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
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
in_o the_o vi_fw-la chapter_n and_o the_o offender_n be_v so_o many_o that_o the_o church_n perhaps_o can_v judge_v that_o be_v punish_v they_o god_n take_v the_o matter_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o some_o way_n or_o other_o inflict_v such_o punishment_n on_o they_o as_o he_o do_v upon_o the_o corinthian_n in_o which_o case_n the_o few_o good_a that_o be_v among_o they_o aught_o to_o lament_v they_o and_o weep_v over_o they_o as_o they_o shall_v have_v do_v if_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v denounce_v and_o execute_v upon_o they_o for_o which_o there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n because_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n so_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o suffer_v with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o common_a calamity_n especial_o if_o they_o do_v not_o humble_v themselves_o to_o deprecate_v god_n heavy_a displeasure_n if_o we_o make_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o this_o to_o ourselves_o in_o this_o nation_n we_o be_v very_o blind_a if_o we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v have_v be_v divers_a way_n stretch_v out_o against_o we_o in_o a_o destroy_a pestilence_n even_o then_o when_o the_o sword_n of_o war_n be_v also_o draw_v between_o we_o and_o our_o neighbour_n and_o afterward_o in_o a_o devour_a fire_n whereby_o many_o fair_a building_n and_o holy_a place_n be_v lay_v in_o ash_n which_o be_v thing_n that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v forget_v though_o alas_o they_o little_a now_o affect_v man_n mind_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v be_v again_o terrify_v by_o the_o great_a hazard_n the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n be_v late_o in_o when_o their_o old_a enemy_n struggle_v once_o more_o to_o get_v the_o upperhand_n and_o have_v bring_v we_o even_o to_o the_o brink_n of_o the_o precipice_n where_o we_o stand_v for_o some_o time_n tremble_v to_o think_v what_o will_v become_v of_o we_o and_o though_o we_o be_v then_o merciful_o deliver_v yet_o when_o we_o consider_v how_o restless_a the_o spirit_n of_o sedition_n and_o rebellion_n have_v be_v since_o among_o we_o and_o bring_v we_o again_o so_o near_o the_o very_a same_o dreadful_a danger_n that_o we_o be_v just_a upon_o the_o point_n of_o behold_v all_o order_n and_o government_n over-turned_n all_o serious_a christian_n can_v but_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o lamentation_n as_o the_o prophet_n word_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v for_o a_o lamentation_n the_o prevention_n indeed_o of_o that_o utter_a confusion_n by_o a_o wonderful_a providence_n aught_o to_o fill_v our_o heart_n with_o joy_n but_o the_o thought_n of_o such_o frequent_a calamity_n which_o have_v threaten_v we_o aught_o to_o put_v we_o in_o fear_n also_o lest_o in_o conclusion_n they_o shall_v fall_v upon_o we_o if_o neither_o god_n mercy_n nor_o his_o judgement_n can_v amend_v we_o the_o only_a way_n to_o keep_v they_o off_o be_v for_o all_o good_a man_n and_o woman_n to_o humble_v themselves_o and_o weep_v in_o secret_a for_o these_o thing_n on_o which_o they_o can_v cast_v their_o eye_n serious_o to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o they_o but_o they_o will_v find_v they_o solicit_v their_o tear_n and_o their_o sigh_n and_o hear_v they_o call_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v afflict_v and_o mourn_v and_o to_o let_v their_o joy_n sometime_o at_o least_o be_v turn_v into_o heaviness_n this_o alone_a be_v a_o sad_a and_o melancholy_a sight_n to_o behold_v the_o spirit_n of_o blindness_n and_o giddiness_n of_o faction_n and_o rebellion_n that_o have_v seize_v on_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n our_o senseless_a contention_n and_o opposition_n the_o wide_a breach_n and_o division_n for_o which_o we_o can_v see_v no_o heal_n may_v just_o challenge_v if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o trouble_v we_o great_a thought_n and_o search_n of_o heart_n ii_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o other_o thing_n not_o only_o how_o insensible_a must_v people_n be_v of_o all_o such_o matter_n which_o in_o bodily_a distemper_n be_v count_v the_o worse_a symptom_n in_o the_o world_n but_o how_o few_o have_v be_v amend_v by_o the_o public_a judgement_n which_o have_v either_o threaten_v we_o or_o fall_v upon_o we_o the_o complaint_n which_o god_n make_v by_o the_o prophet_n two_o jer._n 30._o may_v still_o be_v continue_v in_o vain_a have_v i_o smite_v your_o child_n they_o receive_v no_o correction_n and_o which_o