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
action_n upon_o this_o score_n therefore_o we_o be_v to_o be_v afflict_v for_o they_o and_o if_o we_o be_v mourn_v and_o tear_n and_o sad_a lamentation_n will_v not_o be_v want_v proportionable_a to_o the_o affliction_n which_o they_o give_v our_o spirit_n according_a to_o that_o say_n of_o philemon_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d grief_n like_o a_o tree_n have_v tear_n for_o its_o fruit._n which_o spring_n out_o of_o sorrow_n as_o a_o natural_a expression_n thereof_o and_o be_v a_o mean_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v more_o hereafter_o to_o remove_v the_o cause_n and_o what_o great_a cause_n as_o i_o have_v say_v be_v there_o for_o our_o grief_n and_o heaviness_n and_o all_o their_o mournful_a attendant_n than_o this_o that_o we_o have_v offend_v he_o by_o our_o sin_n who_o be_v able_a to_o punish_v they_o in_o endless_a sorrow_n when_o lesser_a thing_n produce_v sometime_o a_o flood_n of_o tear_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v without_o any_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o they_o be_v just_o expect_v in_o a_o very_a great_a measure_n here_o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o christian_a practice_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o thus_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v expound_v these_o word_n of_o s._n james_n by_o require_v such_o humiliation_n affliction_n and_o doleful_n bemoan_v of_o themselves_o from_o those_o who_o have_v so_o grievous_o offend_v god_n as_o to_o be_v throw_v out_o of_o their_o communion_n before_o they_o will_v receive_v they_o again_o into_o it_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o notorious_a that_o by_o the_o word_n repentance_n among_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o religion_n nothing_o else_o be_v common_o mean_v but_o open_a confession_n of_o their_o sin_n with_o sad_a lamentation_n of_o they_o and_o of_o the_o woeful_a condition_n into_o which_o they_o have_v bring_v they_o there_o be_v many_o remarkable_a thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o record_n of_o the_o church_n more_o than_o enough_o to_o fill_v a_o much_o big_a book_n than_o this_o if_o i_o will_v give_v myself_o liberty_n to_o relate_v with_o what_o humble_a prostration_n with_o what_o tear_n and_o doleful_a lamentation_n conciliciati_fw-la &_o concinerati_fw-la as_o tertullia_n word_n be_v cover_v with_o haircloth_n and_o bury_v as_o it_o be_v in_o ash_n with_o fast_n and_o watch_n with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n and_o mournful_a voice_n look_v dismal_o lean_a pale_a and_o meager_a by_o long_a grief_n and_o neglect_n of_o their_o body_n penitent_n be_v wont_a to_o cast_v themselves_o down_o upon_o the_o earth_n and_o not_o only_o supplicate_v god_n mercy_n but_o beg_v and_o beseech_v in_o the_o most_o miserable_a manner_n the_o pardon_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o their_o christian_a brethren_n but_o my_o design_n be_v only_o to_o show_v that_o all_o this_o which_o be_v the_o unquestionable_a practice_n of_o the_o early_a age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v its_o foundation_n in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o when_o any_o sinner_n be_v so_o senseless_a that_o he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o afflict_a for_o the_o crime_n he_o have_v commit_v so_o impudent_a that_o he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o foul_a wickedness_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n require_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o bewail_v his_o sin_n and_o his_o misery_n in_o the_o most_o sad_a and_o mournful_a manner_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v be_v confident_a this_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o sinner_n himself_o when_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o be_v awake_v out_o of_o his_o lethargy_n to_o see_v into_o what_o a_o woeful_a condition_n he_o have_v bring_v himself_o by_o his_o offence_n for_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o s._n paul_n blame_v in_o the_o corinthian_a church_n that_o when_o a_o eminent_a person_n among_o they_o have_v commit_v such_o fornication_n as_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o name_v among_o the_o gentile_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v concern_v about_o it_o that_o they_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o their_o dearness_n to_o god_n because_o of_o their_o spiritual_a gift_n wherein_o they_o abound_v whereas_o