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 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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 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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
such_o indecency_n as_o be_v express_v by_o those_o two_o follow_a comparison_n s._n chrysostom_n indeed_o understand_v these_o comparison_n and_o most_o now_o follow_v he_o herein_o as_o if_o our_o lord_n have_v say_v that_o his_o disciple_n be_v yet_o raw_a and_o infirm_a be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v the_o severe_a discipline_n of_o fast_v but_o may_v receive_v hurt_v by_o it_o as_o a_o old_a garment_n do_v by_o the_o sew_v a_o new_a piece_n of_o cloth_n to_o it_o and_o old_a bottle_n by_o put_v new_a wine_n into_o they_o but_o beside_o other_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v to_o this_o which_o i_o can_v answer_v it_o seem_v unaccountable_a why_o christ_n disciple_n shall_v not_o be_v as_o strong_a as_o john_n and_o very_o hard_a to_o affirm_v that_o john_n impose_v such_o discipline_n upon_o his_o disciple_n as_o christ_n judge_v will_v be_v prejudicial_a and_o noxious_a unto_o he_o i_o rest_v therefore_o in_o the_o forename_a exposition_n which_o agree_v with_o the_o scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o intend_v not_o to_o reject_v fast_v or_o to_o say_v his_o disciple_n be_v not_o yet_o fit_a for_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o fit_a for_o they_o for_o there_o be_v to_o every_o thing_n a_o season_n and_o a_o time_n to_o every_o purpose_n under_o heaven_n in_o which_o time_n god_n have_v make_v every_o thing_n beautiful_a as_o solomon_n speak_v in_o three_o eccles_n 1_o 11._o now_o be_v the_o time_n of_o gladness_n while_o he_o be_v present_a in_o person_n with_o they_o and_o they_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o marriage-feast_n mention_v xxii_o matth._n 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n in_o which_o fast_v be_v unbeseeming_a but_o the_o time_n of_o mourn_v be_v come_n when_o he_o be_v take_v away_o from_o they_o and_o they_o fall_v into_o great_a distress_n and_o in_o those_o day_n they_o will_v fast_o without_o any_o bid_n and_o according_o we_o find_v they_o be_v in_o fast_n often_o as_o s._n paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o 2_o corinth_n xi_o 27._o and_o herein_o as_o well_o as_o all_o thing_n else_o approve_a themselves_o as_o minister_n of_o god_n vi_fw-la 4_o 5._o and_o teach_v other_o also_o the_o frequent_a use_n hereof_o which_o be_v observe_v so_o careful_o in_o all_o follow_a age_n that_o s._n basil_n bold_o pronounce_v repentance_n jejunio_fw-la hom._n 1._o de_fw-la jejunio_fw-la without_o fast_v to_o be_v a_o idle_a business_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o another_o chapter_n when_o i_o have_v first_o show_v in_o the_o next_o of_o what_o use_n fast_v be_v in_o religion_n and_o i_o shall_v end_v this_o chapter_n with_o this_o plain_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v which_o will_v serve_v for_o a_o introduction_n to_o what_o follow_v if_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o account_n for_o our_o sin_n to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n to_o repent_v and_o to_o beg_v pardon_n for_o they_o we_o may_v easy_o know_v what_o obligation_n we_o have_v to_o fast_v and_o it_o may_v safe_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n whether_o it_o become_v a_o penitent_a to_o present_v himself_o before_o god_n full_a or_o fast_v and_o in_o which_o of_o these_o way_n he_o think_v sorrow_n and_o grief_n be_v to_o be_v express_v and_o the_o compassion_n of_o he_o who_o we_o have_v offend_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v move_v chap._n xii_o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o religious_a fast_n fast_v serve_v as_o a_o help_n to_o so_o many_o christian_a duty_n with_o which_o it_o be_v frequent_o join_v that_o i_o can_v mention_v they_o all_o in_o this_o little_a treatise_n wherein_o i_o consider_v it_o chief_o as_o a_o act_n of_o humiliation_n and_o a_o part_n of_o repentance_n whereby_o we_o both_o abase_v ourselves_o before_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v our_o unworthiness_n of_o the_o least_o of_o his_o mercy_n and_o also_o afflict_v and_o punish_v ourselves_o for_o