Selected quad for the lemma: duty_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
duty_n	day_n	lord_n	week_n	2,075	5	9.7497	5	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A64466	A fast of Gods chusing plainly opened for the help of those poor in spirit, whose hearts are set to seek the Lord their God in New-England, in the solemn ordinance of a fast : wherein is shewed, 1, the nature of such a fast, 2, the testimony God will give thereunto of his gracious acceptance, 3, the special seasons wherein God will bear witness to such a fast, 4, some helps to faith that is shall be so, 5, why such a fast is so acceptable and succesfull, 6, how much this concerns Gods people in New-England : preached on a fast called by publick authority, on 26, 1[6]74 / by Thomas Thacher...	Thacher, Thomas, 1620-1678.; Mather, Increase, 1639-1723.	1678 (1678)	Wing T830; ESTC R9807	27,462	32

undo_v the_o heavy_a burden_n and_o to_o let_v the_o oppress_v go_v free_a etc._n etc._n hence_o we_o may_v observe_v doct._n that_o a_o fast_a of_o god_n choose_v or_o such_o a_o fast_a as_o god_n have_v choose_v will_v certain_o bring_v seasonable_a pledge_n of_o god_n gracious_a acceptation_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v right_a for_o god_n and_o the_o fast_o be_v order_v according_a to_o god_n it_o shall_v certain_o obtain_v mercy_n and_o bring_v home_o help_n and_o succour_v from_o god_n prayer_n especial_o extraordinary_a prayer_n be_v not_o only_o the_o key_n of_o all_o earthly_a treasure_n of_o goodness_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v up_o for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n on_o earth_n but_o the_o key_n of_o heavenly_a treasure_n in_o christ_n jesus_n also_o i_o shall_v observe_v this_o method_n in_o manage_v this_o subject_a 1._o i_o shall_v open_v unto_o you_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o fast_a and_o such_o a_o fast_a as_o god_n have_v choose_v 2._o i_o shall_v show_v you_o those_o testimony_n which_o god_n will_v give_v of_o his_o gracious_a acceptation_n unto_o such_o a_o fast_a 3._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v you_o the_o season_n wherein_o god_n be_v wont_a to_o give_v and_o his_o people_n may_v expect_v such_o manifest_a testimony_n of_o his_o gracious_a acceptation_n 4._o i_o shall_v labour_v to_o help_v your_o faith_n with_o some_o invincible_a argument_n and_o demonstration_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o then_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n and_o last_o how_o much_o this_o concern_v we_o a_o people_n so_o circumstance_v as_o we_o be_v 1._o for_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o fast_a you_o may_v take_v this_o imperfect_a definition_n or_o description_n of_o it_o not_o take_v strict_o only_o for_o a_o adjunct_n or_o mean_n of_o worship_n but_o more_o large_o as_o i_o suppose_v in_o my_o text_n and_o so_o a_o fast_a be_v a_o extraordinary_a part_n or_o act_v of_o gospel_n worship_n wherein_o for_o a_o convenient_a season_n we_o abstain_v from_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n and_o upon_o due_a examination_n of_o our_o way_n towards_o god_n and_o consideration_n of_o god_n way_n towards_o we_o we_o make_v a_o solemn_a and_o real_a profession_n that_o we_o justify_v god_n and_o judge_n ourselves_o we_o justify_v god_n for_o the_o evil_a of_o affliction_n that_o we_o either_o feel_v or_o fear_v and_o judge_v ourselves_o for_o the_o evil_a of_o transgression_n which_o we_o find_v within_o we_o or_o that_o ●ath_v pass_v from_o we_o we_o solemn_o profess_v godly_a sorrow_n and_o repentance_n for_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n we_o solemn_o profess_v that_o we_o seek_v mercy_n and_o grace_n from_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o save_v we_o from_o our_o sin●_n and_o sorrow_n we_o solemn_o profess_v that_o we_o with_o all_o readiness_n forgive_v other_o that_o have_v offend_v we_o as_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v forgive_v of_o god_n and_o last_o we_o solemn_o engage_v and_o bind_v ourselves_o to_o reform_v the_o evil_n of_o our_o way_n and_o to_o walk_v before_o god_n in_o new_a obedience_n according_a to_o his_o word_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v there_o be_v much_o of_o religion_n lie_v in_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o a_o spiritual_a fast_a therefore_o i_o say_v first_o a_o fast_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o fast_a speak_v abstinence_n a_o fast_a be_v that_o wherein_o a_o man_n deny_v himself_o the_o use_n of_o ordinary_a thing_n whereto_o he_o be_v accustom_v and_o necessitate_v for_o some_o certain_a end_n and_o for_o a_o certain_a season_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o deny_v yourselves_o ordinary_a comfort_n there_o be_v no_o fast_a and_o if_o not_o in_o order_n to_o worship_n it_o be_v not_o a_o religious_a fast_o and_o therefore_o though_o this_o be_v but_o a_o adjunct_n of_o worship_n yet_o be_v a_o adjunct_n appoint_v by_o god_n to_o abstain_v from_o your_o ordinary_a comfort_n and_o that_o in_o three_o thing_n 1._o to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n and_o drink_v whole_o if_o strength_n of_o nature_n will_v bear_v it_o if_o not_o so_o much_o as_o mercy_n and_o necessity_n will_v permit_v this_o at_o least_o be_v command_v of_o old_a esth_n 4._o 16._o neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v three_o day_n night_n nor_o day_n etc._n etc._n she_o appoint_v a_o three_o day_n fast_o which_o those_o country_n might_n better_o bear_v and_o upon_o that_o extraordinary_a occasion_n they_o may_v not_o eat_v nor_o drink_v night_n nor_o day_n so_o nineveh_n they_o must_v not_o eat_v nor_o drink_v they_o be_v forbid_v not_o only_o wine_n but_o water_n jonah_n 3_o 7._o 2_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o abstinence_n requisite_a to_o this_o duty_n to_o abstain_v from_o our_o wont_a ornament_n to_o adorn_v the_o body_n in_o