such_o indecency_n as_o be_v express_v by_o those_o two_o follow_a comparison_n s._n chrysostom_n indeed_o understand_v these_o comparison_n and_o most_o now_o follow_v he_o herein_o as_o if_o our_o lord_n have_v say_v that_o his_o disciple_n be_v yet_o raw_a and_o infirm_a be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v the_o severe_a discipline_n of_o fast_v but_o may_v receive_v hurt_v by_o it_o as_o a_o old_a garment_n do_v by_o the_o sew_v a_o new_a piece_n of_o cloth_n to_o it_o and_o old_a bottle_n by_o put_v new_a wine_n into_o they_o but_o beside_o other_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v to_o this_o which_o i_o can_v answer_v it_o seem_v unaccountable_a why_o christ_n disciple_n shall_v not_o be_v as_o strong_a as_o john_n and_o very_o hard_a to_o affirm_v that_o john_n impose_v such_o discipline_n upon_o his_o disciple_n as_o christ_n judge_v will_v be_v prejudicial_a and_o noxious_a unto_o he_o i_o rest_v therefore_o in_o the_o forename_a exposition_n which_o agree_v with_o the_o scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o intend_v not_o to_o reject_v fast_v or_o to_o say_v his_o disciple_n be_v not_o yet_o fit_a for_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o fit_a for_o they_o for_o there_o be_v to_o every_o thing_n a_o season_n and_o a_o time_n to_o every_o purpose_n under_o heaven_n in_o which_o time_n god_n have_v make_v every_o thing_n beautiful_a as_o solomon_n speak_v in_o three_o eccles_n 1_o 11._o now_o be_v the_o time_n of_o gladness_n while_o he_o be_v present_a in_o person_n with_o they_o and_o they_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o marriage-feast_n mention_v xxii_o matth._n 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n in_o which_o fast_v be_v unbeseeming_a but_o the_o time_n of_o mourn_v be_v come_n when_o he_o be_v take_v away_o from_o they_o and_o they_o fall_v into_o great_a distress_n and_o in_o those_o day_n they_o will_v fast_o without_o any_o bid_n and_o according_o we_o find_v they_o be_v in_o fast_n often_o as_o s._n paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o 2_o corinth_n xi_o 27._o and_o herein_o as_o well_o as_o all_o thing_n else_o approve_a themselves_o as_o minister_n of_o god_n vi_fw-la 4_o 5._o and_o teach_v other_o also_o the_o frequent_a use_n hereof_o which_o be_v observe_v so_o careful_o in_o all_o follow_a age_n that_o s._n basil_n bold_o pronounce_v repentance_n jejunio_fw-la hom._n 1._o de_fw-la jejunio_fw-la without_o fast_v to_o be_v a_o idle_a business_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o another_o chapter_n when_o i_o have_v first_o show_v in_o the_o next_o of_o what_o use_n fast_v be_v in_o religion_n and_o i_o shall_v end_v this_o chapter_n with_o this_o plain_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v which_o will_v serve_v for_o a_o introduction_n to_o what_o follow_v if_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o account_n for_o our_o sin_n to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n to_o repent_v and_o to_o beg_v pardon_n for_o they_o we_o may_v easy_o know_v what_o obligation_n we_o have_v to_o fast_v and_o it_o may_v safe_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n whether_o it_o become_v a_o penitent_a to_o present_v himself_o before_o god_n full_a or_o fast_v and_o in_o which_o of_o these_o way_n he_o think_v sorrow_n and_o grief_n be_v to_o be_v express_v and_o the_o compassion_n of_o he_o who_o we_o have_v offend_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v move_v chap._n xii_o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o religious_a fast_n fast_v serve_v as_o a_o help_n to_o so_o many_o christian_a duty_n with_o which_o it_o be_v frequent_o join_v that_o i_o can_v mention_v they_o all_o in_o this_o little_a treatise_n wherein_o i_o consider_v