Speculum mundi· Or A glasse representing the face of the world shewing both that it did begin, and must also end: the manner how, and time when, being largely examined. Whereunto is joyned an hexameron, or a serious discourse of the causes, continuance, and qualities of things in nature; occasioned as matter pertinent to the work done in the six dayes of the worlds creation.

Sect. 3. Of the drie-land appearing after the gathering of the waters.

THe waters were no sooner gathered, but the drie∣land then appeared: and this may be called the se∣cond part of the third dayes work. For the end of the ga∣thering of the waters was, that the earth might shew it self; and not onely so, but that also it might appeare so∣lid and drie.

Two things therefore (saith Pareus) did the earth in this act principally receive: one was that it might be conspicuous; the other, that it might be solid and drie:

and both depended upon the law of great necessitie.

For first, had it been continually covered with waters, how could it have been a place for habitation? either man must have been otherwise then he is, or else the earth must, as it was, be uncovered.

Secondly, were it uncovered, and not also drie and solid, it could not conveniently have bore up those li∣ving creatures, weights, and other things, which tread and presse upon it. Whereupon Expositours well wit∣nesse, that earth is so named from the Hebrew Erets: which (say they) implieth a thing trod and runne upon by the creatures on it, and heavenly orbs about it. The same word spoken of particular places, is englished land; as the land or earth of Canaan, and the like.

Here then it appeareth, that this was that time when the earth received her proper elementarie qualitie: which it had potentially before, but not actually till now. Now therefore, it being not onely uncovered, but also made drie, it might easily be distinguished from the other three elements of fire, aire, and water. For the proper qualitie of the fire is heat; of the aire, is i moisture; of the water, is coldnesse; and of the earth, is drinesse. These qualities, I say, are most proper and peculiar to them: yet so, as the aire is not onely moist, but of a mo∣derate heat, as being nearest to the element of fire; the water not onely cold, but also moist, as coming nearest to the nature of aire; and the earth, not onely drie, but something cold, as being hoast or landlord to the water: and upon these terms the elements are combined toge∣ther; there being in all an harmonious order; pointing to him, who, in number, weight, and measure, hath constituted all things.

I will not go about to prove that the earth is the cen∣tre of the world, for fear I should be like to him, who disputed whether snow were white: onely I will adde,

that even as an infant is potentially rationall by nature, but is made rationall in act, by youth or yeares; so it was with the earth, both before and after the drying of it. Unto which let this also be joyned, that the earth is not so arid or drie that it is void of all moisture: for then it would be dissolved and fall into dust. But it is arid and dry, that it might be solid and firm; retaining in the mean time, even in the solid parts of it, such a conveniencie of humour, that all parts may both be glewed together, and also have sufficient nutriment for the things, which, like to a teeming mother, she either bringeth forth, or nourisheth in her wombe.

Thus was the earth prepared: and thus was it made a fit habitation for man to dwell on. But, as if man were not alwayes worthy to tread upon such a solid foundati∣on, we see it often shakes, and quakes, and rocks, and rends it self: as if it shewed that he which made it, threatened, by this trembling, the impietie of the world, and ruines of those which dwell upon the earth. For though the k efficient, l materiall, and m formall causes of an earthquake be naturall; yet the finall is the signi∣fication of an angry God, moved by the execrable crimes of a wicked people: according to that of David in the 18 Psalme at the 7 verse, The earth trembled and quaked: the very foundations of the hills also shook and were remo∣ved, because he was wroth.

Fear chills our hearts. What heart can fear dissemble When steeples stagger, and huge mountains tremble?

The Romanes, in times past, commanded by publick edict, that prayers and supplications should be made in time of an earthquake: but they must call upon no god by name, as on their other holy-dayes, for fear they mistook that god unto whom it belonged.

And the most ancient of the Grecians called Neptune the shaker and mover of the earth; because they suppo∣sed

that the cause proceeded from the fluctuations and flowings of waters up and down in the hollow pla∣ces under ground.

Others thought that the shaking proceeded from the downfalls of subterranean dens or caves; and that some∣times whole mountains sunk in, and they caused the trembling.

