way_n but_o content_v ourselves_o with_o prayer_n and_o some_o kind_n of_o repentance_n without_o such_o humiliation_n and_o chasten_v of_o ourselves_o as_o our_o sin_n and_o our_o condition_n require_v chap._n xiii_o of_o fasting-day_n particular_o wednesday_n and_o friday_n the_o church_n of_o god_n therefore_o have_v always_o set_v some_o time_n a_o part_n for_o fast_v as_o well_o as_o prayer_n and_o think_v it_o a_o duty_n of_o such_o continual_a use_n that_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a it_o shall_v be_v long_o intermit_v for_o mankind_n be_v subject_a frequent_o to_o run_v into_o sin_n it_o be_v but_o reason_n they_o shall_v be_v frequent_o put_v in_o mind_n of_o call_v themselves_o to_o a_o account_n and_o return_v to_o he_o with_o sorrowful_a humiliation_n for_o their_o fault_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o most_o ancient_a and_o no_o less_o wholesome_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n that_o we_o shall_v from_o week_n to_o week_n assemble_v ourselves_o for_o this_o end_n to_o search_v and_o try_v our_o way_n and_o with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n to_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n from_o we_o which_o otherways_o either_o in_o general_a or_o particular_a may_v fall_v upon_o we_o to_o except_v against_o this_o because_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a commandment_n upon_o record_n for_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a for_o in_o the_o ancient_a religion_n of_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v no_o precept_n give_v by_o their_o lawgiver_n for_o more_o fast_n than_o one_o throughout_o the_o whole_a year_n which_o be_v that_o i_o name_v before_o on_o the_o great_a day_n of_o expiation_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o hold_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o observe_v many_o other_o fast_n upon_o set_a day_n in_o several_a month_n some_o of_o which_o be_v remember_v in_o scripture_n and_o approve_v by_o god_n though_o not_o prescribe_v by_o his_o particular_a commandment_n read_v seven_o zach._n 3_o 5._o viij_o 19_o where_o you_o will_v find_v that_o four_o fast_n in_o several_a month_n have_v be_v upon_o good_a reason_n ordain_v they_o dare_v not_o alter_v they_o though_o the_o reason_n seem_v to_o be_v alter_v without_o a_o divine_a direction_n which_o their_o elder_n by_o who_o authority_n they_o be_v first_o appoint_v desire_v to_o receive_v from_o the_o prophet_n but_o it_o be_v most_o to_o my_o purpose_n to_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v also_o weekly_o as_o well_o as_o those_o monthly_a fast_n among_o that_o people_n which_o our_o saviour_n find_v in_o use_n when_o he_o come_v and_o do_v not_o reprove_v no_o more_o than_o prayer_n and_o pay_v of_o tithe_n which_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi mention_n together_o therewith_o in_o xviii_o luke_n 11_o 12._o the_o pharisee_n stand_v and_o pray_v thus_o with_o himself_o god_n i_o thank_v thou_o that_o i_o be_o not_o as_o other_o man_n etc._n etc._n i_o fast_o twice_o in_o the_o week_n i_o give_v tithe_n of_o all_o that_o i_o possess_v which_o be_v all_o 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and_o thursday_n which_o day_n no_o doubt_n be_v choose_v because_o they_o have_v be_v of_o old_a day_n of_o prayer_n which_o the_o devout_a sort_n observe_v with_o fast_v also_o for_o such_o reason_n as_o i_o have_v already_o name_v if_o we_o may_v give_v credit_n to_o maimonides_n these_o day_n be_v appoint_v by_o moses_n himself_o for_o solemn_a assembly_n which_o he_o know_v can_v not_o with_o safety_n be_v long_o discontinue_v and_o therefore_o say_v he_o our_o master_n moses_n appoint_v israel_n to_o read_v the_o law_n at_o morning_n prayer_n upon_o the_o sabbath_n day_n and_o upon_o the_o second_o and_o the_o five_o that_o they_o may_v not_o rest_v three_o day_n from_o hear_v the_o law_n upon_o which_o day_n even_o they_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o village_n as_o mr._n thorndike_n viij_o thorndike_n relig._n assembly_n chap._n viij_o further_a observe_v out_o of_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o assemble_v in_o the_o synagogue_n though_o on_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o day_n in_o the_o week_n they_o do_v not_o tie_v they_o to_o it_o no_o more_o than_o they_o do_v to_o fast_v on_o those_o day_n with_o which_o the_o strict_a and_o devout_a sort_n of_o people_n observe_v they_o as_o not_o only_o the_o gospel_n but_o their_o own_o writer_n inform_v we_o now_o these_o two_o day_n have_v be_v thus_o set_v apart_o from_o ancient_a time_n for_o prayer_n and_o fast_v those_o pious_a jew_n who_o become_v christian_n can_v not_o think_v of_o be_v less_o religious_a and_o devout_a under_o the_o gospel_n than_o they_o have_v be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o still_o continue_v to_o observe_v two_o such_o day_n every_o week_n though_o not_o the_o very_a same_o for_o as_o instead_o of_o the_o seven_o which_o be_v the_o jewish_a sabbath_n they_o now_o keep_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n as_o the_o principal_a time_n for_o their_o assembly_n so_o instead_o of_o the_o second_o and_o the_o five_o they_o choose_v the_o four_o and_o the_o six_o which_o be_v our_o wednesday_n and_o friday_n for_o the_o two_o other_o day_n on_o which_o they_o weekly_o hold_v solemn_a assembly_n and_o for_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n it_o be_v likely_a for_o which_o moses_n or_o the_o elder_n choose_v the_o other_o because_o they_o be_v at_o the_o same_o convenient_a distance_n from_o the_o lord_n day_n as_o monday_n and_o thursday_n be_v from_o the_o jewish_a sabbath_n and_o hereby_o it_o be_v provide_v that_o as_o maimon_n speak_v no_o three_o day_n pass_v without_o the_o