they_o shall_v have_v rather_o mourn_v that_o he_o who_o have_v do_v this_o deed_n may_v be_v take_v away_o from_o among_o they_o 1_o corinth_n v._o 1_o 2._o that_o be_v they_o shall_v have_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o church_n to_o separate_v such_o a_o person_n from_o their_o society_n with_o wail_n and_o lamentation_n over_o he_o in_o token_n of_o their_o own_o sorrow_n for_o and_o detestation_n of_o so_o foul_a a_o fact_n and_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o lose_a man_n till_o he_o recover_v himself_o by_o repentance_n and_o mourn_v as_o they_o have_v do_v for_o his_o sin_n the_o jew_n it_o be_v well_o know_v when_o any_o man_n be_v to_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n for_o blasphemy_n and_o such_o like_a crime_n proclaim_v a_o fast_a as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o story_n of_o naboth_n 1_o king_n xxi_o that_o be_v they_o mourn_v and_o weep_v they_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n and_o humble_v themselves_o they_o do_v all_o other_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o may_v testify_v their_o sorrow_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o dishonour_v and_o the_o offender_n shall_v bring_v himself_o to_o such_o a_o miserable_a end_n which_o the_o church_n think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o imitate_v when_o they_o cut_v off_o any_o person_n from_o their_o body_n as_o a_o number_n of_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n inform_v we_o and_o this_o passage_n in_o s._n paul_n instruct_v they_o they_o fast_v they_o weep_v they_o put_v themselves_o into_o the_o habit_n of_o mourner_n and_o strip_v themselves_o of_o their_o ornament_n to_o declare_v their_o abhorrence_n of_o the_o sin_n which_o be_v thus_o punish_v and_o to_o express_v their_o grief_n for_o the_o scandal_n they_o have_v give_v which_o hereby_o they_o wipe_v off_o nay_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o which_o be_v still_o more_o do_v not_o refrain_v from_o these_o lamentation_n but_o when_o they_o in_o person_n execute_v this_o sentence_n against_o any_o sinner_n humble_v themselves_o and_o give_v the_o most_o sensible_a token_n of_o their_o inward_a grief_n and_o sorrow_n this_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o same_o s._n paul_n in_o his_o next_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n chapter_n twelve_o ver._n 20_o 21._o where_o after_o he_o have_v mention_v several_a sin_n which_o they_o have_v not_o reform_v he_o conclude_v in_o these_o word_n i_o fear_v lest_o when_o i_o come_v again_o my_o god_n will_v humble_v i_o among_o you_o and_o that_o i_o shall_v bewail_v many_o which_o have_v sin_v already_o and_o have_v not_o repent_v of_o the_o uncleanness_n and_o fornication_n and_o lasciviousness_n which_o they_o have_v commit_v to_o bewail_v these_o man_n be_v to_o punish_v they_o with_o excommunication_n which_o be_v accompany_v with_o wail_n and_o lamentation_n over_o they_o as_o man_n in_o a_o sad_a and_o most_o dangerous_a condition_n and_o very_o much_o humble_v that_o be_v afflict_a and_o grieve_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o when_o they_o consider_v it_o who_o think_v god_n himself_o expect_v it_o from_o they_o for_o who_o sake_n and_o to_o preserve_v a_o due_a regard_n to_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n s._n paul_n foresee_v he_o must_v in_o all_o likelihood_n be_v force_v to_o appear_v in_o the_o habit_n of_o a_o mourner_n when_o he_o come_v again_o among_o the_o corinthian_n in_o short_a just_a as_o man_n mourn_v for_o their_o friend_n who_o be_v dead_a corporal_o so_o do_v they_o bewail_v those_o who_o be_v dead_a spiritual_o which_o they_o ought_v sure_o much_o more_o to_o have_v do_v themselves_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o sense_n remain_v in_o they_o and_o they_o have_v not_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o do_v bewail_v no_o doubt_n as_o soon_o as_o by_o this_o severity_n they_o be_v awaken_v out_o of_o their_o sleep_n and_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o s._n paul_n speak_v v._o ephes_n 14._o that_o be_v have_v any_o motion_n of_o spiritual_a life_n appear_v again_o in_o they_o and_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o feel_n of_o their_o lamentable_a condition_n which_o lamentation_n of_o themselves_o sometime_o continue_v so_o long_o even_o by_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o penitent_n themselves_o that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a when_o they_o have_v high_o offend_v god_n to_o leave_v they_o off_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v the_o deacon_n wife_n in_o asia_n be_v a_o famous_a instance_n of_o it_o who_o have_v be_v seduce_v and_o corrupt_v in_o her_o body_n by_o marcus_n who_o she_o follow_v a_o long_a time_n but_o at_o last_o by_o the_o diligence_n of_o the_o brethren_n convert_v spend_v all_o her_o day_n in_o penance_n bewail_v and_o lament_v the_o corruption_n she_o have_v suffer_v
