especially adapted for Earthquakes So Aristotle in the forecited place says there are more and greater Earthquakes in the Night and adds 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 especially in the Morning And Pliny in the forecited place says the Morning and Evening Earthquake are very great but at the approach of day they are frequent for the heat of the day dissolves and dissipates their matter Natural cold contracts and binds it 30. The consequent effects also do Evince that the Power of Nature was present 31. For â—oâ—ses and fragors issuing out of the Caverns of Earth were heard about that time in the Neighbourhood which is a certain discovery of the Spirits and Winds agitated in the Cavities of the Earth and as it were there striving reciprocally If but a little Wind blows inâ—o a Vâ—ssel a sound and as it were a bellowing is heard One from whence may conclude what happen in so spacious Caverns as those oâ— the â—arth Hence it is that Aristole says The Spiritus maâ—es aâ—nâ—ise under the Earth as the Air being beaten up souâ—â—s variously for there is no difference between this Spiritus and the Aiâ—â— as to the effect of the sound foâ— this Spiritus verberatiâ—g upon every thing is it self verberatâ—d upon And Pliny lib. 2 cap. 8 says There goes before and accompanies them a terrible noise otheâ—wise a murmuring like to bellowing or the cry of Men and the sound fragouâ— of clashing of Arms according to the quality of the Matter receiving it and the form either of Caâ—â—n or â—uniculus through which it permeates c. 32 〈◊〉 gâ—â—at Win is have raâ—â—â— after an Earthquake when a Caâ—â— has immediately pâ—eceded it This is also witnessed by experience and by Ariâ—â—â—tle and Pliny in the forecited places that Winds 〈◊〉 after an â—â—â—thquakâ—â— because those Winds which 〈◊〉 beforâ— shâ—t in the Eartâ— do brake out of it into the Air. Aâ—d 〈…〉 do assert the same concerning the Calm to wit that it commonâ—y goes before an Earthquake In a Calm towards 〈…〉 â—aâ—y â—ays Aristotle there happen very many and very great Earthquakes because most of the Matter of the Winds is so restrained in the Caverns of the Earth that it cannot more the Air Yet we must not deny that even sometimes in windy Weather Earthquakes have happened because all the Matter of them doth enter into the Caverns of the Earth together And even at the time of our Earthquake about three hours before it was observed to be somewhat râ—en and I will not here make any tedious dispute with Geor. Agric. who says lib 4. de Naâ—ura eorum que efâ—luantâ—e terra That Aristotle when he mentions the darkness of the Sun the calmness of the Weather cold a thin Cloud extended in length did not intend to discover â—he signs of Earthquakes which Aristotle's Interpreters affirm but prove by those things which sometimes happen that Wâ—â—d is the Cause of Earthquakes But both may be asserted without â—bsurdity â—owiâ— thaâ— they are signs of Earthquakes to come and also evince that they are occasioned by Wind. But hâ—â—e we do noâ— only acknowledge Nature but joyn with it a singular force of Divine Power neither ought we to sepâ—â—â—te Divine Operations even from those that are usual and often happen seeing tâ—e very Heathens believed that there was no Earthquake tho never so small but had something Divine in it as it is testified by Gellius lib. 2. cap 28 But â—s often as the Scripture speaks of Earthquakes which is often so often do they divert our minds from the consideration of Nature alone to the acknowledgment of the Omnipotent Power of the Lord as Psal 60 2. Thou had made the Earth to tremble thou had broken it and Psal 77.19 Psal 114 4 and 7. Tremble that Earth at the presence of the Lord at the presence of the God of Jaâ—â—â— Also Psal 10.32 He looketh on the Earth and it trembleth he toucheth the Halls and they smoke Job 9.6 Which shaketh the Earth out 〈…〉 place and the Pillars thereof tremble Nahâ—m 1.5 The 〈…〉 quake at him and the Hills melt 33. But what should be the next Natural Cause of so stupendious Effects to wit so great Latitude and so great Celerity in this Earthquake This I confess is difficulte to Trace but I hope I shall have leave to enquire diligently into it 34. Which that I may do I will first set down some Principles where one may have good assurance for oâ—e Credit 35 Seeing the Earth is round like a Globe it hath Lines drawn from the Center to the Circumference 36. These Line meet nearer about the Center then at the Circumference where they are farther distant 37. Therefore the nearer any thing is the Center of the Earth the mere closely is it contracted rashing violently from thence to the Circumference 't is extended farther and occupiâ—â— mere râ—om 38. The Spiritâ—â—or Vâ—pours are sometimeâ— more deeply hid towards the Center of the Earth but sometimes and that more frequently they are generated in Caverns and Passages meatus nearâ—r the Superficies of the Earth From the general Doctrine of Earthquakes in this place I presuppose the Earth is not otherwise moved then by Winds and Spirits engendred in its Cavitieâ— thence seeking an Exitus according to the quality of their Natures I know the Ancient Philosophers before Aristotle assigned other Causes of Earthquakes whose different Opinions concerning them are recited by Plutarch lib. 3. De Placitis Philosophorum cap. 2. Seneca lib. 6. Mat. quest Cap 4. Pliny lib. 2. Cap. 79. but especially Aristotle 2 Meteor cap. 7. But amongst modern Authors Joannes Franciseus Picus Mirandula lib. 1. examinis doctinae vanitatis gentium cap. 12. among which we must reckon Nicholaus Cusanuâ— who lib. 1. de Docta ignorantia is of opinion that the Earth is neither of an Oval form nor altogether Unmovable of it self But no Opinion is more evident from Nature and Experience than Aristotle who asserts that Winds and subterraneous Spirits are the Causeâ— of Earthquakes for the heaviest Bodies are only to be moved by that which hath the strongest Power to move But among all inferiour Beings the Wind or Spiritus is that which according to the qualifications of its own Nature hath in iâ— a Power more effective of Motion than any other body 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is expresly testified by Holy Writs when it assimilates Angels to the Winds Heb. 1.7 and many experiments do alâ—o evince it For with how great a force doth a little Gâ—n-Powdâ—â— dissâ—lvâ—d into Spirits by the heat of Fire burst out of the smallest Machines So we see the Spirit of new Wine when seething if the Fuâ—nell be stoped do penetrate the Vessels that they may break â—orth It is sufficiently known of what Power they are in our Bodies and what great Coâ—vulâ—oâ—â— Sympâ—oâ—ns and Pains they are the causes of So that Aristotle use hâ— thiâ— Example chiefly to confirm his Opinion of the Cause of Earthquake 39.
