly called hot Baths ; There are enough to be found in several countreys and kingdoms , but especially in Germany : as Leuker Bath in Wallissen Land by the Alpes of Poeninas , Thermae , Badensis in Hegoja , the Wild Bath in the Land of Wittemberg , Wiss-Bath in the Land of Hessen : one by Elbogen in Bohemia , and another at Achan in Brabant . And that there is a great and dreadful fire in the innermost parts of the earth ; a man may apparently see and understand by those Mountains that do perpetually flame and burn without cessation , giving a terrible prospect , and yearly casting up vast quantities of Brimstone , Pumistone , and other burnt stuff like that of a Smiths Forge , which the earth works and casts up of it selfe , through such open hiatus or holes , by the heat and force of the subterraneous fire , where the said fire hath ( as I may say ) its breathing places . Such a Mountain there is in Island called by Cosmographis Mons Heckla , and by the Inhabitants Hecklefield : the same Mountain burns continually with a blue brimstone-like and most dreadful flame , casting up , and bestrowing the fields round about with such great quantities of Brimstone , that divers Ships may yearly be loaden off with it ; and it oft times strews the Land with so many ashes and other burnt stuff , that the Countrey for the space of ten miles round about , can yield no profitable increase ; and when it burns with greatest vehemence ( for it burns sometimes more fiercely then others ) it makes a terrible rumbling , like the noise of loud Thunder , and a fearful crackling and tearing , that may be heard a long way off by the Inhabitants , and such as sail by it . The fire of this same Mountain is of a strange quallity and nature , it can burn and consume water , but cannot set on fire or consume Tow. Saxo Gramm . in praefatione . Anno 1626. did this mountain of Heckfield break out with such a flame , that it cast terrible & unusual pieces of fire out , which flew round about a great way , and burnt up many Houses , and did irrepairable mischief to the Land : and according to intelligence , the ashes of that fire flew about certain hundreds of miles : and was also seen in the Norther most parts of Norway , which seems to be impossible : yet it is related for certain that it was so . The late Historiographers do write very strangely cerning such things as do yearly happen by , and about this mountain . In Campania hard by Neapolis there is also a burning mountain called Vesuvius , or as some call it , Vesevus , which also burns continually without cessation . This mountain hath several times bestrewed the Land thereabouts with so many ashes , that they have cover'd the tops of the trees in the adjacent woods . In the time of Titus Vespatian . And Fl. Domitian , the same mountain cast up such a fire , that two Towns were burnt by it , and also caused such a mighty and thick smoak , that it wholly deprived the Sun of its light all over Italy , so that the day there was as dark then as the darkest night ; And it also bestrew'd the whole Countrey with such an infinite and incredible quantity of ashes , that it was cover'd over as with a great Snow : which ashes were so blown and carried about by the winds , that they flew to Africa , Egypt and Syria . Munster lib. 2. de Italia . In the 16 th year of the Reign of Constantine the 5. the said Vesuvius did very great harm . And in the year 1538. it broke out fresh again with a terrible and dangerous fire , and an Earthquake , and made a fearful deep hole in the earth , in plain and even ground , and round about the same hole cast up a mighty deal of earth like unto a great mountain . Munster ibidem . Pliny that great Naturalist , when he endeavouring to profound the nature of this burning mountain , went too neer the mouth of the hole in the top of it , was choakt by the smoak and damp of the said fire , and lost his life . In Sycillia there is also such a Mountain called Etna , which in old time was , and is yet much spoken of for its continual casting up of fire and brimstone : whose fire is only seen at nights , and nothing but smoak a days , except when it breaks out very vehemently : then the fire may be seen day and night . In the year 1537. the same Mountain cast up a great piece of burning Brimstone into the Air , which fell down again in several places in pieces , and spoiled the adjacent Countreys , Woods and Villages . The precedent year , namely 1536. the 22. of March , did this Mountain of Etna begin to cast out a most terrible fire , so that the whole Countrey was amazed and trembled at it : and there was such a dreadful Earthquake , with a crackling and ratling noise , that many dyed for very fear ; and the ashes which that same fire cast up , cover'd over not only Sycillia , but also Calabria ( a Province in Italy ) like a great Snow . The Learned Philosopher Empedocles was choak't and destroy'd by this mountains fire and smell : when he to satisfie his curiosity concerning the nature and qualities thereof , went too neer the hole . Philosophers give the reason and cause of such wonderful and continual burnings to be this , viz. That the Earth is hollow in many places within it selfe , ( as shall be further declared in the fourth chapter ) and is full of Brimstone , Bitumen , and other kind of substances , which can feed the fire ; As also unslakt Lime and Water , by which the subterraneous fire is easiest and oftnest kindled ; Now the fire cannot burn except it have Air , or , ( as we may say ) a breathing place : And therefore it is thought that Therma or those hot Baths that are found in several Countreys , must be certain Spiracula , or breathing holes , by which the subterraneous fire doth in some kind get air unto it : and when the air , by what means soever it be , gets into the hollow places in the earth where the fire is ; Then that fire increaseth into a flame and maketh burning coals , or living Embers as it were , even in the innermost parts of the earth . Therefore it cannot be doubted , but there must needs be great and wonderful , yet natural Meatus , ways or passages , in , and under the earth , through which the heat and flame of the oft named subterraneous fire , hath in several places its passage , until it gets an open Spiraculum or breathing hole through such flaming mountains . Here it is to be noted that those flaming mountains do not burn always alike outwardly , but sometimes more , and sometimes lesse for such reasons as this : When the Hiatus or hole which is above in the mountain is stopt with any kind of stuff , so that the fire is smother'd and cannot have its free air or breathing-place , then it goes out , though not quite , but burns notwithstanding below in the earth ; and only sends forth some few sparkles or small flame , and sometimes nothing but only smoak , and a stinking burnt damp smell above the earth , which sheweth that the fire below in the earth is not dead or wholly quenched , but burns and works faintly under the earth , as long , as till either the former hole opens again , or it cannot break through and make another Hiatus , or breathing hole , and then breaks out afresh again with so much the greater power and vehemence , not without doing great mischief and dammage to the adjacent places , as is afore declared . Now from hence may any man sufficiently understand and observe , that by the power , operation , and force of such fire , in , and under the earth , there must needs be a boyling , working , distilling , and changing of several Minerals and Metals : especially considering that the Sun , with the rest of the Planets , have also their influence , and do work effectually under the earth : and this must needs be no small cause of great and terrible Earthquakes . How Minerals and Metals are wrought , decocted and prepared by nature under the Earth , shall be handled in the following chapter . CHAP. III. Concerning several Minerals , Metals , and substances , in , and under the earth , and how they are wrought and changed . TOuching Minerals which are wrought by nature below in the earth , it is according to Physical judgement thus . When any dry substance , in , and under the earth , mixeth it selfe with any wet or moist substance , by what means soever it hapneth ; whether by the Airs , Fires , or Waters passage under the earth : and the same mixture either by the powerful influence of the Planets , or by the heat of the oft named subterraneous Fire and warm waters , is decocted and well boiled together : then there is produced a Mineral according to the nature of the substances which are mixt together . Also when the subterraneous waters in their several passages or courses under the earth , do happen to cover over , soak or steep , any kind of mettal so long , that they do contract & gather a thickness to themselves from it , and become like unto troubled waters above the earth : and the same waters ( afterwards ) comes where the fire is ; or the heat of the subterraneous fire doth penetrate and force it selfe through to the same waters , then there is boiled of that water a certain moist substance or matter , which in time comes to be a hard and solid Mineral , according to the nature of that mettal which the waters did so cover , soak , or steep ; and from which it had gathered its quality or thickness under the earth . Moreover , when such thick , troubled , and changed subterraneous waters continue long in a place without motion : then that quality with which it is so thickned , mixt , or changed , settles it self to the bottom , ( as any thick and troubled water naturally doth ) where it remains ; and when the water gets any kind of passage out , it runs away ; and that which is left behind in the bottom is dryed and hardned by the power and influence of the Sun and Planets , and also by the subterraneous air or heat wrought into a Mineral , suitable to the nature and quality of that , from whence the subterraneous waters that are run away , had gathered and received its thickness . And this may now be more easily apprehended and understood by the following examples . When the waters have their courses and passage through that earth which is full of Copper and such like Ore , and covers , soaks , or steeps it so long and often , that it becomes thick and muddy , and its nature throughly altered and changed , or infected by the quality thereof . And the same waters afterward by the heat of the fire , or the power and influence of the Planets , is boyled and distilled in the earth : then it becomes a Succus or natural green moist substance , whereof being dryed , comes the Mineral called Chrysocolla , ( that is Mountaingreen ) and Virdigrease . In like manner when the subterraneous waters covers over , soaks , or steeps pyriten aerosum & friabilem ▪ that is a rusty Firrstone , which is easily ground to pieces , and is called in High-Dutch Kys : then it becomes a bitter Succus , which afterwards turns to Victril , and Alumen liquidum , that is Allom. Likewise where the subterraneous waters , or liquid substances have their courses and passage thorough , or into Gold and Silver Ore : then it becomes Lithargyrium Aureum & Argenteum , that is Litharidge of Gold and Silver . Nor must we think that all Minerals are produced in the earth after this manner now spoken of ; but some after this manner , and some otherwise , by the influence of the Planets and other occult natural causes , which ought to put us in mind of the omnipotency of God , who by nature worketh the rough and unshapen earth , and earthish liquid substances , into such several , very necessary , and precious Minerals and Mettals , for the great benefit and good of Mankind . And it is also found by experience that many Minerals are so perfectly decocted and wrought below in the earth , that they do afterwards spring up of themselves thorough the Clefts and Cranies of the Rocks , like a pot that seeths and runs over . As touching Mettals , they are by nature wrought and produced below in the earth , after divers secret and incomprehensible ways and manners , yea even amongst and within the hard stones and mighty mountainous Rocks by which in like manner we have cause given to consider the omnipotency and bounty of God , whereby he in so wonderful and inconceivable a manner , doth change earth and stone into Gold , Silver , Iron , Copper , Tinn , Lead , and other very necessary Mettals for the profit and benefit of man. And as the Fish is never so deep in the main Sea and other great waters & streams , but it is brought up for the food and sustentation of man ; in like manner is Gold , Silver , Iron , Brass , Tinn , Lead , &c. never so deep below in the earth , nor so hard fastned in , and between the hard rocks under it ; but that by the Almighty power of God , and the Art and Labour of those that work in the Mines , it is brought up to light , for the use and great benefit of Man. Concerning which , Job in his 28 chap. 1 , 2 verses , writes thus . The Silver hath its secret passage , and the Gold its place , Iron is taken out of the earth , and Stone is melted into Copper . Such favour hath the goodness and omnipotency of God shewed now in these last times of the world , unto this Land and Kingdom of Norway , especially since the year 1623. when that rich and famous Silver Mine in Sanswerd , and since that , time after time , the rich Copper-Mine in Ewster-dale , and Gulbrands-dale as well as the excellent Iron-Mine in Hedemarken , and other places , were found out & improved to the great and profitable advancement of Trade . And here is especially to be noted , that Mettals are not discovered and brought to light and use in all places alike soone , but some in one seculo or century of years , and some in another . After two , three , or more hundred years time : and the reason is , because they are not ripe all alike soone , or perfectly wrought and prepared ; as the fruits of Trees or Herbs of the field , are some of them sooner , and some later ripe ; and that because some Metals are so deep below in the earth , that they cannot so soon grow up , and show themselves above , or upon the earth ; nor can be perfectly wrought and prepared so soon as those Metals that are placed higher up in the earth ; and it is also partly because many Countreys and places that are full of Ore , and metallish substances do yet lie so far from the Suns and Planets Courses which principally works and prepares them : yea even in the deepest and innermost places of the earth , that they cannot come so soon to maturity , or be discovered and brought to use so soon , as those Mines that are in the Southern Countreys , either neerer , or under the Suns and Planets courses . And hence it is that the Mines in these Northern Countreys , especially here in Norway and Sweden , ( whose Southermost borders lie not above 34. degrees from the Artick or North-pole , but the Northermost reaches up to 71. degrees of North Latitude ) lying far from the Sun and the other Planets courses and operations , have not so soon come to maturity , as those Mines in the South countreys , and also in the East and West Indies , which lye but 30 or 40 degrees from the Equinoctial on both sides : from whence great quantities of Gold and Silver hath been , and is now yearly brought into these Norther Countreys . For the heat of the Sun , and the power of the Planets , by their presence there , have a far greater force and influence in their operation , then they have here with us , where they never come so neer : and besides their power and influence is much obstructed by that natural frost and cold which is here so neer under the Pole. It is therefore well worth the notice , that when any Ore-Mine is found here in Norway , ( as happens often , and in many places ) which upon tryal is found to yield good and fine Metal , or Ore , though not so rich as to defray all charges ; that therefore such Mines ought not to be wholly neglected and slighted , but diligently registred , and taken notice of , for the benefit of our posterity : because the Ore sheweth that there is good and fine Metal preparing in that Mine ; and possibly being deeper searcht into , would be found rich enough : but if it should not then be able to bear the charges ; it is because the Metal so found , is not yet ripe enough , and come to perfect maturity , which in time may be ; wherein Nature , and the Planets may do very much in halfe a hundred , or a hundred years ; so that what is not yet ripe enough , and come to full perfection in our time , may be more ripe , and come to better maturity , in processe of the time of our posterity , to the great profit , benefit , and advantage of these Kingdoms hereafter . Now when Metals are thoroughly prepared and come to their maturity , and perfection under the earth , then they do discover themselves above the earth ; ( like as the fruits of trees , when they are ripe enough , fall down of themselves , ) shewing thereby that they are now ripe , or fit to be digged up and used . And it is related amongst us , that the rich Silver-Mine in Sanswerd by Dram , did discover it selfe , by shewing , and putting forth its Ore through the cracks , and clefts of the stones in that rocky Mountain , in the year 1623. And it happens often , that when the Countrey people here , do burn the wood off from such great places where they intend to sow Corn , that the force and vehemence of the fire reaches into the Rocks , and makes them glowing hot , and then the melted Ore or Metal , runs out of their clefts and cracks , whereby they are often discover'd , and in time improved . It is also to be admired how wonderfully nature doth prepare and produce several sorts of Ore in strange forms , and shapes : such as are whole pieces of pure Silver , or Copper , in the shapes of Men , Women , Horses , Fowls , Fishes , Dragons , Trees , and the like : which have been really found both in the Silver and the Copper-Mines here in Norway , and are safely reserved by such as are partners in the Mines , as miracles of nature . It is likewise certain , that there are divers Spirits found in many of the Ore Mines : amongst which some do the workmen no harm at all , but otherwise wander up and down below in the Mines , and seem to imitate the Labourers in the Mine , in doing all kind of work after an Apish , Antick fashion ; some seem to hew the Ore loose , some to fill that which is hewen , into tubs , and to wind it up : some seem to hasten the rest to follow their work , and yet they do nothing at all , but only mock the Labourers in the Mines ; and these are most frequently seen in those Mines where much Ore is shortly after found . But some of these Spirits are so dangerous and pernitious in some places , that they do destroy and kill the Laborers in the Mines , infesting and expelling them , so that they are forced wholly to give over , and forsake the Mines , and repair to other places , as it hapned at Anneberg in Elsatz in Germany , at a M●ne-pit then called Corona Rosacea , or , Rosen Crown . And here is to be observed that nature doth often , yea , for the most part , mix more sorts then one together , as Gold , Silver , and Copper ; as also Silver , Copper , Tinn , and Lead , one with another ; from whence this word Metal derives its name from the Greek , quasi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the one mixt with the other . And moreover , besides this , Nature doth sometimes work and produce Metals below in the earth , that are found to be hard , tight , and solid : as if they had been cast , or wrought with the hammer , but sometimes , and most commonly it is found growing in , and mixed with stone : so that the Ory stones must be beaten with pestles as in a morter , and then the Ore-power melted in Furnaces , and afterwards refined from the drosse , before any necessary thing can be made of it . And this may suffice to be spoken concerning several Minerals and Metals , and how wonderfully they may be wrought and changed , within , and under the earth , and do help to the production of great Earthquakes . CHAP. IV. Concerning Air , and Wind , that is inclosed in the Earth , and how it doth occasion great and terrible Earthquakes . IT is an universal Axiome , and Physical rule ; non datur vacuum in rerum natura ; that is , there is nothing found empty in Nature ; whence it follows that all things over or under the earth , must of necessity be full , or filled with something , especially with one or more of the four Elements ; which be , Fire , Air , Earth , and Water ; and where none of the visible Elements are , there the Air is present , being a thin , subtile , and invisible body , that fils up all places and things every where , which seem to our eies to be empty ; the which we may easily try and experiment , by putting a hollow Reed , Straw , or Feather , into Wine , Beer , Water , or other liquid stuff ; yea , though it were Sand , or loose Earth ; and afterwards strongly sucking out , and drawing to us the Air that is in the hollow reed or straw ; we do presently see , that before the reed , or straw will be empty , the heavy stuff that is below , will come up into and fill the hollow place in it , until it can recover its lost air again ; the same may be perceived when one drinks Tobacco : for when the Air is suckt out of the pipe into the mouth , then before the hollow of the pipe will be empty , the smoak is forced as it were by the power of nature , to forsake the fire that is in the tobacco , to fill up the hollowness of the pipe , least it should be empty . Now the earth within , is not generally close and tight , but cleft and parted one piece from another in many places . And there are also many Rocks , and great stones below in it , that have their Clefts , Cracks , and Cranies , which are wide and large , and as it were hollow and empty ; besides , the earth in many places is sunk down from the Corners , Angles , and uneveness of those Rocks , and Stones , which makes many great , hollow , and as it were , empty places within the earth . And besides this , the earth is on all sides environed with water , and is with several Seas , and running streams , both salt and fresh , enterlac't , and filled , as the body is with veins : and is also with great and long Rains often wet and moistned , by which means she is soakt thorough with water : and the same water in time gets into those hollow places below in the earth , but being hindred in its course to such places , doth again spring up in certain places of the earth , as may by several Springs be perceived and observed ; And besides all this , there must needs be a wonderful great water in the innermost parts of the earth , which Moses , that man of God , the writer of the creation of the worlds foundation , calls the fountains of the great deep , Gen. 7. chap. 11. ver . and 8. chap. 2. ver . which springs up in many places so abundantly , both hot and cold : that it makes great and rapid streams above the earth . Now where such great waters under the earth , cannot break forward , and force themselves thorough to those hollow places in the earth : there the Air being a more thin and subtile body than the water , forceth it selfe through , and fils them . For as the moisture , humours , and spirits do often force themselves through the Pores of a mans warm body , or a horse that sweats , through whose thick hide , the humours and moisture so pierces , that the Horse seems to smoak again with reek . In like manner the Air goes about to and fro below in the earth , seeking to fill those hollow and empty places , according to the appointment of nature , which suffers nothing to be empty , as is before mentioned . Now when such hollow places are filled with subterraneous water , or with other stuff , then is the inclosed Air , expelled , and forced thence : comming up out of those holes , and appearing above the earth , as a thick fogg , mist , or smoak : which in Latine is called halitus , exhalationes , evaporationes : but we here in Norway , call it a mist , whereof some are thicker then others , and of different colours , according as the said Air so arising and expelled , hath contracted its thickness and colour from that moisture below in the earth , with which it was mixed and inclosed . And then if the earth be so close , Tight , and solid , that the Air cannot so suddainly get passage to depart away , it breaks out by force ; and when this conflict and breach betwixt the subterraneous Air and Water happens : then the earth ( as the seat of this warr ) must certainly quake , tremble , shake , and be moved ; and this is called Terrae motus , that is an Earthquake : whereof the following chapter more plainly and particularly discourseth . And that there is no little Air , or Wind in the hollow places of the earth , we may apparently perceive , when it breaks forth in Earthquakes : for then we see that it can cast great stones up into the Air , and lift up the earth : yea great Mountains , and make such a terrible quaking of the earth , that mighty Citys and Towns , Castles Fortresses , high Towers , and Walls , great Churches and Buildings , have been thereby utterly overthrown , sunk , and lost ; as it is Recorded concerning the great and mighty City of Antioch in Asia : which in the year of Christ 528. was wholly destroyed by an Earthquake , and there was 4870 persons killed by the fall of its Towers , Spires , Walls , and Buildings . Likewise in the year of Christ 1509. the 14th of September , the City of Constantinople was very much defaced and spoiled by a dreadful Earthquake , which continued 18 days : for it overthrew that long , thick , and strong wall , which stood along by the water-side , and all the houses that stood neer it , to the ground , and fill'd up the Motes and Ditches without the walls , with Rubbish , Stones , and Chaulk , that one might have gone dry-shod over them ; The same Earthquake shook down that part of the Grand-Signiors Pallace where the Treasury was : and five great and strong Towers quite and clean ; and besides all the mischief that it did by Sea and Land , which could not be repaired for many Tun of Gold : it killed and destroyed 13000 persons . Munster lib. 4. Likewise in the year 1517. the 16th of June . There hapned a terrible Earthquake at Norlingen , 40 miles from Nuremburg in High - Germany , which overthrew St. Emerania's Church to the ground : and 2000 houses besides within and without the City , for about the space of eight miles ; and the same Earthquake did also overthrow many great trees both in Orchards and Woods . Munster lib. 3. de Suevia . CHAP. V. Concerning the Physical description of Earthquakes , with their species , operation , and natural effects . THere are certain Divines , which will by no means grant , that Earthquakes should proceed from natural causes : but only from the particular power , appointment , and dispensation of God , according to the Testimony of Job , chap. 9. ver . 