it_o chief_o as_o a_o act_n of_o humiliation_n and_o a_o part_n of_o repentance_n whereby_o we_o both_o abase_v ourselves_o before_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v our_o unworthiness_n of_o the_o least_o of_o his_o mercy_n and_o also_o afflict_v and_o punish_v ourselves_o for_o our_o former_a excess_n and_o other_o sin_n which_o it_o help_v we_o also_o to_o cure_v and_o be_v a_o remedy_n against_o that_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o abasement_n and_o serve_v to_o humble_a and_o lay_v we_o low_o in_o our_o own_o thought_n the_o psalmist_n in_o so_o many_o word_n tell_v we_o when_o he_o say_v xxiv_o psal_n 13._o my_o clothing_n be_v sackcloth_n i_o humble_v my_o soul_n with_o fast_v nor_o have_v sackcloth_n or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n a_o different_a meaning_n for_o by_o put_v on_o such_o course_n clothing_n as_o mr._n mede_n observe_v they_o rank_v themselves_o with_o man_n of_o the_o mean_a and_o low_a condition_n which_o be_v the_o intention_n also_o of_o put_v ash_n and_o sometime_o earth_n upon_o their_o head_n as_o if_o they_o be_v below_o the_o low_a of_o god_n creature_n and_o of_o sit_v or_o lie_v upon_o the_o ground_n with_o which_o by_o that_o posture_n they_o level_v themselves_o and_o it_o may_v be_v add_v of_o pour_v out_o water_n before_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v a_o very_a ancient_a ceremony_n upon_o their_o fasting-day_n 1_o sam._n seven_o 6._o in_o token_n of_o their_o humiliation_n say_v rabbi_n solomon_n upon_o that_o place_n as_o if_o they_o have_v say_v behold_v o_o lord_n we_o be_v before_o thou_o as_o these_o water_n that_o be_v pour_v out_o that_o be_v nothing_o worth_a the_o same_o they_o confess_v by_o abstain_v from_o all_o sort_n of_o food_n which_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n that_o they_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o live_v upon_o god_n earth_n any_o long_o thus_o when_o ahab_n in_o the_o 1_o king_n xxi_o 27._o rend_v his_o clothes_n which_o be_v another_o act_n of_o humiliation_n make_v they_o look_v like_o beggar_n and_o put_v sackcloth_n on_o his_o flesh_n and_o fast_v and_o lay_v in_o sackcloth_n and_o go_v soft_o as_o a_o man_n quite_o deject_v god_n himself_o in_o the_o 29._o ver._n call_v this_o ahab'_v humble_v himself_o before_o he_o and_o promise_n thereupon_o to_o remit_v something_o of_o the_o sentence_n pronounce_v against_o he_o in_o not_o execute_v it_o so_o soon_o as_o be_v intend_v and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a effect_n and_o expression_n of_o sorrow_n i_o need_v not_o trouble_v myself_o to_o demonstrate_v daniel_n call_v it_o by_o the_o name_n of_o mourn_v x._o dan._n 2_o 3._o and_o what_o he_o call_v mourning_n and_o eat_v no_o pleasant_a bread_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o angel_n afterward_o ver._n 12._o take_v special_a notice_n of_o it_o call_v chasten_v himself_o before_o his_o god_n and_o so_o we_o translate_v the_o psalmist_n word_n lxix_o psal_n 10._o when_o i_o weep_v and_o chastened_a my_o soul_n with_o fast_v etc._n etc._n for_o no_o abstinence_n or_o sorrow_n can_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o penitence_n but_o such_o as_o be_v afflictive_a which_o be_v so_o much_o intend_v in_o fast_v that_o they_o be_v word_n of_o the_o same_o signification_n according_a to_o that_o know_a rule_n among_o the_o jew_n wheresoever_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o afflict_v the_o soul_n it_o mean_v fast_v thus_o the_o great_a fast_o appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v yearly_o observe_v on_o the_o seven_o day_n of_o the_o ten_o month_n be_v describe_v in_o the_o xuj_o leu._n 29_o 31._o it_o shall_v be_v a_o sabbath_n of_o rest_n unto_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v