to_o what_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v four_o ecclus_n 21._o there_o be_v a_o shame_n that_o bring_v sin_n and_o there_o be_v a_o shame_n which_o be_v glory_n and_o grace_n no_o man_n have_v reason_n to_o blush_v if_o he_o come_v from_o his_o corporal_a repast_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o spiritual_a a_o sober_a hearer_n though_o he_o have_v dine_v be_v not_o unfit_a for_o this_o assembly_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o listless_a and_o careless_a though_o he_o remain_v fast_v get_v no_o good_a thereby_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o to_o unloose_v you_o from_o the_o strictness_n of_o fast_v god_n forbid_v for_o i_o much_o approve_v and_o praise_v those_o who_o be_v fast_v but_o i_o will_v have_v you_o to_o understand_v that_o you_o shall_v come_v after_o a_o sober_a manner_n and_o not_o mere_o out_o of_o custom_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o eat_v but_o negligence_n disorderly_a passion_n and_o affection_n and_o lust_n uncurbed_a that_o make_v man_n unfit_a for_o our_o sermon_n for_o belove_a if_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o thy_o body_n thou_o can_v not_o continue_v all_o the_o day_n fast_v no_o wise_a man_n will_v reprove_v thou_o for_o it_o for_o we_o serve_v a_o gentle_a and_o merciful_a lord_n who_o exact_v nothing_o of_o we_o beyond_o our_o strength_n nor_o do_v he_o simple_o require_v fast_v and_o abstinence_n of_o we_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v remain_v fast_v till_o this_o hour_n but_o that_o throw_v away_o all_o care_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n we_o shall_v bestow_v all_o our_o leisure_n in_o spiritual_a employment_n and_o if_o we_o order_v our_o life_n with_o a_o sober_a mind_n and_o whatsoever_o leisure_n we_o have_v be_v employ_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o we_o eat_v mere_o for_o necessity_n and_o so_o much_o as_o needs_o and_o no_o more_o bestow_v all_o our_o life_n in_o some_o good_a work_n or_o other_o there_o be_v no_o need_n then_o that_o we_o be_v in_o of_o that_o help_n which_o be_v receive_v from_o fast_v which_o be_v not_o ordain_v for_o such_o kind_n of_o man_n but_o because_o humane_a nature_n be_v negligent_a and_o delight_n in_o pleasure_n and_o seek_v for_o ease_n and_o liberty_n therefore_o our_o most_o merciful_a lord_n like_o a_o tender_a heart_a father_n devise_v this_o medicine_n of_o fast_v that_o delicacy_n and_o make_v much_o of_o ourselves_o may_v be_v cut_v off_o and_o we_o may_v translate_v our_o thought_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n unto_o spiritual_a employment_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o here_o present_a who_o the_o infirmity_n of_o their_o body_n will_v not_o permit_v to_o continue_v fast_v without_o their_o dinner_n i_o exhort_v such_o both_o to_o refresh_v their_o bodily_a infirmity_n and_o not_o to_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o this_o spiritual_a instruction_n but_o have_v take_v their_o bodily_a repast_n to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o studious_a of_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n for_o there_o be_v certain_o there_o be_v way_n by_o which_o far_o wide_a door_n of_o confidence_n towards_o god_n may_v be_v open_v than_o by_o mere_a abstinence_n from_o food_n he_o therefore_o that_o take_v some_o food_n be_v unable_a to_o fast_a let_v he_o give_v large_a alm_n let_v he_o send_v up_o more_o fervent_a prayer_n let_v he_o be_v more_o forward_o and_o show_v great_a alacrity_n in_o hear_v god_n word_n in_o those_o thing_n his_o bodily_a infirmity_n can_v be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o he_o let_v he_o be_v reconcile_v to_o his_o enemy_n let_v he_o drive_v all_o remembrance_n of_o injury_n out_o of_o his_o heart_n and_o if_o he_o have_v do_v these_o thing_n he_o have_v keep_v the_o true_a fast_a which_o the_o lord_n require_v of_o we_o for_o he_o command_v we_o to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n for_o these_o thing_n sake_n that_o we_o shall_v check_v the_o wantonness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o make_v it_o obedient_a and_o tractable_a to_o fulfil_v his_o commandment_n wherefore_o know_v these_o thing_n i_o beseech_v you_o who_o can_v fast_o that_o you_o intend_v and_o increase_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a this_o your_o good_a and_o laudable_a forwardness_n for_o the_o more_o the_o outward_a man_n decay_v the_o more_o your_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v fast_v bring_v under_o the_o body_n and_o bridle_v its_o disorderly_a motion_n it_o make_v the_o soul_n also_o more_o clear_a and_o bright_a give_v it_o wing_n also_o and_o make_v it_o light_n and_o ready_a to_o sore_o aloft_o as_o for_o our_o brethren_n who_o can_v fast_o do_v you_o exhort_v they_o that_o they_o will_v not_o for_o this_o cause_n refrain_v from_o their_o spiritual_a food_n tell_v they_o what_o i_o now_o say_v and_o let_v they_o know_v that_o not_o he_o who_o eat_v and_o drink_v moderate_o be_v unworthy_a of_o this_o auditory_a but_o he_o that_o be_v lazy_a and_o dissolute_a and_o tell_v they_o also_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o that_o oracle_n of_o he_o that_o both_o he_o that_o eat_v eat_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n he_o eat_v not_o and_o give_v god_n thank_v in_o like_a manner_n let_v he_o that_o fa_v give_v thanks_o to_o god_n who_o give_v he_o strength_n able_a to_o support_v the_o labour_n of_o fast_v and_o he_o that_o fa_v not_o let_v he_o also_o give_v thanks_o that_o nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n can_v do_v he_o hurt_v nor_o hinder_v he_o from_o mind_v the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n if_o he_o be_v please_v to_o attend_v it_o for_o it_o can_v be_v tell_v how_o many_o way_n our_o most_o merciful_a god_n have_v provide_v by_o which_o if_o we_o will_v we_o may_v attain_v the_o high_a confidence_n in_o he_o these_o thing_n i_o have_v say_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o absent_a that_o occasion_n of_o shame_n may_v be_v take_v from_o they_o and_o they_o may_v know_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a on_o this_o score_n for_o to_o have_v eat_v do_v not_o bring_v confusion_n upon_o we_o but_o to_o have_v do_v a_o ill_a thing_n sin_n be_v a_o great_a shame_n which_o if_o we_o have_v admit_v we_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o blush_v but_o to_o hide_v ourselves_o for_o shame_n and_o like_v condemn_v person_n bewail_v ourselves_o as_o miserable_a wretch_n and_o yet_o not_o then_o to_o despond_v but_o to_o make_v the_o more_o haste_n to_o penitence_n and_o pardon_n for_o he_o be_v such_o a_o gracious_a lord_n that_o he_o require_v no_o more_o when_o by_o negligence_n we_o fall_v into_o sin_n but_o that_o we_o acknowledge_v our_o error_n and_o proceed_v no_o further_o nor_o return_v again_o to_o the_o same_o offence_n i_o omit_v the_o rest_n for_o he_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n often_o over_o in_o that_o sermon_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o which_o after_o he_o have_v expound_v a_o portion_n of_o holy_a scripture_n he_o excuse_v himself_o for_o hold_v they_o so_o long_o which_o yet_o he_o tell_v they_o be_v not_o without_o reason_n but_o that_o they_o who_o be_v present_a may_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v those_o who_o be_v absent_v the_o forename_a lesson_n which_o he_o desire_v they_o to_o carry_v home_o with_o they_o and_o instruct_v their_o absent_a neighbour_n in_o it_o and_o the_o next_o day_n but_o one_o he_o begin_v his_o sermon_n with_o the_o very_a same_o lesson_n again_o have_v also_o in_o his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o day_n between_o these_o two_o tell_v they_o that_o two_o day_n xi_o hom._n xi_o in_o a_o week_n be_v allow_v unto_o all_o wherein_o to_o intermit_v their_o fast_n which_o he_o compare_v to_o the_o rest_a place_n and_o inn_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o road_n that_o weary_a traveller_n may_v turn_v in_o and_o refresh_v themselves_o a_o while_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o go_v on_o their_o journey_n the_o more_o cheerful_o and_o to_o the_o port_n and_o havens_n on_o the_o seashore_n into_o which_o the_o mariner_n may_v run_v their_o vessel_n when_o they_o have_v be_v toss_v with_o the_o wave_n and_o there_o wait_v for_o the_o opportunity_n of_o a_o fair_a wind_n to_o carry_v they_o forward_o such_o shore_n and_o havens_n say_v he_o such_o rest_n and_o stay_v have_v god_n grant_v we_o for_o two_o day_n in_o the_o week_n in_o this_o course_n of_o the_o lend_v fast_o that_o the_o labour_n of_o it_o be_v a_o little_a remit_v and_o they_o that_o travel_n in_o it_o refresh_v may_v afterward_o go_v on_o with_o the_o great_a alacrity_n of_o the_o same_o opinion_n be_v his_o great_a friend_n s._n basil_n in_o his_o book_n of_o true_a virginity_n 717._o virginity_n tome_n 1._o p._n 717._o where_o he_o say_v we_o may_v apply_v to_o fast_v those_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n turn_v not_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a for_o as_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o