many_o public_a judgement_n of_o god_n fall_v upon_o we_o in_o these_o day_n because_o the_o church_n be_v negligent_a in_o call_v offender_n to_o a_o account_n and_o they_o will_v not_o judge_v that_o be_v afflict_v themselves_o for_o their_o offence_n there_o be_v great_a number_n i_o doubt_v not_o who_o condemn_v their_o sin_n in_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o condemn_v themselves_o also_o for_o they_o to_o deserve_v punishment_n from_o god_n and_o this_o they_o imagine_v to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o his_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n whereas_o they_o ought_v to_o humble_v themselves_o with_o fast_v and_o weep_v and_o mourn_v with_o neglect_n of_o their_o body_n confession_n of_o their_o gild_n confusion_n of_o face_n lamentable_a deprecation_n of_o god_n displeasure_n prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o work_n of_o merry_a which_o ought_v always_o to_o accompany_v fast_v and_o prayer_n as_o most_o become_v those_o who_o ask_v mercy_n of_o god_n and_o as_o a_o revenge_n upon_o themselves_o for_o their_o covetousness_n and_o too_o great_a love_n of_o this_o present_a world_n and_o because_o grievous_a sinner_n do_v not_o thus_o afflict_v themselves_o with_o a_o unfeigned_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n god_n himself_o be_v please_v to_o afflict_v they_o by_o send_v his_o plague_n upon_o they_o in_o one_o sort_n or_o other_o to_o punish_v they_o chap._n vii_o some_o caution_n to_o prevent_v misunderstanding_n in_o this_o matter_n thus_o have_v prove_v what_o i_o undertake_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o inward_a sorrow_n alone_o without_o all_o outward_a humiliation_n and_o show_v the_o use_n they_o have_v in_o religion_n i_o proceed_v now_o according_a to_o the_o method_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o beginning_n to_o give_v some_o caution_n to_o prevent_v the_o misunderstanding_n or_o abuse_v of_o this_o doctrine_n 1._o and_o first_o of_o all_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o i_o think_v they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o indispensable_a necessity_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o sinner_n to_o obtain_v remission_n and_o absolution_n without_o they_o no_o the_o very_a history_n of_o the_o gospel_n show_v the_o contrary_a in_o which_o we_o find_v our_o saviour_n who_o come_v to_o call_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n forgive_v several_a person_n who_o do_v not_o like_o that_o woman_n in_o the_o seven_o of_o s._n luke_n kiss_v his_o very_a foot_n wash_v they_o with_o her_o tear_n and_o wipe_v they_o with_o the_o hair_n of_o her_o head_n all_o which_o be_v act_n of_o great_a humiliation_n especial_o the_o last_o wherein_o she_o employ_v that_o to_o the_o mean_a use_n which_o have_v be_v before_o her_o principal_a ornament_n and_o her_o pride_n my_o meaning_n therefore_o be_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v very_o useful_a as_o have_v be_v show_v and_o in_o some_o case_n necessary_a when_o penitent_n have_v be_v very_o licentious_a liver_n and_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a they_o will_v otherwise_o be_v sufficient_o sensible_a of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v and_o of_o what_o they_o have_v deserve_v nor_o be_v so_o humble_v as_o to_o be_v reclaim_v and_o bring_v off_o from_o their_o evil_a course_n 2._o they_o therefore_o who_o have_v constant_o lead_v a_o regular_a life_n and_o be_v guilty_a only_o of_o the_o small_a sort_n of_o offence_n must_v not_o take_v these_o thing_n as_o speak_v to_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v on_o some_o occasion_n which_o shall_v be_v present_o mention_v which_o be_v intend_v for_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a sinner_n such_o as_o that_o woman_n now_o name_v who_o be_v a_o know_a harlot_n unto_o who_o our_o lord_n forgive_v a_o great_a deal_n when_o little_o be_v forgive_v unto_o simon_n who_o do_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n seven_o luke_n 46_o 47._o 3._o yet_o it_o may_v be_v very_o necessary_a even_o for_o those_o to_o take_v this_o course_n