more_o solemn_a sort_n of_o assembly_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n in_o epiphanius_n his_o time_n which_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o these_o two_o day_n as_o the_o state_v day_n for_o fast_v and_o prayer_n which_o he_o avow_v so_o confident_o against_o the_o aerian_o that_o he_o fear_v not_o to_o ask_v this_o question_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n 6._o etc._n haeres_fw-la lxxv_o n_z 6._o who_o be_v there_o that_o consent_v not_o in_o this_o throughout_o all_o the_o climate_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o four_o day_n and_o the_o day_n before_o the_o sabbath_n i._n e._n the_o six_o day_n be_v fast_n determine_v or_o appoint_v in_o the_o church_n no_o body_n he_o know_v dare_v contradict_v this_o challenge_n and_o undertake_v to_o show_v the_o contrary_a which_o be_v the_o more_o remarkable_a because_o he_o represent_v they_o as_o set_v day_n by_o a_o settle_a decree_n or_o ordinance_n and_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n for_o so_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v ordain_v by_o a_o apostolical_a constitution_n all_o shall_v fast_o on_o those_o two_o day_n which_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o i_o so_o unlikely_a as_o it_o do_v to_o some_o when_o i_o reflect_v upon_o those_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o answer_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v why_o the_o disciple_n of_o john_n and_o of_o the_o pharisee_n fast_v oft_o but_o he_o do_v not_o wherein_o as_o he_o no_o way_n condemn_v what_o either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o do_v for_o that_o which_o be_v a_o virtue_n in_o john_n disciple_n can_v not_o be_v a_o crime_n in_o the_o pharisee_n so_o he_o do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o excuse_v his_o disciple_n from_o the_o like_a obligation_n but_o plain_o say_v that_o though_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o present_a yet_o when_o he_o be_v go_v from_o they_o they_o also_o shall_v fast_o in_o those_o day_n and_o i_o see_v no_o cause_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o think_v that_o he_o mean_v they_o shall_v fast_o as_o oft_o about_o which_o the_o question_n be_v as_o the_o other_o do_v which_o be_v twice_o every_o week_n of_o which_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o understand_v the_o often_o fast_v both_o of_o john_n disciple_n and_o of_o the_o pharisee_n i_o can_v but_o conclude_v the_o apostle_n also_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v leave_v the_o world_n
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
the_o intemperance_n of_o our_o former_a life_n which_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o also_o begin_v to_o amend_v it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o self-denial_n and_o of_o no_o small_a consideration_n for_o therein_o we_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o those_o satisfaction_n which_o we_o natural_o much_o desire_n and_o which_o we_o may_v also_o most_o lawful_o enjoy_v whereby_o likewise_o it_o be_v manifest_a we_o inure_v ourselves_o to_o endure_v hardship_n as_o good_a soldier_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v in_o a_o preparation_n to_o suffer_v for_o his_o name_n sake_n which_o be_v another_o notion_n the_o ancient_n have_v of_o it_o it_o help_v also_o to_o keep_v under_o or_o beat_v down_o our_o body_n and_o to_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n as_o s._n paul_n speak_v 1_o corinth_n ix_o 27._o where_o in_o these_o term_n he_o relate_v the_o discipline_n he_o exercise_v upon_o himself_o which_o peter_n martyr_n allow_v to_o be_v mean_v of_o his_o fast_n whereby_o the_o flesh_n be_v subdue_v to_o the_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o collect_n for_o the_o first_o sunday_n in_o lent_n which_o excellent_o explain_v the_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n we_o be_v dispose_v ever_o to_o obey_v his_o godly_a motion_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n to_o which_o a_o pamper_a body_n will_v not_o let_v we_o listen_v for_o it_o kick_v against_o they_o and_o resist_v they_o and_o therefore_o its_o food_n be_v to_o be_v sometime_o with-drawn_a as_o provender_n be_v from_o a_o wanton_a beast_n that_o be_v tame_v it_o may_v become_v more_o pliable_a to_o our_o mind_n and_o they_o may_v with_o less_o opposition_n be_v bring_v to_o submit_v body_n and_o soul_n unto_o the_o holy_a instruction_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o by_o the_o way_n s._n paul_n think_v so_o necessary_a a_o piece_n of_o christian_a discipline_n that_o he_o be_v afraid_a of_o be_v lose_v and_o reject_v by_o god_n if_o it_o be_v neglect_v for_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o treat_v his_o body_n severe_o lest_o when_o i_o have_v preach_v to_o other_o i_o myself_o shall_v be_v a_o castaway_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v strange_o confident_a people_n who_o fancy_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o such_o mortification_n no_o danger_n from_o a_o body_n full_o feed_v for_o which_o it_o be_v their_o only_a care_n to_o provide_v the_o best_a they_o can_v but_o never_o to_o beat_v down_o they_o in_o effect_n make_v themselves_o more_o spiritual_a than_o s._n paul_n for_o who_o if_o they_o have_v a_o due_a reverence_n they_o will_v not_o be_v high-minded_a but_o fear_n and_o after_o his_o example_n use_v such_o abstinence_n that_o their_o body_n grow_v not_o unruly_a and_o thereby_o endanger_v their_o salvation_n unto_o which_o fast_v if_o right_o use_v contribute_v so_o much_o that_o it_o serve_v to_o end_n quite_o contrary_a to_o those_o of_o humiliation_n abasement_n and_o affliction_n for_o by_o bring_v the_o body_n into_o subjection_n it_o help_v to_o raise_v