action_n upon_o this_o score_n therefore_o we_o be_v to_o be_v afflict_v for_o they_o and_o if_o we_o be_v mourn_v and_o tear_n and_o sad_a lamentation_n will_v not_o be_v want_v proportionable_a to_o the_o affliction_n which_o they_o give_v our_o spirit_n according_a to_o that_o say_n of_o philemon_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d grief_n like_o a_o tree_n have_v tear_n for_o its_o fruit._n which_o spring_n out_o of_o sorrow_n as_o a_o natural_a expression_n thereof_o and_o be_v a_o mean_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v more_o hereafter_o to_o remove_v the_o cause_n and_o what_o great_a cause_n as_o i_o have_v say_v be_v there_o for_o our_o grief_n and_o heaviness_n and_o all_o their_o mournful_a attendant_n than_o this_o that_o we_o have_v offend_v he_o by_o our_o sin_n who_o be_v able_a to_o punish_v they_o in_o endless_a sorrow_n when_o lesser_a thing_n produce_v sometime_o a_o flood_n of_o tear_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v without_o any_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o they_o be_v just_o expect_v in_o a_o very_a great_a measure_n here_o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o christian_a practice_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o thus_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v expound_v these_o word_n of_o s._n james_n by_o require_v such_o humiliation_n affliction_n and_o doleful_n bemoan_v of_o themselves_o from_o those_o who_o have_v so_o grievous_o offend_v god_n as_o to_o be_v throw_v out_o of_o their_o communion_n before_o they_o will_v receive_v they_o again_o into_o it_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o notorious_a that_o by_o the_o word_n repentance_n among_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o religion_n nothing_o else_o be_v common_o mean_v but_o open_a confession_n of_o their_o sin_n with_o sad_a lamentation_n of_o they_o and_o of_o the_o woeful_a condition_n into_o which_o they_o have_v bring_v they_o there_o be_v many_o remarkable_a thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o record_n of_o the_o church_n more_o than_o enough_o to_o fill_v a_o much_o big_a book_n than_o this_o if_o i_o will_v give_v myself_o liberty_n to_o relate_v with_o what_o humble_a prostration_n with_o what_o tear_n and_o doleful_a lamentation_n conciliciati_fw-la &_o concinerati_fw-la as_o tertullia_n word_n be_v cover_v with_o haircloth_n and_o bury_v as_o it_o be_v in_o ash_n with_o fast_n and_o watch_n with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n and_o mournful_a voice_n look_v dismal_o lean_a pale_a and_o meager_a by_o long_a grief_n and_o neglect_n of_o their_o body_n penitent_n be_v wont_a to_o cast_v themselves_o down_o upon_o the_o earth_n and_o not_o only_o supplicate_v god_n mercy_n but_o beg_v and_o beseech_v in_o the_o most_o miserable_a manner_n the_o pardon_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o their_o christian_a brethren_n but_o my_o design_n be_v only_o to_o show_v that_o all_o this_o which_o be_v the_o unquestionable_a practice_n of_o the_o early_a age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v its_o foundation_n in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o when_o any_o sinner_n be_v so_o senseless_a that_o he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o afflict_a for_o the_o crime_n he_o have_v commit_v so_o impudent_a that_o he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o foul_a wickedness_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n require_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o bewail_v his_o sin_n and_o his_o misery_n in_o the_o most_o sad_a and_o mournful_a manner_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v be_v confident_a this_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o sinner_n himself_o when_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o be_v awake_v out_o of_o his_o lethargy_n to_o see_v into_o what_o a_o woeful_a condition_n he_o have_v bring_v himself_o by_o his_o offence_n for_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o s._n paul_n blame_v in_o the_o corinthian_a church_n that_o when_o a_o eminent_a person_n among_o they_o have_v commit_v such_o fornication_n as_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o name_v among_o the_o gentile_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v concern_v about_o it_o that_o they_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o their_o dearness_n to_o god_n because_o of_o their_o spiritual_a gift_n wherein_o they_o abound_v whereas_o they_o shall_v have_v rather_o mourn_v that_o he_o who_o have_v do_v this_o deed_n may_v be_v take_v away_o from_o among_o they_o 1_o corinth_n v._o 1_o 2._o that_o be_v they_o shall_v have_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o church_n to_o separate_v such_o a_o person_n from_o their_o society_n with_o wail_n and_o lamentation_n over_o he_o in_o token_n of_o their_o own_o sorrow_n for_o and_o detestation_n of_o so_o foul_a a_o fact_n and_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o lose_a man_n till_o he_o recover_v himself_o by_o repentance_n and_o mourn_v as_o they_o have_v do_v for_o his_o sin_n the_o jew_n it_o be_v well_o know_v when_o any_o man_n be_v to_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n for_o blasphemy_n and_o such_o like_a crime_n proclaim_v a_o fast_a as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o story_n of_o naboth_n 1_o king_n xxi_o that_o be_v they_o mourn_v and_o weep_v they_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n and_o humble_v themselves_o they_o do_v all_o other_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o may_v testify_v their_o sorrow_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o dishonour_v and_o the_o offender_n shall_v bring_v himself_o to_o such_o a_o miserable_a end_n which_o the_o church_n think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o imitate_v when_o they_o cut_v off_o any_o person_n from_o their_o body_n as_o a_o number_n of_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n inform_v we_o and_o this_o passage_n in_o s._n paul_n instruct_v they_o they_o fast_v they_o weep_v they_o put_v themselves_o into_o the_o habit_n of_o mourner_n and_o strip_v themselves_o of_o their_o ornament_n to_o declare_v their_o abhorrence_n of_o the_o sin_n which_o be_v thus_o punish_v and_o to_o express_v their_o grief_n for_o the_o scandal_n they_o have_v give_v which_o hereby_o they_o wipe_v off_o nay_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o which_o be_v still_o more_o do_v not_o refrain_v from_o these_o lamentation_n but_o when_o they_o in_o person_n execute_v this_o sentence_n against_o any_o sinner_n humble_v themselves_o and_o give_v the_o most_o sensible_a token_n of_o their_o inward_a grief_n and_o sorrow_n this_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o same_o s._n paul_n in_o his_o next_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n chapter_n twelve_o ver._n 20_o 21._o where_o after_o he_o have_v mention_v several_a sin_n which_o they_o have_v not_o reform_v he_o conclude_v in_o these_o word_n i_o fear_v lest_o when_o i_o come_v again_o my_o god_n will_v humble_v i_o among_o you_o and_o that_o i_o shall_v bewail_v many_o which_o have_v sin_v already_o and_o have_v not_o repent_v of_o the_o uncleanness_n and_o fornication_n and_o lasciviousness_n which_o they_o have_v commit_v to_o bewail_v these_o man_n be_v to_o punish_v they_o with_o excommunication_n which_o be_v accompany_v with_o wail_n and_o lamentation_n over_o they_o as_o man_n in_o a_o sad_a and_o most_o dangerous_a condition_n and_o very_o much_o humble_v that_o be_v afflict_a and_o grieve_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o when_o they_o consider_v it_o who_o think_v god_n himself_o expect_v it_o from_o they_o for_o who_o sake_n and_o to_o preserve_v a_o due_a regard_n to_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n s._n paul_n foresee_v he_o must_v in_o all_o likelihood_n be_v force_v to_o appear_v in_o the_o habit_n of_o a_o mourner_n when_o he_o come_v again_o among_o the_o corinthian_n in_o short_a just_a as_o man_n mourn_v for_o their_o friend_n who_o be_v dead_a corporal_o so_o do_v they_o bewail_v those_o who_o be_v dead_a spiritual_o which_o they_o ought_v sure_o much_o more_o to_o have_v do_v themselves_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o sense_n remain_v in_o they_o and_o they_o have_v not_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o do_v bewail_v no_o doubt_n as_o soon_o as_o by_o this_o severity_n they_o be_v awaken_v out_o of_o their_o sleep_n and_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o s._n paul_n speak_v v._o ephes_n 14._o that_o be_v have_v any_o motion_n of_o spiritual_a life_n appear_v again_o in_o they_o and_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o feel_n of_o their_o lamentable_a condition_n which_o lamentation_n of_o themselves_o sometime_o continue_v so_o long_o even_o by_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o penitent_n themselves_o that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a when_o they_o have_v high_o offend_v god_n to_o leave_v they_o off_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v the_o deacon_n wife_n in_o asia_n be_v a_o famous_a instance_n of_o it_o who_o have_v be_v seduce_v and_o corrupt_v in_o her_o body_n by_o marcus_n who_o she_o follow_v a_o long_a time_n but_o at_o last_o by_o the_o diligence_n of_o the_o brethren_n convert_v spend_v all_o her_o day_n in_o penance_n bewail_v and_o lament_v the_o corruption_n she_o have_v suffer_v