who_o be_v not_o such_o heinous_a offender_n in_o case_n of_o frequent_a relapse_n into_o the_o same_o sin_n which_o must_v be_v cure_v by_o use_v themselves_o something_o severe_o for_o though_o seldom_o slip_v of_o the_o tongue_n suppose_v may_v be_v easy_o correct_v yet_o frequent_a return_n to_o folly_n and_o that_o after_o solemn_a resolution_n to_o the_o contrary_a will_v require_v more_o pain_n and_o great_a humiliation_n as_o a_o mean_v not_o only_o to_o give_v a_o stop_n to_o they_o but_o to_o extirpate_v such_o root_n of_o bitterness_n 4._o the_o best_a also_o ought_v to_o afflict_v themselves_o in_o time_n of_o public_a calamity_n and_o upon_o day_n of_o solemn_a humiliation_n when_o man_n be_v natural_o dispose_v to_o that_o which_o may_v signify_v their_o seriousness_n sobriety_n sorrow_n and_o unworthiness_n of_o the_o blessing_n they_o come_v to_o beg_v of_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n 5._o by_o which_o every_o one_o may_v understand_v that_o these_o humiliation_n be_v not_o always_o in_o season_n as_o inward_a grief_n and_o sorrow_n be_v but_o upon_o such_o occasion_n as_o i_o have_v mention_v and_o also_o at_o certain_a appoint_a time_n which_o the_o church_n have_v fix_v either_o weekly_a or_o yearly_o for_o humiliation_n in_o general_n for_o our_o own_o and_o other_o man_n sin_n or_o for_o the_o bewail_a those_o in_o particular_a who_o have_v deserve_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o be_v execute_v on_o they_o of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o 6._o at_o all_o which_o time_n care_n must_v be_v take_v that_o these_o humiliation_n be_v true_a signification_n of_o our_o inward_a grief_n and_o proceed_v from_o thence_o and_o not_o mere_o external_a show_v use_v for_o fashion_n sake_n and_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o season_n for_o without_o inward_a grief_n and_o resolution_n to_o be_v better_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o procure_v any_o favour_n from_o god_n that_o we_o may_v just_o fear_v they_o further_o incense_v he_o as_o be_v but_o a_o kind_n of_o mockery_n of_o he_o which_o make_v the_o prophet_n joel_n in_o the_o place_n above_o name_v bid_v the_o israelite_n rend_v their_o heart_n and_o not_o their_o garment_n not_o intend_v hereby_o to_o forbid_v the_o rend_a their_o garment_n which_o he_o have_v in_o effect_n call_v for_o in_o the_o precede_a word_n but_o require_v they_o not_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o that_o alone_a because_o that_o be_v but_o a_o signification_n and_o token_n and_o a_o sign_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o real_o signify_v thereby_o can_v be_v nothing_o worth_a but_o rather_o a_o abomination_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o count_v it_o a_o vile_a piece_n of_o hypocrisy_n when_o we_o present_v he_o with_o signification_n which_o in_o truth_n signify_v nothing_o there_o be_v nothing_o within_o like_a to_o that_o which_o appear_v without_o 7._o and_o further_o this_o caution_n must_v be_v use_v that_o by_o these_o exercise_n we_o neither_o destroy_v the_o health_n of_o our_o body_n nor_o suffer_v any_o ill_a affection_n to_o be_v breed_v in_o our_o mind_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v ourselves_o sick_a with_o fast_v nor_o so_o weaken_v ourselves_o by_o hard_a usage_n as_o to_o become_v unfit_a for_o our_o employment_n and_o great_a care_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v that_o we_o do_v not_o grow_v morose_n and_o sour_a peevish_a and_o untoward_a unto_o other_o while_o we_o be_v severe_a unto_o ourselves_o and_o that_o the_o keep_n ourselves_o under_o a_o strict_a discipline_n do_v not_o beget_v a_o secret_a pride_n in_o we_o which_o make_v we_o to_o think_v very_o high_o of_o ourselves_o and_o to_o contemn_v and_o despise_v other_o just_o as_o the_o conceit_a pharisee_n do_v the_o poor_a publican_n in_o the_o xviii_o s._n luke_n 11_o 12._o but_o above_o all_o we_o must_v be_v watchful_a that_o such_o pride_n to_o not_o creep_v herewith_o into_o our_o heart_n as_o tempt_v man_n to_o fancy_n they_o have_v by_o this_o discipline_n high_o merit_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n who_o they_o have_v grievous_o offend_v let_v such_o rock_n as_o these_o be_v avoid_v and_o then_o these_o bodily_a exercise_n in_o their_o season_n and_o due_a measure_n may_v prove_v very_o profitable_a be_v design_v for_o such_o other_o end_n and_o use_n as_o i_o have_v name_v particular_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o prevent_v our_o relapse_v into_o such_o sin_n as_o have_v cost_v we_o