our_o mind_n to_o heavenly_a thought_n for_o which_o all_o man_n find_v themselves_o most_o fit_a not_o when_o they_o be_v full_a but_o when_o they_o be_v fast_v and_o that_o it_o be_v ancient_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o help_n to_o prayer_n this_o be_v a_o convince_a argument_n that_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_v upon_o their_o sabbath_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v nothing_o till_o the_o divine_a service_n be_v over_o in_o the_o morning_n by_o which_o s._n peter_n satisfy_v they_o that_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o be_v think_v drink_v on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n as_o some_o mocker_n say_v they_o be_v when_o they_o hear_v they_o speak_v various_a language_n since_o it_o be_v but_o the_o three_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n that_o be_v nine_o a_o clock_n in_o the_o morning_n two_o act_n 15._o as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v divine_a service_n be_v not_o yet_o begin_v and_o therefore_o they_o must_v suppose_v they_o fast_v unless_o contrary_a to_o their_o know_a behaviour_n they_o will_v judge_v they_o to_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o religion_n upon_o which_o score_n christian_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o fast_o especial_o before_o the_o holy_a communion_n partly_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o god_n who_o they_o think_v aught_o to_o be_v serve_v before_o themselves_o and_o partly_o to_o fit_v they_o for_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n wherein_o they_o be_v more_o easy_o lift_v up_o above_o when_o their_o body_n be_v empty_a and_o their_o mind_n full_a for_o they_o think_v that_o prayer_n be_v feed_v as_o tertullian_n phrase_n be_v and_o nourish_v by_o fast_v which_o offer_v unto_o god_n as_o he_o also_o love_v to_o speak_v the_o fat_a sacrifice_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o help_n to_o prayer_n so_o a_o mean_n also_o to_o make_v it_o effectual_a when_o fast_v be_v a_o act_n of_o true_a humiliation_n and_o repentance_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o we_o seldom_o read_v of_o fast_v but_o as_o a_o concomitant_a of_o prayer_n among_o other_o place_n read_v viij_o ezra_n 21_o 23._o iii._o jonah_n 5._o 8._o and_o v._o luke_n 33._o which_o seem_v to_o be_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n when_o he_o tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o some_o devil_n can_v not_o be_v cast_v out_o but_o by_o prayer_n and_o fast_v xvii_o matth._n 20_o 21._o that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o work_n which_o require_v great_a intention_n of_o mind_n in_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o a_o strong_a faith_n in_o he_o in_o which_o they_o be_v defective_a unto_o which_o fast_v help_n to_o raise_v the_o mind_n by_o withdraw_v it_o from_o care_n of_o the_o body_n unto_o which_o while_n we_o deny_v all_o manner_n of_o support_n we_o be_v make_v more_o sensible_a of_o our_o entire_a dependence_n on_o god_n alone_o to_o who_o it_o be_v most_o unseemly_a to_o sue_v for_o mercy_n if_o we_o ourselves_o show_v no_o mercy_n unto_o other_o unto_o which_o fast_v both_o dispose_n and_o inable_v we_o for_o it_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o the_o misery_n of_o poor_a hungry_a wretch_n and_o furnish_v we_o with_o as_o much_o to_o give_v they_o as_o we_o spare_v from_o ourselves_o which_o be_v one_o use_n that_o good_a people_n heretofore_o make_v of_o fast_v as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o those_o place_n where_o alm_n be_v join_v together_o with_o it_o and_o with_o prayer_n the_o story_n of_o cornelius_n be_v well_o know_v x._o act_n 30_o 31._o where_o he_o relate_v how_o a_o angel_n appear_v to_o he_o on_o a_o fastingday_n testify_v how_o acceptable_a the_o prayer_n and_o the_o alm_n be_v which_o he_o then_o offer_v unto_o god_n with_o which_o agree_v the_o history_n of_o tobias_n who_o when_o he_o send_v away_o his_o son_n into_o media_n with_o many_o good_a instruction_n enlarge_n most_o of_o all_o upon_o almsgiving_n four_o tob._n 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o which_o the_o angel_n at_o his_o return_n teach_v they_o both_o be_v to_o be_v join_v with_o the_o two_o forename_a duty_n twelve_o 7_o 8._o prayer_n be_v good_a with_o fast_v and_o alm_n and_o righteousness_n that_o be_v other_o work_n of_o mercy_n a_o little_a with_o righteousness_n be_v better_a than_o much_o with_o vnrighteousness_n it_o be_v better_a to_o give_v alm_n than_o to_o lay_v up_o gold_n for_o alms_n do_v deliver_v from_o death_n and_o shall_v purge_v away_o all_o sin_n etc._n etc._n nor_o be_v the_o heathen_n utter_o unacquainted_a with_o this_o practice_n of_o forbear_v food_n themselves_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o help_v their_o neighbour_n for_o when_o the_o city_n of_o tarentum_n be_v 20._o aelian_a var._n hist_o l._n v._o cap._n 20._o in_o great_a distress_n and_o in_o danger_n to_o perish_v or_o to_o be_v take_v by_o famine_n they_o of_o rheginum_n make_v a_o decree_n that_o they_o will_v fast_o every_o ten_o day_n and_o send_v that_o victual_n to_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o tarentines_n who_o be_v hereby_o preserve_v grateful_o commemorate_a their_o deliverance_n by_o institute_v a_o festival_n call_v fast_v and_o now_o who_o see_v not_o in_o conclusion_n that_o fast_v be_v every_o way_n a_o mean_n to_o obtain_v favour_n with_o god_n for_o the_o avert_n of_o his_o anger_n from_o ourselves_o or_o from_o the_o nation_n where_o we_o live_v for_o if_o humiliation_n if_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n if_o earnest_a prayer_n if_o act_n of_o mercy_n to_o other_o be_v the_o way_n to_o prevail_v with_o god_n for_o mercy_n to_o ourselves_o then_o fast_v which_o contribute_v to_o all_o these_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o great_a efficacy_n for_o this_o purpose_n and_o this_o perhaps_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o have_v not_o find_v relief_n when_o we_o or_o other_o be_v afflict_v nor_o have_v prevail_v for_o the_o turn_n away_o those_o evil_n which_o at_o any_o time_n threaten_v we_o because_o we_o do_v not_o seek_v what_o we_o desire_v in_o this_o