our_o former_a excess_n and_o other_o sin_n which_o it_o help_v we_o also_o to_o cure_v and_o be_v a_o remedy_n against_o that_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o abasement_n and_o serve_v to_o humble_a and_o lay_v we_o low_o in_o our_o own_o thought_n the_o psalmist_n in_o so_o many_o word_n tell_v we_o when_o he_o say_v xxiv_o psal_n 13._o my_o clothing_n be_v sackcloth_n i_o humble_v my_o soul_n with_o fast_v nor_o have_v sackcloth_n or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n a_o different_a meaning_n for_o by_o put_v on_o such_o course_n clothing_n as_o mr._n mede_n observe_v they_o rank_v themselves_o with_o man_n of_o the_o mean_a and_o low_a condition_n which_o be_v the_o intention_n also_o of_o put_v ash_n and_o sometime_o earth_n upon_o their_o head_n as_o if_o they_o be_v below_o the_o low_a of_o god_n creature_n and_o of_o sit_v or_o lie_v upon_o the_o ground_n with_o which_o by_o that_o posture_n they_o level_v themselves_o and_o it_o may_v be_v add_v of_o pour_v out_o water_n before_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v a_o very_a ancient_a ceremony_n upon_o their_o fasting-day_n 1_o sam._n seven_o 6._o in_o token_n of_o their_o humiliation_n say_v rabbi_n solomon_n upon_o that_o place_n as_o if_o they_o have_v say_v behold_v o_o lord_n we_o be_v before_o thou_o as_o these_o water_n that_o be_v pour_v out_o that_o be_v nothing_o worth_a the_o same_o they_o confess_v by_o abstain_v from_o all_o sort_n of_o food_n which_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n that_o they_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o live_v upon_o god_n earth_n any_o long_o thus_o when_o ahab_n in_o the_o 1_o king_n xxi_o 27._o rend_v his_o clothes_n which_o be_v another_o act_n of_o humiliation_n make_v they_o look_v like_o beggar_n and_o put_v sackcloth_n on_o his_o flesh_n and_o fast_v and_o lay_v in_o sackcloth_n and_o go_v soft_o as_o a_o man_n quite_o deject_v god_n himself_o in_o the_o 29._o ver._n call_v this_o ahab'_v humble_v himself_o before_o he_o and_o promise_n thereupon_o to_o remit_v something_o of_o the_o sentence_n pronounce_v against_o he_o in_o not_o execute_v it_o so_o soon_o as_o be_v intend_v and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a effect_n and_o expression_n of_o sorrow_n i_o need_v not_o trouble_v myself_o to_o demonstrate_v daniel_n call_v it_o by_o the_o name_n of_o mourn_v x._o dan._n 2_o 3._o and_o what_o he_o call_v mourning_n and_o eat_v no_o pleasant_a bread_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o angel_n afterward_o ver._n 12._o take_v special_a notice_n of_o it_o call_v chasten_v himself_o before_o his_o god_n and_o so_o we_o translate_v the_o psalmist_n word_n lxix_o psal_n 10._o when_o i_o weep_v and_o chastened_a my_o soul_n with_o fast_v etc._n etc._n for_o no_o abstinence_n or_o sorrow_n can_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o penitence_n but_o such_o as_o be_v afflictive_a which_o be_v so_o much_o intend_v in_o fast_v that_o they_o be_v word_n of_o the_o same_o signification_n according_a to_o that_o know_a rule_n among_o the_o jew_n wheresoever_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o afflict_v the_o soul_n it_o mean_v fast_v thus_o the_o great_a fast_o appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v yearly_o observe_v on_o the_o seven_o day_n of_o the_o ten_o month_n be_v describe_v in_o the_o xuj_o leu._n 29_o 31._o it_o shall_v be_v a_o sabbath_n of_o rest_n unto_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v afflict_v your_o soul_n by_o a_o statute_n for_o ever_o and_o whatsoever_o soul_n it_o be_v as_o it_o follow_v xxiii_o 29._o that_o shall_v not_o be_v afflict_v on_o that_o same_o day_n he_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o among_o his_o people_n and_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o other_o fast_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n of_o ezra_n which_o be_v the_o most_o express_a of_o any_o to_o this_o purpose_n viij_o 21._o then_o i_o proclaim_v a_o fast_a at_o the_o river_n ahava_n that_o we_o may_v afflict_v ourselves_o before_o our_o god_n for_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n be_v in_o itself_o troublesome_a &_o painful_a to_o the_o body_n as_o s._n austin_n very_o well_o observe_v no_o fame_n &_o sit_fw-la be_v dolores_fw-la sunt_fw-la vrunt_fw-la 31._o lib._n x_o