It is true, an earthquake causes an universal dread among all sorts of people; even the philosopher immersed in speculation of second causes, quakes; as well as the pious, whose fear proceeds from solid piety: a due sense of the _anger_ of the almighty Being. We saw how the late earthquakes affrighted every one; but, as to the generality, it was but for a moment. When they found themselves safe, and alive; thoughtless they ran to their business, or their diversion: and this not only the first, but the second time. And I am apprehensive, were another, and another to come, they would only be less regarded than the preceding. As the _Israelites_, to whom miracles became familiar; as the _Jews_, in our Saviour's time, demanding of him to show them a sign from heaven, in the midst of the constant scene of miracles innumerable. But 'tis my present business to call you to a due and serious reflexion, on these extraordinary events; by considering, I. What the written word of God, the holy scriptures, informs us, concerning the ultimate purpose of earthquakes. II. What we can learn from profane history. III. To conclude with our text, that they are strictly and properly divine judgments; _because he was wroth_. Ever since the earth began, earthquakes have been look'd on as extraordinary appearances, among the prodigies of nature, and executioners of divine justice. In the case of _Korah_, _the earth opened her mouth and swallowed them up; and their houses, and all the men that pertained unto them; and all their goods_. In the miraculous victory obtain'd by _Jonathan_, and his armor-bearer, over the army of the _Philistines_, I. _Sam._ xiv. There was a panic terror infus'd into the _Philistines_, and an _earthquake_: it is call'd _a very great trembling of God_. What the heathen attributed to _Pan_, an imaginary deity of their own making: the _Hebrews_ rightly refer'd to the true cause, the first, and supreme. In the new testament, at our Saviour's death, there was a great earthquake, which was altogether miraculous; as much as the eclipse of the sun then. The elements might well sympathize with the God of nature. _The sun was darkened, the vail of the temple was rent in twain; the earth did quake, the rocks rent._ Again, at his resurrection, _Matt._ xxviii. 2. _There was a great earthquake. The angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it._ _And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men._ _Matt._ xxvii. 54. _When the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, they feared greatly._ See the consequence of it in one place; and thus in another: _Acts_ iv. 31. _The Apostles_, in the infant church, _when praying, the place was shaken, where they were assembled together: and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost_. The heathen centurion _feared_ upon the earthquake: The christians praying, were _filled with the Holy Ghost_.