the Oriental Fâ—iezlaâ—d We have been eye Witnesses of thâ—â—â—â—suâ—â—â—â—creasing of the River Neker which overflowed in December and Jâ—â—mâ—â—y with a considerable damage How the Rome hath oversloved the Inhabitants know to their own forrow and loss where â—â—at unusâ—aâ— Inundation proceeding from the River and Rivulets in December between Strabâ—ang and Spâ—reâ— as it was fard to several persons so among the rest 〈◊〉 the head of an Ancient Family 65. Lastly Barrenness is the consequent of an Earthquake because of the envenomed Vapoars which while they pâ—rmâ—ace the pores of the â—â—arth leave behind them their Venemouâ— Footsteps and 〈…〉 Qualitiâ—â— both on the Earth it self and also 〈…〉 the enlivening Power sit for the production of Corn is 〈…〉 Wonderful and different were the Sentiments of the coâ—mâ—◠〈◊〉 People after the late Earthquake aâ— is usual and Husband 〈…〉 every where heard interpreting this Earthquake as a Joyful Oâ—nâ—â—nâ—â— a singular future Fertiliâ—y But this Conjecture is easily â—esuted by the consideration of Natural Causes especially since History 〈…〉 the contrary For in the Year 315. from the building of Rome so great a Scarcity and Barrenness so lowed an Earthquake thâ—â— Liâ—y mentions it as remarkable that many threw themselves into Tiber where they made at one another to devour themselves In the Year of our Lord 542 an universal and most grievous Famine ensuâ—d upon an Earthquake that was it self almost universal as 〈◊〉 Paul Diacoâ—â— lib. 16. The same happened in the Year 1326. and againâ—â—n 〈◊〉 But as Plaguâ— and Inundation do not follow aâ— Earthquake 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so neither do Bâ—â—renuâ—â—s and Famâ—ne For as the Subterrancous Spiritâ— are not alway equally disposed so sometimes they are lesâ— enâ—â—omed â—nd destructâ—uâ— and more subtil that they ethale sooner neither do they so easily imprint on the Ground any quality no 〈◊〉 to the Frâ—it whâ—en that we may experience in this Earthquake the next Harvest let him aâ—one who is able to crown the Year with his Bâ—â—ssing gram 66. And a this Earthquake was not only natural but or kind to a miraculous one so also see us to contain in it the Presages and Porten a of some wonderful and extraordinary Change among Mankind I said before that God addâ—d a Supernatural forâ—â— and degres o the Natural Causes of this Earthquake And God doth nothing in vain but direct all to some certain end and sâ—opâ— so that 't is necessary something should be in this Earthquake more than could proceed from the power of Nature alone 67. But as Coâ—nets do not oâ— themselves and their own nature cause or denounce any Change in Kingdoms and any other Hamane Aâ—faiâ—â— so neither do Earthquakes but such events hapâ—â—a in these wonderful and secret Works of Nature from the dispâ—â—â—d and Ordinations of God partly exciting Meâ—s Minds and pâ—om â—ng them partly terrifying them with those sear of Fuâ—uritiâ—s The Rainbow of its own Nature can neither be a surety for nor confirm the Grace and Covenant of God to the World that there shall be no more an universal Flood but it doth engage for and confirm it by a supernatural Revelation which the gracious Counsel of God imposed on this work of Nature The same must be determined of Earthquakes Comets Chasins and other wonderful Meteors in Nature 68. But what change in Europe doth this Earthquake presage This neither I nor any body else can easily tell He alone knows who endowed the Earthquake with the signification of Futurities who encreased and augmented the Power of Nature and lastly who hath at his own dispose both the Causes and their Effects 69. The Scripture as far I could observe speaks of Earthquakes after a three fold manner 70. Sometimes as of the Sign and Symbol of the present Grace of God already held forth As was that Earthquake by which the Apostles and other Members of the Primitive Church were confirmed against the intermediate Asâ—aults of their Enemies by the hearing and the presence of God from Heaven of which Acts 4. v. 31. But when they had prayed says Luke the place in which they were Assenblâ—d was shaken and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost To which is to be referred that Earthquake that happened at the Resurrection of Christ the Angel of the Lord descending from Heaven and Rowling away the Stone from the mouth of the Sepulchre of which Matt. cap. 98. vers 2. makes mention To the number of these Earthquakes doth also belong that which is mentioned Acts 16. veâ—s â—6 But in the middle of the night Paul and Silâ—s were Fraying and Singing of Psalmâ— when on a sudden there was a great Earthquake so that the Foundations of the Prison were shaken and the Doors were oppened and all their bonds were â—â—â—sed 71. But as such Earthquakes are soldom so they are meerly Miraâ—â—oâ—â— and such Examples are not easily to be found either in the Eâ—â—tory of our own or former Times For the Sins of Men deseâ—ve oâ—hâ—rwise 72. But the Scripture often speaks of an Earthquake as of the Messenger and Witness of the Divine Wrath and the presage of Punishment to certain Kingdoms and Provinces for the Publick and Private Sins of the eminent Ones The Scripture scarcely over speaks more frequently of any presage of the Wrath of God and in pending Punishments than of an Earthquake as the 2d of Sam. 22. vers 8. Psalm 18. vers 8. The Earth is shaken and mâ—ved because his Wrath is Kindled Job 9. vers 5 6. Who removeâ— Mountains so as he is not observed who overturns them in his Wrath who moves the Earth out of its place So that the Pillars thereof shake So Eccles 39 32. There are Winds created for punishment in the consummated time they pour out the strength and fury of him that made them And the like places in Joel 2.1 Na. 1.5 Amos 1. 1. Zac. 14. Numb 10.21 And God was pleased to promulgate his Laws by an Earthquake Exod. 19.18 That he might testifie that that punishment was ready for the breakers of them To which must be referr'd that Earthquake which happened whilst Christ suffered Matt. 27.51 The Earth says he was moved and the Rocks were split which was also a Testimony of Christ's Innocence John in the Revela denouncing the Wrath of God and the punishments which are to be poured forth on the later days makes often mention of an Earthquake cap. 6.12 Cap. 8.6 cap. 2.13 There was says he in that hour a great Earthquake and the tenth part of the World fell and there were kill'd in the Earthquake 7000 men and the rest was terrified and gave Glory to the God of Heaven cap. 16.18 There was a great Earthquake such as never was since Men were on the Earth an Earthquake says he so great Which sayings although they have an Allegorical interpretation yet they may be taken properly or at least they will lead us to this that the Scripture doth commonly
contrary to Nature Their Consideration is lawful CHAP. I. HOw many sorts of Earthquakes there are and in regard of Natural Causes what sorts of Earthquake this was that we speak of as well in regard of its Circumstances as in regard of its Effects pag. 3. CHAP. II. What was the nearest natural Cause of this Earthquake as in regard of its breadth as in regard of its celerity videl the qualities and dispositions of some fiery and subtil Vapours hidden towards the Center of the Earth To which may be added the various influences of the Celestial Bodies as far as their qualities do prevail or resist pag. 9. CHAP. III. The Earthquake by its Nature hath not an end properly yet the effects thereof are commonly three specially evinced both by Experiences and Observations of Examples to wit Sickness Inundation and Sterility To which some would joyn the Prâ—sages of some wonderful and unusual Changes c. pag. 17. CHAP. IV. An examination of the Circumstances wherein these two Earthquakes do agree or differ both in their Form and second Causes in regard of the different Aspects of Planets as well as in their effects p. 30. As a Corollary Ten Problems are set rising Naturally from that Matter 1. Whether that be true which Pliny doth assert that France and Egypt are seldom shaken by reason of the cold of the one and the heat of the other p. 33. 2. Why Rivers decrease by Earthquakes p. 34. 3. Why those places that are either lying upon or encompassed by the Sea or some River be obnoxious to Earthquakes p. 36. 4. What credit may one give to the relation of Plato of the Island Atlantis drowned by an Earthquake p. 39. 5. Whether exteriour wind entring the Eartâ— from above is able to move it p. 41. 6. Whether Subterraneous Exhaltations are generated by the Sun Beams p. 43. 7. Whether some more sullen times of Earthquakes are to be appointed for any certain reasons p. 44. 8. Why are Birds frighted in an Earthquake p. 45. 