confess_v c._n 31._o &_o sicut_fw-la febris_fw-la necant_fw-la nisi_fw-la alimentorum_fw-la medicina_fw-la succurrunt_fw-la and_o shall_v call_v to_o our_o mind_n the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o pain_n and_o anguish_n that_o our_o conscience_n feel_v the_o sharp_a sting_n of_o guilt_n and_o we_o be_v prick_v in_o the_o heart_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v may_v more_o thankful_o embrace_v the_o remedy_n and_o speedy_o also_o seek_v for_o relief_n by_o a_o unfeigned_a repentance_n fast_v have_v also_o something_o of_o a_o penal_a chastisement_n in_o it_o whereby_o we_o take_v revenge_n upon_o ourselves_o as_o i_o show_v in_o the_o five_o chapter_n and_o punish_v ourselves_o for_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 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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
have_v a_o custom_n of_o fast_v on_o that_o day_n but_o as_o epiphanius_n condemn_v this_o as_o one_o of_o marcion_n error_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o fast_v on_o the_o sabbath_n that_o be_v saturday_n so_o petavius_n ingenuous_o acknowledge_v what_o his_o great_a learning_n can_v not_o but_o know_v that_o this_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o eastern_a church_n in_o which_o that_o day_n be_v a_o long_a time_n honour_v as_o a_o festival_n and_o he_o shall_v have_v add_v that_o this_o custom_n of_o fast_v on_o saturday_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v universal_a in_o the_o western_a church_n that_o it_o do_v not_o of_o a_o long_a time_n prevail_v in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o italy_n for_o it_o be_v common_o know_v that_o in_o s._n ambrose_n day_n they_o do_v not_o fast_o at_o milan_n upon_o that_o day_n which_o the_o mother_n of_o s._n austin_n wonder_v at_o when_o she_o come_v thither_o have_v this_o answer_n return_v to_o the_o enquiry_n her_o son_n 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the_o church_n appoint_v a_o fast_a the_o day_n before_o which_o be_v observe_v there_o ever_o after_o but_o when_o one_o vrbicus_n contend_v vehement_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o saturday_n fast_o as_o if_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a law_n for_o it_o s._n austin_n most_o resolute_o oppose_v he_o and_o deny_v any_o such_o obligation_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o his_o lxxxvi_o epistle_n but_o my_o intention_n be_v not_o to_o engage_v in_o any_o controversy_n but_o plain_o to_o instruct_v our_o people_n in_o their_o christian_a duty_n which_o be_v to_o observe_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n which_o make_v wednesday_n and_o friday_n day_n of_o solemn_a supplication_n as_o ancient_o they_o be_v and_o all_o the_o friday_n in_o the_o year_n except_o christmas-day_n to_o be_v also_o one_o of_o the_o day_n of_o fast_v or_o abstinence_n chap._n fourteen_o satisfaction_n to_o some_o exception_n it_o be_v now_o a_o shame_n or_o shall_v be_v so_o to_o mention_v the_o stale_a objection_n of_o mr._n cartwright_n and_o other_o against_o this_o doctrine_n which_o have_v be_v often_o baffle_v that_o god_n in_o the_o four_o commandment_n give_v man_n liberty_n to_o work_v six_o day_n which_o none_o can_v restrain_v and_o that_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v the_o church_n of_o galatia_n for_o observe_v day_n and_o month_n and_o time_n and_o year_n four_o gal._n 10._o but_o since_o some_o be_v still_o so_o weak_a as_o to_o insist_v upon_o such_o trivial_a exception_n i_o shall_v in_o a_o few_o word_n tell_v the_o reader_n what_o he_o be_v to_o answer_v when_o he_o meet_v with_o they_o to_o the_o first_o it_o may_v be_v reply_v that_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o that_o precept_n be_v give_v do_v not_o understand_v it_o to_o give_v they_o such_o a_o unbounded_a liberty_n that_o none_o can_v appoint_v any_o of_o the_o six_o day_n to_o be_v employ_v otherwise_o than_o in_o labour_n for_o then_o esther_n do_v very_o ill_a in_o command_v a_o three_o day_n fast_o when_o the_o exigence_n of_o their_o affair_n require_v it_o nay_o they_o who_o make_v this_o exception_n have_v no_o such_o sense_n of_o that_o commandment_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v very_o ill_a to_o mention_v it_o for_o they_o themselves_o set_v apart_o any_o