afflict_v your_o soul_n by_o a_o statute_n for_o ever_o and_o whatsoever_o soul_n it_o be_v as_o it_o follow_v xxiii_o 29._o that_o shall_v not_o be_v afflict_v on_o that_o same_o day_n he_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o among_o his_o people_n and_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o other_o fast_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n of_o ezra_n which_o be_v the_o most_o express_a of_o any_o to_o this_o purpose_n viij_o 21._o then_o i_o proclaim_v a_o fast_a at_o the_o river_n ahava_n that_o we_o may_v afflict_v ourselves_o before_o our_o god_n for_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n be_v in_o itself_o troublesome_a &_o painful_a to_o the_o body_n as_o s._n austin_n very_o well_o observe_v no_o fame_n &_o sit_fw-la be_v dolores_fw-la sunt_fw-la vrunt_fw-la 31._o lib._n x_o confess_v c._n 31._o &_o sicut_fw-la febris_fw-la necant_fw-la nisi_fw-la alimentorum_fw-la medicina_fw-la succurrunt_fw-la and_o shall_v call_v to_o our_o mind_n the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o pain_n and_o anguish_n that_o our_o conscience_n feel_v the_o sharp_a sting_n of_o guilt_n and_o we_o be_v prick_v in_o the_o heart_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v may_v more_o thankful_o embrace_v the_o remedy_n and_o speedy_o also_o seek_v for_o relief_n by_o a_o unfeigned_a repentance_n fast_v have_v also_o something_o of_o a_o penal_a chastisement_n in_o it_o whereby_o we_o take_v revenge_n upon_o ourselves_o as_o i_o show_v in_o the_o five_o chapter_n and_o punish_v ourselves_o for_o
their_o soul_n xuj_o leu._n 29_o 31._o lviii_o isa_n 5._o which_o explain_v the_o first_o word_n in_o s._n james_n and_o show_v it_o to_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o in_o joel_n turn_v unto_o he_o with_o fast_v and_o if_o we_o search_v far_o wherein_o this_o afflict_a themselves_o consist_v we_o shall_v find_v a_o explication_n of_o the_o rest_n that_o follow_v for_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v bare_o in_o abstinence_n from_o food_n but_o in_o put_v on_o also_o the_o habit_n of_o mourner_n sackcloth_n and_o ash_n and_o in_o the_o action_n of_o rent_v the_o garment_n in_o bewail_v and_o lament_v their_o conditition_n which_o be_v the_o next_o phrase_n in_o s._n james_n mourn_v and_o weep_v and_o if_o we_o still_o proceed_v further_o in_o our_o enquiry_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o on_o such_o day_n of_o afflict_v themselves_o they_o also_o abstain_v from_o all_o sort_n of_o pleasure_n they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o wash_v their_o face_n much_o less_o anoint_v their_o head_n no_o nor_o look_v up_o but_o hang_v down_o their_o head_n in_o confusion_n of_o face_n music_n and_o song_n be_v perfect_a stranger_n to_o they_o nor_o will_v they_o take_v any_o rest_n but_o they_o punish_v their_o body_n with_o watch_n and_o lie_v on_o the_o bare_a ground_n to_o testify_v their_o sorrow_n and_o grief_n for_o what_o evil_a they_o have_v do_v or_o for_o the_o evil_n they_o feel_v or_o fear_v and_o according_o here_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o apostle_n in_o perfect_a conformity_n to_o those_o custom_n let_v your_o laughter_n be_v turn_v into_o mourning_n and_o your_o joy_n into_o heaviness_n or_o into_o hang_v down_o of_o the_o head_n with_o shame_n and_o grief_n and_o if_o we_o go_v on_o to_o search_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o this_o it_o will_v further_o illustrate_v the_o thing_n in_o hand_n for_o it_o be_v visible_a that_o upon_o occasion_n of_o any_o sorrowful_a accident_n they_o be_v wont_v in_o those_o eastern_a country_n to_o express_v their_o sense_n of_o it_o by_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n lie_v on_o the_o ground_n strew_v ash_n