9. Whether the Vaults in Houses are safest against Earthquakes Ibid. 10. If iâ— the late Earthquake is so ended that the soleâ—â— Countries through which it went are secure from its itteration p. 46. THE EARTH Twice Shaken WONDERFULLY THEOREMS AS Rest is contrary to the Nature of Heaven so is Motion against the Nature of the Earth 2. But in this they differ that although no Natural Cause stops the Motion of the Heaven yet it may give some Motion to the Earth 3. The Heaven never rested but once Josh 10.13 since the Creation that we know of and then not totally neither but only in that part which is a Vehicle to the solar Body but the Earth is often moved 4. And altho' the rest of the Heaven be in it self a thing as much to be wondered at as Motion in the Earth yet the later seems to move and terrifie mens minds more 5. For the Earth doth more nearly touch us than Heaven and we are more sensible of danger when the Foundation of the World trembles and is shaken under us as tho' it were falling then if any thing happen above our heads or that which was moved above us move no more 6. Which Events as they do affect mens minds with a singular and as it wâ—re an amazing Admiration so they excite and stir them up more dilâ—gently to enquire after the Cause of the which besides our own experience Aristâ—tle Witnesseth in the 1st Book of his Metaphysickt Cap. 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Because of Admiration Men began both now and of old to Philosâ—phize 7 Seeing therefore that that Earthquake which formerly happened on the 8th of September 1601. between one and two of the Clock at Night struck almost all the Inhabitants of Europe with Admiration I doubt not but that which happened lately on the 8th day of September last excites many to the search of the Cause and Nature of them 8. Neither is this tracing even of wonderful and unaccuâ—â—omed Events by their causes any ways displeasing to God seeing Effects themselves are more clearly understood when the Cause is known and the clearer Knowledge of Divine Works begets clearer notice of God himself and excites in us a greater fear and awe of him for clearness in the Understanding begets efficacy in the Will and Ardour in the Affections 9. Whilst therefore the Learned communicate to the World their Thoughts and Observations of that unusual Earthquake which no small part of the World felt which Observations they gather from the Remarks they make of the different Events that happened here and there especially since that Town in Jamaica was almost swollowed up by an Earthquake I have been likewise prevailed upon to put forth something that might be as an earnest if by chance by the comparing of Opinions the cause of this so stupendious an Event might more truly and plainly appear 10. I shall distribute the whole Matter into Four Chapters The First of which shall be of the Kind and Form of this Earthquake The next of the efficient Causes and the Third of the Effects and of their Signification and Presage at least as ordinary and common Fourth To which shall be joyned an Examination of Unformity or Disparity of one from another both in their Form and in their Causes and Effects CHAP. I. Of the Kind and Form of this Earthquake II. THere are two sorts of Earthquakes Trembling and Pâ—lsation The differences of Earthquakes or their several Kinds may be derived either from the Force of the Spirit issuing out of the Superficies of the Earth or from the sound then made and from other accidents and effects Hence it is that in Lib. de Mun. There are reckon'd eight sorts of Earthquakes Georgius Agricola lib. 2. de ortu subter Makes four sorts of 'em a Trembling when it quivers lateraly Concussion when 't is moved on high and shelving in sublime devexum arietation when contrary blows shake it Lastly inclination when it is rowled like Water and the Waves But the same Author in his fourth Book of those things that proceed out of the Earth pag. 14. more accurately divides Earthquakes into simple and compounded and then subdvides both into their Species Aristotle 2. Metaphys reduces all sorts of Earthquakes to two general Heads to wit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a trembling and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pulsus which division I thought good to follow in this place 12. A Trembling is a Motion of the Earth according to its Latitude to the right and left side Aristotle in the forecited place says that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. trembling is towards the sides and calls it also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies to brandish for the leaping of the Earth is as it were a brandishing And this sort of Earthquke is frequent but Pulsus and Arietation as they call them are more seldom which Aristotle testifieth in his
These Spirits being deep in the Earth and closeley contracted the nearer they arrive aâ— the Superficies of the Earth the more they are dissipated and scattered and so they exâ—end further in length and breadth 40. And they more powerfully endeavour â—o extriâ—â—e themselves and they â—ssuâ—â—onâ— more sâ—visâ—ly by now much he more they are deeply laid in the Earth and closely contracted Which may be proved by he experiment of Fire which when it is narrowly contracted bâ—eaks for hâ—â—â—e more violently man instant when it hath the oporâ—uâ—ity of in Aâ—ituâ— to coâ—vâ—y iâ— seâ—f oâ—t which is apparent in Gun where the igâ—â—ou force of the Gun-Powder being shâ—â— in a nerrow room breaks out swifter than one can think or imagin 41. Which Principles being presupposed let us now shew the Cause of the Earthquake which we are treating of which extended so far and was â—o quickly caused 42. It was a Vapour or Spiriâ— subtilly disposed and burâ—ed profundly toward the Center of the Earth or at least the Center of Europe or of those Countries that were shaken whence sallying out in great quantity and number it spread fare and near with wonderful Celerity Trembling in the Earth is nothing else but the Thunder in a Cloud says Pliny lib 2. cap. 79. As therefore some Thunder reacheâ— further and issues out more violently than other both according to the different disposition of the Cloud and also according to the quantity and quality of the Spirit deeply â—â—ried in the Cloud or approaching nearer to its Superficies so the greater or lesser Latitude and Celerity of Earthquakes is to be derived from the different disposition and sâ—ituation of the Spirits And that also which we asserted of the Center is easie to be understood For that which is placed in the middle of a Circle or Globe doth more easily move the whole Globe than that which recedes from the Center towards the side of the Globe which is well known by them who prepare Fireballs and throw them into the Air often to the great Admiration of the Spectators And I call that the Center of Euâ—ope which is in the midst of that Circle which is drawn from one Extream oâ— Euâ—ope to the other in that space of the Terrene Goble in which Euâ—ope is contained 43. But whence comes it that this Spirit is so deep so subtil and so â—wist Partly from the first and partly from the second Causes 44. The efficacy of Celestical Bodies doth dâ—sâ—rvedly claim the first place among second Causes which rises from their different respect to one another or the mixture of their liâ—ht and rays Sâ—ch is the â—ower of the Subject as is it self seeing therefore Heaven is the first cheâ—â—eâ—t greatest and swiftest of all Bodies its Force and Efficacy must needâ— be the first greatest and swiftest for Heaven is so closely connexed with inferiour Bodies that its virtue may be trâ—nsâ—usâ—d into the Earth and communicated to it even in its most abstruse receâ—â—es Whither he efficacy of the solar Rays doth reach is evident from the generation of Metals and other subterraneous Bodies which iâ— no ways possible without the Sun and its Rays 45 The efficay and vertue of Saturn this very year was chefiest amongst the Planets whence it happened that Maâ—ter and Fuel was afforded for cold Vapours both above and within the Earth 'T is an Astronomical Rule confirmed by experience that the Knowledge of the Earthquake is to bâ—derâ—ved from Saturn it being a Planet effective of cold and dâ—yneâ—s And the first matter of Vapours is cold and dry which being gathered together at first by the intervention of other Causes â—roâ—â—s hot anâ— is rarâ—fied To which may be added the Quâ—â—rate Aspect of Jupiter and Mars in July whereby cold Vapours are made hot and disposed for windy Temperament 'T is an old Opinion confirmed by Reasons drawn from the Nature and Proâ—ertâ— of Planets and also from experience that the Power of the