day_n as_o they_o please_v for_o prayer_n and_o humiliation_n or_o thanksgiving_n and_o when_o they_o have_v power_n require_v other_o so_o to_o do_v which_o be_v utter_o unlawful_a if_o the_o four_o commandment_n have_v any_o such_o meaning_n as_o they_o imagine_v which_o must_v lead_v they_o at_o last_o to_o affirm_v that_o labour_n be_v command_v on_o all_o day_n but_o one_o direct_o against_o their_o own_o frequent_a practice_n as_o for_o the_o other_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a and_o more_o universal_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o christian_n than_o that_o it_o belong_v whole_o to_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o jewish_a solemnity_n to_o which_o christian_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o obligation_n that_o they_o who_o think_v they_o have_v from_o a_o opinion_n that_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v still_o in_o force_n do_v in_o that_o overthrow_n christianity_n and_o go_v back_o to_o judaisme_n this_o be_v apparent_a from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o account_n which_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o christianity_n 22._o christianity_n vid._n socratis_n histor_n l._n v._o c._n 22._o have_v give_v we_o of_o their_o sense_n about_o it_o such_o s._n hierom_n and_o s._n austin_n the_o former_a of_o which_o in_o his_o comment_n on_o this_o place_n mention_n the_o fast_n and_o assembly_n on_o certain_a day_n among_o christian_n as_o wise_o appoint_v for_o those_o who_o spend_v more_o time_n in_o the_o world_n than_o with_o god_n and_o either_o can_v or_o will_v not_o assemble_v with_o the_o church_n every_o day_n that_o on_o those_o solemn_a day_n at_o least_o they_o may_v sequester_v themselves_o a_o while_n from_o secular_a 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use_v some_o abstinence_n also_o on_o those_o day_n will_n in_o all_o likelihood_n contribute_v much_o unto_o their_o health_n as_o for_o the_o other_o they_o may_v be_v soon_o satisfy_v also_o that_o if_o fast_v do_v not_o promote_v the_o religious_a end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v ordain_v it_o must_v be_v let_v alone_o and_o one_o great_a end_n be_v prayer_n as_o have_v be_v say_v for_o which_o if_o it_o make_v man_n unfit_a by_o raise_v vapour_n and_o cloud_n they_o must_v take_v some_o moderate_a refreshment_n but_o this_o suppose_v still_o that_o they_o will_v frequent_v the_o prayer_n of_o which_o let_v they_o be_v careful_a and_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o accept_v of_o such_o humiliation_n as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v before_o he_o some_o pretend_v that_o other_o reform_a church_n have_v no_o set_a day_n of_o fast_v but_o only_a fast_o as_o occasion_n require_v nay_o some_o of_o their_o divine_n have_v speak_v against_o such_o day_n to_o which_o it_o may_v be_v reply_v that_o luther_n the_o very_a first_o reformer_n acknowledge_v two_o kind_n of_o fast_n to_o be_v laudable_a in_o a_o sermon_n of_o he_o on_o the_o sunday_n next_o to_o christmas-day_n one_o a_o civil_a fast_o appoint_v by_o the_o magistrate_n at_o certain_a time_n which_o be_v a_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a ordinance_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o consume_v by_o luxury_n and_o riot_n the_o other_o spiritual_a to_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o christian_n and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o well_o si_fw-mi aliquot_fw-la diebus_fw-la ante_fw-la festum_fw-la paschatis_fw-la &_o pentecostis_fw-la &_o nativitatis_fw-la domini_fw-la communiter_fw-la servaremus_fw-la etc._n etc._n if_o we_o do_v all_o keep_v some_o such_o day_n before_o the_o feast_n of_o easter_n and_o whitsuntide_n and_o the_o nativity_n of_o our_o lord_n with_o this_o caution_n only_o that_o we_o