5 , 6. He removeth Mountains , and they know not , He shaketh the earth out of her place , and the pillars thereof do tremble . These I do in equity allow , the retention of their received opinions . But other Divines do acknowledge that Earthquakes have also their natural causes , by which God Almighty doth occasion their production ; and to speak Physically to this : Naturalists do describe it thus . An Earthquake , is a violent , moving , stirring , shaking , or quaking of the earth : occasioned by the subterraneous , salt-peterish moisture and damps inclosed together , with the Air , or wind , in the hollow places of the earth . Now when such damps and moistures grow so great , strong , and thick , by length of time , that they cannot continue with the subterraneous Air any longer in one hole together : then they do forcibly expell the subterraneous Air from thence : which by nature always giveth way to solid , and thicker bodies : and then there is a kind of civil conflict between them , which of them shall give way , and depart from those hollow places in the earth : if the earth then be poreous , sandy , or loose , the inclosed Air and Wind gets out thorough those Pores or sweating holes , and is seen above the earth like a smoaky Fogg or Mist , as is touched before in the last preceding chapter . But if the earth be so hard , close , and tight , that the inclosed Damps and Air , cannot by its thinnesse and subtilty penetrate , exhale , and force it selfe thorough the pores and sweating holes of the earth : then it breaks thorough the earth violently by its natural force and strength : and thereby causes the earth to shake , and quake , until it can split and burst assunder in some certain place , to give them room . And hence it is , that such Earthquakes do seldom happen in those countreys or places , where the earth is porous , loose , or sandy : because there the inclosed air , damps , and moistures , can easily penetrate , and force themselves through the earth , and make their way without the shaking or moving of the earth , which cannot be where there is close , tight , and solid earth round about them . Now as touching the several kinds and species of Earthquakes it is certain truth , found by experience . That all Earthquakes do not happen after one and the same , but after divers kinds and manners . Aristotle in libello de mundo , reckons up , and describes seven sorts of Earthquakes , each by its particular properties and fashion , according to the strength or weakness of the subterraneous contest of Nature . 1. Amongst which , by some Earthquakes , whole Citys and Mountains , with Houses , and People , sink quite down into the earth : as Pliny writes , lib. 2. cap. 48 ▪ That in Asia , in the time of the Reign of the Emperor Tiberius , there sunk twelve great Citys , and principal Towns , quite and clean down in one night by an Earthquake . Eusebius in Chronic. ad Annum Christi 33. Nicephorus lib. 1. cap. 14. do suppose that this was the great Earthquake that hapned at the time of Christs death , which was in the 18th . year of the Reign of the Emperour Tiberins . 2. By some Earthquakes , the earth is swoln , and heaved up high above its natural shape and proportion , so that great Mountains and Hills are made there , where before it was plain and even ground . Freeburgum Brisgojae was destroyed by such an Earthquake , in the year 1509. And there are many great Islands and places incompassed with water , often thus made ; for when this kind of Earthquake happens under the waters , it heaves , and raiseth up the earth sometimes , and in some places so high , that it reaches up above the water , and there it remains , and in time is changed , and comes to be an inhabitable Island . It is Recorded that the Island Delus , Rhodus , Alone , Thera , and Therasia &c. came up so , and also the Islands of Echinades , were so lifted up out of the River Acheloo : and certain others in Egypt , out of the River Nilus , as Pliny witnesseth . lib. 2. cap. 87. 3. Some Earthquakes do raise and lift up the earth very high above its natural shape : but assoon as the Earthquake is past , it presently sinks and settles down , and recovers its former natural shape again , and doth not much hurt . 4. By some Earthquakes the earth is torn and divided assunder in a certain place , so that there is a horrible great Hiatus , or open hole made , as it hapned in Moses his time ; when such a Hiatus , rending , or opening of the earth , swallowed up Moses seditious adversarys : such were Korah , Dathan , and Abiram : with certain other men of the children of Israel , 250 Princes of the Assembly , famous in the Congregation , and men of renown : with their Houses , Goods , and all the men that appertained to Korah , sunk alive down into Hell , with all that they had , and the earth closed upon them , they perishing from amidst the Congregation . Concerning which , we may read in the 19 Chapter of Numbers , ver . 2 , 31 , 32 , 33. 5. Some Earthquakes make the earth to sink lower down then it was before : and it never riseth up again , but remains always such a low and sunken Land. 6. In some places , especially by the Sea , and sides of great Rivers and Streams ; the earth carries away Houses , Trees , Pastures , and Meddows into the Sea , and Rivers ; and such particular Earthquakes do often happen here in Norway , chiefly in the South parts thereof . 7. In some places the Earthquake carries a great rumbling sound and noise along with it , like unto the noise of Thunder ; and so did this , that was now amongst us : for at first we knew not otherwise , but it was Thunder , before we saw the houses and moveables apparently to totter and shake . 1. Now where such Earthquakes as these do happen , there commonly follows storms and tempestuous winds , with an unusual smell , which ariseth with the Earthquake out of the earth . And such an ensuing storm we had here , in , and about Christiana , upon the second Whitsun-holyday , which was the 24th day after the Earthquake was past , when we poor sinners , ( especially in Ackers Church , ) were fain to get out in all hast , fearing least the Church should have fallen down upon us : the violence of which storm or whirlwind , continued about a quarter of an hour . 2. And Earthquakes do use to cause drought , and burning heat in the air , which we also were aware of certain days and weeks time : to the no small dammage of the fruits of the earth . 3. The Pestilence also , and other poysonous diseases , do commonly follow after great Earthquakes according as the Air and Damps , which in such Earthquakes break out of the hollow places of the Earth , was poysoned under it , and afterwards poysons the Air above the Earth , and doth naturally produce pernicious and poysonous diseases . But God by his mighty power can graciously divert all these things ; what otherwise usually ensues after Earthquakes , is shown in the following Chapter . CHAP. VI. Historical Relations , what by experience , hath commonly been observed to follow after such great and remarkable Earthquakes . THat which is Recorded concerning Comets , viz. That they are never seen in the Air or Heavens , without signifying some great and remarkable judgements and alterations ensuing ; we may well and truly both say and write , concerning such remarkable and great Earthquakes , that they do signifie extraordinary great mutations : for Histories do show cleerly , even from the beginning of the world ; that when any such great and remarkable Earthquake hath hapned in Nature , there hath followed great and notable accidents , and changes upon the earth in several Countreys and Kingdoms . Concerning those Earthquakes which are Recorded to have hapned before the birth of Christ , I will not speak at this time , but only commemorate certain of the most notable that have hapned since , and what ensued afterwards in divers places . In the year of Christ 62. There was a terrible Earthquake in Rome : and the year following , that cruel Tyrant Emperour Nero , caused the City of Rome to be set on fire , of purpose to have burnt it quite down , thereby to delight himselfe with seeing after what manner the lamentable destruction of the ancient and famous Citie of Troy was . And when the fire of the City burnt with greatest violence : he went up to the highest Tower , or Terret of his Pallace , and caused the destruction of Troy to be plaid , upon several Musical instruments , and sung before him ; that fire continued six days and seven nights . In the year of Christ , 80. there was a great Earthquake in Cypris , upon which followed a great Plague , which also reacht to Rome , and there increased mightily . Thereupon ensued a great and destructive warr against the Romans : for Diurepaneus the King of the Goths , advanced with the power of Gothland over the River Danubius , and held a bloody battle with Opius Sabinus , General of the Romans , giving him and his Army a total defeat , and killing all , so that there scarcely escaped a man that could carry the Romans any certain intelligence concerning it . In the year of Christ 104. there hapned a terrible Earthquake in Syria , for certain days together , whereby many stately buildings were demolished , and many people were kill'd and destroy'd ; and it followed thereupon , that the Emperour Trajanus fell into Armenia with a great power , and vanquish'd it ; marched afterwards into Arbella , and subdued the Parthians , and advanced forward in such a manner , as if he had purposed to have conquer'd the whole World : having great fortune and success at the first ; but afterwards the Jews rebelled against the Romish power , and would by no means be any longer subject to them : wherefore under the conduct of Artemone their Leader , killed and destroyed in Cyprus 240000 men , and slew all the Romans that they could find or surprize every where . And after this the Emperour Trajanus raised a great and puissant Army , under the command of Marcus Turbonus , and Lucius Quietus : and sent them into Jewry , and the Countreys thereabouts , which took and