the_o day_n of_o fast_a be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o fast_v exod._n 33._o 4_o 5_o 6._o there_o they_o be_v command_v to_o put_v off_o their_o ornament_n and_o they_o be_v wont_v also_o to_o clothe_v themselves_o in_o sackcloth_n now_o the_o rigour_n of_o this_o according_a to_o the_o darkness_n of_o those_o shadow_a time_n be_v not_o exact_v from_o we_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o proportion_n to_o be_v observe_v the_o king_n of_o n●niveh_n though_o but_o the_o king_n of_o n●niveh_n and_o not_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n yet_o he_o lay_v aside_o his_o robe_n and_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n and_o that_o be_v a_o prevail_a fast_a for_o it_o be_v a_o self_n humble_v fast_o and_o they_o be_v wont_v also_o to_o sprinkle_v dust_n and_o ash_n upon_o their_o head_n and_o to_o express_v all_o manner_n of_o self_n despising_n and_o self_n abomination_n if_o you_o be_v loath_a to_o put_v off_o your_o ornament_n than_o its_o a_o humble_v and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o humble_v you_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o they_o with_o other_o your_o ordinary_a comfort_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a humiliation_n 3._o a_o abstain_v from_o all_o your_o lawful_a employment_n and_o sport_n and_o recreation_n yea_o even_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o marry_a life_n 1_o cor._n 7_o 5._o joel_n 2._o 16._o let_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v out_o of_o his_o chamber_n and_o the_o bride_n out_o of_o her_o closet_n etc._n etc._n there_o must_v be_v no_o sport_n nor_o pastime_n in_o a_o word_n such_o abstinence_n be_v require_v whereby_o the_o body_n may_v be_v afflict_v isa_n 58._o 3_o leu._n 23_o 29._o 30._o and_o dan._n ●0_n 2_o 3_o 12._o ezra_n 8._o 21._o and_o this_o abstinence_n must_v continue_v at_o least_o from_o evening_n to_o evening_n for_o so_o must_v you_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n etc._n etc._n not_o only_o your_o weekly_a sabbath_n but_o fast_v and_o feast_v sabbath_n leu._n 23._o 32._o from_o evening_n to_o evening_n shall_v you_o celebrate_v your_o sabbath_n be_v a_o vain_a shift_n to_o say_v this_o be_v speak_v concern_v sabbath_n only_o upon_o special_a occasion_n for_o it_o concern_v weekly_a sabbath_n leu._n ●3_n 2_o 3._o and_o these_o also_o 2._o now_o this_o very_a outward_a abstinence_n as_o a_o help_n to_o the_o worship_n in_o the_o day_n and_o so_o the_o whole_a fast_o be_v a_o gospel_n duty_n that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n direct_v unto_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o appertein_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n do_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o day_n of_o atonement_n but_o it_o be_v the_o gospel_n that_o appoint_v day_n of_o atonement_n and_o it_o be_v require_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v when_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v absent_a the_o child_n of_o the_o bride-chamber_n shall_v fast_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v christ_n and_o the_o child_n be_v believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o when_o he_o be_v absent_a that_o be_v in_o heaven_n before_o he_o return_v again_o there_o shaline_a time_n of_o fast_v math._n 9_o 15._o can_v the_o child_n of_o the_o bride-chamber_n mourn_v as_o long_o as_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v with_o they_o but_o the_o day_n shall_v come_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o they_o and_o then_o they_o shall_v fast_o and_o the_o apostle_n give_v direction_n how_o they_o shall_v manage_v themselves_o in_o fast_v and_o prayer_n 1_o cor._n 7_o 5._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o gospel_n duty_n 3._o but_o yet_o though_o a_o gospel_n duty_n it_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a duty_n fast_v be_v not_o a_o every_o week_n duty_n in_o a_o constant_a course_n as_o the_o pharisee_v think_v luk._n 18._o 12_o saying_n i_o fast_o twice_o a_o week_n god_n have_v appoint_v six_o day_n for_o labour_n and_o one_o for_o a_o sabbath_n and_o therefore_o for_o man_n to_o appoint_v to_o themselves_o constant_a sabbath_n beside_o the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v will-worship_n and_o not_o acceptable_a to_o god_n this_o then_o be_v not_o for_o ordinary_a but_o special_a occasion_n as_o first_o when_o there_o be_v some_o notable_a or_o eminent_a

a_o fast_a of_o god_n choose_v plain_o open_v for_o the_o help_n of_o those_o poor_a in_o spirit_n who_o heart_n be_v set_v to_o seek_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n in_o new-england_n in_o the_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o a_o fast_a wherein_o be_v show_v 1._o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o fast_a 2._o the_o testimony_n god_n will_v give_v thereunto_o of_o his_o gracious_a acceptation_n 3_o the_o special_a season_n wherein_o god_n will_v bear_v witness_n to_o such_o a_o fast_a 4._o some_o help_n to_o faith_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o 5._o why_o such_o a_o fast_o be_v so_o acceptable_a and_o successful_a 6._o how_o much_o this_o concern_v god_n people_n in_o new-england_n preach_v on_o a_o fast_o call_v by_o publitk_a authority_n on_o 26._o 1._o 74._o by_o thomas_n thacher_n pastor_n of_o a_o church_n in_o boston_n boston_n print_v by_o john_n foster_n 1678._o to_o the_o reader_n both_o scripture_n and_o experience_n have_v make_v it_o manifest_v to_o the_o world_n that_o a_o religious_a fast_o when_o due_o attend_v be_v a_o duty_n of_o no_o small_a importance_n and_o advantage_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n but_o those_o spiritual_a performance_n which_o if_o right_o manage_v be_v the_o most_o beneficial_a have_v a_o special_a difficulty_n and_o contrariety_n to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n accompany_v