wickedness_n and_o so_o to_o love_v instruction_n to_o thank_v those_o that_o reprove_v they_o to_o obey_v their_o teacher_n to_o incline_v their_o ear_n to_o their_o godly_a admonition_n to_o endeavour_v to_o do_v as_o much_o good_a as_o they_o have_v do_v evil_a and_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o people_n open_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o their_o public_a repentance_n who_o they_o have_v bold_o dishonour_v by_o their_o scandalous_a wickedness_n this_o may_v avail_v they_o and_o prove_v acceptable_a unto_o his_o offend_a majesty_n but_o to_o bewail_v themselves_o thus_o only_o at_o the_o last_o gasp_n or_o when_o they_o can_v no_o long_o act_v their_o wickedness_n no_o body_n can_v tell_v how_o it_o will_v be_v take_v but_o they_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o fear_v lest_o the_o same_o measure_n be_v deal_v to_o they_o with_o which_o solomon_n say_v some_o shall_v be_v serve_v who_o dreadful_a doom_n be_v record_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o his_o wise_a instruction_n in_o these_o remarkable_a word_n ver._n 24_o 25_o etc._n etc._n because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o refuse_v i_o have_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v but_o you_o have_v set_v at_o nought_o all_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n i_o will_v mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v as_o desolation_n and_o your_o destruction_n come_v as_o a_o whirlwind_n when_o distress_n and_o anguish_n come_v upon_o you_o then_o shall_v they_o call_v upon_o i_o but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v they_o shall_v seek_v i_o early_o but_o they_o shall_v not_o find_v i_o for_o that_o they_o hate_v knowledge_n and_o do_v not_o choose_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o will_v none_o of_o my_o counsel_n they_o despise_v all_o my_o reproof_n therefore_o shall_v they_o eat_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o way_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o device_n from_o which_o terrible_a sentence_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n deliver_v we_o and_o let_v all_o that_o read_v these_o thing_n endeavour_v to_o deliver_v themselves_o by_o harken_v to_o such_o good_a counsel_n as_o have_v be_v here_o give_v that_o be_v by_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o fast_v and_o with_o weep_v and_o with_o mourn_v part_n ii_o concern_v fast_v chap._n x._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o fast_v among_o those_o humiliation_n wherewith_o penitent_a sinner_n ought_v to_o prostrate_v themselves_o before_o god_n to_o sue_v for_o mercy_n the_o reader_n can_v but_o observe_v that_o fast_n have_v be_v frequent_o mention_v as_o hold_v a_o principal_a place_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o useful_a to_o treat_v a_o little_a of_o it_o by_o itself_o the_o church_n have_v set_v apart_o certain_a time_n for_o it_o wherein_o if_o those_o wicked_a man_n i_o now_o speak_v of_o will_v not_o humble_v themselves_o and_o repent_v of_o their_o evil_a do_n whereby_o they_o be_v pull_v down_o judgement_n upon_o themselves_o and_o upon_o other_o yet_o all_o good_a man_n shall_v embrace_v the_o opportunity_n of_o cast_v down_o themselves_o frequent_o before_o god_n to_o join_v with_o god_n minister_n in_o those_o supplication_n like_o they_o prescribe_v in_o the_o prophet_n joel_n upon_o their_o solemn_a fast_a 2._o 17._o spare_v we_o good_a lord_n spare_v thy_o people_n who_o thou_o have_v redeem_v with_o thy_o precious_a blood_n and_o be_v not_o angry_a with_o we_o for_o ever_o beseech_v he_o to_o deliver_v we_o as_o from_o all_o blindness_n of_o heart_n etc._n etc._n so_o more_o especial_o from_o all_o sedition_n privy_a conspiracy_n and_o rebellion_n from_o all_o false_a doctrine_n heresy_n and_o schism_n from_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o contempt_n of_o his_o word_n and_o commandment_n which_o solemn_a prayer_n be_v never_o more_o necessary_a than_o in_o these_o day_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n fast_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v neglect_v but_o attend_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o help_n unto_o they_o and_o a_o mean_n to_o make_v they_o more_o effectual_a this_o shall_v be_v prove_v when_o i_o have_v first_o show_v what_o fast_v be_v and_o in_o proper_a speak_n fast_v be_v a_o abstinence_n from_o all_o manner_n of_o food_n whether_o it_o be_v meat_n or_o drink_v as_o we_o may_v be_v satisfy_v if_o it_o need_v any_o proof_n from_o that_o question_n which_o be_v ask_v our_o saviour_n in_o v._o luke_n 33._o why_o do_v the_o disciple_n of_o john_n fast_o often_o and_o make_v prayer_n and_o likewise_o the_o pharisee_n but_o thou_o eat_v and_o drink_v which_o place_n be_v remarkable_a for_o two_o thing_n for_o it_o show_v