authority_n which_o some_o slight_v yea_o what_o revenge_n in_o inflict_a punishment_n suitable_a to_o the_o offence_n by_o which_o word_n revenge_n it_o be_v true_a and_o i_o will_v not_o in_o the_o least_o prevaricate_v in_o this_o argument_n the_o best_a interpreter_n and_o i_o believe_v right_o understand_v the_o punishment_n late_o inflict_v by_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n pronounce_v against_o the_o incestuous_a person_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n order_n yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a i_o think_v that_o this_o revenge_n be_v take_v by_o the_o church_n because_o the_o man_n do_v not_o take_v it_o on_o himself_o if_o he_o have_v be_v sad_o afflict_v if_o he_o have_v humble_v himself_o by_o fast_v and_o weep_v and_o mourn_v by_o confess_v his_o sin_n by_o confusion_n of_o face_n and_o all_o other_o sign_n of_o a_o true_a penitent_n the_o church_n have_v not_o proceed_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o severity_n against_o he_o as_o to_o deliver_v he_o up_o to_o satan_n and_o such_o a_o revenge_n whether_o enjoin_v by_o the_o church_n or_o inflict_v by_o a_o man_n self_n the_o apostle_n make_v the_o fruit_n of_o a_o pious_a sorrow_n that_o sharp_a grief_n wherewith_o the_o heart_n be_v wound_v when_o it_o reflect_v upon_o its_o disobedience_n to_o a_o most_o gracious_a father_n those_o sting_n which_o a_o mind_n conscious_a of_o such_o foul_a ingratitude_n feel_v in_o itself_o that_o shame_n that_o self-displicency_a and_o loathe_v which_o arise_v out_o of_o a_o serious_a sense_n of_o a_o man_n offence_n work_v in_o he_o such_o a_o detestation_n of_o his_o former_a course_n of_o life_n that_o it_o will_v incline_v he_o by_o afflict_v and_o punish_v himself_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o i_o have_v describe_v to_o prevent_v the_o like_a again_o chap._n vi_o the_o abuse_n of_o these_o exercise_n ought_v not_o to_o hinder_v the_o use_n wherein_o a_o further_a account_n be_v give_v of_o they_o and_o this_o course_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v aside_o because_o some_o have_v turn_v this_o just_a revenge_n by_o inflict_a punishment_n upon_o themselves_o for_o such_o end_n as_o i_o have_v name_v into_o a_o proper_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o by_o abuse_v many_o profitable_a thing_n have_v make_v other_o throw_v they_o quite_o away_o to_o fancy_n any_o such_o satisfaction_n as_o they_o speak_v of_o which_o be_v various_o explain_v by_o they_o and_o by_o some_o very_o injurious_o unto_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v to_o stretch_v the_o virtue_n of_o these_o thing_n too_o far_o but_o if_o we_o therefore_o shall_v whole_o reject_v they_o that_o will_v be_v to_o start_v aside_o as_o much_o the_o other_o way_n the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o pure_a time_n before_o the_o birth_n of_o those_o error_n which_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o popery_n most_o earnest_o recommend_v and_o enjoin_v such_o affliction_n of_o the_o body_n without_o any_o design_n of_o satisfy_v the_o divine_a justice_n for_o their_o sin_n &_o yet_o with_o a_o intention_n to_o punish_v themselves_o for_o they_o in_o hope_n that_o god_n will_v gracious_o spare_v they_o and_o accept_v of_o their_o unfeigned_a repentance_n of_o which_o these_o be_v the_o sign_n and_o token_n and_o also_o the_o beginning_n of_o a_o new_a life_n and_o the_o mean_n to_o bring_v it_o to_o great_a perfection_n the_o very_a fast_a of_o lent_n be_v ancient_o prolong_v to_o that_o number_n of_o day_n of_o which_o it_o now_o consist_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o public_a penitent_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n who_o by_o such_o humiliation_n as_o i_o have_v mention_v give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v another_o end_n of_o their_o afflict_a themselves_o and_o humble_o beg_v their_o pardon_n promise_v hereafter_o to_o be_v better_a christian_n and_o so_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o be_v reconcile_v and_o admit_v to_o the_o holy_a communion_n at_o easter_n it_o will_v be_v endless_a to_o recite_v all_o the_o passage_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n concern_v this_o matter_n that_o penitent_n shall_v by_v such_o bodily_a affliction_n as_o have_v be_v often_o name_v take_v revenge_n upon_o themselves_o for_o their_o former_a wickedness_n and_o undo_v what_o they_o have_v do_v before_o by_o do_v just_o the_o contrary_n s._n chrysostom_n mention_v those_o word_n of_o john_n baptist_n bring_v forth_o therefore_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n put_v this_o question_n how_o may_v we_o thus_o fructify_v and_o resolve_v it_o in_o this_o manner_n if_o we_o do_v direct_o contrary_a to_o our_o former_a sin_n have_v thou_o steal_v another_o man_n good_n begin_v now_o to_o give_v away_o thy_o own_o have_v thou_o be_v a_o fornicator_n abstain_v even_o from_o thy_o lawful_a bed_n have_v thou_o wrong_v any_o one_o in_o word_n as_o well_o as_o deed_n bless_v hereafter_o even_o those_o that_o curse_v thou_o do_v good_a to_o those_o who_o reproachful_o use_v thou_o such_o revenge_n as_o this_o be_v very_o necessary_a for_o a_o wound_a man_n as_o he_o add_v must_v not_o only_o pull_v the_o dart_n out_o of_o his_o body_n but_o apply_v also_o suitable_a remedy_n to_o his_o wound_n have_v thou_o therefore_o flow_v in_o luxury_n and_o in_o drunkenness_n make_v a_o compensation_n for_o it_o by_o fast_v and_o abstinence_n have_v thou_o cast_v impure_a eye_n upon_o another_o beauty_n cover_v thy_o eye_n and_o hang_v down_o thy_o head_n be_v touch_v with_o a_o great_a caution_n by_o the_o harm_n thou_o have_v receive_v and_o thus_o tertullian_n long_o before_o he_o give_v xi_o l._n de_fw-fr poenit._n c._n xi_o this_o brief_a admonition_n if_o thy_o neighbour_n ask_v thou_o why_o thou_o defraude_v thyself_o of_o thy_o food_n and_o be_v so_o afflict_a etc._n etc._n tell_v he_o deliqui_fw-la in_o deum_fw-la etc._n etc._n i_o have_v offend_v god_n i_o be_o in_o danger_n to_o perish_v eternal_o and_o therefore_o now_o i_o hang_v down_o my_o head_n for_o shame_n i_o macerate_v and_o excruciate_v myself_o that_o god_n who_o i_o have_v injure_v by_o my_o sin_n may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o i_o etc._n etc._n gregory_n the_o great_a though_o much_o late_a than_o either_o of_o they_o have_v leave_v this_o excellent_a gloss_n upon_o the_o word_n beforementioned_a you_o must_v observe_v that_o the_o friend_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n he_o mean_v john_n baptist_n call_v not_o only_o for_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n but_o for_o fruit_n meet_v or_o worthy_a and_o become_a repentance_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n another_o to_o bring_v forth_o meet_a or_o worthy_a fruit_n for_o you_o must_v know_v that_o he_o who_o have_v not_o commit_v unlawful_a thing_n may_v just_o use_v those_o which_o be_v lawful_a but_o he_o that_o have_v do_v unlawful_a thing_n for_o instance_n have_v fall_v into_o the_o guilt_n of_o fornication_n or_o which_o be_v worse_o of_o adultery_n he_o ought_v to_o deny_v himself_o even_o those_o that_o be_v lawful_a in_o proportion_n to_o the_o unlawful_a which_o he_o remember_v he_o have_v give_v himself_o the_o liberty_n to_o enjoy_v for_o there_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v equal_a fruit_n of_o repentance_n from_o those_o who_o have_v offend_v little_a and_o from_o those_o who_o have_v offend_v much_o from_o those_o who_o since_o they_o have_v be_v devote_v to_o god_n have_v lead_v a_o regular_a life_n and_o from_o those_o who_o have_v be_v very_o extravagant_a but_o every_o one_o according_a as_o he_o have_v break_v his_o vow_n to_o god_n less_o or_o more_o with_o more_o or_o less_o expression_n of_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n he_o ought_v to_o address_v himself_o to_o god_n for_o mercy_n i_o will_v add_v only_o the_o word_n of_o s._n ambrose_n to_o a_o corrupt_a virgin_n according_a to_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o guilt_n must_v be_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o thou_o must_v not_o repent_v in_o word_n only_o but_o in_o deed_n which_o may_v be_v thus_o do_v if_o thou_o set_v before_o thy_o eye_n from_o what_o a_o great_a dignity_n thou_o be_v fall_v from_o what_o a_o book_n of_o life_n thy_o name_n be_v blot_v out_o and_o so_o believe_v thyself_o to_o be_v just_a next_o door_n to_o utter_v darkness_n where_o there_o be_v endless_a weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n when_o thou_o have_v represent_v this_o to_o thyself_o by_o faith_n than_o since_o the_o soul_n that_o sin_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v cast_v into_o hell_n fire_n and_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n after_o baptism_n but_o only_o the_o comfort_n of_o repentance_n be_v content_a to_o endure_v any_o affliction_n any_o labour_n any_o sordid_a usage_n of_o thyself_o if_o thou_o may_v but_o be_v deliver_v from_o eternal_a pain_n and_o if_o thou_o will_v be_v guide_v by_o i_o be_v thou_o thyself_o the_o more_o cruel_a