destroy'd all that came before them : and did conquer and subdue Hiberos , Sarmatia , Agarenos , Arabia , Bosphorum , Colchos , and also Saleuciam , Ctesiphont , and Babylon . Dion Ammianus lib. 14. And after the aforesaid Earthquake , the third general persecution began against the Christians , under the Emperour Trajanus ; some writers do relate , that it was as impossible to number the sand in the Sea , as to compute the number of those that were most miserably Butcher'd and Martyr'd in this persecution , for the confession of the faith of Christ . In the year 111. when that wicked Emperour lay in his Winter quarters at Antioch : there hapned a terrible Earthquake again : so that the Emperour Trajanus , caused himselfe to be carried out at a window , and remained under the open Heavens , till the Earthquake was past , not daring to trust himselfe in any house , or under any roof , for a long time after ; and thereafter followed such a lamentable drought , exceeding hot Air , mis-growth of the Fruits of the earth , Famine , and poysonous Pestilence , and a loathsom Stink from the earth : as if all the Elements had conspired and plotted together , to revenge the blood of those multitudes of innocent Christians , so lamentably butcher'd and destroy'd by that in humane Emperour . In the year 151. there was much harm done in many places of Italy by Earthquakes , and thereupon ensued a fearful Plague , which encreased so mightily there , that it left many Towns wholly desolate ; and terrible inundations of Water did also spoyle many fair Cities ; and a multitude of Grashoppers devoured all the fruits of the earth , almost all over Italy . In the year 240. there hapned another terrible Earthquake in Italy : whereby many Cities , and much people did perish by the opening of the earth ; whereupon there was appointed , ( ex libris Sybillinis , ) that general burnt offerings should be made to the Gods : not only in Rome , but all over the Romish Empire ; And thereafter followed that very great & destructive warr , between the Persians and the Romans on the one hand , and the Goths and Romans on the other hand : to the great weakning and spoyling of the Romish Empire . In the year 256. there sunk down many fair buildings , people and all ; especially in Italy : whereupon there followed terrible distempers all over the Romish Empire , that all the Provinces of it were full of warrs and uproars : and there was such a mighty Plague at Rome , and in Achaia , that there dyed at Rome in one day 5000 people , all of the plague . And the year after , did arise the Sect of the Samosatenians , by Paul Samosatenus a Bishop of Antioch , which did much prevail , and caused very great disturbance in the Church of God In the year 345. there hapned a destructive Earthquake , in , and about Antioch : whereby many Towns were spoiled and destroyed , and it continued almost a whole year : sometimes ceasing , and presently beginning again . Thereupon followed a great warr between the Emperor Constantine , and his Brother Constantem , for the Emperial Monarchy , wherein Constantine was beaten , and overthrown by AnAnquileja , and afterwards cast into the flood Alsa , where he had his burial . And after the same Earthquake , did also happen fearful Schisms and differences in Religion : for the Emperour Constantem , himselfe turn'd Arian , and caused an universal Synod to meet at Laodicea : in which those holy Fathers of the Church , and Bishops ; namely , Athanasius of Alexandria , Eusebius of Vercelis , Dionisius of Meiland , Hillarius of Pictavia , Paulinus of Trier , and many other Bishops , and at last Pope Julius himselfe were deposed from their offices and places , and banisht . And presently after that , did the Socinian Heresie arise by Photinus Praesbiterius Sirmienses , which filled the Church of Christ with much trouble and confusion . About this , there was a great Synod of Divines met at Sardis in Illyrico , wherein were Assembled 376 Bishops , at which time the Church of Christ was wretchedly distracted and divided ; for although 300 of the Bishops remained constant to the true Christian faith and Religion : yet the 76 Eastern Bishops fell from it , and became Arians . But the Sect of the Socinians was condemned by both sides . In the year 348 , there hapned a great Earthquake in Campania , and Italy : whereby Dyrachium was wholly destroyed , and Rome shook and trembled for the space of three days and nights ; In Campania were many towns quite spoiled : & thereupon there followed again great distractions and disturbances both in Church and State ▪ For the Emperour Constantem caused two general Synods of Divines to be Assembled , one in Armenia in Italy , in which the Catholick Christian faith was confessed and maintained by more then 400 Fathers of the Church , and the other at Saleucia in Isauria : wherein the Arian Heresie , was by a hundred and fifty Bishops approved , justified , and acknowledged for good . And in the temporal state , there followed a long and destructive warr between the Emperour Constantem and Magnentius , with unspeakable efusion of bloud on both sides . In the year 366. there hapned terrible Earthquakes all over the world ; the Sea broke through in divers places , doing much harm ; At Constantinople it Hailed such great stones , that they destroyed many People , and much Cattle ; Nicaee was wholly demollished to the very ground : the Romish Empire was fill'd with warrs and uproars in all places . The High Dutch rob'd and plunder'd in France : Sarmatae , that is the Polanders and Muscovites on the one side , and Quadi , that is the Silesians on the other side , invaded Hungary . The Saxons on the one side , and the Scots on the other side , fell upon England : the Goths did what they listed in Panonia , and overcame Scythia , and Thracia ; the Persians subdudued and took Armenia : so that the Romish Empire was lamentably imbroyled : and it proved Earthquake sufficient to the Inhabitants of those Countreys and Kingdoms . In the year of Christ 400. There hapned a very great and dangerous Earthquake in High Germany ; and the Heavens lookt like a burning flame for divers days together . Thereupon it followed , that King Snie of Denmark , waged a destructive warr against King Biorn of Sweden , in which warr he lost his own life ; and the Lombards , together with a great resort of several other Nations , marched out of the Countrey of the Vandals 300000 strong , over the Rhine into France , and plunder'd it quite through ; from thence they advanced into Spain , where they did the like , and continued there a long time . The Hunnes also at that time , made an unspeakable warr upon the Romans : lost in one battle 125000 men , but slew 210000 of the Romans ; shortly after this , they had another battle again , wherein the Hunnes lost 40000 men . In the year 406. there hapned several Earthquakes in High Dutchland : especially by the River Rhine . Thereupon King Rorick of Denmark fell into High Dutchland the year following : vanquished , subdued , and possest himselfe of the Countrey round about ; went over the River Rhine , and destroyed Mentz , Worms , Spire , and Trier : ruin'd and destroyed all the adjacent Towns : so that the Inhabitants , yea , even nature it self seemed to be amazed , and to tremble at his approach . For , ( which is strange ) when he came before the City of Metis , ( that is Metz : ) and laid siege unto it ; a great part of the City walls fell down to the ground by an Earthquake : so that without any resistance , or striking a stroak , he took the City . In the year 412. there hapned many Earthquakes both in Asia and Europe . Whereupon ensued a great plague of pestilence in most Countreys ; and also a most terrible famine and scarcity , by means of the great mis-growth of the fruits of the earth . Also fearful Tempests , Storms , and Hail , that many Hailstones weigh'd eight pound . Alaricus , the King of the West Goths , fell into Italy , and almost utterly destroyed the City of Rome , purposed to have destroyed Italy , and called Rome by the name of Gothia . And after these Earthquakes , did also arise the Pelagian heresie , by Pelagius , an English Heretick : against which was holden an universal Synod at Carthage , consisting of 270 Bishops : amongst which especially was St. Jerom , and St. Augustine ; also Attilla the King of the Hunnes , began to tyrannize cruelly in Europe , having great and wonderful fortune and success . In the year 488. there hapned great and terrible Earthquakes in the Romish Empire , for a moneths time together : whereby many Mountains , Castles , and Cities , were destroyed and overthrown , and many people perished . And it ensued thereupon , that Odoacer of Saxony , by open Hostility invaded Italy , and was defeated three times by King Diderick of Bern : so that he was forced to flye for refuge to Ravennam , and was besieged there by the Goths three years together . In the year 544. there hapned ( as is Recorded ) several terrible Earthquakes , almost all over Europe : but especially at Rome , and in Italy . Whereupon it followed , that Totillas the King of the East Goths , besieged Rome so straightly , that the Inhabitants were forced to eat Dogs and Cats for hunger . Afterwards he took the City , broke down the Walls , Fortresses , and places of strength , plundered , and destroyed all that came before him , sparing none , and set the City on fire : so that for the space of forty days , no body could be there for fire and smoak . Thus was Rome utterly destroyed by the Goths , according to the prediction of Scipio of Carthage , who had prophesied it with tears 700 years before , when the Romans burnt and destroyed Carthage . Two years after , the same King Totillas , besieged the City of Placentia , so long , and hard , that the Inhabitants were fain to eat one another , and at last were forc't to surrender up the City to him . In the year 591. there was such a dreadful Earthquake in Antioch , that more then 60000 persons perished thereby ; and thereupon followed an extraordinary hot , and dry Summer ; after which , ensued a most fearful famine and a plague : and the Lombards with much blood-shed did reform the old Lombards gross Barbarism to the Christian faith . In the year 832. there was a terrible Earthquake in Italy , whereby certain Citys and Hills were quite swallowed up ; Thereupon arose a destructive warr , between the Emperour Lodovicus Pius , and his three Sonns , who sought by open warr , raised against their Father , to deprive him of his Government ; these three sonns made a League with Gregory the 4th , Pope of Rome , who threatned to depose the Emperour Lodowick . But the German Bishops stuck close to the Emperour , and said that if the Pope came thither to excommunicate , he should depart thence excommunicated . The year following , namely , 834. The Emperour Lodowick advanced with a great Army into Alsatz , to reduce his seditious and rebellious sonns to obedience and submission , but was surprized in the battle of Lugenfield by Basell , and Lotharins . whom Lodowick fully impowred to mannage the Government , together with himselfe , carried his Father prisoner a long time about with him , as a spectacle of wonder . At this the Princes of Germany were highly displeased , and desired his Sons , Lodowick and Pipin , that they either by good means , or by force , would procure their Lord and Father's enlargement , if they expected to find any faithful friendship from the High Dutch , whereupon the Emperour was set at liberty again . In the year 868. there was a great Comet seen in the Air : after which followed many Earthquakes , and after that , a great plague : and there did arise a terrible warr between the three Brothers , the sons of the Emperour Lodowick , which of them should get and enjoy the Empire alone . The Danes sail'd over and invaded Scotland , and there with sword , fire , and plundering put all things into confusion : went afterwards into England , and took Edmund the King of England prisoner in a Church , drag'd him out , and hang'd him up on a tree , and shot his body full of Arrows , the 20th day of November in the year 870. as Matthew Westmonster writes . And King Harrald Haarfager waged a furious warr in Norway , for the space of ten years ; subdued , and expelled all the petty Kings , and turned the Government into a Monarchy , in the year 878. In the year 882. the 29th of December , there hapned a fearful . Earthquake in Germany : whereby many fair houses and buildings in Worms were destroyed . Thereupon it followed , that the Normen and Danes under the conduct of Godfrid their King , marched to the River Rhine , rob'd and plunder'd all wheresoever they came , demolisht and destroyed to the very ground , Camerich , Tornai , Arras , Tarren , and Gent : burnt up Lowen , Utrecht , Lurich , Neus , Coln , Achen , and Gulich . Whereupon the Emperour Carolus Crassus was sent for cut of Italy , by the French and German Princes , to defend his own Countrey against the tyranny of the Normen ; but he could not prevail by force of Arms , and therefore concluded a peace with them , and delivered into their possession the Province of Newstria in France , to be their own free inheritance : which is called by them now at this day , Normandia , or Normandy . In the year 983. there was a most terrible Earthquake in Italy , whereby Beneventura and Capua were destroyed . Thereupon followed an extraordinary drie Summer , and burning drought , which occasioned a great scarcity , and a fearful plague . In the year 990. there hapned terrible Earthquakes in many places : and thereupon ensued fearful , and incredible inundations of water all over Europe ; upon which followed an extraordinary hot and dry Summer , that burnt up the fruits of the earth : which occasioned a great scarcity and famine every where . In Saxony , there rained F●sh out of the Air ; and in Albania , there rained Corn from Heaven , but unfit for the use of man. The Sunn was wholly Eclipsed , and a great piece of fire fell down out of the Air , and burnt upon the earth ; after which , followed a most terrible plague : so that the living which bare the dead ( to their graves ) fell down dead themselves , and were buried together ; and there came much fire from the River of Rhine also , by which many of the adjacent Towns and Villages were wholly burnt up . In the year 1085. there hapned a fearful Earthquake in England : whereby many houses were overthrown , and much harm done ; and it followed thereupon , that King William of England , caused all his Subjects annual Profits , Estates , and Incomes , of every kind , both of Corn-land , Medows , Woods , Pastures , Cattle , and Sheep , and every thing they had to live upon , to be Registred : and accordingly required great contribution of the Countrey : which caused danger ous civil tumults , uproars , and discontents in the Land ; and there followed also a very unfruitfull year . In the year 1085. there hapned a terrible Earthquake in Lorain ; whereupon there followed a fierce plague , and suddain death of people . And the same year , there was unspeakable harm done in the Netherlands , by great and unusual inundations of water , both to people and Cattle . In the year 1126. there was another terrible Earthquake in Italy which lasted 40 days . Thereupon followed a lamentable mis-growth of the fruits of the earth , and a most miserable famine , as also a destructive and bloody warr between the Emperour Lotharius , and the German Princes : and between the Bohemians , and Conrad , Duke of Frankenland . In the year 1135. there were several terrible Earthquakes heard of , both in England and in Germany ; whereby many houses were thrown down ; the fire also burnt fearfully out of the earth , for certain days together , and could not be quenched by water , nor by any other kind of thing . And besides that , there was very great mischief done in many places of Germany by other fire : Mentz and its Cathedral was burnt : in the Cities of Spire , and Strasborg , many Churches and Cloysters were laid in Ashes : Ausburg was almost quite burnt up , and a third part of Goslar ▪ Hall in Saxony , flew up into the air in a smoak : and the next year following , there was such an extream hot , and dry Summer , that the waters in great Rivers , Channels , and streams , contrary to Nature , did so diminish , that men might have gone dry-shod over , where great Ships used to sail ; the Wells and Springs also became dried up in many places , that many men fainted and dyed of thirst , as well as Cattle : yea many Buildings and countrey Villages were set on fire by the heat of the Sun , and it caused a terrible famine in Europe . In the year 1155. there fell many houses down in Burgundy , and thereafter followed a great dissention between the Emperour Frederick Babarosa , and the Pope of Rome : which continued many years with much efusion of blood : until the Emperour was openly excommunicated out of the Romish Church , and suffer'd himselfe to be publikely absolved in St. Marks Church in Venice ; where Pope Alexander was not therewith contented , that the Emperour went bare-leg'd to the Church , and there kneeled on his bare knees , with Prayer and Fasting , for his offence committed against him : but the Pope also shamelesly trode upon his neck with his feet . In the year 1194. there was a great Earthquake in Denmark , and it followed thereupon , that the Vandals fell from the Danish Crown , forsook their Christian faith , and returned to the former idolatrous worship again ; whereupon King Knute of Denmark raised all the power of his Countrey , caused the Schleswickers to prepare 130 Ships , the Reepers 120 , the Wendsussellers 50 , the Fyeners 100 , the Sealanders 120 , the men of Skone 150 , in all 670 ships : and therewith fell upon Knute , King of the Vandals : who destroyed and kill'd all that came before them , and carried away much plunder of Goods and Cattle out of the Countrey . In the year 1300. there hapned a fearful Earthquake almost all over Europe ; thereupon followed an unusual dry Summer , with extraordinary heat : so that in Denmark , and the small Islands , men scarcely knew where to find any fresh water in any place . And in Italy there arose such a fearful civil warr and dissention between two Princely Families , called the Guelphs , and Gibilines , that it had neer ruin'd whole Italy . It will be needless to write any thing more out of History , concerning Earthquakes , and what remarkable things have always ensued ; for from those many that are Recorded , it may sufficiently be seen , that Earthquakes signify no great good to Countreys and Kingdoms : but God , by his Almighty power , can divert much evil . A Theological conclusion , with some instructions out of the Holy and infallible word of God : what Earthquakes do signifie and teach unto us . NOw when we enter into the Sanctuary of God : that is , into his Holy and infallible Word , and there seek and enquire diligently for right instructions concerning Earthquakes : then we shall receive this information . viz. That God did create the world at first , that it should be , and remain fixt and unmoveable : concerning which , the Scripture giveth this testimony . 