For much of human history reasons were sought for why thing happened, through omens, coincidences, all sorts of stuff. we’re far more sensible now, and we never read horoscopes or wear special clothes when we go on first dates. This isa rather good sermon from 1778
Soon after the fire of London, a Divine asked what heinous sin had prompted the Almighty to punish the metropolis. The sin of scolding, swearing, blasphemy? No, it would have begun at Billingsgate. Intemperance & debauchery? No, it would have begun in Drury Lane. Sin of lying? NO, it would have begun at Westminster Hall. He therefore concluded it was the sin of gluttony, as it began at Pudding Lane and ended at Pye Corner.
texthistory 