they_o so_o be_v it_o a_o hard_a work_n to_o keep_v a_o fast_a in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v become_v a_o acceptable_a day_n unto_o the_o lord_n whence_o also_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o very_o few_o even_n among_o those_o that_o outward_o observe_v fast_a day_n be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o inward_a spiritual_a &_o acceptable_a part_n of_o the_o duty_n there_o have_v be_v that_o as_o to_o what_o be_v external_a in_o such_o service_n regard_v not_o the_o divine_a precept_n some_o think_v the_o prophet_n isaiah_n in_o that_o chapter_n which_o be_v partly_o and_o judicious_o open_v in_o the_o ensue_a sermon_n reprove_v enormity_n in_o that_o kind_n and_o although_o mercy_n be_v better_a than_o sacrifice_n nor_o may_v we_o urge_v any_o severity_n beyond_o what_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v impose_v yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o many_o among_o we_o do_v not_o make_v due_a conscience_n of_o that_o outward_a abstinence_n which_o the_o rule_n and_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n do_v require_v 145._o thes_n salmur_n part_n ult_n camero_n in_o mat._n 17._o 21._o ames_n answ_n to_o burgess_n p●_n 1._o pag._n 145._o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o meat_n and_o drink_n nor_o be_v fast_v in_o itself_o any_o part_n of_o religion_n when_o it_o be_v call_v worship_n it_o be_v by_o a_o trope_n as_o be_v a_o special_a adjunct_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a worship_n yet_o for_o man_n to_o exact_a labour_n or_o to_o find_v their_o own_o pleasure_n upon_o such_o day_n be_v a_o high_a transgression_n other_o there_o be_v that_o as_o to_o external_o will_v be_v very_o exact_a nay_o over-righteous_a whenas_o all_o that_o they_o do_v be_v before_o the_o lord_n no_o better_o then_o loathsome_a formality_n &_o hypocrisy_n the_o evangelist_n inform_v we_o that_o it_o be_v customary_a among_o the_o jew_n to_o fast_o twice_o a_o week_n and_o the_o jewish_a master_n tell_v we_o particular_o that_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o 2d_o and_o 5_o day_n of_o the_o week_n decreverun●_n magistry_n nostri_fw-la utjejunaretur_fw-la diebus_fw-la secundo_fw-la et_fw-la quinto_fw-la 54_o volumen_fw-la jejunii_fw-la fol._n 54_o propter_fw-la tres_fw-la res_fw-la viz._n propter_fw-la destructum_fw-la templum_fw-la propter_fw-la legem_fw-la conflagratam_fw-la &_o propter_fw-la probrum_fw-la divini_fw-la nomini●_n in_o imitation_n of_o who_o some_o christian_n call_v two_o day_n of_o the_o week_n fast_a day_n albeit_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v think_v to_o judaize_v they_o have_v not_o fix_v upon_o 8_o thorndike_n of_o seru●●_n re●_n assemb_v c._n 8_o the_o same_o day_n the_o jew_n do_v but_o to_o what_o end_n be_v a_o multitude_n of_o these_o once_o if_o con●●ded_v in_o do_v man_n think_v that_o their_o voice_n will_v be_v hear_v on_o high_a 〈◊〉_d e._n that_o they_o shall_v have_v acceptance_n in_o heaven_n mere_o because_o they_o fast_o certain_o if_o there_o be_v not_o serious_a preparation_n for_o such_o day_n unseigned_a humiliation_n and_o contrition_n in_o they_o reformation_n after_o they_o day_n of_o humiliation_n will_v become_v day_n of_o provocation_n before_o that_o god_n who_o will_v never_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v mock_v by_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n when_o the_o most_o solemn_a and_o extraordinary_a duty_n of_o religion_n degenerate_a into_o formality_n it_o cause_v the_o god_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v near_o historian_n have_v observe_v that_o pompey_n seize_v upon_o the_o temple_n on_o the_o jew_n solemn_a fast_v day_n also_o that_o upon_o one_o of_o their_o public_a fast_n sofius_n take_v 8_o jos●phus_n de_fw-fr a●tiq_fw-la indeor_fw-la l._n 14._o c._n 8_o jerusalem_n the_o lord_n thereby_o testify_v against_o the_o formality_n of_o that_o degenerate_a generation_n and_o indeed_o day_n of_o humiliation_n without_o reformation_n be_v no_o other_o nor_o no_o better_o than_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o so_o the_o formal_a jew_n in_o isaiahs_n time_n notwithstanding_o their_o frequent_a fact_n they_o persist_v in_o do_v their_o own_o will_n and_o be_v therefore_o say_v to_o find_v their_o own_o pleasure_n though_o contrary_a to_o the_o command_a will_n of_o god_n they_o continue_v to_o oppress_v and_o exact_a labour_n of_o those_o that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o 58._o mr._n gatak●●_n annot●●n_n isai_n 58._o god_n shall_v have_v be_v set_v at_o liberty_n jer._n 34._o 17._o vexatious_a law_n suit_n smite_v with_o the_o fist_n of_o ●ickedness_n and_o other_o contention_n be_v ri●e_v among_o they_o after_o day_n of_o humiliation_n if_o a_o poor_a man_n be_v by_o any_o injurious_a contract_n fall_v into_o their_o hand_n they_o will_v not_o loose_v those_o bond_n of_o wickedness_n the_o lord_n therefore_o by_o his_o prophet_n tell_v they_o that_o as_o ever_o they_o desire_v god_n shall_v regard_v their_o fast_n those_o prevail_a iniquity_n shall_v be_v reform_v and_o the_o contrary_a duty_n practise_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n jeremiah_n upon_o a_o solemn_a fast_a day_n jer._n 36._o 6_o 7._o now_o that_o the_o lord_n people_n among_o we_o may_v be_v awaken_v and_o warn_v against_o rest_v in_o any_o lifeless_a formality_n or_o in_o humiliation●_n without_o reformation_n be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o reverend_n and_o worthy_a author_n in_o this_o practical_a and_o useful_a sermon_n of_o his_o discourse_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v never_o unseasonable_a since_o no_o age_n pass_v wherein_o there_o be_v not_o afford_v matter_n &_o ground_n sad_a enough_o to_o warrant_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n urge_v although_o the_o new_a testament_n speak_v nothing_o for_o state_v fast_n or_o 53._o