the_o prophet_n make_v to_o god_n ver._n 3._o o_o lord_n be_v not_o thy_o eye_n upon_o the_o truth_n thou_o have_v strike_v they_o but_o they_o have_v not_o grieve_v thou_o have_v consume_v they_o but_o they_o have_v refuse_v to_o receive_v correction_n they_o have_v make_v their_o face_n hard_a than_o a_o rock_n they_o have_v refuse_v to_o return_v for_o which_o stubborn_a impiety_n and_o impudent_a wickedness_n which_o have_v every_o where_o too_o much_o abound_v among_o we_o every_o good_a man_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o much_o afflict_v and_o not_o only_o content_v himself_o with_o this_o that_o he_o do_v not_o follow_v they_o in_o their_o ungodly_a practice_n but_o bewail_v also_o as_o many_o as_o have_v sin_v and_o have_v not_o repent_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 2_o cor._n twelve_o ult_n of_o the_o uncleanness_n and_o fornication_n and_o lasciviousness_n and_o other_o abominable_a sin_n which_o they_o have_v commit_v for_o this_o be_v real_o the_o sad_a spectacle_n of_o all_o other_o to_o behold_v such_o number_n as_o have_v not_o be_v at_o all_o touch_v with_o any_o remorse_n for_o their_o own_o sin_n nor_o any_o grief_n for_o public_a calamity_n nor_o any_o fear_n of_o future_a danger_n but_o have_v take_v their_o pleasure_n to_o the_o full_a in_o the_o most_o sorrowful_a time_n that_o this_o nation_n have_v see_v and_o will_v not_o abate_v of_o their_o mirth_n and_o laughter_n in_o the_o least_o when_o all_o thing_n look_v cloudy_o about_o they_o but_o encourage_v one_o another_o to_o think_v only_o of_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o rise_v up_o to_o play_v which_o all_o sober_a man_n can_v but_o look_v upon_o to_o be_v as_o unseemly_a a_o sight_n as_o if_o man_n shall_v go_v and_o dance_v about_o their_o parent_n or_o near_a relation_n when_o they_o see_v they_o a_o die_a the_o ancient_a pythagoraean_n be_v wont_a when_o any_o person_n forsake_v their_o school_n to_o set_v a_o coffin_n in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o use_v to_o sit_v and_o then_o to_o make_v a_o solemn_a funeral_n for_o he_o bewail_v he_o with_o their_o tear_n as_o one_o that_o be_v real_o dead_a and_o we_o have_v not_o well_o learned_a christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v if_o we_o do_v not_o think_v we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o bewail_v those_o who_o have_v so_o far_o forsake_v god_n and_o their_o holy_a religion_n that_o nothing_o he_o can_v say_v or_o do_v will_v move_v they_o to_o a_o sober_a sadness_n but_o they_o go_v on_o with_o a_o stiff_a neck_n and_o a_o hard_a heart_n to_o laugh_v at_o all_o goodness_n they_o be_v in_o so_o deplorable_a a_o condition_n that_o we_o may_v give_v they_o up_o for_o dead_a and_o take_v up_o a_o lamentation_n over_o they_o as_o lose_v man_n who_o will_v never_o have_v any_o feel_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o great_a object_n of_o all_o good_a man_n pity_n who_o have_v reason_n to_o mourn_v for_o they_o and_o follow_v they_o with_o their_o tear_n as_o they_o will_v a_o friend_n that_o be_v carry_v to_o his_o grave_n or_o rather_o they_o be_v more_o to_o be_v lament_v because_o they_o be_v dead_a even_o while_o they_o live_v according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n xxii_o ecclus._n 12._o seven_o day_n do_v man_n mourn_v for_o the_o dead_a but_o for_o a_o fool_n and_o for_o a_o ungodly_a man_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n and_o if_o we_o take_v into_o our_o consideration_n the_o cause_n of_o that_o bold_a confidence_n which_o have_v make_v they_o mock_v at_o all_o seriousness_n even_o when_o we_o have_v be_v in_o the_o great_a danger_n we_o shall_v see_v still_o the_o great_a reason_n for_o our_o humiliation_n they_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o these_o two_o first_o their_o obstinate_a unbelief_n which_o make_v they_o contemn_v all_o that_o be_v tell_v they_o of_o future_a danger_n and_o second_o their_o pride_n and_o scornfulness_n which_o make_v they_o despise_v even_o god_n present_a chastisement_n as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o it_o be_v too_o notorious_a that_o many_o man_n have_v harden_v their_o heart_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v in_o the_o other_o world_n which_o dull_a infidelity_n lead_v they_o into_o all_o manner_n of_o licentious_a live_n and_o let_v their_o furious_a desire_n loose_v to_o run_v without_o any_o check_n or_o bridle_v into_o the_o foul_a profaneness_n and_o when_o they_o be_v deep_o drench_v in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n
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 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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