much_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n 8._o but_o last_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v note_v that_o i_o do_v not_o pretend_v any_o obligation_n or_o fitness_n either_o for_o the_o use_n of_o all_o and_o every_o the_o very_a same_o token_n of_o inward_a grief_n and_o of_o the_o sense_n we_o have_v of_o our_o vileness_n whereby_o it_o be_v express_v in_o ancient_a day_n but_o we_o be_v rather_o to_o declare_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o other_o sign_n which_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o our_o own_o time_n for_o the_o reason_n i_o have_v show_v why_o they_o sit_v down_o in_o sackcloth_n and_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
be_v force_v to_o taste_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o support_n of_o nature_n which_o may_v otherwise_o have_v fail_v in_o some_o constitution_n it_o be_v private_o and_o of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o food_n or_o according_a to_o the_o usual_a manner_n of_o fast_n they_o eat_v and_o drink_v nothing_o at_o all_o neither_o in_o the_o day_n nor_o in_o the_o night_n for_o three_o whole_a day_n and_o night_n together_o save_v only_o in_o the_o evening_n and_o then_o also_o they_o forbear_v all_o manner_n of_o delicate_a food_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o need_v be_v say_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a fast_o consist_v in_o total_a abstinence_n from_o all_o meat_n and_o drink_n until_o the_o evening_n and_o then_o also_o in_o eat_v and_o drink_v spare_o and_o that_o of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o food_n a_o imperfect_a and_o partial_a fast_a consist_v in_o abstinence_n from_o some_o kind_n of_o food_n which_o we_o most_o love_n or_o in_o feed_v spare_o of_o any_o kind_n and_o deny_v our_o appetite_n that_o full_a satisfaction_n which_o it_o desire_v at_o the_o usual_a time_n of_o repast_n they_o that_o can_v endure_v the_o first_o of_o these_o may_v yet_o easy_o bear_v the_o last_o and_o therein_o perform_v something_o of_o this_o duty_n of_o fast_v if_o their_o abstinence_n either_o in_o the_o quality_n or_o quantity_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n afflict_v they_o while_o in_o some_o measure_n it_o also_o refresh_v they_o for_o no_o abstinence_n can_v partake_v in_o the_o least_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o fast_v if_o there_o be_v not_o something_o in_o it_o that_o afflict_v we_o which_o i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n design_v in_o fast_v and_o thus_o perhaps_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v our_o church_n in_o that_o part_n of_o its_o table_n and_o rule_n which_o be_v set_v down_o before_o the_o common-prayer_n concern_v day_n of_o fast_v or_o abstinence_n the_o particle_n or_o may_v either_o signify_v abstinence_n to_o be_v another_o name_n for_o fast_v or_o it_o may_v distinguish_v abstinence_n from_o fast_v as_o a_o lesser_a thing_n if_o we_o follow_v the_o late_a sense_n than_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o upon_o all_o those_o day_n there_o name_v they_o that_o be_v able_a shall_v fast_o that_o be_v whole_o forbear_v all_o food_n till_o the_o evening_n and_o they_o who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v this_o yet_o shall_v abstain_v from_o all_o delicate_a food_n and_o feed_v abstemious_o so_o that_o while_o they_o give_v nature_n some_o support_n they_o also_o afflict_v and_o humble_v it_o in_o short_a they_o that_o can_v whole_o abstain_v on_o those_o day_n yet_o shall_v abstain_v from_o set_a meal_n and_o take_v private_o some_o slender_a refreshment_n chap._n xi_o of_o the_o obligation_n we_o have_v to_o fast_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a precept_n leave_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n about_o fast_v some_o have_v thence_o conclude_v it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o liberty_n and_o not_o of_o necessity_n that_o be_v we_o may_v use_v it_o if_o we_o please_v but_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o before_o they_o have_v make_v this_o conclusion_n they_o shall_v have_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o precept_n neither_o for_o prayer_n to_o god_n but_o only_a direction_n how_o to_o pray_v as_o there_o be_v also_o how_o to_o order_v ourselves_o when_o we_o fast_v and_o therefore_o the_o proper_a inference_n from_o that_o observation_n of_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a precept_n for_o fast_v shall_v have_v be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o precept_n