1 Chron. 16. 30. Fear ye the Lord all the earth , the world also shall be stable , that it be not moved . And also Psalm 89. 12. and 102. 25. In fundasti terram , Thou hast laid the foundation of the earth , and all that is in it . Also Psalm . 104. 5. Who laid the foundations of the earth , that it should not be removed for ever . Also Prov , 3. 19. The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth . And Isai . 48. 13. Mine hand also hath laid the foundations of the earth . From whence , and other the like Oracles of the wholly Scripture , we may cleerly discern and understand , that God did not create the earth so loose and unfixed in the beginning , that it should shake , tremble , and quake , but always to remain steady , and unmoveable . 2 Pet. 3. 5. But when the Earth , contrary to the fixed nature of its Creation , shall tremble , quake , and shake ; then there must certainly be some extraordinary and important causes : of it whereof the Holy Scriptures more especially intimateth two ; which moveth God to permit and produce such great and terrible Earthquakes ; namely . First , When the wickednesse of men is great upon the earth , and the earth is corrupt , and filled with violence , Gen. 6. 5 , 11 , 13. Then is the Righteous and just wrath of God provoked to move the earth himselfe , and cause her to tremble , thereby to destroy men , yea even the earth it self also . Gen. 6. 13. By removing the Mountains , and they know not , which he overturneth in his anger , when he causeth the earth to be shaken out of its place , that the pillars thereof do tremble , as Job speaketh , chap. 9. 5 , 6. Concerning which , the Holy scriptures do give this further testimony , Exod. 15. 12. when thou strechedst out thy right hand the earth swallowed them . Psal . 18. 7. The earth shook and trembled , the foundations also of the Hills moved , and were shaken , because he was wroth . And Psal . 104. 32. He beholdeth the earth and it trembleth , he toucheth the Mountains and they smoak . And concerning such Earthquakes , the Prophet Isaiah teacheth thus , Chap. 13. 13. The earth shall be removed out of her place , by the fury of the Lord of Hosts , in the day of his fierce anger . And chap. 24. 18 , 19 , 20. The foundations of the earth do shake , the earth is utterly broken down , the earth is clean dissolved , the earth is moved exceedingly , the earth shall reel to and fro like a drunken man. And Isai . 29. 6. Thou shalt be visited of the Lord of Hosts with Thunder , and with Earthquakes , and with great noise : with storms and tempests , and with the flame of a devouring fire . Also Nahum 1. 5 , 6. The mountains quake at him , the hills melt , and the earth is burnt at his presence , &c. Now where God in his wrath hath thus shaken the earth , there her inhabitants might very well sigh deeply , and pray with David in Psal . 60. 2. O God thou hast made the earth to tremble , thou hast broken it , heal the breaches thereof , for it shaketh . Secondly , when God hath been about to do some extraordinary thing upon the earth , or make any remarkable alteration in Countreys and Kingdoms ; the Holy Scriptures do testifie , that it is made known by preceding Earthquakes , as by so many prodomos or Harbingers ; As for example , when God himselfe descended down after an especial manner upon mount Sinai , and there gave his wholly Law to the Isralites , for the direction of themselves , and of the whole world , Then did the whole Mount greatly quake , Exod. 19. 18. And when God brought his people out of Egypt , ( though Moses hath not recorded that any Earthquake hapned then , ) yet the Holy Scriptures do show , that it was not done without a notable Earthquake : by which the red Sea was divided in that place that the children of Israel went through , and was so dry for the space of about sixty miles , as the Tables of Cosmography do shew , that the Israelites could go thorow dry-shod , Exod. 14. 21 , 22. As Deborah the Prophetesse and Judge , and Barack the son of Abinoam the Captain , do testifie concerning this in their song of praise , Judg. 5. 4 , 5. when the Lord went out of Seir , and marched out of the fields of Edom , the earth trembled , and the mountains melted from before the Lord. And with this agreeth that of Asaph , one of King Davids chief Musitians , Psal . 77. 16 , and 18. The waters saw thee O God , the waters saw thee and were afraid , &c. the voice of thy Thunder was in the Heavens : thy Lightning lightned the world , the earth trembled and shook . And that none should doubt that this hapned at the very same time when the children of Israel came out of Egypt . Asaph concludeth the aforesaid Psalm with these words in the last verse , Thou leddest thy people like a flock , by the hand of Moses and Aaron . Moreover , when God would in an especial manner , appear unto that precious man of God , the Prophet Elias upon mount Horeb , and there verbally instruct him , what he in the Lords behalf should do in several Kingdoms ; Then there hapned a great Earthquake before , but the Lord was not in the Earthquake , as we may read in 1 Kin. 19. 11. It is also Recorded by the Prophet , Amos , that there hapned in Jewry a great Earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah , and of Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel ; and Amos was called by God two years before the said Earthquake , from amongst the Heardsmen of Tekoa , to preach and reprove sharply the great and manifold fins which did then abound in all the Countreys thereabouts : as we may read in the first chapter of Amos , ver . 2. &c. and in the following Chapters . And that this same Earthquake was no small one , we may sufficiently understand by that prophetical Doctrine , which the Prophet Zachary preached unto his Auditors certain hundreds of years after : when he putteth the remnant of the people of Israel that were returned home from their 70 years Babylonish captivity , in mind : and did then cause them plainly to understand , that the said Earthquake , was a great , terrible , and dreadful one ; for the Prophet writes thus , Zac. 14. 5. ye shall flee , like as ye fled from before the Earthquake in the days of Uzziah King of Judah . As for the new Testament , therein do the Holy Evangelists make mention , concerning several Earthquakes that hapned in those times . The Evangelist St. Matthew in chap. 27. 51. and forward ; writes , that at the time of the death of Jesus Christ , the vail of the Temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom , and the earth did quake , and the rocks rent , and the graves opened : So that the Centurion , and those that were with him watching Jesus , when they saw the Earthquake , and those things that were done , feared greatly . By this Earthquake , doubtlesse the Lord for his part did show his fierce wrath against those that had dealt so unmercifully with his only beloved son : and on the other side , Christ himself did also show his enemies , how easily he could have caused the earth in that Earthquake , to have opened under them , and suffered them altogether , like the seditious Korah , Dathan , and Abiram , in former time , with all their retinue , wives and children , to have sunk down alive into Hell , Numb . 16. But our most Gracious and patient Saviour , was not come then to destroy , but to redeem and deliver mankind from the wrath and righteous judgements of God Luk 9. 56. And therefore not one Jew of the enemies of Christ perished in this Earthquake , but the long suffering of God did hereby yet seek to draw them to repentance , Rom. 2. 4. Also at the time of our Lord Jesus Christ his Resurrection : there hapned a great Earthquake again , concerning which , the above named Evangelist St. Matthew writeth thus , chap. 28. 2 , 4. Behold there was a great Earthquake , &c. and the keepers did shake , and became as dead men . Concerning this Earthquake , Divines a●e of several opinions : for some think that this Earthquake hapned , sub descensu Christi ad inferos , when Christ descended into Hell , or to the lowermost , or innermost parts of the earth , as St. Paul writeth , Eph , 4. 9. And then presently did a mighty great conflict begin , between the Prince of darkness ( the Devil ) on the one side , that would have preserved his Pallace , and kept what he had in peace , Luk 11. 21. And the Prince of life , and Lord of Glory , the Lord Jesus Christ , on the other side , that is called a stronger then he , that came upon him to overcome him , Luk 11. 