as_o many_o do_v that_o fast_v consist_v only_o in_o eat_v nothing_o till_o the_o evening_n this_o be_v not_o the_o business_n but_o that_o together_o with_o abstinence_n from_o meat_n we_o abstain_v from_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v hurt_v we_o and_o have_v more_o leisure_n for_o spiritual_a employment_n a_o fast_a ought_v to_o be_v humble_a mild_a lowly_a a_o contemner_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o life_n for_o as_o he_o have_v despise_v the_o care_n of_o his_o appetite_n so_o it_o become_v he_o as_o little_a to_o mind_v vain_a glory_n and_o look_v to_o he_o alone_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o the_o reins_o to_o make_v prayer_n and_o confession_n to_o god_n with_o great_a diligence_n and_o to_o do_v himself_o good_a by_o do_v good_a and_o give_a alm_n to_o other_o etc._n etc._n thus_o let_v we_o spend_v every_o week_n nay_o every_o day_n of_o this_o lent_n say_v he_o in_o another_o gen._n hom._n xv_o in_o gen._n sermon_n go_v over_o the_o same_o thing_n again_o in_o little_a different_a language_n and_o then_o there_o be_v reason_n he_o think_v to_o hope_v that_o they_o may_v get_v a_o habit_n of_o these_o virtue_n before_o the_o conclusion_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n s._n athanasius_n in_o his_o book_n of_o virginity_n before_o mention_v it_o be_v not_o simple_o fast_v which_o we_o magnify_v for_o if_o thou_o fast_o and_o do_v not_o keep_v thy_o mouth_n that_o it_o speak_v no_o evil_a if_o thou_o do_v not_o guard_v it_o from_o vent_v passionate_a and_o angry_a word_n from_o tell_v lie_n from_o perjury_n from_o backbiting_a and_o slander_v thy_o neighbour_n if_o any_o of_o these_o go_v out_o of_o thy_o fast_a mouth_n thy_o fast_n will_v profit_v thou_o nothing_o all_o thy_o pain_n in_o this_o be_v but_o lose_a labour_n and_o who_o can_v think_v that_o if_o such_o lesson_n as_o these_o do_v all_o the_o lend_v long_o still_o sound_a in_o man_n ear_n and_o be_v continual_o press_v on_o their_o heart_n they_o will_v be_v without_o any_o effect_n for_o the_o reform_n of_o their_o life_n no_o the_o very_a face_n of_o all_o thing_n then_o look_v so_o solemn_a as_o the_o ingenious_a gentleman_n now_o name_v observe_n will_v natural_o constrain_v they_o in_o some_o measure_n to_o be_v serious_a and_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n will_v occasion_v just_a reflection_n upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o evil_a course_n which_o will_v produce_v in_o some_o or_o other_o new_a resolution_n and_o purpose_n of_o amendment_n and_o if_o a_o thorough_a reformation_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o none_o yet_o this_o restraint_n upon_o man_n evil_a inclination_n for_o such_o a_o considerable_a time_n will_v put_v such_o a_o stop_n to_o the_o progress_n of_o vice_n that_o it_o will_v make_v man_n if_o not_o better_o yet_o less_o wicked_a than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v be_v of_o which_o that_o gentleman_n be_v so_o sensible_a that_o he_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o special_a great_a mercy_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o have_v preserve_v the_o severity_n of_o lent_n in_o those_o country_n where_o looseness_n of_o life_n it_o so_o great_a that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o the_o flood_n of_o ungodliness_n grow_v so_o strong_a and_o outrageous_a and_o have_v not_o where_o either_o bound_n or_o bank_n to_o restrain_v they_o may_v plunge_v whole_a nation_n into_o such_o a_o gulf_n of_o wickedness_n as_o shall_v leave_v no_o hope_n of_o their_o recovery_n chap._n xix_o a_o further_a satisfaction_n to_o some_o objection_n but_o there_o be_v some_o who_o imagine_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o set_v public_a fast_o of_o such_o long_a continuance_n as_o the_o fast_a of_o lent_n be_v for_o these_o good_a purpose_n because_o every_o man_n may_v humble_v himself_o before_o god_n for_o his_o offence_n and_o repent_v himself_o of_o they_o in_o private_a at_o such_o time_n as_o he_o think_v best_o or_o can_v best_o spare_v to_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o such_o holy_a uses_n unto_o which_o exception_n i_o think_v sufficient_a satisfaction_n have_v be_v give_v in_o what_o be_v last_o say_v if_o man_n will_v considerate_o weigh_v it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v very_o useful_a to_o have_v a_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o particular_a answer_n to_o it_o and_o to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v return_v the_o same_o answer_n that_o our_o excellent_a hooker_n have_v already_o make_v that_o no_o doubt_n penitency_n be_v in_o this_o like_a prayer_n that_o