But by that which I said before in the generation of windes, it appeareth, that what it is, which is the cause of windes above the earth, is also the cause of trembling and shaking in the earth. For when it happeneth that aire and windie spirits or Exhalations be shut up within the caverns of the earth, or have such passage as is too narrow for them, they then striving to break their pri∣sons, shake the earth, and make it tremble. Now this imprisonment is said to be caused thus; namely, when the earth, which is dry by nature, happeneth to be watred by continuall rains; then, not onely the pores and caverns thereof are stopped and closed up, but even the aire and Exhalations within the earth, are increased. To which purpose, D^r. Fulk, in the third book of his Meteors, writeth, saying▪ The great caves and dens of the earth must needs be full of aire continually (for there is no vacu∣um in nature:) but when by the heat of the Sunne, the moisture of the earth is resolved, many Exhalations are generated, as well within the earth, as without; and whereas the places were full before, so that they could hold or receive no more except part of that which is in them be let out, it must needs follow that in such coun∣treys where the earth hath few pores, or else where they be stopped with moisture, that there, I say, these Exhala∣tions striving to get out, do either rend the earth, or lift it up; that thereby either a free passage may be had, or else room enough to abide within. I am perswaded, that as in other windes, there be also in this, subter∣ranean

fires, which help to move and stirre the Vapours and Exhalations. Neither do I think that the Sunne is the onely cause of shutting the pores of the ground: for then, earthquakes would in a manner be as fre∣quent and common, as dryings after a rain: Some of the other Planets therefore have their operation in this effect. Which (as Astrologers witnesse) is Saturn, being of an astringent nature: and chiefly in earthie signes, must this be produced. For (say they)n if Saturn have the sole dominion either in the revolution of the world, or in any great conjunction, or in the ecliptick place, and be strong in earthie signes (such as be Taurus▪ Virgo, and Capricorn) and shall behold the Moon, when she is im∣pedite, with a quadrate or opposite aspect, then he fore∣sheweth that there will be an earthquake. And questi∣onlesse this is not altogether idle: For the influence of the Planets is divers, and may as well (according to their places and positions) work these effects, as have any power at all in the changes and alterations of the aire, in the producing of Meteors, cherishing of plants, and the like. And happily it is not Saturn onely, nor the bright beams of the Sunne, but other of the Planets also being conveniently placed and disposed, which helpeth for∣ward this sad effect.

Authours vary about the kindes of earthquakes; some making more, some fewer kindes.

Aristotle, De Meteoris lib. 2. cap. 8. maketh onely two; Tremor, and Pulsus; a Trembling, and a Beating. Some adde a third, which they call Hiatus. Others make seven. And some adde onely foure: to which may be joyned a fifth.

The first is, when the whole force of the winde driveth to one place, there being no contrary motion to let or hinder it. Many hills and buildings have been rushed down by this kinde of earthquake, especially

when the winde causing it, was strong: For if it be a feeble winde, it onely looseth or unfasteneth founda∣tions: if lesse feeble, then without further harm, the earth onely shakes, like one sick of an ague. This is called a laterall, or side-long shaking.

The second is not so much laterall as perpendicu∣lar or upright; which is when the earth with great violence is so lifted up, that the buildings are like to fall, and by and by sinketh down again: For after the winde, that caused the earth to swell, is broke out of prison, the earth returneth to his old place even as it was before.

The third kinde is Hiatus, a gaping, rending or clea∣ving of the earth, one part being driven so farre from another, that whole towns, cities, hills, rocks, rivers, seas, and the like, are swallowed up and ne∣ver seen again.

The fourth is a shaking that causeth sinking; and is farre differing from the former: For now the earth splitteth not, but sinketh; this being in such places, where, though the surface of the ground be solid, yet it hath but a salt foundation; which being moistened with wa∣ter driven through it by the force of the shaking Exhala∣tion, is turned into water also. Thus was the Atlan∣tick Ocean caused to be a sea, whereas before it was an island; according to the n testimonie of famous Plato, who lived in his flourishing fame about 366 yeares be∣fore Christ was born: and before his time it was that this island sunk.

Where, by the way, in a word or two may be discus∣sed, not so much how the late discovered parts of the world came to be peopled, as how at the first to be un∣known.