observe_v weekly_o two_o such_o solemn_a day_n and_o so_o by_o their_o practice_n and_o example_n at_o least_o set_z apart_z and_o determine_v the_o time_n foremention_v for_o fast_v and_o prayer_n for_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o any_o other_o two_o day_n than_o those_o which_o the_o church_n in_o future_a time_n observe_v every_o where_n with_o such_o uniformity_n that_o they_o can_v find_v no_o other_o original_a of_o it_o but_o the_o apostolical_a ordinance_n thus_o socrates_n write_v in_o particular_a of_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n what_o epiphanius_n say_v of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a that_o 22._o l._n v._n hist_o eccles_n c._n 22._o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o ancient_a custom_n or_o a_o custom_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o religion_n there_o to_o meet_v on_o the_o four_o and_o six_o day_n of_o the_o week_n for_o to_o hear_v the_o scripture_n read_v and_o expound_v by_o the_o doctor_n and_o to_o do_v all_o other_o thing_n belong_v to_o a_o assembly_n except_v the_o celebration_n of_o the_o eucharist_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v omit_v there_o though_o not_o in_o other_o place_n on_o those_o day_n as_o unsuitable_a to_o a_o fast_a and_o that_o origen_n teach_v upon_o those_o two_o day_n a_o great_a part_n of_o what_o he_o leave_v write_v in_o that_o church_n clemens_n of_o alexandria_n also_o mention_n these_o day_n long_o before_o he_o and_o i_o do_v not_o see_v of_o what_o other_o day_n caecilius_n can_v be_v understand_v when_o he_o object_n in_o minutius_n foelix_fw-la to_o the_o christian_n their_o solennia_fw-la jejunia_fw-la as_o dangerous_a token_n of_o a_o conspiracy_n among_o they_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o those_o word_n that_o they_o hold_v solemn_a assembly_n on_o certain_a day_n for_o fast_v as_o well_o as_o prayer_n and_o that_o they_o return_v often_o and_o great_a number_n meet_v together_o or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v hold_v dangerous_a to_o the_o government_n these_o be_v the_o famous_a station_n day_n so_o much_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o ancient_a christian_n on_o which_o they_o continue_v long_o in_o the_o church_n than_o ordinary_a the_o divine_a office_n be_v prolong_v beyond_o the_o ordinary_a time_n and_o thence_o they_o have_v the_o name_n of_o station_n to_o be_v short_a if_o this_o be_v allow_v which_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o probable_a truth_n that_o the_o apostle_n afterward_o though_o not_o while_o our_o saviour_n live_v fast_v as_o oft_o as_o john_n disciple_n and_o the_o pharisee_n have_v do_v before_o which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o twice_o every_o week_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o day_n reasonable_o think_v of_o for_o this_o purpose_n than_o those_o which_o the_o church_n in_o follow_v age_n observe_v and_o there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o judge_v this_o a_o probable_a truth_n because_o the_o apostle_n observe_v other_o pious_a custom_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o not_o eat_v for_o instance_n before_o morning_n prayer_n be_v over_o as_o i_o before_o observe_v which_o may_v well_o incline_v a_o consider_a man_n to_o think_v they_o likewise_o conform_v themselves_o to_o this_o of_o fast_v as_o often_o in_o a_o week_n as_o john_n disciple_n and_o other_o strict_a person_n have_v do_v which_o be_v no_o less_o commendable_a than_o the_o usage_n of_o fast_v till_o the_o end_n of_o divine_a service_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o then_o i_o can_v see_v no_o incongruity_n in_o it_o but_o it_o rather_o accord_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o religious_a people_n heretofore_o if_o we_o think_v these_o to_o have_v be_v the_o time_n on_o which_o the_o apostle_n advise_v husband_n and_o wife_n to_o forbear_v one_o another_o company_n that_o they_o may_v give_v themselves_o to_o fast_v and_o prayer_n 1_o cor._n seven_o 5._o which_o peter_n martyr_n be_v of_o opinion_n 172._o opinion_n in_o cap._n xx_o judic_n p._n 172._o the_o apostle_n mean_v concern_v public_a fast_v and_o public_a prayer_n and_o as_o the_o widow_n anna_n be_v say_v to_o have_v serve_v god_n many_o year_n with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n night_n and_o day_n two_o luke_n 37._o which_o i_o think_v aught_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o weekly_a fast_n which_o religious_a people_n then_o observe_v so_o the_o same_o peter_n martyr_n think_v it_o reasonable_a thus_o to_o understand_v the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n v._o 5._o where_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o widow_n indeed_o who_o description_n be_v that_o she_o continue_v in_o supplication_n with_o fast_n say_v he_o and_o prayer_n night_n and_o day_n upon_o those_o day_n as_o i_o take_v it_o which_o be_v then_o observe_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n answerable_a to_o those_o in_o the_o jewish_a and_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o think_v it_o be_v upon_o one_o of_o these_o day_n that_o the_o church_n meet_v together_o as_o we_o read_v xiii_o act_n 2_o 3._o and_o minister_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o