A practical exposition of the X. Commandments with a resolution of several momentous questions…A practical exposition of the X. Commandements with a resolution of several momentous questions…

An Observation is, when we gather such a thing from such a providence that occurreth without any forecasting of ours, or determining with our selves before hand about it, being a merely surprising unexpected Emergent: we shall only say in general concerning Omens, and Observations, that when they agree not with the Word, and our Duty revealed and enjoined therein, they are not to be adventured on nor regarded, but utterly slighted, because then certainly they degenerate & become extravagant; neither are the examples of such who being led by an extraordinary Spirit have used them, to be followed by others who have not the same Spirit; doubtless it is safe for us to take heed to the more sure word of Prophecy, and to follow the unerring rule of the word of God, and not extraordinary examples for which we have no warrant.

An Observation is, when we gather such a thing from such a providence that occurreth without any forecasting of ours, or determining with our selves before hand about it, being a merely surprising unexpected Emergent: we shall only say in general concerning Omens, and Observations, that when they agree not with the Word, and our Duty revealed and injoyned therein, they are not to be adventured on nor regarded, but utterly slighted, because then certainly they degenerate & become extravagant; neither are the examples of such who being led by an extraordinary Spirit have used them, to be followed by others who have not the same Spirit; doubtless it is safe for us to take heed to the more sure word of Prophesie, and to follow the unerring rule of the word of God, and not extraordinary examples for which we have no warrant.

Superstitious Observations are not so much about daily occurring providences, which all are obliged piously to mark and improve to the best spiritual advantage, and in the careful marking and suitable improving whereof, there lieth a special piece of spiritual wisdom, more especially of such providences which may, from the Lord, help either to confirm a man in his Duty, or Deter him from a sin or snare; as they are about some set and marked actions of Creatures, and these very feckless and silly too (though I deny not, but that simply they are providences also) which are reputed to be so many fixed Rules and Canons of natural wisdom, but really Instituted Spells, or Freets, or the Devils Rudiments and Grammar (to say so) to sink mens minds into Atheism. And Observations are always Superstitious, when we collect and conclude that such and such events evil or good, will happen to us, or befall us from such and such occurring works and passages of providence, for which no reason can be drawn either out of the word of God, or out of the course of nature; in a word, for which there is neither Scripture-warrant, nor can any natural cause or reason be assigned; as for instance, To think, it is unlucky to meet such and such Persons first in the morning (which useth to be called an evil foot) for a Woman with-child to step over a Hair-tether, for folks to neeze putting on their Shoes, for one to have Salt falling toward him