tertullian_n de_fw-fr ●ejun_fw-fr epiph._n haris_n 75._o august_n de_fw-fr heres_fw-la c._n 53._o festival_n tertullian_n before_o his_o montanisme_n write_v true_o that_o religious_a fast_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v pro_fw-la temporibus_fw-la &_o causis_fw-la as_o the_o lord_n shall_v providential_o call_v thereunto_o ●ndeed_o a●rius_n be_v sometime_o charge_v with_o heresy_n because_o he_o withstand_v the_o imposition_n of_o those_o and_o the_o like_a formality_n but_o that_o be_v in_o a_o age_n when_o the_o darkness_n of_o superstition_n begin_v to_o over_o spread_v the_o christian_a world_n nevertheless_o the_o word_n be_v clear_a that_o at_o sometime_o frequency_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o service_n ought_v to_o be_v attend_v johns_n disciple_n keep_v many_o day_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n probable_o as_o a_o learned_a interpreter_n conceive_v upon_o occasion_n of_o their_o master_n be_v imprison_v which_o providence_n be_v a_o sufficient_a call_n unto_o they_o to_o be_v much_o 14_o grotius_n in_o math._n 9_o 14_o in_o extraordinary_a seeking_n unto_o god_n and_o humiliation_n before_o he_o that_o if_o possible_a they_o may_v not_o be_v deprive_v of_o such_o a_o faithful_a and_o eminent_a teacher_n and_o although_o the_o tenderness_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o own_o disciple_n be_v such_o as_o that_o he_o will_v not_o at_o first_o enjoin_v frequent_a fast_n upon_o they_o who_o have_v not_o be_v accustom_v to_o such_o severity_n le●●_n as_o new_a wine_n be_v ungrateful_a and_o will_v be_v reject_v by_o those_o who_o have_v taste_v that_o which_o be_v more_o pleasant_a be_v sudden_o put_v upon_o precept_n too_o strong_a for_o weak_a disciple_n they_o shall_v be_v 20._o cradock_n harmon_n c._n 3_o sect._n 20._o discourage_v yet_o the_o lord_n do_v intimate_v that_o day_n of_o persecution_n and_o general_a affliction_n will_v at_o last_o befall_v they_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v providential_o call_v and_o their_o

practice_n be_v suitable_a unto_o frequent_a fast_n it_o be_v marvellous_a to_o consider_v for_o his_o spirit_n know_v what_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o world_n and_o incline_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o messenger_n according_o how_o god_n many_o time_n cause_v the_o word_n of_o his_o servant_n in_o their_o public_a ministration_n to_o fall_v in_o with_o his_o providential_a dispensation_n of_o which_o we_o have_v some_o instance_n in_o the_o sermon_n herewith_o emit_v which_o be_v deliver_v some_o year_n ago_o even_o a_o little_a before_o our_o late_a trouble_n the_o lord_n know_v that_o boston_n yea_o that_o new-england_n will_v have_v cause_n for_o many_o day_n of_o humiliation_n and_o therefore_o stir_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o servant_n before_o hand_n to_o give_v instruction_n and_o direction_n concern_v the_o acceptable_a performance_n of_o so_o great_a a_o duty_n some_o that_o be_v affect_v in_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o that_o do_v in_o short_a hand_n take_v what_o be_v deliver_v have_v importune_v the_o reverend_a author_n to_o give_v way_n unto_o its_o publication_n unto_o who_o desire_n he_o have_v at_o last_o concede_v and_o i_o know_v not_o but_o that_o the_o publication_n of_o what_o be_v in_o this_o way_n present_v may_v be_v as_o seasonable_a as_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o at_o first_o be_v for_o if_o my_o conjecture_n fail_v not_o the_o day_n be_v at_o hand_n when_o new-england_n will_v have_v as_o great_a cause_n as_o ever_o to_o attend_v humiliation_n and_o supplication_n before_o the_o most_o high_a there_o be_v no_o general_a reformation_n visible_a in_o new-england_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o a_o heart_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o scripture_n expedient_a for_o that_o end_n we_o have_v see_v 〈◊〉_d horse_n among_o we_o even_o bloody_a judgement_n and_o desolation_n but_o be_v not_o better_v thereby_o now_o there_o be_v a_o pale_a horse_n come_v and_o his_o name_n that_o sit_v thereon_o be_v death_n star_n be_v fall_v our_o heaven_n and_o our_o earth_n be_v shake_v what_o will_v come_v next_o who_o can_v say_v the_o decree_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o bring_v forth_o wherefore_o such_o a_o fast_a as_o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v will_v be_v a_o bless_a mean_n to_o lengthen_v out_o our_o tranquillity_n and_o o_o that_o new-england_n know_v in_o this_o her_o day_n th●_n thing_n that_o belong_v to_o her_o peace_n increase_v mather_n boston_n 2._o mon._n 1678._o isaiah_n 58._o 5_o 6._o be_v it_o such_o a_o fast_a that_o i_o have_v choose_v a_o day_n for_o a_o man_n to_o afflict_v his_o soul_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o this_o the_o fast_a that_o i_o have_v choose_v &_o c_o it_o be_v my_o beloved_a hard_a work_n yea_o one_o of_o the_o hard_a part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o awaken_v a_o people_n that_o be_v rock_v a_o sleep_n in_o sin_n especial_o a_o profess_v people_n that_o be_v lift_v up_o to_o eminent_a degree_n in_o profession_n exalt_v with_o great_a privilege_n and_o have_v their_o heart_n raise_v with_o these_o thing_n unto_o great_a pride_n this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o great_a and_o difficult_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o awaken_v such_o but_o such_o a_o people_n this_o prophet_n have_v to_o do_v withal_o and_o therefore_o you_o see_v what_o be_v must_v do_v ver_fw-la 1._o cry_v aloud_o spare_v not_o stretch_v thy_o throat_n spare_v no_o pain_n lift_v up_o thy_o voice_n like_o a_o trumpet_n and_o show_v my_o peopl_n their_o transgression_n &_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n their_o sin_n they_o have_v watchman_n among_o they_o but_o they_o do_v not_o watch_v dog_n that_o do_v not_o bark_n isai_n 56._o 10._o