22. And by this great and powerful conflict , Christ redeemed mankind , and took away the power from him that had the power over death , ( that is the Devil ) and delivered them , who through fear of death , were all there life time subject to bondage , Heb. 2. 14. 15. wherein the Devil with all the powers of Hell , strived mightily to oppose him , but Christ gets the victory at last , having spoiled the principalities and powers , he made a shew of them openly , triumphing over them in it . as St. Paul writes , Collos . 2. 15. and that according to his own prophesie by the Prophet Hosea , chap. 13. 14. where he in time of old speaketh thus , O death I will be thy plagues , O grave I will be thy destruction . Now at such a mighty contest , hapning in hell , or the innermost parts of the earth : could not the earth contein it self , but was forced thereby to shake , tremble , and quake , so that the Evangelist might well say : Lo there was a great Earthquake . Concerning this , Luther writes thus . Annotante D. Johanne Gerhardo Homil. Sacr. parte 2. super Feria , pasch . 1 Concione 3. in hoc terrae motu , Christus ad inferos descendit , Satanam ligavit , captivam duxit captivitatem , infernum destruxit , claves abstulit , morti praedam , eripuit , &c. That is , in this Earthquake Christ descended into Hell , bound Satan , took captivity captive , spoyled hell , and carried away the keys , and took away the prey of death from him . Other Divines , especially those that are preachers , are of this opinion ; that this Earthquake hapned at the time of Christs Resurrection , which was upon Easter-day in the morning ; thereby shewing , that as the earth at the time of Christs death , did quake and tremble in compassion of the bitter pain , and innocent death of its Lord and Creator ; so by a particular great Earthquake , she did now rejoyce again at his Resurrection : and did leap and dance , for joy of the victory and conquest obtained by Jesus Christ : and as it were with both hands ( to speak after the fashion of men ) delivered her Lord and Creator from her , which now she had inclosed in her to the third day . Each of these Divines opinions do I allow to be worthy and Godly : forasmuch as neither of them do in the least oppose the Holy Scriptures . But besides this , the Evangelist St. Luke Recordeth , that when Peter had preached that excellent Sermon in Jerusalem , in the great festival of Whitsontide , concerning the death of Christ on the one side , and his glorious and victorious Resurrection from the dead on the other : and then by the same Sermon converted about 5000 men to the faith and confession of Christ , Act. 4. 4. After the same Sermon , with the unanimous , and earnest prayers , supplications , and thanksgiving of the faithful were ended ; it is mentioned in the 31 verse of the afore named Chapter , that the place was shaken wherein they were assembled together , and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost , and spake the word with boldness . And again , when Paul and Silas were cast into prison in Philippi , the chief City of that part of Macedonia Act. 16. 12. and they then in the prison prayed and sang praises to God , there was suddenly a great Earthquake , so that the foundations of the prison were shaken , and immediately all the doors were opened , and every ones bands were loosned . ibid. ver . 26. so that the Keeper and all his house were thereby converted to the faith of Christ , and were baptized , ver . 33. &c. I will not now speak concerning what the Evangelist St. John Records in his Book of the Revelations , chap. 6. 12. 8. 5. 11. 13 , 19. and 16. 18. Because generally Divines , and the faithful Teachers of the Christian Church do expound those things Allegorically : and do understand thereby , the great and terrible persecutions and efusion of blood , which the Church of Christ hath partly suffered , now lyeth under , & hereafter shall suffer by means of divers Heretiques , false Teachers , and Tyrants which will assist them , towards the end of the world : from whom the Lord in mercy preserve these Countreys and Kingdoms for Jesus Christ his sake . But that most serious prophesie which Jesus Christ the foundation and mouth of Truth , as a true Prophet , did prophesie and leave unto his Church , concerning such Earthquakes as should really happen before his last Glorious appearance , ought by no means to be here forgotten or omitted . And Christ himselfe hath prophesied concerning Earthquakes toward the end of the world , after this manner , Mat. 24. 7. and there shall be famines , and pestilences and Earthquakes in divers places . And Mar 13. 8. there shall be Earthquakes in divers places , famines and troubles . Also Luk 21. 11. And great Earthquakes shall be in divers places , and famizes , and pestilences , and fearful sights , and great signs , shall there be from Heaven . From whence it may be concluded , that when God Almighty now in these last times of the world , doth permit such great and spacious Earthquakes , so many miles in length to happen ; men ought not lightly and carelesly to slight them , and think no more of them : but to regard and receive them , as signifying partly , some certain new , and unusual accident impending , or approaching . And partly as the infallible prodomos , or forerunners of the last day : yea , and the creatures earnest expectation that waiteth for the glorious manifestation of the sons of God ; Forasmuch as the creature is made subject to vanity against its will. And the creature groaneth , and travaileth in pain together with our selves to be delivered from the bondage of corruption , as Paul teacheth , Rom ▪ 8. 19 , 20 , &c. Now therefore mark attentively , and consider well with thy selfe , O thou intelligent Reader : that if the sencelesse and dead creatures , such as Earth , Rocks , Seas , Islands , and the like ; that have neither mouth nor tongue , brain , nor heart , can so quake and tremble : yea , as it were , bewaile and condole themselves , when their Lord and Creator is angry , or intendeth to visit Countreys and Kingdoms , with any uncouth or strange thing ; how much more ought the hearts of men whilst they live , and in time too : to be amazed , and to tremble and quake for fear of the wrath of God , and his impendent judgements . And if so be they will not do it now in the time of Grace , then may we justly cry out , and complain upon them , with that Holy and reverend Father of the Church Saint Ambrose . O hominum pectora Saxis duriora . Oh thou heart of man , that art harder , and more insensible than the Rocks and Stones : for they can quake , but the heart of man not ; yea then we may well complain with the Prophet Jeremy , chap. 5. 3. Thou hast stricken them , but they have not grieved , thou hast consumed them , but they have refused to receive correction : they have made their faces harder then a Rock , they have refused to return . And also with the Prophet Zachary in chap. 7. 12. Yea , they have made their hearts as and Adamant stone , therefore came a great wrath from the Lord of Hosts . O man , man ! consider now well with thy selfe in time , that if thou canst not now be moved to tremble and quake for that God , that can so move the earth , and cause her to tremble and quake : then thou maist justly fear , that when the Lord Almighty will so move the earth , that the Heavens shall pass away with a great noise , and the Elements shall melt with fervent heat , the earth also , and the works that are therein shall be burnt up , 2 Pet. 3. 10. that it will be then too late for thee to tremble and quake . And if any now may be moved to great fear and amazement by these small Earthquakes , which do no very great harm ; what kind of anguish and terrour thinkest thou , will at that time fall upon all ungodly and incorrigible men , that here would never fear such a God ? Truly then the Kings of the earth , and the rich men , and the chief Captains , and the mighty men , and every bondman , and every free-man , shall hide themselves in the Denns and in the Rocks of the mountains : and say to the mountains and Rocks , fall on us , and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the Throne , and from the wrath of the Lamb : for the great day of his wrath is come , and who shall be able to stand ? Oh Jesus Christ , thou Rock of Salvation , and precious corner-stone of Zion , do thou mollifie our hard and stony hearts , and according to thy promise , give us hearts of flesh , Ezek. 36. 26. That we may now in the time of Grace , be amazed and tremble at our bloudy sins , and their well deserved and impendent punishment , that so the punishment may be either graciously mittigated , or wholly diverted , according to thy Divine will , for thy great mercies sake , Amen . Now he that can give any better , or more perfect instruction or information , concerning Earthquakes , and yet will not do it : committeth a great sin , inasmuch as he concealeth such wonderful works of the Lord. FINIS . Errata . In the 3 page of the Preface , line 19. for 40. read 160. page 18. line ult . for cannot read ca● . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A38593-e580 Meaning here Norway . Notes for div A38593-e3790 Note , that this must doubtlesse be by an Earthquake . Notes for div A38593-e7030 Suspirium