fast_v and_o pray_v for_o the_o very_a distress_n in_o which_o the_o church_n be_v require_v then_o as_o frequent_v fast_v as_o ever_o there_o be_v little_a doubt_n but_o the_o fast_a here_o speak_v of_o be_v upon_o a_o solemn_a day_n of_o divine_a service_n which_o be_v sufficient_o imply_v in_o those_o word_n as_o they_o minister_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o those_o that_o follow_v when_o they_o have_v pray_v now_o on_o the_o sabbath_n it_o be_v utter_o unlawful_a to_o fast_a and_o they_o abhor_v from_o it_o as_o the_o christian_n afterward_o do_v from_o fast_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v it_o be_v upon_o one_o of_o the_o weekly_a solemn_a prayer-day_n then_o in_o use_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o former_o in_o the_o jewish_a for_o what_o reason_n be_v there_o to_o question_n that_o when_o any_o extraordinary_a case_n call_v for_o a_o special_a fast_n as_o now_o the_o separate_a barnabas_n and_o saul_n for_o a_o great_a work_n do_v and_o as_o in_o press_v danger_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v extraordinary_a fast_n that_o fast_o be_v still_o hold_v upon_o those_o very_a day_n which_o than_o they_o command_v to_o be_v observe_v with_o more_o than_o usual_a strictness_n for_o thus_o all_o fast_n appoint_v among_o the_o jew_n upon_o special_a occasion_n be_v in_o order_n to_o fall_v as_o mr._n thorndike_n observe_v in_o the_o chapter_n before_o name_v upon_o the_o usual_a day_n of_o fast_v which_o be_v every_o week_n observe_v in_o a_o low_a degree_n but_o upon_o those_o extraordinary_a occasion_n be_v observe_v with_o great_a severity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o think_v the_o christian_a fast_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n be_v keep_v on_o the_o usual_a day_n either_o wednesday_n or_o friday_n or_o rather_o both_o only_o with_o the_o great_a solemnity_n however_o that_o place_n and_o another_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n fourteen_o act_n 23._o be_v plain_a evidence_n of_o their_o fast_n before_o ordination_n or_o set_v person_n a_o part_n for_o a_o special_a ministry_n and_o upon_o they_o be_v just_o found_v the_o fast_n of_o the_o four_o season_n call_v ember-week_n before_o order_n be_v give_v in_o our_o church_n all_o solemn_a and_o great_a thing_n be_v always_o undertake_v by_o such_o preparation_n insomuch_o that_o s._n hierom_n in_o his_o prologue_n to_o s._n matthew_n gospel_n say_v that_o s._n john_n be_v desire_v by_o the_o church_n to_o write_v his_o gospel_n against_o ebion_n and_o cerinthus_n who_o deny_v christ_n divine_a nature_n tell_v they_o he_o will_v do_v it_o si_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la tota_fw-la publicè_fw-la antea_fw-la jejunasset_fw-la if_o the_o whole_a church_n will_v first_o keep_v a_o public_a fast_n before_o he_o go_v about_o it_o which_o be_v affirm_v also_o by_o eusebius_n in_o his_o ecclesiastical_a history_n to_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n all_o christian_n have_v so_o general_o observe_v some_o set_a time_n of_o fast_v which_o be_v whole_o reject_v only_o by_o the_o gnostic_n who_o condemn_v 5._o epist_n haeres_fw-la xxvi_o n._n 5._o demn_v all_o fast_n nay_o curse_v it_o as_o disagreeable_a to_o their_o beastly_a life_n that_o those_o odd_a people_n who_o love_v to_o be_v singular_a and_o cross_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n will_v not_o observe_v the_o two_o usual_a fast_n on_o wednesday_n and_o friday_n yet_o fast_v on_o other_o day_n as_o martion_n and_o his_o disciple_n on_o saturday_n and_o the_o aerian_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n who_o also_o fast_v on_o wednesday_n but_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n not_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o church_n constitution_n so_o epiphanius_n inform_v we_o out_o of_o who_o i_o have_v all_o this_o 3._o this_o haeres_fw-la xlii_o n._n 3._o &_o haeres_fw-la lxxv_o n._n 3._o and_o now_o that_o i_o mention_v the_o saturday_n fast_o it_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n now_o have_v and_o ancient_o
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do_v not_o think_v we_o merit_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n by_o our_o fast_n melancthon_n sense_n be_v so_o common_o know_v that_o i_o shall_v not_o set_v down_o his_o word_n which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o mr._n thorndike_n 286._o thorndike_n relig._n assem_fw-la p._n 286._o for_o not_o only_a cassander_n but_o pererius_n also_o in_o his_o comment_n upon_o fourteen_o of_o the_o roman_n acknowledge_v his_o opinion_n to_o be_v that_o fast_v and_o the_o observation_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a may_v be_v profitable_a and_o conduce_v to_o god_n worship_n not_o immediate_o indeed_o but_o mediate_o for_o by_o fast_v a_o man_n be_v make_v more_o fit_a to_o pour_v out_o prayer_n in_o which_o consist_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n peter_n martyr_n also_o resolve_v the_o question_n whether_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v when_o prince_n or_o the_o church_n appoint_v fast_n in_o these_o peremptory_a word_n 173._o word_n in_o lib._n judic_n c._n xx_o p._n 173._o astringuntur_fw-la sanè_fw-la lege_fw-la fidei_fw-la atque_fw-la obedientia_fw-la they_o be_v bind_v certain_o both_o by_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o by_o obedience_n for_o when_o fast_n be_v propound_v consonant_a to_o god_n word_n how_o can_v he_o who_o believe_v in_o god_n decline_v they_o he_o can_v only_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v who_o be_v able_a for_o if_o any_o body_n be_v disable_v by_o his_o age_n by_o sickness_n or_o by_o labour_n in_o these_o case_n that_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n