judge_n of_o thy_o own_o fact_n if_o the_o sinner_n as_o it_o follow_v a_o little_a after_o will_v not_o spare_v himself_o god_n will_v spare_v he_o if_o he_o will_v put_v himself_o to_o short_a pain_n here_o in_o this_o life_n he_o may_v escape_v eternal_a pain_n in_o the_o future_a a_o great_a wound_n must_v be_v search_v into_o careful_o and_o have_v a_o long_a cure_n a_o great_a sin_n must_v necessary_o have_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n so_o he_o call_v those_o act_n of_o faithful_a penitent_n confession_n weep_v mourn_a neglect_v of_o their_o bodily_a culture_n prayer_n fast_n alm_n lie_v on_o the_o ground_n wear_v sackcloth_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n as_o be_v then_o in_o use_n by_o the_o name_n of_o satisfaction_n not_o because_o he_o think_v they_o can_v proper_o make_v a_o compensation_n to_o god_n for_o their_o past_a crime_n and_o merit_v his_o pardon_n but_o because_o they_o be_v please_v and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o when_o they_o be_v true_a signification_n of_o the_o inward_a compunction_n of_o their_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o church_n which_o enjoin_v these_o penance_n to_o take_v off_o the_o scandal_n that_o have_v be_v cast_v upon_o religion_n by_o their_o sin_n for_o he_o satisfy_v another_o that_o do_v what_o he_o require_v of_o he_o now_o god_n himself_o require_v this_o of_o a_o sinner_n that_o he_o be_v afflict_v and_o mourn_v and_o weep_v and_o have_v his_o laughter_n turn_v into_o mourning_n and_o his_o joy_n into_o heaviness_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o he_o have_v not_o require_v it_o yet_o nature_n itself_o press_v we_o to_o it_o when_o we_o be_v right_o affect_v towards_o he_o for_o it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a as_o mr._n calvin_n well_o observe_v that_o a_o soul_n strike_v with_o the_o dread_n of_o the_o divine_a judgement_n shall_v 15._o l._n iii._o instit_fw-la cap._n 3._o sect._n 15._o not_o exact_v this_o of_o itself_o and_o teach_v a_o man_n to_o prevent_v the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n by_o be_v himself_o the_o avenger_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o the_o severe_a say_v he_o we_o be_v to_o ourselves_o and_o the_o sharp_a censure_n we_o pass_v upon_o our_o sin_n the_o more_o propitious_a and_o merciful_a we_o may_v hope_v god_n will_v be_v unto_o we_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v borrow_v from_o tertullian_n in_o his_o book_n of_o repentance_n x._o cap._n ix_o &_o x._o where_o he_o have_v these_o know_a word_n when_o repentance_n throw_v a_o man_n on_o the_o ground_n it_o support_v and_o relieve_v he_o when_o it_o make_v he_o all_o squalid_a it_o render_v he_o the_o more_o pure_a and_o clean_a it_o excuse_n when_o it_o accuse_v he_o it_o absolve_v when_o it_o condemn_v and_o the_o less_o thou_o spare_v thyself_o believe_v i_o the_o more_o will_v god_n spare_v thou_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o s._n paul_n in_o the_o 1_o corinth_n xi_o 31._o that_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o judgement_n which_o he_o will_v have_v have_v the_o corinthian_n prevent_v by_o judge_v themselves_o be_v the_o sharp_a chastisement_n which_o god_n inflict_v upon_o that_o church_n by_o sickness_n weakness_n and_o death_n as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o verse_n forego_v in_o few_o word_n it_o be_v his_o inflict_a punishment_n upon_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o this_o be_v the_o judgement_n he_o will_v have_v they_o pass_v upon_o themselves_o which_o may_v as_o i_o say_v have_v prevent_v that_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o still_o may_v remove_v it_o they_o shall_v have_v afflict_v and_o chastise_v themselves_o in_o a_o contrite_a manner_n with_o fast_n and_o mourning_n and_o bewail_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o other_o humiliation_n that_o so_o there_o may_v have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o god_n inflict_v punishment_n upon_o they_o for_o their_o reformation_n which_o they_o have_v already_o begin_v to_o inflict_v on_o themselves_o for_o if_o by_o be_v judge_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n be_v mean_v be_v punish_v which_o be_v unquestioned_a it_o seem_v the_o most_o agreeable_a interpretation_n of_o judge_v ourselves_o in_o the_o former_a part_n if_o we_o understand_v thereby_o punish_v ourselves_o by_o that_o severe_a discipline_n which_o i_o be_o treat_v of_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o for_o i_o will_v dissemble_v nothing_o that_o i_o know_v nor_o strain_v any_o passage_n of_o scripture_n to_o justify_v this_o doctrine_n that_o the_o word_n we_o render_v judge_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o verse_n be_v not_o the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o which_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n so_o render_v by_o we_o in_o the_o conclusion_n but_o in_o the_o greek_a there_o be_v some_o difference_n when_o he_o say_v if_o we_o will_v judge_v ourselves_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o other_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o it_o be_v further_a true_a that_o s._n chrysostom_n and_o oecumenius_n there_o express_o note_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o we_o will_v punish_v ourselves_o but_o only_o if_o we_o will_v sentence_v and_o condemn_v ourselves_o as_o sinner_n which_o they_o take_v to_o be_v the_o import_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o this_o notwithstanding_o i_o can_v think_v the_o infliction_n of_o such_o punishment_n upon_o themselves_o as_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o discourse_n which_o be_v of_o a_o different_a kind_n from_o those_o inflict_v by_o god_n and_o so_o express_v by_o a_o different_a word_n be_v here_o exclude_v for_o to_o what_o do_v man_n sentence_n and_o condemn_v themselves_o which_o s._n chrysostom_n make_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n but_o to_o suffer_v all_o that_o a_o just_a judge_n shall_v inflict_v if_o he_o deal_v with_o they_o according_a to_o their_o desert_n and_o how_o can_v they_o think_v of_o inflict_v less_o chastisement_n upon_o themselves_o than_o such_o humiliation_n as_o be_v then_o in_o use_n whereby_o they_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v unworthy_a to_o live_v in_o which_o say_v the_o apostle_n if_o they_o have_v not_o favour_v themselves_o but_o pronounce_v and_o execute_v that_o sentence_n which_o their_o sin_n just_o deserve_v they_o may_v have_v be_v spare_v by_o god_n and_o not_o punish_v as_o some_o be_v by_o those_o sickness_n and_o infirmity_n nay_o death_n which_o he_o send_v among_o they_o so_o that_o the_o full_a import_n of_o that_o word_n judge_v ourselves_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v this_o if_o you_o have_v strict_o examine_v yourselves_o and_o make_v a_o exact_a difference_n so_o the_o word_n be_v expound_v ver._n 29._o between_o yourselves_o and_o those_o who_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o their_o irreverent_a behaviour_n towards_o our_o lord_n if_o you_o have_v acknowledge_v your_o error_n and_o condemn_v yourselves_o for_o they_o and_o deprecate_v his_o displeasure_n by_o due_a humiliation_n and_o study_a amendment_n he_o will_v not_o have_v handle_v you_o in_o this_o manner_n by_o send_v a_o terrible_a plague_n upon_o you_o for_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v deny_v that_o in_o this_o judge_n or_o condemn_v themselves_o translate_v it_o how_o you_o please_v all_o thing_n be_v contain_v which_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n thereof_o as_o in_o confession_n of_o sin_n the_o scripture_n include_v repentance_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n or_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o in_o the_o exomologesis_fw-la of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n the_o whole_a business_n of_o penance_n be_v contain_v as_o appear_v sufficient_o by_o the_o story_n i_o relate_v of_o the_o deacon_n wife_n in_o asia_n now_o such_o humiliation_n as_o i_o have_v treat_v of_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o their_o condemn_a themselves_o when_o they_o be_v deep_o guilty_a and_o as_o deep_o sensible_a of_o their_o guilt_n which_o the_o corinthian_n be_v not_o and_o so_o do_v not_o sue_v out_o their_o pardon_n in_o such_o a_o humble_a and_o afflict_a manner_n as_o become_v such_o gross_a offender_n for_o if_o they_o have_v they_o shall_v not_o have_v fall_v under_o such_o a_o severe_a discipline_n of_o heaven_n as_o to_o have_v be_v cut_v off_o which_o the_o jew_n say_v be_v always_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o heaven_n from_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n in_o plain_a term_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o all_o if_o the_o church_n have_v judge_v condemn_v and_o exercise_v its_o censure_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v upon_o such_o offender_n and_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o fault_n those_o punishment_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n may_v have_v be_v spare_v and_o that_o be_v the_o cause_n still_o perhaps_o why_o
