_Bells versus Storms_ (Vol. vi., p. 508.).--While returning my
acknowledgments to your correspondents the REV. H. T. ELLACOMBE and W.
S. G., I would briefly refer to the subject again, which may be of
interest to some of our readers.
Dr. Fuller says:
"That bells are no effectual charm against lightning. The
frequent firing of abbey churches by lightning confuteth the
proud motto commonly written on the bells in their steeples,
wherein each intitled itself to a six-fold efficacy.
'Men's death I tell, by doleful knell,
Lightning and thunder, I break asunder,
On Sabbath all, to church I call,
The sleepy head, I raise from bed,
The winds so fierce, I do disperse,
Men's cruel rage, I do assuage.'"
"It has anciently been reported," observes Lord Bacon, "and is
still received, that extreme applauses and shouting of people
assembled in multitudes, have so rarefied and broken the air,
that birds flying over have fallen down, the air not being
able to support them; and it is believed by some that great
ringing of bells in populous cities hath chased away thunder,
and also dissipated pestilent air. All which may be also from
the concussion of the air, and not from the sound."