say_v must_v take_v place_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n not_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v a_o excellent_a resolution_n for_o those_o scruple_n i_o mention_v before_o to_o govern_v themselves_o by_o who_o be_v real_o infirm_a be_v no_o more_o under_o this_o law_n while_o they_o continue_v so_o than_o little_a child_n woman_n with_o child_n and_o age_a person_n who_o need_v frequent_a refreshment_n and_o thus_o whole_a church_n have_v resolve_v as_o cassander_n acknowledge_v out_o of_o the_o confession_n of_o saxony_n in_o which_o they_o declare_v their_o willingness_n to_o observe_v the_o set_v fast_n and_o other_o such_o like_a tradition_n provide_v no_o opinion_n of_o merit_n be_v place_v in_o such_o observance_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o bohemian_a confession_n express_o consent_v that_o such_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n ought_v to_o be_v retain_v which_o do_v advantage_n faith_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n peace_n and_o order_n whosoever_o they_o have_v for_o their_o author_n whether_o synod_n pope_n bishop_n or_o any_o other_o and_o if_o any_o particular_a doctor_n have_v decry_v such_o thing_n it_o have_v be_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o superstitious_a observance_n of_o they_o the_o opinion_n of_o merit_n satisfaction_n and_o such_o like_a conceit_n with_o which_o too_o many_o mind_n be_v infect_v and_o so_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v not_o be_v spare_v of_o such_o kind_n of_o censure_n pererius_n in_o particular_a a_o learned_a jesuit_n in_o his_o comment_n on_o the_o first_o of_o daniel_n take_v notice_n of_o a_o sort_n of_o fast_v in_o these_o day_n which_o many_o affect_v upon_o a_o perverse_a account_n as_o his_o word_n be_v they_o either_o think_v the_o sum_n of_o christian_a perfection_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o service_n of_o abstinence_n alone_o or_o thereby_o hunt_v after_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n or_o have_v so_o little_a prudence_n that_o they_o extend_v their_o fast_n beyond_o measure_n to_o the_o great_a hindrance_n that_o be_v and_o damage_n of_o far_o better_a and_o more_o profitable_a thing_n i_o will_v end_v this_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n with_o the_o declaration_n which_o zanchy_a make_v in_o his_o own_o and_o his_o brethren_n name_n to_o satisfy_v those_o who_o object_v to_o they_o the_o lay_v aside_o of_o the_o fast_a of_o lent_n they_o can_v just_o accuse_v we_o say_v he_o that_o we_o condemn_v the_o quadragesima_fw-la i._n e._n the_o fast_a of_o lent_n which_o be_v so_o ancient_a in_o the_o church_n and_o by_o the_o holy_a father_n receive_v and_o approve_v we_o do_v not_o condemn_v that_o lend_v fast_o which_o the_o ancient_a father_n observe_v without_o superstition_n but_o and_o so_o he_o go_v on_o to_o show_v it_o be_v only_o novel_a superstitious_a and_o dangerous_a conceit_n of_o satisfaction_n and_o merit_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n unto_o which_o it_o be_v abuse_v that_o they_o reject_v thus_o he_o conclude_v his_o discourse_n which_o he_o entitle_v de_fw-fr peculiari_fw-la quadragesimalis_fw-la praeceptum_fw-la tome_n four_o p._n 694._o in_o quartum_fw-la praeceptum_fw-la temporis_fw-la sanctificatione_n which_o in_o the_o begin_n also_o he_o state_n after_o this_o manner_n that_o preacher_n may_v right_o instruct_v their_o people_n our_o judgement_n be_v that_o a_o difference_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v between_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o this_o season_n and_o that_o which_o follow_v after_o part_n iii_o of_o the_o lend_v fast_o chap._n xv._o of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o lent_n or_o spring_n fast_o it_o be_v the_o confession_n of_o that_o learned_a divine_a now_o mention_v that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n unless_o he_o be_v altogether_o unskilful_a in_o history_n and_o never_o see_v the_o ancient_a father_n who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o observation_n of_o this_o time_n of_o lent_n to_o be_v most_o ancient_a for_o telesphorus_n who_o be_v the_o seven_o bishop_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o martyr_n about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 139._o make_v mention_n of_o it_o as_o observe_v in_o the_o church_n before_o his_o time_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v so_o ancient_a that_o there_o be_v no_o beginning_n to_o be_v find_v of_o it_o which_o have_v move_v many_o to_o run_v it_o up_o to_o the_o very_a apostolical_a time_n nay_o to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o for_o which_o there_o be_v more_o reason_n perhaps_o than_o now_o be_v common_o acknowledge_v for_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v from_o among_o the_o pious_a jew_n by_o who_o it_o be_v propagate_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v so_o clear_a in_o the_o holy_a story_n that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v and_o that_o those_o devout_a people_n have_v be_v accustom_v by_o the_o discipline_n of_o john_n baptist_n who_o come_v to_o prepare_v man_n for_o christ_n to_o fast_o often_o that_o be_v twice_o a_o week_n it_o be_v most_o likely_a upon_o the_o day_n of_o their_o more_o solemn_a assembly_n according_a to_o the_o ancient_a practice_n of_o the_o strict_a sort_n of_o that_o nation_n we_o may_v very_o well_o suppose_v as_o have_v be_v already_o say_v that_o when_o they_o become_v christian_n they_o do_v not_o become_v less_o devout_a but_o still_o continue_v only_o upon_o other_o day_n to_o keep_v such_o solemn_a time_n of_o prayer_n with_o fast_v every_o week_n and_o why_o we_o shall_v exempt_v the_o apostle_n when_o they_o be_v in_o any_o