and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n must_v cry_v aloud_o and_o show_v they_o their_o sin_n why_o be_v they_o so_o vile_a a_o people_n they_o be_v eminent_a in_o profession_n exalt_v in_o privilege_n and_o arrogant_a in_o both_o as_o appear_v in_o five_o or_o six_o thing_n 1._o they_o seek_v i_o daily_o for_o 2._o 2._o they_o delight_v to_o know_v my_o way_n 3._o they_o do_v righteousness_n and_o they_o forsake_v not_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n they_o be_v a_o practise_v people_n as_o well_o as_o a_o know_a people_n and_o further_o they_o inquire_v and_o ask_v after_o the_o ordinance_n of_o justice_n and_o profess_v great_a delight_n in_o approach_v to_o god_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o common_a and_o ordinary_a duty_n but_o extraordinary_a ver_fw-la 3._o we_o have_v fast_v and_o we_o have_v afflict_v our_o soul_n in_o our_o fast_a and_o yet_o say_v god_n to_o the_o prophet_n cry_v aloud_o spare_v not_o lift_v up_o thy_o voice_n like_o a_o trumpet_n and_o make_v they_o to_o know_v their_o transgression_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v yet_o a_o people_n that_o do_v need_v awaken_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o but_o when_o be_v this_o people_n in_o this_o frame_n and_o when_o be_v there_o such_o matter_n of_o complaint_n against_o they_o i_o answer_v in_o general_n it_o be_v when_o they_o do_v keep_v hypocritical_a fast_n which_o be_v here_o describe_v ver_fw-la 3._o 4._o &_o they_o do_v fast_o but_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o fast_a it_o be_v a_o fast_a as_o to_o the_o external_a observation_n when_o it_o be_v not_o a_o fast_a as_o to_o the_o spiritual_a efficacy_n and_o right_a performance_n of_o this_o holy_a service_n they_o be_v lift_v up_o with_o their_o service_n perform_v and_o quarrel_v with_o god_n and_o complain_v as_o if_o some_o notable_a injury_n be_v do_v they_o in_o that_o they_o use_v god_n remedy_n for_o their_o malady_n and_o yet_o their_o malady_n be_v not_o remove_v more_o porticular_o this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o day_n of_o hezekiah_n you_o know_v what_o glorious_a day_n they_o be_v and_o how_o zealous_a he_o be_v in_o reformation_n insomuch_o that_o he_o break_v in_o piece_n the_o brazen_a serpen●_n which_o moses_n have_v make_v which_o they_o have_v so_o long_o admire_v and_o burn_v incense_n to_o 2_o king_n 18._o 4._o and_o what_o solemn_a fast_n do_v they_o keep_v and_o what_o delight_n have_v they_o in_o approach_v unto_o god_n 2_o cron._n 30._o 21._o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v present_a at_o jerusalem_n keep_v the_o feast_n of_o unleavened_a bread_n seven_o day_n with_o great_a gladness_n and_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n praise_v the_o lord_n day_n by_o day_n sing_v with_o loud_a instrument_n unto_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v great_a joy_n but_o alas_o as_o soon_o as_o these_o thing_n be_v well_o over_o and_o they_o have_v purge_v out_o idolatry_n in_o chap._n 32._o 1._o after_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o establishment_n thereof_o senacherib_n come_v up_o against_o they_o and_o their_o wound_n as_o to_o their_o civil_a affair_n be_v not_o heal_v and_o in_o the_o six_o year_n of_o hezekiah_n the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v lead_v away_o by_o shalma●●●ir_n 2_o king_n 18._o 10._o that_o be_v in_o the_o nine_o year_n of_o hoshea_n king_n of_o israel_n samaria_n be_v take_v etc._n etc._n &_o because_o they_o obey_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n but_o transgress_v his_o covenant_n and_o all_o that_o moses_n the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n command_v and_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o nor_o do_v they_o now_o ver_fw-la the_o 13._o in_o the_o fourteen_o year_n of_o king_n hezekiah_n zenacherib_n take_v all_o the_o fence_a city_n of_o judah_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v israel_n carry_v captive_a before_o and_o do_v not_o judah_n fast_o then_o in_o good_a hezekiahs_n day_n here_o also_o be_v judah_n set_v upon_o and_o the_o fence_a city_n take_v and_o be_v hezekiah_n and_o the_o people_n asleep_o all_o this_o while_n do_v they_o not_o fast_o and_o pray_v yea_o but_o in_o the_o issue_n jerusalem_n be_v besiege_v and_o rabshekah_n blaspheme_v etc._n etc._n be_v not_o here_o matter_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o jerusalem_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o destruction_n why_o then_o wherefore_o have_v we_o fast_v say_v they_o and_o thou_o see_v it_o not_o wherefore_o have_v we_o afflict_v our_o soul_n and_o thou_o take_v no_o knowledge_n here_o be_v their_o quarrel_n with_o god_n and_o god_n answer_v this_o in_o ver_fw-la 3._o 4._o he_o give_v i_o say_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o 1._o by_o discover_v their_o sin_n that_o still_o remain_v notwithstanding_o their_o fast_n so_o that_o their_o fast_n be_v indeed_o no_o fast_n 2._o the_o benefit_n they_o shall_v have_v obtain_v if_o their_o fast_o have_v be_v a_o fast_a indeed_o be_v it_o such_o a_o fast_a as_o i_o have_v choose_v for_o a_o man_n to_o afflict_v his_o soul_n for_o a_o day_n and_o to_o hang_v down_o his_o head_n as_o a_o bulrush_n and_o to_o spread_v sackcloth_n etc._n etc._n oh_o no_o but_o this_o be_v the_o fast_a that_o i_o have_v choose_v to_o loose_v the_o band_n of_o wickdness_n to_o