three Super our Planets Saturn Jupiter and Mars â—s most eminent in producing Earthquakes the first by his light doth â—ncrease cold Vapours which are made hot by the third and so tempered by the second that the heat being neither able to subdue nor bâ— subdued there are necessarily generated flatuous Vapours whereof we shall speak hereafter 47 And when the Earthquake happened the Sun was in the Sign of Virgo which is it self very much adâ—pted for Earthquake 48. There happened in the foregoing Month of July two Eclipses the Moon on 〈…〉 thâ—â—un's on the Nineteenth and no wonder 〈◊〉 that â—â—me divers â—â—poâ—â—s were collâ—â—â—ed within the â—arth so 〈…〉 Râ—ys of the 〈…〉 being weakned by their being 〈…〉 aâ—â—sing from ram could not be 〈…〉 all which the mâ—eting of two Eclipâ—â—s iâ— one Month â—s a preâ—â—ging Evâ—nt That 〈…〉 by the Eclipses of the Sun and the Mooâ— is the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 2 Mâ—tâ—or câ—p 8 and of Pliny 〈…〉 which is confirmed by exâ—â—â—ienceâ—â—oâ— only 〈…〉 but 〈…〉 râ—câ—ssâ—s bâ—â—n â—â—ene ratâ—d â—y the heat 〈…〉 Râ—â—â—s â—es by a certain Spiâ—it are purged froâ— thâ—â— râ—d nâ—â—â—◠〈◊〉 is which canâ—ot be when those lâ—â—â—ts are â—iâ—clâ—pâ—d For 〈◊〉 sâ—pâ—â— fâ—uotâ—s â—umouts abound and aâ—so the poâ—â—s of thâ—â—aâ—th whâ—ch th◠〈◊〉 would otherwise opâ—n arâ— shut up so that he Vapâ—uâ—s cannot regularly and convenientlâ— exhale So says Arisâ—otle 〈◊〉 Mâ—tâ—or cap S. â—â—â—thquâ—kes happen aboâ—t the time of â—clipses for 〈◊〉 the defect of â—iâ—ht â—n cessaâ—â—â—y â—nâ—uâ—s the dâ—seâ—â— of â—eat which iâ— cauâ—ed by the Sun or 〈◊〉 on throughout the Air. Neâ—â—her doâ—h that Aâ—â—â—◠〈◊〉 Rulâ— want its Foundâ—tâ—on many â—â—convâ—mencies ensue to the Woâ—ld upon the Obscuâ—atioâ— of bâ—th the â—umâ—â—aries of Heaven in the 〈◊〉 Mâ—nth I don't spâ—ake hâ—re of that effâ—â—t of â—clipâ—es which is in Potentia and hath its regâ—rd to futurities bâ—t of that which is in Actu and accompanies an â—clipse conâ—dered in it self 49. To which may be added that which is a â—earer Cause to wit 〈◊〉 Constitutâ—on of the Air which in the pâ—â—c dinâ— Summer was 〈…〉 â—â—â—apted for the â—enâ—ration of flatuoâ—s Vapours 50. Abouâ— thâ— beginning of Summer there was very hot Weather by which the Faith was prepâ—red and disposed to engender and receive Vapouâ—s 51. Which was follâ—wed in the midst of Summer by continual 〈◊〉 by which the Earth being opened bâ—fore by the prâ—câ—ding 〈◊〉 â—as 〈◊〉 deeply wâ—tted that abundance of Humours must neâ—â—ssarily have bâ—â—n â—â—ored up Which câ—n 〈◊〉 the Râ—â—n is attested by Aâ—istotle in the aforâ—said place 2. Mâ—teâ—r 〈◊〉 says he happen in Spring and 〈◊〉 but â—spâ—ciâ—â—â—â— iâ—â—â—iny Weather because then thâ—re is a 〈◊〉 Eâ—haltation which being inâ—â—rcepted in the narâ—oâ— passages of the Eâ—â—th is there thâ—t in because the Caâ—ties of the Earth are full but when the Wind in contrâ—cted wâ—â—hin a narrow place it 〈…〉 effâ—â—â—ive of Motâ—â—n And there is a remarkâ—ble place in the beginning of the Chapter where he says that the Earth is of it self dry yet but reason
which was at the suffering of Christ who says Terrae Motus c. Earthquake often happened but those which were before and after Christ were only in some part of the Earth but in the time of my Saviour Jesus Christ it was not some particular Earthquake but the whole Earth was shaken and torn from its Center But I know not what credit one may give to this Opinion of Dydimus The Scripture says the Earth is so founded that he shall never be moved viz. as to its Profundity and Center Psal 104.5 He hath founded the Earth upon its basis that it should not be removed for ever A paralel place to which is in Eccles 1.4 That Earthquake also happened at the Resurrection of Christ is to be referred to those that are purely miraculous Matth. 28.2 as is also that spoken of in the 4th of Acts 31. and that Acts 16.26 and also that which happened a little before the Promulgation of the Divine Law Exod. 19.18 and that opening of the Earth that swallowed up Corah Dathan and Abiram Numb 16.21 And that which is mentioned Amos 1.1 and Zac. 14.5 Yea ye shall flie like as you fled from before the Earthquake in the days of Vzziah King of Judah which Josephus lib. 9. antiq cap. 2. describes 19. A mixt Earthquake is that which hath a Natural cause but extraordinarily as it were increased by God and in some sort enlarged beyond the Power of Nature God often makes use of Natural Causes in the production even of miraculous Events lest the Agents might not be hindered without necessity and that he might shew that the Power of Nature and second Causes are not at all repugnant to the Divine Power but subordinate to it And Lastly That he might shew that he hath the Power of Nature in his own hands and disposal and that he can either augment their force or diminish it 20. And this Earthquake is observed to be twofold 21. One is restrained to some certain Place and included within some tract of Ground so that it hath an unusual vehemency of Spirits under-ground and wonderfully increased from which arises destructive and great hurt Of which sort was that Earthquake which happened in the 20th or as other reckon the 22th year of Christ of which we spoke before whereby 14 Cities of Asia perished Such a one was that also that happened in the Reign of Herod the Great by which many Cities Towns and Villages being demolished in Judea 30000 Jews perished as Josephus says in his 1st Book of the Wars of the Jews chap. 14. So from the year of Christ 1170. to the year 1345. all Germany was four times most grievously shaken as one may see from Funccius Stumpsius Sigonius Cedrenus and others 22. Some Earthquakes are unusual and remarkable in respect of their Latitude and Celerity so that a great part of the World is shaken and that some time quickly as it were in an Hour or in a Moment Which sort of Earthquake History mentions to have happened in the time of Valentinian the Emperor in the year of our Lord 369. by which the whole Earth was moved in so much that many Islands in the East with a great multitude of Men perished by Inundation which is attested by Socrat. lib. 4. Hist Eccles cap. 32. Amianus Marcellinus in the end of his 26 Book Paul Orosius lib. 7. Hist cap. 32 Funccius in Chronol so in the year of our Lord 1117. almost all the World shook many Buildings being demolished every where by it as Stumpsius relates lib. 4. cap. 40. but in the year 1443. an Earthquake shook Poland Hungary and Bohemia King Ladistaus being not long after killed by the Turks with a great overthrow of the Christians 23. To this sort of Earthquakes is referred that wonderful and unusual one which happened in the year 1601. on the 8th of September between one and two of the Clock at Night 24. For â—â—s not probable that so great a Tract of this terren Globe as that Earthquake passed through could be moved by the ordinary and accustomed force of Nature which not only our European Hemisplâ—â—e Germany France Italy Hungary Bohemia Thraoe but Asia it self is râ—ported to have felt We have not yet heard for certain lâ—â—w â—â—r thâ—t â—arthqâ—â—ke reached into Asia and Africa but this is certain that the greâ—tâ—st part of Europe trembled and that almost 〈◊〉 the same â—â—omâ—nt Some Reports have lately been hatched that 〈◊〉 that two Towns called by the Turks Tartos and Copera were sâ— allowed up by the gaping of the Earth caused by that Earthquake to the â—râ—at Consternation of the Turks who from that time belieâ—â—â— thâ—t siâ—â—istroâ—s and unlucky Events were pretended tâ—â— their Empire which if true may make it apparent that this Earthquake was not every where a Tremor but in some places a Pulsus and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to wit where the Spirits abound or the Ground is porous or graâ—â—lly as it is about the Euxine Sea and at Constantinople which City if any in Europe is infested with frequent and pernicious Earthquakes In the year of our Lord 1356. it was so grievously shaken that a great part of the Walls where it looks into the Sea fell down with many Towers and Buildings so that 13000 Men perished in the City the Earthquakes lasting incessantly for 18 days Agathias lib. 5. pag. 541. relates a dreadful Earthquake that happened in this City A little while before these thing happened in the time of Justinian the Earth was so dreadfully shaken at Bizantium that almost all the City fell down after which another Earthquake ensued that was so great that I think there never was nor will be the like again 25. There are therefore two things in that Earthquake which make it extraordinary and very miraculous the breadth and that it penetrated those places which are not subject to Earthquakes and the Celerity of it And although the Mischiefs it caused in some Parts may assure us olâ—â—iâ—s vehemency yet 't is not so stupendious for its Mischiefs as for its Latitude Celerity and Presage For we read in History of far more dreadful havock and destruction made by some other Earthquakes and moreover we know from Physical Principles that those â—â—â—â—bâ—iâ—gs â—hat extend farthest are not so highly distrustful For the force of Subterraneous Spirits the more 't is dissipated the more â—â—â—guiâ— it is CHAP. II. Of the Cause 26. VVHether a Natural Cause can be assigned for both effects we must now enquire 27. That there was a Natural Cause although not alone is evident from Observation 28. For the time it self is such at is convenient for a Natural Earthquake to wit Autumn and also near the Equinox for about that time Earthquakes are wont to happen Aristotle 2 Meteor cap. 8. says tâ—uly Earthquakes happen chiefly in Autumn because those times are most Windy Which Pliny also relates lib. 2. cap. 8. 29. It was also two of the Clock in the Morning which is