on_o their_o head_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n which_o be_v notorious_a more_o especial_o in_o case_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o friend_n and_o near_a relation_n thus_o jacob_n bewail_v the_o suppose_a death_n of_o his_o son_n joseph_n xxxvii_o gen._n 34_o 35._o and_o thus_o rispah_n the_o concubine_n of_o saul_n lament_v her_o child_n who_o the_o gibeonite_n hang_v on_o a_o gibbet_n 2_o sam._n xxi_o 10._o and_o thus_o job_n when_o he_o hear_v of_o the_o calamity_n befall_v his_o family_n rend_v his_o mantle_n shave_v his_o head_n fall_v down_o upon_o the_o ground_n and_o remain_v in_o silence_n without_o speak_v a_o word_n for_o seven_o day_n i._n job_n 20._o and_o thus_o his_o friend_n also_o hear_v of_o all_o this_o evil_a and_o behold_v when_o they_o come_v to_o visit_v he_o in_o what_o a_o lamentable_a condition_n he_o lay_v himself_o lift_v up_o their_o voice_n and_o weep_v and_o rend_v every_o man_n his_o mantle_n and_o sprinkle_v dust_n upon_o their_o head_n and_o sit_v down_o with_o he_o upon_o the_o ground_n in_o silence_n two_o job_n 12_o 13._o nor_o be_v there_o want_v numerous_a example_n which_o i_o shall_v omit_v of_o the_o very_a same_o custom_n among_o other_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o among_o the_o jew_n and_o these_o arabian_n no_o wonder_n then_o if_o pious_a man_n who_o be_v touch_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a displeasure_n use_v the_o very_a same_o sign_n and_o testimony_n of_o their_o grief_n which_o be_v customary_a in_o other_o case_n of_o far_o less_o consequence_n for_o what_o great_a mischief_n can_v befall_v we_o than_o the_o loss_n of_o god_n favour_n or_o rather_o what_o calamity_n be_v equal_a or_o near_o approach_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v more_o reason_n to_o bewail_v our_o offence_n against_o he_o which_o put_v we_o out_o of_o his_o favour_n most_o heavy_o and_o with_o the_o most_o doleful_a token_n of_o our_o sorrow_n for_o they_o than_o there_o be_v to_o bewail_v the_o loss_n of_o the_o dear_a friend_n we_o have_v in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o great_a misfortune_n as_o we_o term_v it_o that_o can_v possible_o befall_v we_o and_o according_o we_o read_v that_o when_o holy_a job_n humble_v himself_o before_o god_n for_o his_o too_o peremptory_a vindication_n of_o his_o own_o innocence_n he_o do_v it_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o he_o have_v bewail_v his_o affliction_n say_v i_o abhor_v myself_o and_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n xlii_o 6._o and_o the_o prophet_n often_o call_v upon_o the_o israelite_n to_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n and_o to_o bewail_v themselves_o in_o ash_n when_o they_o will_v have_v they_o mourn_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o 1_o sam._n seven_o 2._o lament_v after_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v seek_v the_o recovery_n of_o his_o favour_n by_o a_o hearty_a repentance_n for_o they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o fit_a for_o grievous_a offender_n to_o look_v up_o to_o he_o who_o authority_n they_o have_v affront_v without_o tear_n in_o their_o eye_n and_o a_o sad_a and_o sorrowful_a countenance_n in_o the_o most_o mournful_a posture_n and_o habit_n and_o the_o bitter_a expression_n of_o their_o grief_n and_o inward_a anguish_n as_o know_v that_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v unprofitable_o bewail_v their_o sin_n in_o a_o more_o dismal_a place_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n why_o will_v some_o say_v do_v god_n delight_n to_o hear_v our_o shriek_n and_o groan_n or_o will_v you_o have_v we_o be_v our_o own_o tormentor_n be_v it_o reasonable_a a_o man_n shall_v be_v cruel_a to_o his_o own_o