public_a danger_n as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o jehoshapha●_n 2_o chron._n 20._o 3._o so_o when_o some_o notable_a duty_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v which_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o hazardous_a then_o be_v a_o season_n for_o a_o fast_a as_o it_o be_v with_o esther_n chap._n 4._o 14_o 15_o 16._o again_o when_o there_o be_v some_o great_a sickness_n lie_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v near_a and_o dear_a unto_o we_o psal_n 35._o 13_o 14._o but_o as_o for_o i_o when_o they_o be_v sick_a my_o clothing_n be_v sackcloth_n i_o humble_v my_o soul_n with_o fast_v and_o i_o behave_v myself_o as_o though_o he_o have_v be_v my_o friend_n or_o brother_n i_o bow_v down_o heavy_o as_o one_o that_o mourn_v for_o his_o mother_n a_o friend_n and_o brother_n or_o mother_n or_o near_a relation_n when_o they_o be_v sick_a and_o weak_a and_o in_o dangerous_a condition_n it_o call_v for_o fast_v there_o be_v then_o opportunity_n and_o occasion_n for_o this_o duty_n again_o when_o there_o be_v some_o notable_a blessing_n want_v or_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o loose_v it_o and_o so_o when_o a_o person_n or_o people_n be_v fall_v under_o some_o great_a transgression_n whereby_o god_n may_v be_v provoke_v to_o indignation_n against_o they_o it_o be_v a_o time_n of_o fast_v and_o mourn_v thus_o ezra_n 9_o 4_o 5_o 6_o in_o the_o case_n of_o their_o marry_v strange_a wife_n and_o pollute_v the_o holy_a seed_n so_o when_o god_n go_v forth_o against_o a_o people_n in_o some_o notable_a calamity_n or_o threaten_a judgement_n as_o when_o israel_n flee_v before_o the_o enemy_n joshua_n and_o the_o elder_n fast_v josh_n 7._o so_o in_o any_o notable_a change_n or_o turn_v of_o a_o man_n life_n as_o the_o undertake_n of_o a_o call_v or_o some_o great_a voyage_n then_o be_v a_o time_n to_o begin_v with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n to_o implore_v the_o aid_n of_o god_n gracious_a presence_n his_o guidance_n conduct_n &_o salvation_n thus_o do_v ezra_n when_o he_o be_v go_v up_o from_o babylon_n ezra_n 8._o 21_o 22_o 23._o so_o that_o a_o fast_a be_v not_o a_o stand_a duty_n but_o occasional_a as_o it_o be_v now_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o concern_v the_o spiritual_a performance_n of_o it_o and_o here_o first_o in_o order_n to_o the_o preparation_n thereto_o there_o be_v examination_n of_o our_o own_o way_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n these_o be_v preparatory_a and_o for_o want_v of_o these_o it_o be_v that_o man_n heart_n be_v utter_o indispose_v to_o such_o spiritual_a service_n josh_n 7._o v._n 6._o to_o 12._o lam._n 3_o 38._o to_o 44._o in_o which_o you_o find_v they_o consider_v and_o bewail_v both_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o god_n judgement_n upon_o they_o for_o sin_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v show_v be_v the_o very_a work_n of_o a_o fast_a in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o and_o so_o i_o call_v it_o a_o real_a profession_n to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o acceptable_a and_o a_o unacceptable_a fast_a i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o solemn_a &_o real_a profession_n this_o people_n profess_v great_a delight_n in_o god_n ordinance_n and_o seek_v the_o lord_n daily_o and_o that_o they_o do_v and_o will_v cleave_v to_o god_n in_o his_o appointment_n they_o inquire_v after_o his_o mind_n they_o make_v great_a profession_n and_o so_o exact_a be_v they_o in_o their_o fast_n that_o they_o afflict_v their_o soul_n and_o bowe●_n down_o their_o head_n like_o a_o bulrush_n and_o walk_v mournful_o and_o spread_v sackcloth_n and_o ash_n under_o they_o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o as_o to_o a_o outward_a profession_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o engage_v in_o it_o it_o be_v but_o a_o lie_v a_o flatter_a of_o god_n as_o psal_n 78._o 34_o 35_o 36_o 37._o therefore_o god_n upbraid_v they_o say_v be_v this_o the_o fast_a that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o particular_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o our_o justify_n god_n for_o the_o evil_a of_o affliction_n that_o he_o bring_v upon_o we_o and_o a_o condemnation_n of_o ourselves_o for_o the_o evil_a or_o our_o transgression_n against_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n thus_o dan._n 9_o 7._o o_o lord_n righteousness_n belong_v unto_o thou_o but_o unto_o we_o confusion_n of_o face_n 〈◊〉_d this_o day●_n so_o five_o 5_o 8_o 16._o they_o ascribe_v righteousness_n to_o god_n though_o he_o have_v ●aid_v waste_n jerusalem_n burn_v the_o city_n destroy_v the_o temple_n scatter_v the_o people_n and_o make_v they_o captive_n yet_o say_v daniel_n thou_o be_v righteous_a and_o we_o have_v sin_v so_o ezra_n make_v a_o solemn_a and_o heart-breaking_a prayer_n ezra_n 9_o 6._o my_o god_n i_o be_o ashamed_a and_o blush_v to_o lift_v up_o my_o face_n to_o thou_o my_o god_n for_o our_o iniquity_n be_v increase_v over_o our_o head_n and_o our_o trespass_n be_v grow_v up_o unto_o the_o heaven_n 2._o a_o solemn_a profession_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o repentance_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o transgression_n which_o we_o have_v commit_v against_o the_o lord_n joel_n 2._o 12_o 13._o neh._n 9_o they_o confess_v their_o sin_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o be_v a_o people_n and_o ●ay_v such_o a_o load_n upon_o themselves_o as_o may_v make_v their_o heart_n heavy_a with_o godly_a sorrow_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o solemn_a profession_n that_o we_o fly_v for_o refuge_n to_o the_o hope_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o in_o the_o atonement_n make_v by_o j●sus_n christ_n thus_o david_n 2_o sam._n 1_o 2._o 15_o 16._o he_o upon_o that_o occasion_n lament_v the_o plague_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o his_o fact_n and_o lament_n after_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o cleanse_v and_o cry_v out_o for_o a_o new_a creation_n of_o his_o heart_n psal_n 51._o 10._o create_v in_o i_o a_o clean_a heart_n and_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n within_o i_o this_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o every_o one_o that_o fast_n that_o he_o fly_v for_o refuge_n to_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n for_o mercy_n to_o save_v he_o from_o