of showers faâ—â—ing onâ—â— â—t hath likewise much moisture which proceeds from the 〈◊〉 and â—â—re which is in it self and engenders much Spirits both wiâ—hin and without it self Neither is there any reason why any one should obâ—â—â—â— wâ—â—t Seneca says in quâ—st natâ— That no rain is so great â—s to 〈◊〉 to or Weâ— tâ—e Earth above two Foot For that is not true of everâ— shower of â—ain nor of much and continued rain neither in the Superficies of thâ— Earth the only conveyance of rain into the Earth but it also is carried through the Caves of the Earth that are open and is in great plâ—â—ry infuâ—'d into the in 〈◊〉 Recesses of the Earth by Fountains Wells and Rivers which are increased by raiâ— 52. To which rainy Weather was added an unusual coâ—d in the Dog Days by which the Passages and Pores of it were so shut up that the Humours gathered together in the Earth could not evaporatâ— 53. And the South West wind blowed for many days together so that the Vapours accommodated for an Eâ—rthquake were enâ—â—eâ—â—d and nourished For the South Wind is warm and moist so that iâ— hath been rightly observed by Aristotle that it is apt both to excite and nourish the matter that causes an Earthquake and as the â—outh-West Wind is near in place so in temper and effect 54. Which cold Weather was presently followed by a caâ—mness and heat a little before the end of August So that the Vapoâ—â—s which had been generated by continual Rain within the Caveâ—ns of the Earth grew dry And a Vapour made warm bâ—câ—â—â—â—es a slâ—tuous And when there arise such contention between cold 〈◊〉 or and heat in which the cold is neither qâ—ite overcome and consumed nor the heat is altogether conquâ—rouâ— winds are engâ—ndâ—ed Which is rightly observed by Physicians in the Bodies of Men when heâ—t acting upâ—n Phlegâ—n cannot totally consume it then are generated Wâ—nds 55. It could not be but that the Vapours contracted within the Earth by the â—pposing cold both proper to the Earth and also caused by the iâ—â—â—â—â—al Constitution of the Air should be deeply laid No otherwiâ—e tâ—an it the Spirits are more deeply concealed and constrainâ—d when the coldness of the Clouds doth resist and constrain more sâ—iffly 56. The subterraneous Fire scattered through the Cavities of the Earth so heated these Vapours shâ—t up in the Earth very deeply that it made them more subtil and more aâ—ilâ— the Caverns thrâ—ugh Europe and other places being disposed for it for the Reasâ—â—s a â—ore mentâ—oâ—eâ— That there is â—ire every where scattered through the Cavities of the Earth boâ—h the Fire which in many places breake forth out of the most prâ—found Câ—ves of the Earth doth evince as also the hot Waters or Baths which rise in many places to add nothing of the engendâ—ing of Sâ—â—phur Brimstone and other Minerals in which there is an igneous force and nature The burning of Aetna equally celebrated by Peers and Gâ—ographers is described by Soinâ—us câ—p 2 Heny the Nephew of that â—â—iâ—y by his Sister whose death the Vâ—suvian Mountain caused say lib. 2 Epict. Not long â—â—nâ—e the Island Georgia one of those isles they câ—ll the Third shaken by a dreadful Earthqâ—ake and gapâ—ng there â—ssuâ—d out some much Fâ—ame so many â—ot Stores so much Sulphâ—r and burning â—rimstones which were tâ—rown into the Air that many Houses were Buâ—nt Inhabitants destroyed Vine-yards and Gardens quite defeced But whence come so many Flames under the Earth From the dry Vapours which being so closely press'd in the Earth and from several motions and agitattions in it Fire doth necessarily Kindle For Fire says Aristotle is â—ighâ—ed smoke About the year 1541 Fire broke out of a fouâ—tain named Elisâ—um Gregor Agricola dâ—â—â— squae â—ffâ—uunt è terrâ—lâ—b 4. pag. 152. â—nd Straâ—o Writes that so great â—â—re issued out of the Earth that some Towns were consumed and among thâ—m Sâ—dom at the Lake â—â—phaltites But we are tâ—ught better by Mâ—ses in his sacred History Moreover as our Fire whâ—â— 't is shut in is moved up and down by a various Reciprocation some doubt not buâ— suâ—teâ—raâ—â—ous â—ire is diversly excited and sometimes slies downwards â—nto the most profound Caâ—eâ—nes and sometimes â—pwarâ—s towards the highest Parts of the Earth as the â—arth is variously changed and dispoâ—ed by Heaven and the Air. 57 â—nâ— these I take to be the second Causes of that Spiâ—it which lately shooâ— the Earth so swiftly and so deeply which yet could not â—â—kâ—ly produce to unusual an Earthquake by its Natural Power alone 58. To which was added that chief and first Cause God who by an extraordinary way of aâ—â—ing wonderfully â—nerâ—â—sed the sâ—râ—â—â—th of that Spiritâ—s generaâ—ed within the Earth anâ— added one dâ—â—râ—e of force to â—t beâ—ond its own Power which Nâ—ture câ—uld no add so that this Earthquake may be reckoâ—ed not purely Naâ—ural but mixt with both as we aâ—â—erted before For ad Miracles do not exclude Nâ—ture but many include it so that they increase its force and vertue and extâ—rd it to that degree to which it could not attain unless the Aâ—n â—gâ—â—y Powâ—r 〈…〉 were superadded The Scripture doth prepose uâ—to is â—n evident Eâ—â—â—â—pâ—e of it in Sampson whose predigious strength by his bâ—ddy Tempâ—r and all his Sinews and Musâ—les were so exceedingly streng However God himself did reinforce and increase them so much that be could rent into pieces a young roaring Lion like a Kid Judg. 14.7 that he could break the strongest Cords like a Linnen-thread or Flax that he could slay a Thousand Men with the Jaw of an Aâ—s Judg. 15. That he could take the Doâ—rs of the Gates of the City and the two Posts and carry them upon his Shoulders to the tep of an Hill Judg. 16. So the Divine Power of God did increase the natural strength of David that he could overthrew this prodigious and Stronglined body Goliah with a Sâ—ing only 1 Sanâ—ud 17. To the same kind of Miracle we may refer the Example of â—lijah 1 King 19. where it is said that having eat a Cake and drank Water out of a Cruise he was so sustained that in the strength of that Meat he went forty days and forty nights unto Hereb the Mount of God There are evidences enough throughout all the Doctrines of Divines concerning the variety of Miracles their many â—orts and their ends to shew that these strengthning and reinforcing of Natural Faculties though supplied by God may fall out also on err Ages as we have observed in a few words before in the nineteenth Theorem CHAP. III. Of the Effects and Presages 59. ALthough those things which happen contrary to Nature have not an end properly and perse out of Nature yet they have their effects presages and portentaâ— When Earthquake happâ—ns besides its Nature it cannot have an end properly and pâ—â—se in respect of the Earth For the end of every thing is according to its Nature 2. Phys 3. But in respect