it_o will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n whether_o perform_v in_o public_a or_o in_o secret_a howbeit_o as_o in_o prayer_n if_o man_n be_v leave_v whole_o to_o their_o own_o choice_n of_o such_o time_n as_o they_o think_v fit_a for_o their_o voluntary_a meditation_n in_o their_o closet_n and_o not_o draw_v by_o law_n and_o public_a order_n unto_o the_o open_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n at_o certain_a time_n and_o hour_n it_o may_v be_v easy_o conjecture_v what_o christian_a devotion_n will_v that_o way_n come_v unto_o in_o a_o short_a time_n even_o so_o in_o this_o of_o penitency_n we_o be_v teach_v by_o sufficient_a experience_n without_o any_o further_a trial_n how_o little_a it_o avail_v to_o tell_v man_n of_o wash_v away_o their_o sin_n by_o tear_n of_o repentance_n and_o so_o to_o leave_v they_o altogether_o to_o themselves_o for_o alas_o they_o little_o think_v of_o this_o but_o pass_v over_o their_o numerous_a sin_n without_o take_v any_o considerable_a time_n to_o bewail_v they_o and_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n have_v reason_n to_o set_v a_o time_n apart_o for_o this_o discipline_n wherein_o the_o public_a example_n of_o all_o may_v be_v unto_o every_o particular_a person_n a_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n and_o even_o draw_v they_o to_o that_o which_o they_o all_o quite_o and_o clean_o forget_v as_o if_o penitency_n be_v no_o part_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n duty_n as_o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o exception_n which_o be_v the_o long_a continuance_n of_o this_o set_a time_n i_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o before_o that_o man_n may_v shake_v off_o the_o habit_n of_o intemperance_n and_o impurity_n of_o evil-speaking_a lie_v and_o such_o like_a sin_n unto_o which_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v they_o can_v present_o get_v rid_v of_o they_o but_o by_o make_v it_o their_o business_n for_o so_o many_o week_n to_o refrain_v they_o may_v possible_o quite_o forsake_v they_o and_o never_o return_v unto_o they_o and_o if_o they_o that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o fast_o total_o from_o meat_n and_o drink_n will_v use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o abstain_v from_o those_o sin_n to_o which_o they_o find_v themselves_o most_o incline_v and_o to_o deny_v all_o manner_n of_o bad_a desire_n they_o may_v without_o fast_v attain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o fast_v be_v ordain_v which_o i_o repeat_v again_o for_o the_o further_a satisfaction_n of_o those_o who_o be_v trouble_v because_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o fast_a all_o day_n at_o such_o time_n as_o the_o church_n appoint_v for_o who_o sake_n i_o shall_v enlarge_v a_o little_a more_o upon_o this_o subject_a and_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o that_o there_o be_v many_o people_n that_o can_v bear_v the_o discipline_n of_o fast_v particular_o they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o weak_a constitution_n and_o can_v eat_v but_o little_a at_o a_o time_n who_o therefore_o require_v frequent_a reparation_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o nature_n so_o now_o i_o shall_v add_v to_o that_o number_n such_o as_o out_o of_o choice_n eat_v always_o spare_o no_o more_o as_o near_o as_o they_o can_v guess_v than_o will_v just_o suffice_v to_o support_v their_o strength_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o their_o several_a employment_n these_o man_n lead_v always_o such_o a_o abstemious_a life_n that_o it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o perpetual_a abstinence_n s._n chrysostom_n also_o excuse_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o fast_v who_o discourse_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o set_v down_o for_o the_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o such_o kind_n of_o scruple_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o which_o the_o reader_n must_v know_v that_o his_o church_n have_v be_v throng_v with_o company_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o lent_n till_o about_o the_o nine_o or_o ten_o day_n when_o he_o observe_v there_o be_v but_o a_o very_a thin_a congregation_n he_o begin_v his_o sermon_n in_o this_o manner_n what_o be_v the_o matter_n that_o your_o genesin_n hom._n x._o in_o genesin_n assembly_n be_v so_o small_a to_o day_n and_o we_o have_v not_o such_o a_o concourse_n as_o have_v usual_o be_v here_o perhaps_o some_o be_v ashamed_a after_o they_o have_v be_v at_o a_o carnal_a table_n to_o come_v to_o this_o spiritual_a and_o therefore_o we_o have_v not_o their_o company_n but_o let_v such_o hearken_v