his_o sin_n and_o god_n judgement_n that_o he_o may_v have_v peace_n and_o grace_n no_o more_o to_o return_v unto_o folly_n 4._o again_o there_o be_v a_o solemn_a profession_n in_o fast_v and_o prayer_n that_o we_o forgive_v other_o as_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v forgive_v of_o god_n mark_n 11._o 25._o when_o you_o stand_v pray_v forgive_v if_o you_o have_v aught_o against_o any_o that_o your_o father_n also_o which_o be_v in_o heaven_n may_v forgive_v your_o trespass_n therefore_o in_o this_o text_n he_o convince_v they_o by_o want_n of_o this_o not_o to_o fast_v aright_o you_o fast_o for_o strife_n and_o debate_n etc._n etc._n isai_n 58._o 4._o they_o do_v not_o heal_v but_o strengthen_v their_o division_n by_o fast_v and_o their_o fast_n be_v hypocritical_a and_o not_o according_a to_o their_o profession_n last_o there_o be_v in_o it_o a_o solemn_a profession_n that_o we_o bound_v ourselves_o to_o reform_v what_o be_v amiss_o and_o to_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o new_a obedience_n especial_o when_o you_o come_v to_o god_n in_o a_o solemn_a way_n and_o manner_n it_o be_v a_o true_a observation_n concern_v prayer_n that_o you_o can_v put_v no_o petition_n to_o god_n for_o mercy_n but_o it_o imply_v a_o promise_n unto_o god_n of_o new_a obedience_n especial_o when_o you_o come_v to_o god_n in_o such_o a_o solemn_a way_n and_o manner_n you_o either_o come_v that_o you_o may_v obtain_v help_n for_o or_o against_o your_o sin_n help_v to_o obey_v or_o to_o continue_v in_o obedience_n in_o every_o fast_a there_o be_v a_o implicit_a make_n and_o renew_v covenant_n with_o god_n which_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n upon_o these_o more_o than_o ordinary_a occasion_n be_v wont_a to_o express_v neh_n 9th_o the_o last_o verse_n and_o the_o whole_a ten_o chapter_n so_o that_o in_o a_o fast_a you_o solemn_o profess_v that_o you_o be_v grieve_v for_o your_o transgression_n and_o seek_v his_o grace_n in_o christ_n to_o pardon_v and_o heal_v you_o and_o that_o all_o your_o hope_n be_v in_o the_o atonement_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o you_o free_o forgive_v all_o that_o have_v trespass_v against_o you_o lay_v aside_o all_o anger_n wrath_n malice_n envy_n evil_o speak_v and_o whatsoever_o may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o such_o displicency_n of_o spirit_n against_o other_o you_o profess_v that_o you_o put_v the_o thought_n of_o these_o from_o you_o as_o you_o desire_v your_o sin_n shall_v be_v put_v away_o from_o god_n sight_n and_o you_o engage_v not_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o former_a course_n of_o iniquity_n but_o that_o you_o will_v set_v upon_o it_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o new_a obedience_n it_o be_v but_o a_o mock_n

of_o god_n a_o flatter_a of_o he_o with_o your_o lip_n a_o lie_v unto_o he_o with_o your_o tongue_n if_o your_o spirit_n be_v not_o thus_o dispose_v and_o incline_v in_o such_o a_o solemn_a duty_n therefore_o further_o to_o distinguish_v there_o be_v a_o fast_a that_o god_n have_v choose_v and_o a_o fast_a that_o he_o have_v not_o choose_v it_o this_o the_o fast_a that_o god_n have_v choose_v to_o hang_v down_o the_o head_n like_o a_o bulrush_n for_o a_o day_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v this_o all_o that_o god_n require_v to_o put_v on_o a_o sad_a face_n and_o sad_a clothes_n and_o sad_a thought_n for_o a_o day_n or_o to_o fetch_v a_o sigh_n or_o two_o in_o your_o closet_n and_o pray_v in_o your_o family_n and_o go_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o when_o the_o day_n be_v over_o to_o be_v as_o you_o be_v before_o not_o make_v conscience_n of_o answer_v the_o expectation_n just_o raise_v upon_o your_o profession_n but_o the_o proud_a be_v proud_a still_o and_o the_o filthy_a be_v filthy_a still_o this_o be_v not_o the_o fast_a which_o god_n have_v choose_v if_o you_o will_v show_v i_o your_o fast_n where_o be_v the_o fruit_n thereof_o but_o sin_n be_v get_v ground_n upon_o we_o notwithstanding_o our_o fast_n schism_n heresy_n envy_n malice_n and_o strife_n notwithstanding_o your_o fast_n and_o all_o our_o day_n of_o atonement_n they_o prevail_v not_o to_o consume_v waist_n and_o destroy_v these_o abomination_n out_o of_o the_o land_n these_o be_v not_o the_o fast_n which_o god_n have_v choose_v god_n fast_n will_v break_v the_o heart_n for_o sin_n and_o from_o sin_n but_o your_o fast_n keep_v the_o heart_n whole_a and_o the_o life_n of_o sin_n whole_a within_o you_o never_o look_v for_o a_o tender_a he_o be_v if_o you_o can_v but_o fast_o away_o the_o sense_n of_o your_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n &_o your_o care_n &_o diligent_a endeavour_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n my_o heart_n akesto_fw-la think_v of_o the_o unfruitful_a fast_n that_o be_v among_o we_o as_o to_o the_o body_n of_o this_o people_n though_o i_o know_v there_o be_v precious_a soul_n among_o we_o that_o mourn_v for_o these_o thing_n but_o ah_o new-england_n new-england_n how_o will_v thou_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o burden_n of_o thy_o fast_n there_o be_v not_o a_o soul_n that_o hear_v i_o but_o fast_v either_o the_o fast_a that_o god_n have_v choose_v or_o that_o he_o have_v not_o choose_v you_o do_v fast_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v your_o profession_n that_o you_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n hang_v over_o your_o head_n and_o that_o you_o be_v sorry_a with_o all_o your_o heart_n that_o you_o have_v provoke_v god_n this_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o your_o action_n or_o else_o what_o do_v you_o here_o you_o profess_v that_o you_o do_v with_o all_o your_o heart_n entertain_v motion_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n where_o there_o have_v be_v strife_n and_o do_v profess_v you_o forgive_v they_o as_o god_n have_v forgive_v you_o and_o that_o