Concerning which, this I think may be supposed, that America was sometimes part of that great land which

Plato calleth the Atlantick island, and that the Kings of that island had some intercourse between the people of Europe and Africa. Some have related that they were the sonnes of Neptune, and did govern part of Europe and Africa, as well as of the said island: in which regard there was knowledge of the late known parts long ago. But when it happened that this island became a sea, time wore out the remembrance of remote countreys: and that upon this occasion, namely by reason of the mud and dirt, and other rubbish of the island. For when it sunk, it became a sea, which at the first was full of mud; and thereupon could not be sailed, untill a long •…•…me after: yea so long, that such as were the sea-men in those dayes, were either dead before the sea came to be cleare again, or else sunk with the island: the residue, being lit∣tle expert in the art of navigation, might, as necessitie taught them, sail in some certain boats from island to island; but not venturing further, their memorie perished. And not onely so, but also thus: this island sinking, might so damp up the sea, that neither those that were in these parts, did ever attempt to seek any land that wayes to the Westwards; nor yet those who were remaining up∣on that part of the island that did not sink, would ever attempt to seek any land unto the Eastwards: and so the one forgot the other.

More I might say touching this thing: but this (per∣haps) is more then enough. Yet that such an island was, and swallowed by an earthquake, I am verily perswa∣ded: and if America joyned not to the West part of it, yet surely it could not be farre distant, because Plato deseribes it as a great island: neither do I think that there was much sea between Africa and the said island. But I leave this digression and proceed.

The fifth kinde of earthquake is contrary to the for∣mer: for as before the ground sinks down, so now it is

cast up, like as in the second kinde already mentioned: onely this is the difference, that now it returneth not to its place again, but remaineth a great mountain: an em∣bleme whereof may be seen in the busie mole casting up hills in a plain ground. And note that if such a rising be in the sea, it not onely causeth overflowings, but produ∣ceth likewise many islands, such as were never seen be∣fore. And thus there may be five severall kindes of earth∣quakes.

Know also that an earthquake hath both his Antece∣dentia, and Subsequentia.

The Antecedentia are the signes which go before it, and shew that it will be.

The Consequentia or Subsequentia, are the effects which follow after it, and shew that it hath been.

As for the Antecedentia, or signes, they be of these sorts chiefly.

First, a great tranquillitie or calmnesse of the aire, mixed with some cold: the reason of which is, because the exhalation which should be blowing abroad, is with∣in the earth.

Secondly, the sunne is observed to look very dimme certain dayes before, although there be no clouds: the reason of which is, because the winde which should have purged and dissolved the grosse aire, is taken priso∣ner and enclosed within the bowels of the earth.

Thirdly, the birds flie not, but sit still beyond their or∣dinary wont, and seem as if they were not fearfull to let any one come neare them: the reason of which is, be∣cause either the pent exhalation sendeth some strange alteration into the aire, which slenderly breatheth out of some insensible pores of the earth; which it may do though the exhalation comes not out: or else it is that they are scarce able to flie for want of some gentle gales for their wings to strike upon; it being a thing well

known, that birds flie more willingly, and cheerfully, when the aire is of such a temper.

Fourthly, the weather is calm, and yet the water of the sea is troubled and rageth mightily: the reason of which is, because the great plentie of spirits or winde in the bottome of the sea beginneth to labour for passage that way, and finding none, is sent back again; where∣upon soon after it shaketh the land. This is evermore a certain signe.

Fifthly, the water in the bottome of pits and deep wells is troubled, ascending and moving as if it boyled, stinking, and is infected: the reason of which is, because the exhalation being pent, and striving to get forth, mo∣veth some stinking mineralls and other poisonous stuffe to the springs of those waters; and they, with the strug∣ling exhalation, stirre and attaint them.

Sixthly, there is a long thin cloud seen in a cleare skie, either a little before sunne-setting, or soon after: now this is caused by reason of the calmnesse of the aire; even as Aristotle observeth, that in a quiet sea, the waves float to the shore, long and straight. I do not think that this alone can be any more then a very remote signe, un∣lesse it be joyned with some of the other signes already mentioned: for although such a cloud may be seen, yet every calm brings not an earthquake, neither are all pla∣ces alike subject to them.