of the Vapours or Spiritus by which the Earth is moved this end is assigned by Naturalists that the nature of that Spiâ—itus may be preserved whilst sallying out of the Earth it ascends into the open Air making its own way out of the Caverns oâ— the Earth in which it was included as in its Prison so gâ—ning a place proper and agreablee to its own Nature 60. And seeing this Earthquake is mixed with Nature and Miracle it hath Natural effects and also its presages from the supernatural Ordination of God 61. The effects will be as is the Cause to wit Praeternatural that is contrary to Nature 62. Three of which effects are more especially to be feared which both the Nature of Earthquakes and Experience and the Observation of Examples do evince to wit Sickness Inundations and Sterility 63. Earthquakes cause Epidemical and Contagious Distempers because the Vapours in the Caverns of the Earth either contract rottenness or some venemous qualities especially if shut up in it for any considerable time and thence sallying out they make impressions in the Air that surrounds us which when drawn into our Bodies by breathing there must needs be impressed the like qualities in the inmost Bowels of our Bodies Neither do they only infect the Air but also the Water without which we cannot be That the quality of subterraneous Vapours is very prejudiciable to our Health is testified by experience in those places where the Earth abounding with Minerals sâ—nds into the Air frequent Exhalations but especially if the Earth be porous and loose Neither need we go very far for Examples Those Caverns which are at the Sharp and the Fountains of Schwalbuh may testifie it which are so much infested with venemous Exhaltations that Dogs or Hens carried into them die sooner than any one can imagine Geor. Agric. hath Writ accurately lib. 2. de nat rer è terra effluent When at the beginning of the Book he Writes the Air which is shut up a long time in any Concavity of the Earth rots and is made pestilent And a liâ—te after there are in many places of the Earth serobes exhaling mortiferous Vapours but no where more then in Italy c. Cardanus also in the Appendix of his Work de Reâ—um varietate explains the thing by some Histories and Examples Moreover the History of all Times teacheth us what grievous and pestilent Distempers have been caused by Earthquakes Seneca lib. 6. quoest natu attests that a Flock of 600 Sheep was destroyed by an Earthquake in the Province called Pompeia Sheep being of a very soft nature and carry their heads near the Ground In the 19th years from the building of Rome after an Earthquake followed a Plague which lasting three years there died at Rome 30000 men So in the year of our Lord 748. after an Earthquake in Palestine a great Sickness was prevalent in Sicily Greece and Thrace And in the year 801. when Charles the Great was invested with the Empire Upper Germany was infested with a vehement Earthquake but especially the Coast of the Rhine which was followed by a Pestilence which dreadfully afflicted Germany and other Places Stump lib. 4. cap. 21. So in the year 1309. on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul all Germany shook and the Plague afterwards raged throughout the Country so that 60000 men are reported to have died at Florence and 90000 at Lubeck That God the Father of all Mercy would grant that no such consequence may happen from our late Earthquake and that the Epidemical Disease which now infest these Places so near to a kind of a putrid and malignant Feaver may not be converted into a more dangerous Distemper The unlucky Eclipses and Positions of the heavenly Bodies this years portend some such things in other Countries The Northern Latitude of Saturn in the Sign of Scorpius and those four Eclipses of the foregoing year two of which happened in the Month of June whereof that of the Sun was a stupendious one for its Magnitude will exert their Operations this year as the Masters do reckon But that the Waters are also polluted by those Vapours is known by the Fountains which both before and after Earthquakes are wont to be impurer and thicker Which is also attested by Pliny lib. 2. cap. 81. where he says The Water in Wells is thâ—cker and not without a loath some smell which odour is Sulphuâ—eoâ—s and metalline from whence one may certainly conclude that some Vapours sallying out of the Earth have mingled themselves with the Water Hence it is that Pherecydes Pythagoras his Master foretold an Earthquake by drawing some Water out of a Well concerning which Pliny Writes as by some Divine Presage lib. 2. cap. 29. Which Cicero mâ—ntions 1. de Divinat Geor. Agricol lib. 4. de efflu è terr pag. 153. think that muddy Water in Wells is most commonly a Sign of an Earthquake already begun and he believes that no proper and certain Sign of future Earthquake can be assigned for those that are delivered by Writers are either the Sign of an Earthquake just bâ—gâ—n or its Modas so that they may happen wâ—â—ho 〈◊〉 future Earthquake 64. 〈…〉 Earch are therefore wont to ensue Earthquake 〈…〉 â—â—olently sâ—lying out of the Earth 〈…〉 Caverns waâ—â—reâ—â— the 〈◊〉 â—eous Waters are 〈…〉 Water is 〈◊〉 more abound 〈◊〉 manner driven into 〈…〉 and 〈◊〉 of Fountains and Râ—vers 〈…〉 by Aâ—â—â—â—â—le 2. 〈◊〉 cap. 8. Exhalations 〈…〉 with great Force câ—â—â—y along with 〈◊〉 whatsoever Waâ—â—◠〈…〉 and heâ—â—â—ds in the same place that 〈◊〉 Wills that blow the coâ—â—ary way are the Cause of it because 〈…〉 Eâ—â—th it cannot repel the Sea brought agaiâ—â—t it by another Wind Examples also observed in History 〈◊〉 the â—am For Pâ—â—câ—pâ—uâ— lib. 3. de bello Gothorâ—n pag. 3â—3 〈◊〉 ribes the unusual Inâ—nâ—aâ—â—on of Egypt as arising from an Earthquake About 〈◊〉 time 〈◊〉 Earthquake â—â—ppeâ—ed which shook 〈…〉 Achâ—ia and the other places about the Sâ—nas Gâ—â—seâ—s an◠〈…〉 â—uitâ— number of other places and levelled eiâ—ht Citiâ—â—oth Ground And the Earth in some places when it had gaped 〈◊〉 camâ— again to its former state but in other places 〈◊〉 so much cleâ—t that the People of that Country were 〈◊〉 mâ—kâ— a large Circuit to converte with one another But in 〈◊〉 Sea between Theâ—â—aly and Beotia there arose so great 〈◊〉 Coâ—mâ—â—â—ion 〈◊〉 so great an inâ—ndation that great desolation was 〈◊〉 of Mâ—â—ataiâ—s Edâ—â—ices and Men. In the see and year 〈…〉 of Flev Vaâ—aâ—iâ—iam and Valeâ—s the Sea to sâ—â—led that oâ—erflowing Sicily it Buried in its Waves â—â—â—â—nal Towas and Vâ—lagâ—s In the year 1508. aâ— Earthquake was so 〈◊〉 most gâ—eâ—ou Iâ—â—dation tâ—rougâ—out all Italy and Germany And wish we might take example and experiment of that calamâ—y 〈◊〉 the late Earthquake that we migâ—t be brought to repenta 〈◊〉 In the same place 't is sad We have neâ—s daily of â—ae 〈◊〉 ous Inundations through the Butchy of Juliers and Clavâ—s and
represent destructful punishments and calamities by an Earthquake 73. For nothing seems to be a greater punishment and calamity to Mankind than an Earthquake 74. For all oâ—her fatal punishments are wont to ensue upon an Earthquake and we may sooner foresee War Famine and Pestilence and so take heed of and avoid them by preparing proper Remedies than we can foresee avoid and fly from an Earthquake seeing the Spiritus in the Earth is not restrained by any Humane force neither can we fly away from the Earth Hence it is that Experience witnesseth that Brute Beasts and Men are terrified by nothing so much as by an Earthquakes so we see that even the most savage and cruel Hearts of Tyrants that have their minds hardened most against God and Men have been terrified by Earthquakes There is extant in Josephus a memorable passage concerning this lib. 1. de bell Jud. cap. 14. and lib. 15. Autiq. Jud. Where Herod a despiser of God and Men thus Speaks to his Army Let not the Fear of inanimate things 〈◊〉 all terrifie you nor imagine that Earthquake is an 〈◊〉 of future disâ—â—â—â—ctioâ— for the defects of the Elements themselves â—â—e Natural and infor â—o other losâ— than that which they cause so that when they dâ—â—happen they are indedâ—â—y their own greatness These Prophâ—â—ne Speeches did the Tyrant then utter whilst he himself was so astonished in his own Mind that he offered Sacrifice for the appeasing of God as Josephus mentions in the same place The Heathâ—â—â—s being always terrined by Earthquakes began then in earnest to think of appeasing God and rightly of instituting their Sacrifices Hence it is that Pliny saith lib. 2. cap. 8â— For there is not only in an Earthquake some simple evil and danger but an equal or greater Omen of something to come The City of Rome never tâ—â—mbled yet it shook in the year 537. about fifty seven times but it was the Omen of some future Event Therefore that impious saying of Seneca is repugnant to the Sense and Conscience of Mankind The Godâ— do nothing of these thing neither is the Heaven or the Earth shaken by the anger of the Deities So Gellius lib. 2. cap. 28. What is the Cause of Earthquake is not yet manifest Therefore the â—â—â—cient Romans when they either perceived or were told that the Earth sâ—ook commanded by their Edits that Holydays should be kept but in the publishing of them did not name the God â—â—â—â—s usual for whom the same were to be kept and Marcus Varro says â—â—was so observed by the Decide of the Priests because 't was â—ncertain whether the â—â—â—rth trembled by the Power of the Gods or Goddesses There is extâ—nt in Rosinus the History of some Superstitious expiation lib. 4. pag. â—6 where he says That grievous