be_v force_v to_o taste_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o support_n of_o nature_n which_o may_v otherwise_o have_v fail_v in_o some_o constitution_n it_o be_v private_o and_o of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o food_n or_o according_a to_o the_o usual_a manner_n of_o fast_n they_o eat_v and_o drink_v nothing_o at_o all_o neither_o in_o the_o day_n nor_o in_o the_o night_n for_o three_o whole_a day_n and_o night_n together_o save_v only_o in_o the_o evening_n and_o then_o also_o they_o forbear_v all_o manner_n of_o delicate_a food_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o need_v be_v say_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a fast_o consist_v in_o total_a abstinence_n from_o all_o meat_n and_o drink_n until_o the_o evening_n and_o then_o also_o in_o eat_v and_o drink_v spare_o and_o that_o of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o food_n a_o imperfect_a and_o partial_a fast_a consist_v in_o abstinence_n from_o some_o kind_n of_o food_n which_o we_o most_o love_n or_o in_o feed_v spare_o of_o any_o kind_n and_o deny_v our_o appetite_n that_o full_a satisfaction_n which_o it_o desire_v at_o the_o usual_a time_n of_o repast_n they_o that_o can_v endure_v the_o first_o of_o these_o may_v yet_o easy_o bear_v the_o last_o and_o therein_o perform_v something_o of_o this_o duty_n of_o fast_v if_o their_o abstinence_n either_o in_o the_o quality_n or_o quantity_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n afflict_v they_o while_o in_o some_o measure_n it_o also_o refresh_v they_o for_o no_o abstinence_n can_v partake_v in_o the_o least_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o fast_v if_o there_o be_v not_o something_o in_o it_o that_o afflict_v we_o which_o i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n design_v in_o fast_v and_o thus_o perhaps_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v our_o church_n in_o that_o part_n of_o its_o table_n and_o rule_n which_o be_v set_v down_o before_o the_o common-prayer_n concern_v day_n of_o fast_v or_o abstinence_n the_o particle_n or_o may_v either_o signify_v abstinence_n to_o be_v another_o name_n for_o fast_v or_o it_o may_v distinguish_v abstinence_n from_o fast_v as_o a_o lesser_a thing_n if_o we_o follow_v the_o late_a sense_n than_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o upon_o all_o those_o day_n there_o name_v they_o that_o be_v able_a shall_v fast_o that_o be_v whole_o forbear_v all_o food_n till_o the_o evening_n and_o they_o who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v this_o yet_o shall_v abstain_v from_o all_o delicate_a food_n and_o feed_v abstemious_o so_o that_o while_o they_o give_v nature_n some_o support_n they_o also_o afflict_v and_o humble_v it_o in_o short_a they_o that_o can_v whole_o abstain_v on_o those_o day_n yet_o shall_v abstain_v from_o set_a meal_n and_o take_v private_o some_o slender_a refreshment_n chap._n xi_o of_o the_o obligation_n we_o have_v to_o fast_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a precept_n leave_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n about_o fast_v some_o have_v thence_o conclude_v it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o liberty_n and_o not_o of_o necessity_n that_o be_v we_o may_v use_v it_o if_o we_o please_v but_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o before_o they_o have_v make_v this_o conclusion_n they_o shall_v have_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o precept_n neither_o for_o prayer_n to_o god_n but_o only_a direction_n how_o to_o pray_v as_o there_o be_v also_o how_o to_o order_v ourselves_o when_o we_o fast_v and_o therefore_o the_o proper_a inference_n from_o that_o observation_n of_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a precept_n for_o fast_v shall_v have_v be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o precept_n to_o enjoin_v this_o duty_n it_o be_v no_o less_o know_v and_o practise_v by_o all_o good_a man_n than_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o give_v of_o alm_n with_o which_o it_o be_v join_v in_o our_o saviour_n famous_a sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n vi_fw-la s._n matth._n 1_o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n 16_o 17._o in_o which_o sermon_n our_o lord_n instruct_v his_o disciple_n about_o the_o principal_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v that_o he_o will_v have_v mention_v this_o unless_o he_o intend_v it_o shall_v be_v one_o part_n of_o our_o christian_a duty_n which_o be_v not_o in_o downright_a term_n command_v as_o some_o other_o be_v but_o only_o suppose_v it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o be_v regard_v as_o a_o duty_n unto_o which_o there_o be_v a_o antedent_a obligation_n so_o plain_a and_o so_o common_o own_v that_o he_o need_v to_o do_v no_o more_o but_o only_o teach_v they_o to_o what_o they_o shall_v have_v respect_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o add_v moreover_o that_o so_o perform_v as_o he_o direct_v it_o will_v be_v accept_v with_o god_n and_o open_o reward_v by_o he_o which_o be_v a_o further_a confirmation_n that_o it_o be_v a_o christian_a duty_n because_o there_o be_v the_o very_a same_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o regular_a practice_n of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v to_o give_v alm_n and_o to_o prayer_n which_o as_o they_o be_v natural_a duty_n which_o man_n learn_v without_o any_o institution_n so_o i_o take_v fast_v to_o be_v also_o all_o mankind_n be_v incline_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n and_o drink_n when_o they_o be_v in_o great_a grief_n and_o sorrow_n and_o when_o they_o have_v any_o serious_a business_n to_o which_o they_o will_v apply_v their_o mind_n such_o as_o meditation_n especial_o and_o solemn_a prayer_n and_o therefore_o all_o nation_n from_o ancient_a time_n have_v use_v fast_v as_o a_o part_n of_o repentance_n and_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o turn_v away_o god_n anger_n as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o ninevite_n who_o proclaim_v a_o fast_a and_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n from_o the_o great_a of_o they_o even_o to_o the_o least_o hope_v god_n will_v turn_v from_o his_o fierce_a anger_n denounce_v against_o they_o if_o they_o turn_v every_o man_n from_o his_o evil_a way_n for_o which_o by_o these_o humiliation_n they_o profess_v themselves_o hearty_o sorry_a iii._o jon._n 5_o 6_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v not_o a_o notion_n peculiar_a to_o they_o but_o to_o all_o the_o world_n i_o can_v without_o much_o labour_n show_v if_o this_o little_a book_n be_v not_o design_v for_o other_o purpose_n those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n may_v suffice_v to_o show_v we_o the_o inclination_n of_o other_o country_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o jew_n xi_o matth._n 22._o where_o he_o say_v if_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n have_v enjoy_v such_o mean_n of_o be_v good_a as_o chorazin_n and_o bethsaida_n have_v they_o will_v have_v repent_v long_o ago_o in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n that_o be_v humble_v themselves_o with_o fast_v after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o ninevite_n for_o on_o such_o solemn_a occasion_n they_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n and_o throw_v ash_n on_o their_o head_n which_o usual_o accompany_v fast_v as_o fast_v do_v prayer_n to_o god_n for_o mercy_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n john_n baptist_n disciple_n we_o read_v in_o the_o gospel_n fast_v oft_o he_o baptise_v they_o as_o s._n paul_n speak_v nineteeen_o act_n 4._o with_o the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n that_o he_o may_v prepare_v they_o to_o receive_v our_o lord_n who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o reprove_v this_o practice_n either_o of_o they_o or_o of_o the_o pharisee_n as_o a_o superfluous_a thing_n that_o he_o say_v his_o disciple_n hereafter_o shall_v do_v the_o same_o for_o the_o present_a indeed_o he_o do_v not_o press_v it_o upon_o they_o but_o the_o only_a reason_n be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o then_o in_o season_n for_o fast_v be_v proper_a for_o mourner_n but_o while_o he_o be_v with_o they_o it_o be_v a_o time_n of_o joy_n altogether_o the_o great_a jubilee_n four_o luke_n 18_o 19_o when_o it_o be_v as_o improper_a to_o fast_o as_o to_o forbear_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o a_o wedding_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o answer_n to_o those_o that_o question_v why_o his_o disciple_n fast_v not_o at_o all_o when_o those_o of_o john_n and_o of_o the_o pharisee_n fast_v often_o ix_o matth._n 14._o and_o he_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o mean_v no_o more_o in_o those_o word_n which_o follow_v ver._n 16_o 17._o no_o man_n put_v a_o piece_n of_o new_a cloth_n unto_o a_o old_a garment_n etc._n etc._n neither_o do_v man_n put_v new_a wine_n into_o old_a bottle_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o only_a that_o congruity_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o thing_n for_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o have_v say_v before_o mourn_v of_o which_o fast_v be_v a_o part_n do_v not_o suit_n with_o the_o bride-chamber_n and_o the_o suitableness_n of_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o be_v always_o to_o be_v attend_v for_o if_o we_o mind_v not_o how_o they_o agree_v and_o sort_n together_o we_o shall_v commit_v