The last signe, and that which cannot but be infallible, is the great noise and sound which is heard under the earth, like to a groning, or very thundering. And yet some say, that this is not alwayes attended with an earthquake: for if the winde finde any way large enough to get out, it shaketh not the earth. Now this noise is made by the struggling of the winde under the earth.

Next after the Antecedentia, the Consequentia of

earthquakes would be considered; and these (as I said) be their effects: which indeed be not so much the effects of the earthquake, as of the exhalation causing the earth∣quake.

The first whereof may be the ruine of buildings, and such like things, together with the death of many peo∣ple. About the 29 yeare before the birth of Christ, was an p earthquake in Iurie, whereby thirtie thousand peo∣ple perished. In the fifth yeare of Tiberius Emperour of Rome, q thirteen cities of Asia were destroyed in one night by an earthquake. Some say but twelve. Lanq. chron. In the 66 yeare of Christ, r three cities of Asia were also, by the like accident, overthrown; namely, Laodicea, Hieropoli•…•…, and Colossus. Again, in the yeare of Christ 79, three s cities of Cyprus came to the like ruine: and in the yeare following was a great death of people at Rome. And in the yeare 114, t Antioch was much hurt by an earthquake: at which time, the Emperour Tr•…•…jan being in those parts, escaped the danger very difficultly. Eusebius placeth it in the second yeare of the 223 Olympiad: and Bucholcerus setteth it in the yeare of Christ one hundred and eleven. Eusebius makes men∣tion of another before this, in the 7 yeare of Trajan: & this was that, which in Asia, Greece, & Calabria, over∣threw nine severall cities. About the yeare of Christ u 180, or 182, the citie Smyrna came to the like ruine: for the restauration whereof, the Emperour remitted ten yeares tribute. About the yeare of Christ 369, Euse∣bius again telleth of an earthquake, which was in a manner all over the world, to the great damage of many towns and people. The like was in the yeare 551: at which time, a quave of the earth swallowed a middle part of the citie Misia, with many of the inhabitants, where the voice of them that were swallowed, was heard crying for help and succour. He also, in the yeare

562, mentions another, wherewith the citie Berintho was overthrown; and the isles, called C•…•…y, grievously shaken. Again, he writeth of a great tempest and earth∣quake in the yeare 1456, wherein (as he hath it out of Chronica chronicorum) there perished about Puell and Naples, 40 thousand people. Also, x in the yeare 1509, the citie of Constantinople was sorely shaken, innume∣rable houses and towers were cast to the ground, and chiefly the palace of the great Turk; insomuch that he was forced to fly to another place. Thirteen thousand perished in this calamitie. Again, in z the yeare 1531, in the citie Lisbon, a thousand foure hundred houses were overthrown (or, as some say, one thousand five hundred) and above six hundred so shaken that they were ready to fall, and their churches cast unto the ground, lying like heaps of stones. This earthquake was attended with a terrible plague and pestilence. And thus do these examples confirm the first effect.

A second is the turning of plain ground into moun∣tains, and raising up of islands in the sea, as Thia, in the time of Plinie; and Therasia, which (as Seneca witnesseth) was made an island even in the sight of the mariners, or whilest they were looking on. Thus also Delos, Rhodos, and sundry others, came to be islands.

A third effect is the throwing down of mountains, and sinking of islands, and such like. Thus perished the Atlantick island, as I shewed before: yea thus also pe∣rished, by the breach of the earth, those famous cities of Achaia, viz. Helice and Buris: of which Ovid writeth thus,

Si quaras Helicen & Burin, Achaeidas urbes, Invenies sub aquis: Et adhuc ostendere nautae Inclinata solent cum moenibus oppida mersis.

If thou would'st Helice and wish'd Buris finde, Th'Achaean cities, (never lost in minde)

The water hides them: and the shipmen show Those ruin'd towns and drown'd walls as they row.

A fourth effect is the cutting the neck of some Isthmus from the continent: and thus Britain was a severed from France; Africa from Spain; and Sicilie from Italie, with the like.

A fifth is the translation of mountains, buildings, trees &c. unto some other places: of which we may finde testi∣monie in good authours of credit. Albertus calls this mo∣tion, a vection or a carrying.