Laâ—thâ—â—â—â—es ensued upon the Death of Valentinian Crete was vehemently shaken with all Peloponnesus and the rest of Greece except Athens and the Country thereof which they say was saved by this means Nâ—storius the High Priest sâ—w in a Dream the Athenians advis'd to prefer the Hero Achilles to the highest Honnour 's for this would be â—â—st advantagious he therefore being taught by Divine Speculations after having performed a solemn Sacrifice placed the â—maâ—e of the â—eâ—o under Aâ—inâ—â—â—'s so was Athenâ— and â—ll its Lard sâ—â—e from the Earthquake There is a pâ—â—â—â—lled place in Synesius Cyre Epis 61. of Devotion in the time of Earthquakes God often sayâ— he caused an Earthquake in the day time and Men stood commonly upright whist they pray'd for the Ground wâ—s shaken wherefore thinking the Sâ—aâ—â—â—â— more severely shaker thâ—n the Land â—â—an to the Heaven 〈…〉 Christian of the â—â—â—â—â—â—ive Churchâ—â—sâ—d not to fly to any unkown God but to the true one that shake the Earth and implored his Grace and Mercy an Example of which pious Custom is related by Justinian the Emperour who when he heard that Antiochia was shaken by a grievous Earthquake in which a great number of Men had perished presently laid down his Diadem and Imperial Robes and put Sackcloth and published an Edict whereby he commanded his subjects to Fast and Pray for many days and to do all other things which testifie a serious repentance Sozomenus lib. 6. cap. 2. Stump lib. 7. cap. 28. There is extant also an Epistle of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus to the People of Asia wherein he exhorts them not to lay the Fault of the Earthquake upon the Christians but rather religiously to invoke after their fashion the Author of the Earthquake It will not be absur'd continues he to comfort your sorrow by a just warning for I have found out that in such occasions you do ascribe these ordinary Events to some motive of envy that the God whom they trust much to may have and whilst that you know not the Reasons thereof you do neglect every time the Worship of the other Gods and so you endeavour to put away and cast down the Worship of the immortal God whom the Christians do adore And there is no doubt but that many pious Men every where through Germany and other Countrys devoutly and religiously followed that pious Custom of the Ancient Church and stirr'd up themselves to serious Repentance and ardent invoking of God's name which effect if it hath not happened in all yet the thoughts of the Evils which have in all Ages ensued upon the Earthquakes ought still to stir them up and awaken them to true repentance seeing those effects have been observed by the most severe Writers of Earthquakes For it is not rash to say that commotions of the mind follow an Earthquake as a Shadow the Body Neither does it want its natural Causes for 't is certain that the Air we draw in have several change of alterations by Earthquakes and the Temperament and so the mâ—nners of Men are much affected with the temperateness or intemperatness of the Air and they are disposed by it if we believe the most kilful Physitians and our own experience Histories are full of Examples of which I will instance but one or two Delus trembled about the time of the Peloponnesian War which was called immoveable by Pindar as Seneca relate out of Callisthenes lib. 5. Nat. quaest Whilst Brenno was attacking the Del-phian Temple there happened so great an Earthquake and so great a Tempest mingled with Hail and Rain that the Gaulois Army were almost overwhelmed Earthquakes happened often in the Carthaginian War so that 't was said at Rome an Earthquake happened 57 times in the same year in which the Romans and the Carthagians fighting at the Lake Trasimenian were neither of them sensible of a great Earthquake which was there Flin lib. 2. cap. 4 and in the 83. he says That two Mountains ran against one another rising and retiring with a great noise by which concourse all the Towns were dash'd to peices and Cattle between kill'd which was in the year before the Social War and says he I know not but it may
he boasts of the Antiquity of the Athenians who waged War for many thousands of years before with the Inhabitants of the Island Atlantis which he says was greater than all Africa and Asia and was afterwards buried in an Earthquake the Atlantick Ocean being let in upon it The Island Atlantis was swallowed up in a great Gulph which made it unnavigable by reason of the Mud of the Island that was suck'd in Then that Atlantick Sea was Navigable for it had an Island before its Mouth which you call the Pillars of Hercules Which Island was bigger than Lybia and Africa together from whence there was a passage to other Islands and to all the Continent over against it round about scituated near the vast Sea There are those that would erect two great Geographical Theses from these Words of Câ—â—â—ias First That the America or that which we call the New World was known to the Ancients especially to Plato 2dly That the first Inhabiters of it came from the Continent of Asia into America viz. by the Atlantick Isle To gain Credit to which Assertion of their own and the Authority of Plato they make the Scituation of places so that they say the Island Atlantis possessed a great part of that Sea that is now called the Atlantick that the Islands to which they ascended from Atlantis were those that are by the Marriners at this day called Barlovent Cuba Spanish St. John Boiquen and Tamaica From these places there was a way to the Continent now called Terra firma and so to the Kingdom of Peru and America If you ask what that Continent is which Plato says is scituated about Pontus They answer 'T is that Southern Sea commonly called Sur which is called Pontus by Plato in respect of its greatness if compared with the Mediterranean and Atlantick Sea Those that more nearly consider the thing it self and the Relation of Critias think all this is asserted more out of a too great deference to the Authority of Plato than any probability in the thing it self For that which he asserts of the unnavigableness of it by reason of the drawing of Atlantis in the Ocean is refuted by frequent Navigations thither and those Wonders Critias relates of the Origin of Atlantis are altogether fabulous as also of its uncredible felicity and their waging War with the Europeans of their Temple built in the length of a Furlong whose external Parts were filled with Silver the highest with Gold and within there was in Ivory Arch chequered wiâ—h Gold Silver and Copper What Ruines of Atlantis are now to be seen under Water as he asserts to wit by those that cannot sail thither but what Earthquake is so great in which a Country bigger than Africa and Asia may be sucked in or what Sea is so great that could swallow up so great a Country so that its bottom can be soâ—â—dee by no Hummer which Seamen attest But say they Critias tells Timens before that his Discourse would be wonderful but yet true But what if things answer not words who would believe that to be true where he says That Neptune falling in Love with â—â—iâ—o had Tâ—ins sive times by hâ—r divided one Hill into five Orbs two of Earth and three of Sea and that the Atlantick Sea can derive its Name from nothing but Atlantis is too weak to be credited For there is the Mountain Atlas in the middle of Manritania from which it is called the Atlantick Ocean as Pliny says Lib. 6. cap. 5. Where he also asserts the little and contemptible Island Atlantis was scituated over-against that Mountain Yet we must confess that oftentimes great part of the Earth is swallowed up by an Earthquakes Examples of which Pliry recites lib. 2. cap. 91 92. And not a few received their Birth from the same Cause as Nature would be even with her self as Delos that received from thence its Name Rhodes Nea Thera Therusia Aanaria which the Greeks call Pitheusa and three others not notified by any proper Names of which the first rises up among the Acolian Islands the other near Crete the third in the Toscan Bay Sometimes the Sea hath broke in upon the Land by an Earthquake So Sicily was separated from Italy Cyprus from Syria Eubaea from Baotia Pliny lib. 2. cap. 88. And perhaps England from France Servius explaining that Verse in Virgil Et penitus toto divisos orbe Britaunos seems to be of this Opinion formerly says he Britain was joined to the Continent the Sea between Kent and Calice lifts it self up so high and is so closely contracted that many are of Opinion that the Ground being dug there let in the Sea that was before excluded which is also alledged by William Cambden that accurate Writer in his Chorographical Description of England and Scotland yet he puts off that Question from