as_o many_o do_v that_o fast_v consist_v only_o in_o eat_v nothing_o till_o the_o evening_n this_o be_v not_o the_o business_n but_o that_o together_o with_o abstinence_n from_o meat_n we_o abstain_v from_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v hurt_v we_o and_o have_v more_o leisure_n for_o spiritual_a employment_n a_o fast_a ought_v to_o be_v humble_a mild_a lowly_a a_o contemner_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o life_n for_o as_o he_o have_v despise_v the_o care_n of_o his_o appetite_n so_o it_o become_v he_o as_o little_a to_o mind_v vain_a glory_n and_o look_v to_o he_o alone_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o the_o reins_o to_o make_v prayer_n and_o confession_n to_o god_n with_o great_a diligence_n and_o to_o do_v himself_o good_a by_o do_v good_a and_o give_a alm_n to_o other_o etc._n etc._n thus_o let_v we_o spend_v every_o week_n nay_o every_o day_n of_o this_o lent_n say_v he_o in_o another_o gen._n hom._n xv_o in_o gen._n sermon_n go_v over_o the_o same_o thing_n again_o in_o little_a different_a language_n and_o then_o there_o be_v reason_n he_o think_v to_o hope_v that_o they_o may_v get_v a_o habit_n of_o these_o virtue_n before_o the_o conclusion_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n s._n athanasius_n in_o his_o book_n of_o virginity_n before_o mention_v it_o be_v not_o simple_o fast_v which_o we_o magnify_v for_o if_o thou_o fast_o and_o do_v not_o keep_v thy_o mouth_n that_o it_o speak_v no_o evil_a if_o thou_o do_v not_o guard_v it_o from_o vent_v passionate_a and_o angry_a word_n from_o tell_v lie_n from_o perjury_n from_o backbiting_a and_o slander_v thy_o neighbour_n if_o any_o of_o these_o go_v out_o of_o thy_o fast_a mouth_n thy_o fast_n will_v profit_v thou_o nothing_o all_o thy_o pain_n in_o this_o be_v but_o lose_a labour_n and_o who_o can_v think_v that_o if_o such_o lesson_n as_o these_o do_v all_o the_o lend_v long_o still_o sound_a in_o man_n ear_n and_o be_v continual_o press_v on_o their_o heart_n they_o will_v be_v without_o any_o effect_n for_o the_o reform_n of_o their_o life_n no_o the_o very_a face_n of_o all_o thing_n then_o look_v so_o solemn_a as_o the_o ingenious_a gentleman_n now_o name_v observe_n will_v natural_o constrain_v they_o in_o some_o measure_n to_o be_v serious_a and_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n will_v occasion_v just_a reflection_n upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o evil_a course_n which_o will_v produce_v in_o some_o or_o other_o new_a resolution_n and_o purpose_n of_o amendment_n and_o if_o a_o thorough_a reformation_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o none_o yet_o this_o restraint_n upon_o man_n evil_a inclination_n for_o such_o a_o considerable_a time_n will_v put_v such_o a_o stop_n to_o the_o progress_n of_o vice_n that_o it_o will_v make_v man_n if_o not_o better_o yet_o less_o wicked_a than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v be_v of_o which_o that_o gentleman_n be_v so_o sensible_a that_o he_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o special_a great_a mercy_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o have_v preserve_v the_o severity_n of_o lent_n in_o those_o country_n where_o looseness_n of_o life_n it_o so_o great_a that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o the_o flood_n of_o ungodliness_n grow_v so_o strong_a and_o outrageous_a and_o have_v not_o where_o either_o bound_n or_o bank_n to_o restrain_v they_o may_v plunge_v whole_a nation_n into_o such_o a_o gulf_n of_o wickedness_n as_o shall_v leave_v no_o hope_n of_o their_o recovery_n chap._n xix_o a_o further_a satisfaction_n to_o some_o objection_n but_o there_o be_v some_o who_o imagine_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o set_v public_a fast_o of_o such_o long_a continuance_n as_o the_o fast_a of_o lent_n be_v for_o these_o good_a purpose_n because_o every_o man_n may_v humble_v himself_o before_o god_n for_o his_o offence_n and_o repent_v himself_o of_o they_o in_o private_a at_o such_o time_n as_o he_o think_v best_o or_o can_v best_o spare_v to_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o such_o holy_a uses_n unto_o which_o exception_n i_o think_v sufficient_a satisfaction_n have_v be_v give_v in_o what_o be_v last_o say_v if_o man_n will_v considerate_o weigh_v it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v very_o useful_a to_o have_v a_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o particular_a answer_n to_o it_o and_o to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v return_v the_o same_o answer_n that_o our_o excellent_a hooker_n have_v already_o make_v that_o no_o doubt_n penitency_n be_v in_o this_o like_a prayer_n that_o it_o will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n whether_o perform_v in_o public_a or_o in_o secret_a howbeit_o as_o in_o prayer_n if_o man_n be_v leave_v whole_o to_o their_o own_o choice_n of_o such_o time_n as_o they_o think_v fit_a for_o their_o voluntary_a meditation_n in_o their_o closet_n and_o not_o draw_v by_o law_n and_o public_a order_n unto_o the_o open_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n at_o certain_a time_n and_o hour_n it_o may_v be_v easy_o conjecture_v what_o christian_a devotion_n will_v that_o way_n come_v unto_o in_o a_o short_a time_n even_o so_o in_o this_o of_o penitency_n we_o be_v teach_v by_o sufficient_a experience_n without_o any_o further_a trial_n how_o little_a it_o avail_v to_o tell_v man_n of_o wash_v away_o their_o sin_n by_o tear_n of_o repentance_n and_o so_o to_o leave_v they_o altogether_o to_o themselves_o for_o alas_o they_o little_o think_v of_o this_o but_o pass_v over_o their_o numerous_a sin_n without_o take_v any_o considerable_a time_n to_o bewail_v they_o and_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n have_v reason_n to_o set_v a_o time_n apart_o for_o this_o discipline_n wherein_o the_o public_a example_n of_o all_o may_v be_v unto_o every_o particular_a person_n a_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n and_o even_o draw_v they_o to_o that_o which_o they_o all_o quite_o and_o clean_o forget_v as_o if_o penitency_n be_v no_o part_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n duty_n as_o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o exception_n which_o be_v the_o long_a continuance_n of_o this_o set_a time_n i_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o before_o that_o man_n may_v shake_v off_o the_o habit_n of_o intemperance_n and_o impurity_n of_o evil-speaking_a lie_v and_o such_o like_a sin_n unto_o which_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v they_o can_v present_o get_v rid_v of_o they_o but_o by_o make_v it_o their_o business_n for_o so_o many_o week_n to_o refrain_v they_o may_v possible_o quite_o forsake_v they_o and_o never_o return_v unto_o they_o and_o if_o they_o that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o fast_o total_o from_o meat_n and_o drink_n will_v use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o abstain_v from_o those_o sin_n to_o which_o they_o find_v themselves_o most_o incline_v and_o to_o deny_v all_o manner_n of_o bad_a desire_n they_o may_v without_o fast_v attain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o fast_v be_v ordain_v which_o i_o repeat_v again_o for_o the_o further_a satisfaction_n of_o those_o who_o be_v trouble_v because_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o fast_a all_o day_n at_o such_o time_n as_o the_o church_n appoint_v for_o who_o sake_n i_o shall_v enlarge_v a_o little_a more_o upon_o this_o subject_a and_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o that_o there_o be_v many_o people_n that_o can_v bear_v the_o discipline_n of_o fast_v particular_o they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o weak_a constitution_n and_o can_v eat_v but_o little_a at_o a_o time_n who_o therefore_o require_v frequent_a reparation_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o nature_n so_o now_o i_o shall_v add_v to_o that_o number_n such_o as_o out_o of_o choice_n eat_v always_o spare_o no_o more_o as_o near_o as_o they_o can_v guess_v than_o will_v just_o suffice_v to_o support_v their_o strength_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o their_o several_a employment_n these_o man_n lead_v always_o such_o a_o abstemious_a life_n that_o it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o perpetual_a abstinence_n s._n chrysostom_n also_o excuse_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o fast_v who_o discourse_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o set_v down_o for_o the_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o such_o kind_n of_o scruple_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o which_o the_o reader_n must_v know_v that_o his_o church_n have_v be_v throng_v with_o company_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o lent_n till_o about_o the_o nine_o or_o ten_o day_n when_o he_o observe_v there_o be_v but_o a_o very_a thin_a congregation_n he_o begin_v his_o sermon_n in_o this_o manner_n what_o be_v the_o matter_n that_o your_o genesin_n hom._n x._o in_o genesin_n assembly_n be_v so_o small_a to_o day_n and_o we_o have_v not_o such_o a_o concourse_n as_o have_v usual_o be_v here_o perhaps_o some_o be_v ashamed_a after_o they_o have_v be_v at_o a_o carnal_a table_n to_o come_v to_o this_o spiritual_a and_o therefore_o we_o have_v not_o their_o company_n but_o let_v such_o hearken_v