A sixth is the breaking out of rivers and fountains in some new places: which happeneth by the breaches made in the earth amongst water-springs, through the violence of the Exhalation.

A seventh is plague and pestilence, caused by the poy∣sonous fume of the Exhalation: such as was in the yeare 1531, before mentioned, when Lisbon was so strangely shaken: For putrid Exhalations infect the Aire; and the Aire, us.

An eighth effect is famine; which may be by reason of the shocks and shakings of the earth, making it thereby become as it were sick and steril. Or else it may be by reason that the long pent vapour carries with it a blast∣ing hurtfull fume.

A ninth is sometimes the discovering of new burning hills; which may happen when the abundance of Brim∣stone and sulphurous matter that is under ground, is set on fire through the violent motion of the Exhalation: and so it breaketh forth.

A tenth is (or else should be) the fear of a Deitie. For if it be the Lords will by this work of his, in his hand∣maid nature, to shake it, no land can be sure, no place so strong that can defend us. Nay, the more strong, the more dangerous: For the higher, the greater fall. With the wi•…•…e man therefore I will say, I know that whatsoever

God doth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: And God doth it, that men should fear before him, Ecclesiastes 3. 14.

Last of all, this I will adde: and it is a saying of one, well worthy to be remembred. The whole earth (saith he) is nothing but the centre or point of the world. This is all the matter of our glorie; this our seat. Here we bear honours; here we exercise rule; here we desire riches; and here mankinde troubleth and turmoileth himself: here we wage warre, yea civil warre; and make the very earth become soft and fat with the crimson bloud of our mutu∣all slaughters. This is that place where we drive away from us our neare neighbours, ditch in his grounds to ours, and so measure our demeans by driving others from our coasts, that thereby we may be like to him who can freely triumph in any part of the earth. But what of all this? When time, by ending us, hath put a measure to our covetous∣nesse; then, after all, what a small portion shall he obtain, who is dead and gone from all? O amatores mundi, cujus rei gratiâ militatis? Oh ye lovers of the world, for the sake of what thing is it that you strive?

Let any judge, whether this lower Ball (Whose endlesse greatnesse we admire so all) Seem not a point, compar'd with th'upper Sphere, Whose turning turns the rest in their career. Lo then the guerdon of your pinching pain: A needles point, a mote, a mite you gain: A nit, a nothing (did you all possesse) Or, if then nothing any thing be lesse. "Why then should man this nothing thus respect, "As he, for it, Heav'ns Kingdome should neglect? If thou feed'st well, if feet and back be clad, What more to thee can Kingly riches adde? Not house, not land, not heaps of gold and treasure, (When sicknesse of thy body hath took seisure)

Can thence remove it, neither canst thou finde A force in them to cure a troubled minde.

Which if man could well remember, he would cease to spend himself for nothing; and willingly subscribe to the lamentation made by the a Poet, under the person of Hecuba, upon the ruine of Troy; saying,

Quicunque regno fidit, & magnâ potens domina∣tur aulâ, Animúmque rebus credulum laetis dedit, Me videat, & te, Troja: non unquam tulit Documenta sors majora, quàm fragili loco Starent superbi—

Which is (as b one translates it) thus,

He that his confidence puts in a Crown, Or in his Palace potently doth frown, And takes, with prosp'rous fortunes, all his joy; Let him but look on me, and thee, O Troy. Chance, by no greater influence, could declare, In what a fickle state all proud things are.

To this purpose also serveth that Epigram of Ausonius, wherein he feigneth Diogenes to see the rich King Cre∣sus among the dead: and there Diogenes himself hath as good an estate as he.

Effigiem Rex Croese tuam, ditissime Regum, Vidit apud manes Diogenes Cynicus. Constitit; útque procul solito majore cachinno Concussus, dixit, Quid tibi divitiae Nunc prosunt, Regum Rex O ditissime, cùm sis Sicut ego solus, me quoque pauperior? Nam quaecunque habui, mecum fero: cùm nihil ipse Ex tantis tecum, Croese, feras opibus.