to_o enjoin_v this_o duty_n it_o be_v no_o less_o know_v and_o practise_v by_o all_o good_a man_n than_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o give_v of_o alm_n with_o which_o it_o be_v join_v in_o our_o saviour_n famous_a sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n vi_fw-la s._n matth._n 1_o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n 16_o 17._o in_o which_o sermon_n our_o lord_n instruct_v his_o disciple_n about_o the_o principal_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v that_o he_o will_v have_v mention_v this_o unless_o he_o intend_v it_o shall_v be_v one_o part_n of_o our_o christian_a duty_n which_o be_v not_o in_o downright_a term_n command_v as_o some_o other_o be_v but_o only_o suppose_v it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o be_v regard_v as_o a_o duty_n unto_o which_o there_o be_v a_o antedent_a obligation_n so_o plain_a and_o so_o common_o own_v that_o he_o need_v to_o do_v no_o more_o but_o only_o teach_v they_o to_o what_o they_o shall_v have_v respect_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o add_v moreover_o that_o so_o perform_v as_o he_o direct_v it_o will_v be_v accept_v with_o god_n and_o open_o reward_v by_o he_o which_o be_v a_o further_a confirmation_n that_o it_o be_v a_o christian_a duty_n because_o there_o be_v the_o very_a same_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o regular_a practice_n of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v to_o give_v alm_n and_o to_o prayer_n which_o as_o they_o be_v natural_a duty_n which_o man_n learn_v without_o any_o institution_n so_o i_o take_v fast_v to_o be_v also_o all_o mankind_n be_v incline_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n and_o drink_n when_o they_o be_v in_o great_a grief_n and_o sorrow_n and_o when_o they_o have_v any_o serious_a business_n to_o which_o they_o will_v apply_v their_o mind_n such_o as_o meditation_n especial_o and_o solemn_a prayer_n and_o therefore_o all_o nation_n from_o ancient_a time_n have_v use_v fast_v as_o a_o part_n of_o repentance_n and_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o turn_v away_o god_n anger_n as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o ninevite_n who_o proclaim_v a_o fast_a and_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n from_o the_o great_a of_o they_o even_o to_o the_o least_o hope_v god_n will_v turn_v from_o his_o fierce_a anger_n denounce_v against_o they_o if_o they_o turn_v every_o man_n from_o his_o evil_a way_n for_o which_o by_o these_o humiliation_n they_o profess_v themselves_o hearty_o sorry_a iii._o jon._n 5_o 6_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v not_o a_o notion_n peculiar_a to_o they_o but_o to_o all_o the_o world_n i_o can_v without_o much_o labour_n show_v if_o this_o little_a book_n be_v not_o design_v for_o other_o purpose_n those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n may_v suffice_v to_o show_v we_o the_o inclination_n of_o other_o country_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o jew_n xi_o matth._n 22._o where_o he_o say_v if_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n have_v enjoy_v such_o mean_n of_o be_v good_a as_o chorazin_n and_o bethsaida_n have_v they_o will_v have_v repent_v long_o ago_o in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n that_o be_v humble_v themselves_o with_o fast_v after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o ninevite_n for_o on_o such_o solemn_a occasion_n they_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n and_o throw_v ash_n on_o their_o head_n which_o usual_o accompany_v fast_v as_o fast_v do_v prayer_n to_o god_n for_o mercy_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n john_n baptist_n disciple_n we_o read_v in_o the_o gospel_n fast_v oft_o he_o baptise_v they_o as_o s._n paul_n speak_v nineteeen_o act_n 4._o with_o the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n that_o he_o may_v prepare_v they_o to_o receive_v our_o lord_n who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o reprove_v this_o practice_n either_o of_o they_o or_o of_o the_o pharisee_n as_o a_o superfluous_a thing_n that_o he_o say_v his_o disciple_n hereafter_o shall_v do_v the_o same_o for_o the_o present_a indeed_o he_o do_v not_o press_v it_o upon_o they_o but_o the_o only_a reason_n be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o then_o in_o season_n for_o fast_v be_v proper_a for_o mourner_n but_o while_o he_o be_v with_o they_o it_o be_v a_o time_n of_o joy_n altogether_o the_o great_a jubilee_n four_o luke_n 18_o 19_o when_o it_o be_v as_o improper_a to_o fast_o