flesh_n and_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o put_v himself_o to_o pain_n there_o be_v nothing_o from_o which_o humane_a nature_n more_o abhor_v than_o sorrow_n and_o grief_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o friendly_a to_o it_o than_o pleasure_n and_o joy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d every_o thing_n that_o sadden_v and_o afflict_v we_o be_v a_o real_a disease_n and_o sickness_n to_o which_o we_o can_v but_o be_v averse_a and_o by_o all_o mean_n study_v to_o avoid_v unto_o which_o i_o answer_v as_o solon_n do_v to_o one_o who_o tell_v he_o when_o he_o weep_v for_o his_o son_n that_o he_o trouble_v himself_o but_o profit_v nothing_o by_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v the_o very_a reason_n say_v he_o why_o i_o can_v but_o weep_v so_o when_o man_n say_v that_o nature_n be_v hurt_v by_o sorrow_n the_o reply_n may_v just_o be_v that_o be_v one_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o shall_v make_v you_o sorrowful_a to_o see_v how_o you_o have_v spoil_v the_o beauty_n and_o goodliness_n of_o humane_a nature_n how_o you_o have_v sully_v it_o by_o your_o sin_n and_o darken_v the_o brightness_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o it_o by_o eclipse_v the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n which_o we_o be_v make_v to_o enjoy_v and_o to_o rejoice_v therein_o and_o cause_v this_o world_n to_o become_v nothing_o but_o a_o scene_n of_o misery_n a_o place_n of_o mourning_n and_o lamentation_n either_o for_o our_o sin_n or_o for_o our_o suffering_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a fight_n indeed_o to_o behold_v a_o creature_n make_v for_o great_a happiness_n to_o be_v now_o so_o alter_v that_o in_o all_o the_o creation_n there_o be_v not_o one_o so_o full_a of_o complaint_n as_o man_n but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sad_a if_o his_o first_o complaint_n be_v not_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o this_o which_o be_v our_o sin_n these_o if_o they_o be_v not_o sorrowful_o bewail_v be_v the_o most_o grievous_a and_o lamentable_a of_o all_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o account_n of_o those_o who_o right_o weigh_v they_o but_o beside_o this_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v man_n leave_v their_o sin_n and_o so_o be_v restore_v to_o true_a joy_n and_o gladness_n if_o they_o can_v take_v pleasure_n in_o evil_a course_n as_o well_o as_o in_o good_a they_o will_v never_o be_v at_o the_o trouble_n of_o a_o exchange_n nor_o scarce_a think_v of_o it_o till_o they_o be_v mourn_v there_o where_o tear_n will_v never_o cease_v to_o flow_v and_o drown_v they_o in_o eternal_a sorrow_n nay_o more_o than_o this_o to_o think_v of_o our_o sin_n without_o due_a sorrow_n and_o grief_n for_o they_o be_v in_o truth_n to_o repeat_v they_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o leave_v they_o who_o be_v not_o grieve_v for_o they_o that_o whensoever_o they_o call_v they_o to_o mind_n without_o such_o grief_n it_o be_v in_o effect_n again_o to_o commit_v they_o their_o mind_n be_v please_v with_o they_o and_o there_o they_o do_v that_o over_o again_o which_o be_v do_v before_o in_o outward_a
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
