From John Churchman (unpublished)
Philada. 4th. mo 1st. 1787.
Dear Friend

When we meet with any thing which affords us Entertainment, we are apt to have a desire of communicating it to those we esteem the most, which after some hesitation I am bold to do to a person who has thrown the greatest light upon the subject of Lightning; which has been a great means of expelling superstition; what I am about to relate is nothing new. I have I believe read it myself long ago; but it never engaged my attention till lately Job 37th chapter 11 Verse. Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud, he scattereth his Bright Cloud: 12th. And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the    in the Earth. 13th. He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his Land, or for Mercy. 21 And now Men see not the bright light which is in the Clouds: but the wind passeth and clenseth them; I was led to consider whether or not this would compose any part of the History of the Aurora Bolearis, however this I do not pretend to know. Chap 38th. The Deity is said to answer Job out of the Whirlwind and in speaking of the Earth he says 14th. It is turned As Clay to the Seal; what a lively Idea is here conveyed of the Shape and motion of the Earth; altho the meaning appears not to have been comprehended by Job: May not the Seal or the word for which it stands in the original Language probably have been the name of an Instrument used by the antient Potters, when the Clay was turned, to make an impression on the Ware; the latter part of the Chapter seems to convey some account of the progress of Astronomy in this early day; altho in Hills Astronomical Dictionary under the head Arcturus he supposes some errors in Translation. I am with the greatest sentiments of respect &ca. &ca.

I. Churchman

Benjamin Franklin Esqr. President of the State
Addressed: Benjamin Franklin Esqr. / President of the State
643567 = 044-u581.html