as_o to_o forbear_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o a_o wedding_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o answer_n to_o those_o that_o question_v why_o his_o disciple_n fast_v not_o at_o all_o when_o those_o of_o john_n and_o of_o the_o pharisee_n fast_v often_o ix_o matth._n 14._o and_o he_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o mean_v no_o more_o in_o those_o word_n which_o follow_v ver._n 16_o 17._o no_o man_n put_v a_o piece_n of_o new_a cloth_n unto_o a_o old_a garment_n etc._n etc._n neither_o do_v man_n put_v new_a wine_n into_o old_a bottle_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o only_a that_o congruity_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o thing_n for_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o have_v say_v before_o mourn_v of_o which_o fast_v be_v a_o part_n do_v not_o suit_n with_o the_o bride-chamber_n and_o the_o suitableness_n of_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o be_v always_o to_o be_v attend_v for_o if_o we_o mind_v not_o how_o they_o agree_v and_o sort_n together_o we_o shall_v commit_v
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 commendable_a thing_n if_o his_o vanity_n have_v not_o make_v he_o glory_n in_o they_o and_o despise_v other_o people_n and_o therefore_o the_o pharisee_n frequent_a fast_n be_v mention_v i_o observe_v before_o in_o other_o place_n of_o the_o gospel_n together_o with_o that_o of_o john_n disciple_n who_o also_o fast_v oft_o without_o the_o least_o reflection_n upon_o they_o for_o it_o as_o if_o they_o be_v superstitious_a or_o do_v more_o than_o need_v no_o our_o bless_a saviour_n rather_o approve_v of_o their_o strictness_n in_o this_o for_o he_o say_v his_o disciple_n shall_v not_o be_v behind_o with_o they_o in_o fast_v hereafter_o though_o for_o the_o present_a there_o be_v a_o special_a reason_n why_o they_o do_v not_o practice_v it_o of_o which_o speech_n of_o our_o saviour_n i_o shall_v make_v considerable_a use_n present_o when_o i_o have_v note_v that_o the_o two_o day_n on_o which_o they_o fast_v every_o week_n be_v the_o second_o and_o the_o five_o that_o be_v our_o monday_n 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
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 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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 make_v of_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o from_o s._n ambrose_n when_o i_o be_o at_o rome_n i_o fast_o on_o saturday_n because_o they_o do_v so_o there_o but_o when_o i_o return_v to_o milan_n i_o do_v not_o fast_o on_o that_o day_n because_o they_o do_v not_o so_o here_o a_o admirable_a resolution_n of_o doubt_n of_o this_o nature_n import_v that_o we_o shall_v conform_v to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n where_o we_o live_v without_o condemn_v the_o custom_n of_o other_o church_n for_o all_o be_v found_v at_o first_o it_o be_v likely_a upon_o some_o great_a reason_n peculiar_a to_o that_o church_n wherein_o it_o differ_v from_o other_o and_o if_o s._n augustine_n information_n be_v right_a there_o be_v a_o weighty_a cause_n for_o what_o they_o do_v at_o rome_n for_o he_o say_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o cassulanus_fw-la the_o original_a of_o the_o saturday_n fast_o there_o be_v that_o when_o s._n peter_n enter_v the_o list_n with_o simon_n magus_n upon_o a_o lord_n day_n at_o rome_n 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 employment_n and_o bestow_v some_o time_n on_o the_o service_n of_o god_n their_o exception_n be_v far_o more_o considerable_a who_o say_v they_o can_v fast_v without_o great_a prejudice_n to_o their_o health_n or_o without_o indispose_v they_o for_o god_n service_n but_o they_o may_v be_v easy_o and_o brief_o answer_v for_o as_o to_o those_o who_o say_v their_o health_n be_v hereby_o prejudice_v if_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o it_o the_o church_n never_o intend_v to_o oblige_v they_o by_o its_o law_n about_o fast_v which_o be_v design_v as_o all_o its_o ordinance_n be_v for_o the_o good_a not_o for_o the_o hurt_n of_o all_o its_o child_n but_o in_o this_o let_v they_o use_v a_o upright_a judgement_n and_o they_o need_v trouble_v themselves_o no_o further_o only_o let_v they_o consider_v it_o will_v not_o prejudice_v their_o health_n to_o come_v to_o the_o prayer_n on_o wednesday_n and_o friday_n and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v make_v a_o conscience_n of_o that_o and_o to_o 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
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