Amongst the ghosts Diogenes beheld Thee Cresus, of all kings, with most wealth swell'd. This 'twas he did conclude; and as one mov'd With greater laughing then his wont behov'd,

He farre off said, Thou richest once of kings, Speak; (to this place below) what profit brings All thy late pomp? for ought that I now spie, We are alike; nay thou more poore then I. For nought was what I had; I brought that store: Thou hadst much wealth; yet now then I no more.

Like unto which, is that example of him, who lying at length upon the ground, and rising, by chance espied the print that his bodie at the full length made: he breaks out into this, or the like speech, saying, Lo here, what a small piece of ground will serve us when we die▪ and yet living, we seek to conquer kingdomes. To which we may joyn that worthy command of famous Saladine, who being ready to depart this life, called for his stan∣dard-bearer, giving him in charge that he should go and take his winding sheet, and hanging it on his pike, he should go out with it, and tell to his camp, that of all his triumphs, of all his conquests, and of all his victories, he had nothing left unto him now but onely that to wrap up his bodie for his buriall.

Are all men mortall? are all born to die? Can none on earth possesse eternitie? Sure, he that looks upon the worlds frail stage, And views the actions of this present age, He cannot but with eyes indiff'rent see That mortalls here would fain immortall be. For by the symptomes is the sicknesse found; And by the thoughts that equalize the ground, Transcending rarely from that pitch, on high Up to the court above the azure skie, No hard thing 'tis, a judgement true to give, That such descendents here would ever live, But souls, inspired with the gales of grace, Esteem the witching world no resting place; A place of travell, not a place of stay;

Such well devoted pilgrims count this way: For sure the world is but a gaudie ball, Whose quilt is vanitie, no joy at all. Rouze then thy minde (witcht mortall) from the ground, Think of that place where true joyes may be found: Choak not thy soul with earth: for thou dost winne Nought for thy care, but punishment of sinne: Rouze▪ then (I say) thy thoughts; think what it is To be partaker of eternall blisse. For when the drie-land God did make appeare, 'Twas not that man should think his heaven's here.

Notes

• i

  H•…•…iditas non est •…•…stimanda ex irri∣gatione, sed ex pro∣pria de•…•…nitione, quod scilic et diffi∣culter alieno termi∣no cl•…•…uditur. Iam vide•…•…us •…•…quam in∣cludi faciliùs certis limitibus quàm a•…•…∣rem, ergo &c. Quod autem aqua magis •…•…ectat, id fit propter crassio∣rem substantiam. Cùm e•…•…im humidi∣tas aqua in den•…•…ore materia h•…•…reat, ideo est magìs uni∣ta▪ & proinde effi∣cacio•…•… ad hume∣ctand•…•…m. Aeris ve∣rò humi•…•…tas tam cr•…•…ssam substanti∣am, si•…•…ut •…•…qua, non habet, & prop•…•…erea tantum madorem corporibus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…equit: & quod quandoque exicc•…•…∣re videatur, id non est per se, sed per accidens, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 per exhalationes, &c.
• k

  Efficiens est calor solis, & simul ignis subterraneus, quibus suppeditant tres superiores planetae.
• l

  Causa materialis est spiritus seu va∣por, in terrae visce∣ribus conclusus, ex∣ire contendens.
• m

  Forma est ipsa concussio terrae & agitatio exhalatio∣num terrae inclusa∣tum.
• The cause of earthquakes.
• n

  Origa•…•… de effect. cap. 9. ex Holy. &c.
• The kindes of earthquakes.
• n

  Pl•…•…t. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ti•…•….
• A digression touching the new found world.
• The attendants of an earthquake
• Signes of an earthquake.
• Effects of earth∣quakes.
• p

  Lanquet in his chron.
• q

  Tacit. lib. 2. an∣•…•…al. •…•…seb. chron.
• r

  E•…•…eb. ibid.
• s

  Idem.
• t

  Lanquet in his chron.
• u

  Eus•…•….
• x

  Fromond. M•…•…t. lib. 4. but Lan∣quet nameth the yeare 1508.
• z

  Idem.
• a

  Verstegan, in his restitution, cap. 4.
• a

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 trag.
• b

  B•…•…rkley in his Summ. bonum. edit. 2. lib. 2.