both_o that_o prayer_n be_v a_o concomitant_a of_o fast_v as_o i_o say_v just_a now_o and_o that_o fast_v be_v so_o opposite_a to_o eat_v and_o drink_v that_o he_o who_o eat_v and_o drink_v do_v not_o fast_a which_o be_v still_o more_o confirm_v by_o the_o word_n wherein_o the_o other_o evangelist_n put_v this_o question_n which_o be_v these_o why_o do_v the_o disciple_n of_o john_n and_o of_o the_o pharisee_n fast_o but_o thy_o disciple_n fast_v not_o two_o mark_v 18._o ix_o matth._n 14._o here_o they_o call_v that_o not_o fast_v which_o s._n luke_n call_v eat_v and_o drink_v it_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o not_o to_o fast_o nor_o be_v any_o other_o notion_n to_o be_v find_v of_o fast_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o in_o any_o ancient_a writer_n jewish_a or_o christian_a but_o this_o forbearance_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n while_o the_o fast_o last_v some_o think_v indeed_o that_o speak_v improper_o there_o be_v example_n in_o scripture_n of_o fast_n which_o consist_v only_o in_o abstinence_n from_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o food_n and_o content_v themselves_o with_o hard_a fare_n thus_o josephus_n say_v that_o the_o fast_a which_o esther_n and_o her_o maiden_n observe_v together_o with_o the_o jew_n in_o shushan_n when_o they_o neither_o do_v eat_v nor_o drink_v three_o day_n night_n nor_o day_n be_v forbear_v all_o delicate_a meat_n and_o drink_n for_o that_o time_n as_o grotius_n observe_v out_o of_o he_o upon_o four_o esth_n 16._o which_o may_v receive_v some_o confirmation_n from_o what_o daniel_n say_v of_o himself_o x._o 2_o 3._o in_o those_o day_n i_o daniel_n be_v mourn_v three_o full_a week_n i_o eat_v no_o pleasant_a bread_n neither_o come_v flesh_n nor_o wine_n in_o my_o mouth_n neither_o do_v i_o anoint_v myself_o at_o all_o till_o three_o whole_a week_n be_v fulfil_v his_o mourn_a which_o comprehend_v fast_v be_v nothing_o else_o it_o shall_v seem_v but_o abstinence_n from_o all_o thing_n pleasant_a and_o desirable_a as_o the_o word_n be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n while_o he_o allow_v himself_o a_o courser_n sort_n of_o diet_n which_o nothing_o but_o mere_a necessity_n commend_v to_o his_o appetite_n and_o if_o we_o let_v this_o pass_v for_o truth_n it_o do_v not_o prejudice_v what_o i_o say_v of_o fast_v that_o usual_o and_o speak_v exact_o it_o signify_v eat_v and_o drink_v nothing_o at_o all_o and_o if_o the_o holy_a writer_n speak_v otherwise_o it_o be_v upon_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n when_o the_o humiliation_n continue_v so_o long_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o fast_o strict_o without_o any_o refection_n at_o all_o as_o it_o be_v in_o these_o fast_n of_o three_o day_n and_o three_o week_n but_o i_o be_o not_o satisfy_v that_o daniel_n mourn_a be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v now_o suppose_v for_o his_o word_n may_v signify_v no_o more_o but_o that_o when_o he_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v nothing_o that_o be_v pleasant_a come_v into_o his_o mouth_n and_o then_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o for_o three_o week_n he_o keep_v a_o fast_a eat_v and_o drink_v nothing_o at_o all_o till_o the_o evening_n as_o the_o manner_n be_v on_o fast_v day_n and_o then_o abstain_v from_o flesh_n and_o wine_n and_o use_v only_o a_o courser_n sort_n of_o bread_n for_o thus_o ezra_n fast_v eat_v no_o bread_n at_o all_o nor_o drink_v water_n for_o he_o mourn_v because_o of_o the_o transgression_n of_o they_o that_o have_v be_v carry_v away_o x._o 6._o just_a as_o daniel_n do_v the_o fast_a of_o esther_n indeed_o do_v not_o so_o easy_o admit_v this_o interpretation_n because_o they_o do_v in_o that_o neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v three_o day_n night_n or_o day_n but_o if_o we_o take_v the_o word_n rigid_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o josephus_n interpretation_n no_o more_o than_o of_o this_o for_o they_o that_o fare_v hardly_o do_v notwithstanding_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o therefore_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v the_o true_a meaning_n be_v that_o they_o make_v no_o set_a meal_n at_o all_o neither_o night_n nor_o day_n but_o if_o any_o of_o they_o
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