settle_a place_n out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o practice_n this_o be_v i_o can_v imagine_v but_o rather_o think_v they_o be_v exemplary_a to_o other_o herein_o be_v in_o fast_n often_o as_o i_o note_v above_o and_o by_o this_o approve_v themselves_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n who_o do_v not_o pamper_v their_o body_n but_o bring_v they_o under_o that_o their_o mind_n may_v be_v more_o fit_a for_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n and_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v as_o likely_a as_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o express_o record_v it_o be_v no_o less_o likely_a that_o when_o those_o usual_a day_n of_o fast_v come_v in_o the_o course_n of_o the_o year_n to_o be_v the_o very_a day_n on_o which_o our_o lord_n be_v betray_v and_o suffer_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o observe_v they_o together_o with_o the_o day_n on_o which_o he_o lie_v in_o his_o grave_n if_o not_o all_o that_o week_n before_o the_o memory_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a with_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a solemnity_n both_o for_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o this_o may_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o who_o at_o first_o say_v that_o the_o lend_v fast_o mean_v the_o solemn_a fast_o before_o easter_n be_v of_o apostolical_a institution_n because_o found_v upon_o their_o practice_n and_o example_n among_o who_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o reckon_v s._n austin_n who_o express_o cassulanum_n epist_n 86._o ad_fw-la cassulanum_n say_v in_o his_o disputation_n against_o vrbicus_n before_o mention_v that_o though_o he_o find_v precept_n for_o fast_v yet_o on_o what_o day_n man_n shall_v not_o fast_o and_o on_o what_o they_o ought_v he_o do_v not_o find_v determine_v by_o any_o precept_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o where_o he_o say_v this_o fast_o be_v ordain_v by_o they_o he_o can_v mean_v by_o their_o example_n only_o which_o bellarmin_n himself_o see_v to_o be_v so_o apparent_a that_o he_o
acknowledge_v when_o 14._o l._n 2._o de_fw-la bonis_fw-la oper_n c._n 14._o not_o only_o he_o but_o s._n ambrose_n and_o s._n hierom_n say_v the_o lenten_a fast_n be_v ordain_v by_o our_o lord_n they_o mean_v not_o by_o his_o precept_n but_o by_o his_o example_n now_o this_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o prevalent_a that_o there_o need_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n for_o this_o fast_a from_o whence_o other_o derive_v it_o but_o all_o for_o a_o long_a time_n easy_o follow_v such_o great_a pattern_n of_o devotion_n i_o say_v all_o for_o no_o church_n can_v be_v find_v wherein_o a_o solemn_a fast_o before_o easter_n be_v not_o observe_v which_o be_v a_o strong_a argument_n to_o prove_v it_o derive_v itself_o from_o such_o a_o beginning_n as_o i_o have_v mention_v for_o otherwise_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v how_o it_o shall_v prevail_v universal_o in_o all_o country_n where_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v preach_v as_o it_o be_v plain_a it_o do_v by_o the_o elder_a record_n we_o have_v of_o the_o church_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o set_v down_o at_o large_a because_o it_o be_v beside_o my_o purpose_n and_o as_o many_o as_o be_v sufficient_a i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o mention_v in_o what_o follow_v chap._n xvi_o of_o the_o variety_n in_o its_o observation_n the_o reader_n may_v take_v notice_n that_o i_o have_v hitherto_o mention_v only_o a_o solemn_a fast_o before_o easter_n which_o s._n clement_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o paschal_n fast_v not_o yet_o determine_v the_o length_n of_o it_o but_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v observe_v more_o or_o less_o from_o the_o very_a beginning_n i_o say_v more_o or_o less_o because_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n in_o the_o length_n of_o it_o for_o irenaeus_n as_o it_o be_v common_o know_v write_v to_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n about_o the_o difference_n there_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o observe_v easter_n say_v there_o be_v also_o a_o difference_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o fast_a before_o it_o some_o suppose_v they_o ought_v to_o fast_o one_o day_n some_o two_o other_o more_z for_o some_o he_o say_v extend_v it_o to_o forty_o and_o 24._o euseb_n l._n v._o c._n 24._o reckon_v their_o day_n by_o the_o hour_n of_o day_n and_o night_n that_o be_v fast_v from_o evening_n to_o evening_n which_o word_n some_o contend_v relate_v only_o to_o the_o fast_a in_o the_o week_n before_o easter_n as_o the_o first_o part_n of_o they_o do_v but_o the_o whole_a can_v unless_o we_o understand_v forty_o not_o of_o day_n but_o only_o of_o hour_n which_o be_v against_o the_o forego_n word_n in_o which_o he_o speak_v of_o day_n and_o against_o the_o ancient_a read_n which_o ruffinus_n follow_v who_o translate_v the_o word_n to_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o i_o have_v do_v and_o his_o translation_n be_v from_o more_o ancient_a greek_a copy_n than_o any_o of_o those_o which_o some_o be_v please_v now_o to_o follow_v and_o be_v confirm_v by_o jo._n christophorson_n and_o sir_n henry_n savil_n who_o read_v and_o distinguish_v the_o word_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n which_o thing_n i_o have_v brief_o touch_v to_o show_v that_o whatsoever_o variety_n there_o be_v it_o be_v still_o a_o confession_n of_o a_o fast_a before_o easter_n distinct_a from_o all_o other_o in_o that_o there_o be_v no_o variety_n but_o all_o observe_v the_o fast_a as_o much_o as_o they_o do_v easter_n that_o be_v the_o memory_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n