himself as also another which is Whether Islands were before the Flood Of which may be consulted Benedictus Bordonius who writ a Description of all the Islands of the World 5. Whether exterior Wind entring the Earth from above is able to move it Of which Opinion were not a few of the Ancient Philosophers Archelaus Callisthenes and Metrodorus Chius think that the Wind which enters the Earth through those Foramina which lie open either to the Sea or to the Air is the Cause of Earthquakes Yet Archelaus doth not explain by what passages the Wind that moves the Earth penetrates into it either through those secret ones that lie hid under the Sea or through the open ones or both Callisthenes was of Opinion 't was by the latent passages under the Sea But Metrodorus thought the Wind fell from above on the Earth which is included in the Caverns So they both were of opinion that some Wind insinuated it self into the Caverns of the Earth which was followed by more and more which so pressed and straitned the former that finding no exitus it turned its force against the Earth and shook it Which opinion of the Ancients Geor. Agricol lib. 2. de ort subt battering to pieces says The exterior Wind doth not seem able to effect an Earthquake because its Particles entring into the vast Caverns are dissipated or being contracted together have not so much force for the Cold in so long a space of Air extinguisheth its heat Arist lib. 2 Meteor cap. 7 and 8. makes no mention of exterior Wind but ascribes Earthquakes totally to the Vapours engendred within the Caverns of the Earth In Lib. de Mund. if that be Aristotle's cap. 4. he thus writes It often happens that exterior Wind breaking into the Cavitiâ—s of the Earth being excluded any Exitus by turning it self within shakes the Earth with great force which may I think be thus reconciled if we say an Earthquake regularly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is caused by Vapours which are engendred within the Earth but sometimes it may happen that an exterior thiâ—ker and moister Wind being as with a Whirl wind thrust into
the Caverns of the Earth is mingled with the Subterraneous Vapours and so conjoyntly with them shakes the Earth when it could never separately and by it self To this I will add that those that attribute Earthquakes to internal flatus differ in their Opinions for some say that the Earth being void of all Life and Sense hath some Spiritus engendred together with it which Opinion is constantly defended by Aristotle But there were others formerly who attributed such a Life and Spiritus to the Earth as in the bodies of Plants and vital and animal Spirits as there is in Animals which Opinion is espoused by one of the Physical Writers all other Philosophers that I have seen are of Aristotles's Opinion as being most constant to reason and experience For seeing the Earth is a Principle and Element of all mixt bodies consequently every mixt body would live yea the Earth would be no longer an Element if it had life for living bodies have received their last complection and perfection which cannot be asserted of Elements which are designed by Nature for the constitution of fuller bodies as the Principles of all mixt bodies But let us see how the Earth is moved supposing it lives as in the Body of Man say those who are of that Opinion when 't is well the Veins through which the Blood and Spiritus pass are not disturbed but when 't is not well they never leave panting so the Earth when 't is in its natural situation Vapours are quickly diffus'd through its Veins is obnoxious to no Earthquakes but when it hath not its own situation and the Vapours intangled with Ruin and Mud find not a free passage through the Veins then there must necessarily happen a shaking of the Body of the Earth so the Earth is therefore moved by them because 't is in a Feaver Sene. lib. 6. natur quaest thus attacks that Opinion If says he the Earth like an Animal is moved from this Cause it will all feel vexation for a Feaver in us doth not more moderately impel some parts and others more quickly but runs through all with an equal degree But Physicians will think this reason of Seneca's weak for one Member of an Animal may be infested 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with a trembling or palpitation so that if we grant the Earth lives part of it may tremble and be shaken alone for altho' it hath not either Nerves or Muscles yet it hath Veins and as it were Pipes on every side sill'd with Spirits 6. Whether Subterraneous Exhaltations are generated by the Sun Beams Aristotles constant Opinion is they are generated partly by the heat of the Sun influecing them from above partly by the heat of Subterraneous fire every where dispersed through the Caverns of the Earth as he speaks lib. 2. Meteor cap. 8. The Earth of it self says he is dry but it receives great moisture from Rains which growing hot by the Sun and the heat in the Earth begets much Vapours both without and within the Earth which Opinion is therefore disaproved of by Geor. Agricol lib. 2. de ortu Subter pag. 25. because the Sun draws all the Vapours it begets out of the Earth But Aristotle will easily answer That some Vapours are therefore heated by the Sun that they may be drawn out but some are engendred so deep within the Earth that they cannot be drawn out I confess heat draws moisture to it self doth not drive it away but it doth not draw out all its draws to it Neither doth that presently obtain the end that acts for an end The Refiners of Metals and Mines fetched out of the Veins of the Earth must needs says Agricola To hew a Ditch on the Earth under the Crucible to draw thither all dampness for fear lest otherwise the strength of fire drawing out the moistness of the Earth into the Crucible it would grow swelled and burst to pieces with sudden loss and squandering away of the Metal If the heat doth draw to it self the moistness much more can it put in a motion an Exhalation and draw to it a Vapour which is of the same kind with it self This is true yet they do not evince that which they were to prove that the heat of the Sun doth draw out presently that Exhalation and set it at freedom which it draws to it that 's not altogether in the power of the Sun there are these things that detain that Exhalation engendred within the Earth that it cannot fly whither it is drawn 7. Whether Aristotle for any certain Reasons appoints more solemn times â—oâ— Earthquakes We noted before in the 28 Theorem that Arislotle waâ— of opinion that Earthquakes commonly happen about the Equinox in Spring and Autum but the accurate Searcher of Subterraneous things Geor. Agric. pag. 29. is of another opinion where he says Whâ—n I examine his Reasonâ— why Earthquakes happen oftner in Spring and Autumn than in Summer and Winter by night than day in the night time at the breaking of the day oftnest in the day â—ime at noon I find them weak and of little force for he attributes all to the Sun which he doth because if it be without this the Earth at all times of the year would have the same disposition in it The Sun says Agricola cannot be the Cause much less the Moon 's Ecclipse because if the presence of the Sun conduced to this more Earthquakes would happen in Summer than in the Spring or Autumn more in day time than in the night and if its absence be influential there would be more at midnight than at break of day in Winter than in the Spring or Autumn Aristotle observed not that the scorching of the Sun heating the Earth draws those Vapours out of the Earth not shats them in it that were neither generated by it or were touched by internal heat after their generation But this is that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of which we disputed in the preceding Problem The Sun engenders Exhalations which when they fly into the Air of their own accord are said to be drawn and extracted by the Sun but I do not grant that speaking properly the Sun draws forth Exhalations But let us speak as the custom is that the Sun doth draw Exhalations towards it does it therefore draw them out of the Earth Agricola excepts There is no stopping says he that hâ—nders those which the Sun produces for it would not engender them unless its vertue could pierce into the upper part of the Earth and the Sun excites the Exhalations out of the Earth by the same way the power of the Sun penetrates into the â—arth and so doth not imprison them within the Earth The Reader sees how ready an Answer is for Aristotle The Sun says Agricola would not beget Exhalations unless it could bring them forth out of the Earth yea it begets many not to extract them but to afford matter for the generation of Metals within the Earth as Gold Silver and