nothing_o but_o bread_n and_o water_n and_o salt_n which_o be_v call_v dry_a diet_n and_o be_v proper_a to_o those_o six_o day_n as_o we_o read_v in_o epiphanius_n all_o epiphanius_n haeres_fw-la lxxv_o n._n 6._o in_o two_o of_o which_o day_n just_a before_o easter_n some_o eat_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o lent_n some_o will_v eat_v only_a fish_n other_o allow_v themselves_o also_o bird_n because_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n they_o think_v with_o fish_n be_v make_v out_o of_o the_o water_n as_o moses_n testify_v but_o other_o forbear_v all_o fish_n likewise_o as_o well_o as_o flesh_n which_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o greek_n yet_o the_o famous_a monk_n of_o mount_n athos_n will_v eat_v oyster_n because_o they_o have_v no_o blood_n in_o they_o some_o content_a themselves_o with_o egg_n and_o fruit_n other_o forbear_v both_o and_o live_v upon_o bread_n and_o herb_n and_o root_n and_o s._n hierom_n say_v there_o be_v some_o who_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o eat_v a_o bit_n of_o bread_n which_o socrates_n also_o testify_v but_o in_o this_o variety_n they_o all_o agree_v in_o one_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o eat_v nothing_o at_o all_o until_o the_o evening_n and_o then_o such_o food_n only_o as_o be_v least_o delicate_a not_o confine_v themselves_o to_o any_o particular_a thing_n but_o as_o their_o body_n will_v bear_v no_o man_n pretend_v to_o fast_a if_o he_o eat_v a_o dinner_n though_o it_o be_v of_o fish_n only_o or_o any_o other_o less_o nourish_a thing_n and_o though_o on_o other_o fast_n they_o break_v they_o at_o three_o a_o clock_n in_o the_o afternoon_n they_o do_v not_o take_v that_o liberty_n in_o the_o lend_a fast_n but_o continue_v they_o as_o i_o say_v till_o night_n at_o which_o time_n also_o they_o do_v not_o indulge_v themselves_o the_o best_a fare_n of_o any_o sort_n whatsoever_o but_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o mean_a which_o they_o use_v also_o with_o much_o moderation_n socrates_n indeed_o say_v that_o some_o fast_v only_o till_o the_o nine_o hour_n which_o be_v our_o three_o of_o the_o clock_n but_o they_o be_v very_o few_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v all_o other_o ancient_a writer_n in_o short_a they_o fast_v all_o day_n and_o use_v abstinence_n at_o night_n out_o of_o all_o the_o record_n of_o the_o church_n which_o speak_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v select_v only_o a_o passage_n out_o of_o s._n austin_n which_o most_o lively_o describe_v the_o true_a sort_n of_o abstinence_n and_o reprove_v the_o false_a it_o be_v in_o his_o book_n about_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n compare_v with_o 13._o l._n 2._o cap._n 13._o those_o of_o the_o manichee_n where_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a abstinence_n to_o which_o the_o manichee_n pretend_v he_o put_v this_o query_n to_o they_o if_o there_o be_v a_o man_n to_o be_v find_v as_o there_o may_v who_o be_v so_o moderate_a that_o he_o do_v not_o eat_v twice_o in_o one_o day_n and_o at_o supper_n with_o a_o little_a bacon_n have_v only_o a_o dish_n of_o herb_n oint_v and_o season_v with_o the_o same_o lard_n serve_v up_o to_o he_o sufficient_a to_o suppress_v his_o hunger_n quench_v his_o thirst_n also_o for_o his_o health_n sake_n with_o two_o or_o three_o draught_n of_o diluted_a wine_n and_o this_o be_v his_o daily_a diet_n on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v one_o who_o taste_v no_o flesh_n nor_o drink_v a_o drop_n of_o wine_n but_o have_v exquisite_a and_o far-fetched_a foreign_a fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n with_o mushroom_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n set_v before_o he_o in_o variety_n of_o dish_n and_o sprinkle_v with_o good_a store_n of_o spice_n at_o three_o of_o the_o clock_n in_o the_o afternoon_n and_o eat_v also_o a_o good_a supper_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o night_n drink_v therewith_o mede_n and_o cider_n and_o other_o good_a liquor_n like_o enough_o to_o wine_n and_o excel_v it_o in_o sweetness_n and_o that_o not_o mere_o to_o quench_v thirst_n but_o as_o much_o as_o he_o listen_v for_o his_o pleasure_n which_o of_o these_o two_o as_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v do_v you_o judge_v to_o be_v most_o abstemious_a i_o do_v not_o think_v you_o so_o very_o blind_a but_o you_o see_v that_o the_o latter_a be_v a_o glutton_n in_o comparison_n with_o the_o former_a and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o mad_a than_o to_o say_v that_o he_o who_o fill_v his_o belly_n even_o to_o belch_a with_o all_o manner_n of_o pleasant_a thing_n save_o only_a flesh-meat_n and_o wine_n have_v keep_v the_o rule_n of_o sanctity_n but_o that_o the_o other_o who_o eat_v only_o so_o much_o of_o the_o vile_a food_n season_v with_o a_o little_a smoky_a lard_n as_o will_v suffice_v for_o the_o refection_n of_o his_o body_n with_o three_o cup_n of_o wine_n mere_o for_o the_o support_n of_o health_n be_v prepare_v for_o certain_a punishment_n thus_o that_o great_a man_n who_o word_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o contract_v a_o little_a represent_v as_o i_o take_v it_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n in_o their_o fast_n by_o which_o we_o may_v make_v a_o just_a judgement_n of_o our_o own_o in_o these_o day_n and_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o with_o a_o dangerous_a opinion_n that_o we_o have_v perform_v this_o duty_n when_o we_o have_v only_o change_v our_o diet_n not_o forbear_v our_o dinner_n or_o if_o we_o have_v cramb_v ourselves_o with_o delightful_a supper_n this_o be_v not_o only_o against_o all_o ancient_a practice_n and_o the_o repeat_v admonition_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n but_o be_v still_o condemn_v by_o good_a man_n in_o all_o church_n particular_o by_o lindanus_n a_o xi_o panopliae_fw-la l._n 3._o c._n xi_o excellent_a writer_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o the_o last_o age_n who_o word_n i_o shall_v not_o translate_v at_o large_a but_o only_o observe_v in_o short_a that_o he_o sad_o bewail_v the_o state_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o which_o the_o shadow_n only_o of_o fast_v be_v leave_v as_o for_o those_o that_o can_v possible_o fast_o so_o long_o it_o never_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o church_n to_o oblige_v they_o but_o they_o be_v ancient_o exhort_v as_o appear_v by_o s._n chrysostom_n who_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_a i_o shall_v produce_v anon_o to_o take_v some_o refreshment_n but_o then_o it_o be_v only_o to_o support_v their_o spirit_n from_o faint_v and_o they_o all_o humble_v themselves_o before_o god_n with_o supplication_n and_o prayer_n especial_o upon_o the_o most_o solemn_a day_n of_o prayer_n and_o bewail_v those_o sinner_n which_o now_o do_v open_a penance_n and_o beseech_v god_n to_o give_v they_o true_a repentance_n and_o endeavour_v to_o perfect_v their_o own_o and_o give_v alm_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o spend_v more_o time_n than_o ordinary_a in_o read_v and_o hear_v god_n holy_a word_n in_o which_o and_o such_o like_a holy_a exercise_n both_o one_o and_o other_o pass_v this_o time_n of_o lent_n satisfy_v themselves_o with_o these_o spiritual_a pleasure_n while_o they_o deny_v their_o appetite_n in_o bodily_a delight_n that_o be_v they_o that_o can_v not_o fast_o take_v care_n notwithstanding_o to_o perform_v all_o those_o christian_a duty_n which_o it_o be_v the_o very_a design_n and_o end_n of_o fast_v to_o help_v and_o promote_v chap._n xviii_o the_o great_a vsefulness_n thereof_o and_o now_o who_o see_v not_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o observance_n and_o the_o great_a benefit_n we_o may_v receive_v thereby_o if_o instead_o of_o contend_v about_o it_o for_o which_o thus_o understand_v i_o can_v see_v no_o ground_n we_o will_v all_o set_v ourselves_o to_o make_v the_o best_a use_n we_o can_v of_o what_o the_o church_n have_v pious_o ordain_v and_o for_o many_o age_n profitable_o practise_v i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o it_o appear_v to_o other_o but_o it_o seem_v very_o strange_a to_o i_o that_o what_o the_o church_n have_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n in_o s._n augustine_n time_n shall_v find_v any_o dissenter_n from_o it_o in_o these_o day_n and_o yet_o i_o fear_v there_o be_v some_o i_o wish_v they_o be_v not_o many_o who_o scarce_o observe_v good-friday_n that_o be_v the_o day_n of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n with_o any_o of_o that_o strictness_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v but_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o do_v all_o other_o thing_n as_o upon_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o day_n of_o the_o year_n a_o thing_n never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n till_o these_o late_a day_n which_o among_o other_o scandal_n afford_v matter_n for_o the_o lamentation_n of_o the_o best_a man_n and_o woman_n among_o we_o during_o the_o lenten_a season_n especial_o upon_o that_o great_a and_o solemn_a day_n when_o by_o common_a consent_n christian_n ancient_o make_v a_o conscience_n of_o fast_v strict_o and_o they_o who_o