your_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o k●●passion_n to_o afflict_a one_o and_o that_o your_o hand_n shall_v be_v open_a to_o relieve_v they_o according_a to_o your_o ability_n can_v any_o of_o your_o soul_n come_v to_o seek_v mercy_n from_o god_n and_o have_v your_o heart_n shut_v up_o against_o the_o poor_a and_o needy_a without_o great_a hypocrisy_n how_o do_v your_o heart_n work_v towards_o these_o thing_n consider_v it_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n q._n what_o be_v the_o fast_a which_o god_n have_v choose_v answ_n it_o be_v when_o the_o heart_n be_v sincere_o and_o entire_o carry_v forth_o in_o a_o holy_a conformity_n to_o that_o which_o the_o duty_n make_v profession_n of_o my_o son_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n say_v god_n god_n care_v not_o for_o external_a performance_n without_o the_o heart_n they_o be_v but_o as_o the_o cut_n off_o a_o dog_n neck_n etc._n etc._n isa_n 66_o 3._o it_o be_v a_o high_a abomination_n when_o you_o come_v without_o a_o suitable_a heart_n to_o a_o day_n of_o humiliation_n there_o be_v four_o thing_n which_o show_v a_o suitable_a heart_n to_o a_o day_n of_o humiliation_n first_o when_o the_o soul_n come_v with_o brokenness_n &_o contrition_n of_o heart_n when_o a_o holy_a tremble_n seize_v upon_o such_o a_o man_n when_o he_o draw_v nigh_o lest_o he_o provoke_v god_n and_o procure_v his_o indignation_n a_o break_a heart_n and_o contrite_a spirit_n begin_v the_o day_n and_o go_v along_o through_o the_o day_n when_o the_o spirit_n be_v indeed_o suit_v to_o the_o duty_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o penitent_a self_n abasement_n before_o god_n in_o and_o by_o the_o duty_n these_o jew_n that_o be_v the_o false_a heart_a among_o they_o though_o there_o be_v some_o among_o they_o that_o be_v upright_o they_o quarrel_v with_o god_n wherefore_o have_v we_o fast_v say_v they_o and_o thou_o see_v not_o but_o the_o sincere_a soul_n be_v humble_v in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o just_a and_o righteous_a thing_n with_o god_n to_o cast_v away_o his_o prayer_n and_o service_n for_o god_n owe_v he_o nothing_o &c._n &c._n and_o there_o be_v a_o strong_a and_o firm_a resolution_n that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n assist_v he_o will_v no_o more_o return_n unto_o vanity_n 3_o in_o a_o fast_a that_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o soul_n de●ers_v not_o nor_o delay_n nor_o put_v off_o the_o do_n of_o that_o work_n which_o concern_v it_o to_o promote_v the_o end_n of_o its_o fast_n you_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n that_o your_o heart_n and_o way_n may_v be_v reform_v do_v you_o do_v it_o forthwith_o the_o delay_a soul_n that_o i●_n put_v off_o his_o reformation_n and_o renovation_n do_v not_o keep_v such_o a_o fast_a as_o god_n have_v choose_v if_o it_o be_v not_o time_n for_o you_o to_o do_v your_o duty_n it_o be_v time_n for_o you_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n if_o it_o be_v not_o time_n for_o you_o to_o carry_v on_o a_o thorough_a reformation_n it_o be_v time_n for_o god_n to_o carry_v on_o your_o sorrow_n and_o affliction_n towards_o your_o desolation_n these_o delay_a soul_n do_v not_o keep_v a_o fast_a unto_o god_n when_o you_o resolve_v a_o fast_a you_o must_v resolve_v to_o begin_v and_o prosecute_v this_o work_n of_o turn_v unto_o god_n that_o very_a day_n and_o carry_v it_o on_o to_o the_o end_n last_o a_o fast_a which_o god_n have_v choose_v always_o leave_v a_o warm_a impression_n of_o love_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o to_o all_o mankind_n as_o god_n give_v opportunity_n oh_o when_o you_o have_v taste_v mercy_n from_o god_n how_o merciful_a will_v it_o make_v you_o to_o be_v to_o other_o therefore_o when_o man_n be_v hard-hearted_a cruel_a and_o harsh_a and_o their_o spirit_n not_o incline_v to_o mercy_n they_o have_v be_v very_o little_a with_o god_n to_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v again_o why_o be_v this_o call_v the_o fast_a which_o god_n have_v choose_v i_o answer_v brief_o reas_n 1._o because_o that_o such_o a_o fast_o do_v exact_o answer_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n will_v about_o it_o which_o he_o have_v eternal_o in_o himself_o and_o which_o he_o give_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n &_o therefore_o it_o be_v refer_v to_o its_o first_o pattern_n and_o exemplar_n unto_o the_o will_n and_o choice_n of_o god_n reas_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o fast_a that_o god_n have_v choose_v because_o god_n prefer_v this_o above_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o fast_a there_o be_v fast_n many_o but_o this_o god_n prefer_v above_o all_o there_o be_v fast_n which_o obtain_v some_o answer_n from_o god_n yet_o be_v not_o like_o these_o you_o know_v what_o ahab_n obtain_v from_o god_n by_o fast_v 1_o king_n 21_o 27_o 28_o 29._o god_n have_v respect_n to_o his_o fast_n and_o humble_v himself_o and_o ahab_n obtain_v a_o reprieve_n thereby_o so_o that_o the_o judgement_n threaten_v be_v not_o execute_v in_o his_o day_n but_o yet_o ahab_n do_v not_o fast_o with_o such_o a_o fast_a as_o god_n have_v choose_v and_o delight_n in_o and_z accepts_z of_o reas_n 3._o because_o god_n take_v pleasure_n and_o have_v a_o gracious_a respect_n to_o his_o people_n in_o it_o and_o after_o it_o the_o service_n be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o when_o it_o be_v a_o day_n he_o have_v choose_v and_o it_o ascend_v as_o the_o offering_n of_o a_o sweet_a smell_a sacrifice_n this_o be_v note_v in_o that_o the_o other_o be_v not_o a_o accept_a day_n to_o the_o lord_n but_o this_o be_v a_o day_n wherein_o god_n take_v pleasure_n in_o heaven_n if_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o heaven_n when_o one_o sinner_n be_v convert_v how_o much_o more_o when_o a_o whole_a congregation_n be_v thus_o do_v to_o this_o man_n will_v i_o look_v even_o to_o he_o that_o be_v poor_a and_o of_o a_o