and_o irenaeus_n say_v that_o this_o variety_n do_v not_o begin_v in_o his_o age_n but_o as_o his_o word_n be_v long_o before_o we_o with_o our_o ancestor_n so_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o thence_o that_o the_o fast_o be_v not_o a_o new_a thing_n but_o come_v down_o to_o they_o from_o time_n long_o before_o they_o that_o be_v from_o the_o apostle_n this_o if_o fair_o consider_v may_v help_v to_o settle_v all_o the_o controversy_n which_o be_v about_o this_o fast_a of_o lent_n which_o many_o have_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o prove_v be_v not_o a_o apostolical_a constitution_n nor_o so_o ancient_a as_o their_o day_n but_o none_o of_o their_o argument_n prove_v any_o more_o than_o this_o that_o the_o fast_a of_o forty_o day_n length_n do_v not_o derive_v itself_o from_o their_o ordinance_n or_o example_n for_o they_o be_v of_o no_o force_n at_o all_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o paschal_n fast_o that_o be_v a_o solemn_a time_n for_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o such_o holy_a duty_n before_o easter_n of_o more_o or_o few_o day_n as_o the_o devotion_n of_o christian_n incline_v they_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o apostolical_a example_n and_o if_o this_o be_v agree_v it_o will_v help_v to_o give_v we_o a_o right_a understanding_n in_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o when_o the_o fast_o come_v to_o be_v general_o extend_v to_o the_o length_n of_o forty_o day_n and_o so_o receive_v and_o observe_v in_o the_o church_n which_o the_o forename_a zanchy_a say_v it_o appear_v to_o he_o be_v non_o it_o a_o multò_fw-la post_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la tempora_fw-la not_o very_o long_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n that_o may_v be_v true_o think_v to_o be_v only_o by_o a_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n and_o so_o s._n austin_n express_o resolve_v that_o those_o forty_o day_n before_o easter_n shall_v be_v observe_v ecclesiae_fw-la consensio_fw-la roboravit_fw-la the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n have_v establish_v which_o be_v thus_o settle_v and_o confirm_v so_o long_o ago_o i_o can_v understand_v why_o any_o body_n shall_v now_o go_v about_o to_o overthrow_v it_o but_o rather_o employ_v their_o pain_n and_o learning_n in_o show_v how_o it_o be_v and_o how_o it_o ought_v now_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o which_o i_o can_v but_o commend_v the_o wisdom_n and_o piety_n of_o the_o forename_a zanchius_n who_o look_v upon_o these_o forty_o day_n before_o easter_n as_o tempus_fw-la ex_fw-la pia_fw-la veteris_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la continuatum_fw-la 696._o ib._n in_o quartum_fw-la precept_n p._n 696._o etc._n etc._n a_o time_n continue_v and_o extend_v to_o this_o length_n by_o the_o pious_a ordinance_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n in_o which_o the_o faithful_a be_v more_o diligent_o than_o at_o any_o other_o time_n excite_v to_o repentance_n both_o by_o fast_n and_o by_o prayer_n and_o by_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o by_o other_o pious_a exercise_n i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v give_v alm_n more_o liberal_o admonish_v one_o another_o and_o such_o like_a whereby_o they_o be_v prepare_v the_o more_o worthy_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a communion_n at_o easter_n and_o if_o any_o one_o say_v he_o thus_o define_v the_o forty_o day_n fast_o who_o be_v there_o that_o can_v just_o dislike_v it_o none_o but_o those_o certain_o who_o love_n to_o live_v licentious_o without_o any_o bridle_n or_o those_o who_o prejudice_n make_v inconsiderate_a and_o will_v not_o let_v they_o understand_v the_o meaning_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o institution_n which_o be_v not_o to_o tie_v every_o one_o to_o fast_a the_o whole_a forty_o day_n but_o to_o employ_v themselves_o all_o that_o time_n in_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o forename_a holy_a exercise_n with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a strictness_n and_o as_o many_o of_o those_o day_n as_o they_o can_v bear_v in_o fast_v for_o as_o there_o be_v variety_n before_o so_o there_o be_v after_o the_o fast_o be_v determine_v to_o forty_o day_n in_o which_o some_o fast_v more_o some_o few_o day_n as_o may_v be_v clear_o prove_v for_o if_o dionysius_n of_o alexandria_n 308._o alexandria_n biblioth_n patrum_fw-la tom._n 1._o p._n 308._o say_v true_a about_o the_o year_n 255._o of_o the_o six_o day_n before_o easter_n which_o be_v the_o severe_a part_n of_o the_o fast_a and_o s._n basil_n in_o his_o time_n call_v the_o five_o day_n of_o fast_v desire_v his_o auditor_n to_o keep_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o five_o day_n truce_n with_o their_o mouth_n jejunio_fw-la mouth_n orat._n 1._o de_fw-la jejunio_fw-la that_o all_o do_v not_o fast_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d equal_o and_o alike_o but_o some_o continue_v to_o fast_a all_o the_o six_o day_n other_o only_o fast_v two_o day_n other_o three_z other_o four_z and_o some_o none_o at_o all_o then_o we_o may_v well_o suppose_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o forty_o day_n before-going_a be_v not_o keep_v by_o all_o with_o the_o like_a strictness_n but_o some_o fast_v more_o day_n some_o few_o and_o some_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v any_o fast_a at_o all_o but_o beside_o this_o inference_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o his_o word_n we_o have_v express_v testimony_n that_o they_o be_v observe_v various_o as_o man_n can_v bear_v for_o s._n chrysostom_n i_o observe_v antiochen_n hom._n xuj_o ad_fw-la
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