now_o make_v no_o reckon_n of_o it_o will_v do_v well_o nay_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o consider_v if_o they_o meet_v with_o this_o little_a book_n what_o i_o have_v therein_o represent_v and_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v be_v convince_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o if_o they_o be_v able_a than_o fast_o and_o pray_v and_o humble_v themselves_o before_o god_n on_o that_o day_n for_o if_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o fast_n be_v a_o christian_a duty_n and_o that_o there_o be_v frequent_a occasion_n for_o it_o both_o upon_o their_o own_o account_n and_o other_o and_o so_o become_v sensible_a that_o the_o weekly_a fast_n be_v wise_o ordain_v they_o will_v easy_o see_v that_o there_o be_v great_a use_n also_o of_o this_o yearly_a fast_a of_o lent_n that_o the_o defect_n of_o their_o weekly_a humiliation_n and_o devotion_n may_v hereby_o be_v supply_v if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o this_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v pious_a and_o humble_a mind_n who_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o slightness_n of_o their_o weekly_a humiliation_n and_o repentance_n can_v but_o be_v dispose_v to_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n which_o call_v they_o to_o fast_o before_o festival_n especial_o to_o a_o most_o solemn_a fast_o before_o the_o most_o solemn_a yearly_a festival_n that_o by_o take_v a_o strict_a account_n of_o themselves_o and_o perfect_v their_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n they_o may_v have_v a_o right_n as_o mr._n thorndike_n speak_v to_o the_o blessing_n which_o we_o then_o celebrate_v for_o which_o very_a reason_n peter_n martyr_n 171._o martyr_n in_o cap._n xx_o l._n judicum_fw-la p._n 171._o think_v the_o annual_a fast_n be_v ordain_v among_o the_o jew_n by_o god_n himself_o because_o many_o sin_n have_v be_v commit_v by_o the_o people_n in_o the_o whole_a year_n forego_v and_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n have_v not_o be_v diligent_o observe_v and_o that_o suggest_v another_o reason_n why_o this_o fast_a of_o lent_n shall_v be_v diligent_o observe_v for_o beside_o what_o relate_v to_o our_o private_a concern_v there_o may_v have_v be_v some_o public_a offence_n commit_v by_o the_o community_n i_o mean_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n which_o may_v just_o require_v the_o public_a humiliation_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n we_o see_v for_o instance_n several_a wholesome_a law_n and_o constitution_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n general_o disregard_v or_o at_o least_o not_o observe_v there_o be_v certain_a vice_n also_o in_o some_o age_n universal_o prevail_v without_o any_o check_n whereby_o the_o people_n become_v less_o sensible_a of_o their_o guilt_n there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o the_o holy_a communion_n be_v not_o administer_v for_o several_a year_n together_o in_o a_o great_a many_o parish_n of_o england_n it_o be_v still_o perhaps_o not_o so_o frequent_o administer_v much_o less_o attend_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o public_a prayer_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a be_v not_o so_o frequent_v as_o the_o service_n of_o god_n require_v and_o if_o nothing_o of_o this_o or_o any_o thing_n like_o it_o be_v know_v to_o be_v public_o do_v or_o omit_v contrary_a to_o our_o christian_a duty_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v very_o safe_a for_o we_o to_o suspect_v there_o may_v be_v much_o lurk_a wickedness_n which_o be_v not_o espy_v or_o at_o least_o that_o several_a sin_n of_o ignorance_n have_v be_v commit_v and_o that_o by_o mistake_n and_o through_o weakness_n many_o error_n may_v have_v be_v in_o the_o public_a management_n of_o affair_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v apt_a sometime_o to_o do_v amiss_o even_o when_o their_o intention_n and_o design_n be_v right_a and_o good_a upon_o which_o score_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o the_o fast_a of_o lent_n be_v most_o necessary_a that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o public_a humiliation_n for_o public_a error_n if_o not_o for_o public_a sin_n beside_o every_o one_o know_v that_o this_o ancient_o be_v the_o season_n for_o put_v such_o person_n to_o open_a penance_n as_o stand_v convict_v of_o notorious_a sin_n and_o for_o send_v up_o prayer_n to_o god_n like_o public_a ambassador_n as_o tertullian_n ix_o tertullian_n l._n de_fw-fr poenit._n c._n ix_o and_o other_o speak_v to_o sue_v in_o their_o behalf_n for_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o to_o beseech_v god_n to_o grant_v they_o true_a repentance_n and_o perfect_a remission_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o if_o this_o godly_a discipline_n be_v not_o now_o practise_v there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n for_o all_o good_a christian_n to_o bewail_v it_o and_o look_v upon_o this_o as_o one_o public_a neglect_n join_v together_o in_o public_a repentance_n for_o which_o there_o must_v be_v some_o time_n appoint_v and_o what_o time_n so_o proper_a as_o this_o which_o be_v the_o time_n ancient_o appoint_v for_o this_o now_o neglect_v discipline_n and_o the_o time_n wherein_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n as_o one_o man_n humble_v themselves_o before_o god_n both_o high_a and_o low_a rich_a and_o poor_a to_o beg_v of_o god_n a_o general_a pardon_n of_o all_o offence_n with_o fast_v and_o alm_n and_o with_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n of_o life_n insomuch_o that_o they_o who_o always_o live_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o circumspect_a care_n to_o please_v god_n in_o every_o thing_n may_v find_v also_o something_o to_o do_v at_o this_o season_n as_o well_o as_o other_o man_n if_o it_o be_v but_o in_o bewail_v high_a offender_n and_o put_v up_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o they_o which_o avail_n much_o from_o a_o righteous_a man_n but_o if_o they_o be_v so_o exact_a and_o circumspect_a as_o they_o ought_v they_o may_v find_v likewise_o that_o they_o have_v not_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o particular_a place_n and_o relation_n with_o such_o diligence_n but_o there_o be_v many_o defect_n many_o oversight_n and_o slip_n for_o which_o they_o have_v need_v to_o ask_v a_o pardon_n but_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o this_o that_o can_v be_v suppose_v yet_o there_o be_v a_o benefit_n which_o the_o most_o perfect_a christian_n may_v reap_v from_o the_o observance_n of_o this_o lend_a season_n and_o that_o of_o a_o inestimable_a value_n in_o their_o account_n which_o be_v that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o time_n of_o retirement_n from_o the_o hurry_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v very_o desirable_a to_o all_o wise_a and_o good_a mind_n that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v god_n and_o themselves_o without_o disturbance_n but_o hard_a to_o meet_v withal_o especial_o in_o populous_a city_n unless_o by_o common_a consent_n man_n forbear_v their_o visit_n and_o keep_v at_o home_n which_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o a_o time_n of_o fast_v and_o decline_v their_o wont_a meeting_n during_o this_o season_n unless_o upon_o their_o necessary_a business_n that_o they_o may_v have_v leisure_n to_o be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o themselves_o and_o with_o the_o affair_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o another_o world_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o s._n athanasius_n etc._n athanasius_n lib._n the_o virgin_n p._n 1047_o etc._n etc._n call_v fast_v the_o life_n of_o angel_n not_o only_o because_o during_o the_o time_n we_o can_v live_v without_o meat_n and_o drink_n we_o imitate_v their_o happy_a life_n and_o be_v as_o he_o speak_v of_o their_o order_n and_o place_v in_o their_o rank_n but_o because_o it_o clarify_v the_o mind_n and_o give_v it_o both_o ability_n and_o leisure_n to_o withdraw_v itself_o from_o the_o company_n of_o thing_n here_o below_o and_o raise_v its_o thought_n to_o the_o celestial_a company_n above_o to_o which_o purpose_n s._n chrysostom_n as_o his_o manner_n be_v discourse_v more_o copious_o in_o a_o sermon_n he_o make_v at_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o lend_v fast_o gen._n fast_o hom._n 1._o in_o gen._n which_o season_n he_o desire_v his_o auditor_n to_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o entertain_v with_o the_o same_o joy_n that_o a_o chaste_a and_o modest_a virgin_n be_v bring_v withal_o to_o her_o bridal_a chamber_n let_v none_o of_o you_o say_v he_o be_v sad_a let_v no_o dejection_n appear_v in_o any_o countenance_n when_o he_o be_v invite_v to_o this_o fast_a but_o let_v all_o be_v exceed_v glad_a and_o glorify_v god_n the_o great_a curator_n of_o soul_n who_o have_v provide_v for_o they_o this_o remedy_n who_o advent_n ought_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o much_o pleasure_n because_o the_o ensue_a day_n of_o fast_v be_v the_o true_a holiday_n and_o time_n of_o rest_n wherein_o be_v the_o safety_n of_o soul_n wherein_o be_v peace_n wherein_o be_v concord_n and_o happy_a agreement_n wherein_o all_o busy_a provision_n for_o this_o life_n be_v lay_v aside_o there_o be_v no_o noise_n no_o tumult_n no_o run_v about_o of_o cook_n no_o slay_v of_o ox_n and_o kill_v of_o sheep_n but_o these_o be_v