acknowledge_v when_o 14._o l._n 2._o de_fw-la bonis_fw-la oper_n c._n 14._o not_o only_o he_o but_o s._n ambrose_n and_o s._n hierom_n say_v the_o lenten_a fast_n be_v ordain_v by_o our_o lord_n they_o mean_v not_o by_o his_o precept_n but_o by_o his_o example_n now_o this_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o prevalent_a that_o there_o need_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n for_o this_o fast_a from_o whence_o other_o derive_v it_o but_o all_o for_o a_o long_a time_n easy_o follow_v such_o great_a pattern_n of_o devotion_n i_o say_v all_o for_o no_o church_n can_v be_v find_v wherein_o a_o solemn_a fast_o before_o easter_n be_v not_o observe_v which_o be_v a_o strong_a argument_n to_o prove_v it_o derive_v itself_o from_o such_o a_o beginning_n as_o i_o have_v mention_v for_o otherwise_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v how_o it_o shall_v prevail_v universal_o in_o all_o country_n where_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v preach_v as_o it_o be_v plain_a it_o do_v by_o the_o elder_a record_n we_o have_v of_o the_o church_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o set_v down_o at_o large_a because_o it_o be_v beside_o my_o purpose_n and_o as_o many_o as_o be_v sufficient_a i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o mention_v in_o what_o follow_v chap._n xvi_o of_o the_o variety_n in_o its_o observation_n the_o reader_n may_v take_v notice_n that_o i_o have_v hitherto_o mention_v only_o a_o solemn_a fast_o before_o easter_n which_o s._n clement_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o paschal_n fast_v not_o yet_o determine_v the_o length_n of_o it_o but_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v observe_v more_o or_o less_o from_o the_o very_a beginning_n i_o say_v more_o or_o less_o because_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n in_o the_o length_n of_o it_o for_o irenaeus_n as_o it_o be_v common_o know_v write_v to_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n about_o the_o difference_n there_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o observe_v easter_n say_v there_o be_v also_o a_o difference_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o fast_a before_o it_o some_o suppose_v they_o ought_v to_o fast_o one_o day_n some_o two_o other_o more_z for_o some_o he_o say_v extend_v it_o to_o forty_o and_o 24._o euseb_n l._n v._o c._n 24._o reckon_v their_o day_n by_o the_o hour_n of_o day_n and_o night_n that_o be_v fast_v from_o evening_n to_o evening_n which_o word_n some_o contend_v relate_v only_o to_o the_o fast_a in_o the_o week_n before_o easter_n as_o the_o first_o part_n of_o they_o do_v but_o the_o whole_a can_v unless_o we_o understand_v forty_o not_o of_o day_n but_o only_o of_o hour_n which_o be_v against_o the_o forego_n word_n in_o which_o he_o speak_v of_o day_n and_o against_o the_o ancient_a read_n which_o ruffinus_n follow_v who_o translate_v the_o word_n to_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o i_o have_v do_v and_o his_o translation_n be_v from_o more_o ancient_a greek_a copy_n than_o any_o of_o those_o which_o some_o be_v please_v now_o to_o follow_v and_o be_v confirm_v by_o jo._n christophorson_n and_o sir_n henry_n savil_n who_o read_v and_o distinguish_v the_o word_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n which_o thing_n i_o have_v brief_o touch_v to_o show_v that_o whatsoever_o variety_n there_o be_v it_o be_v still_o a_o confession_n of_o a_o fast_a before_o easter_n distinct_a from_o all_o other_o in_o that_o there_o be_v no_o variety_n but_o all_o observe_v the_o fast_a as_o much_o as_o they_o do_v easter_n that_o be_v the_o memory_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n and_o irenaeus_n say_v that_o this_o variety_n do_v not_o begin_v in_o his_o age_n but_o as_o his_o word_n be_v long_o before_o we_o with_o our_o ancestor_n so_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o thence_o that_o the_o fast_o be_v not_o a_o new_a thing_n but_o come_v down_o to_o they_o from_o time_n long_o before_o they_o that_o be_v from_o the_o apostle_n this_o if_o fair_o consider_v may_v help_v to_o settle_v all_o the_o controversy_n which_o be_v about_o this_o fast_a of_o lent_n which_o many_o have_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o prove_v be_v not_o a_o apostolical_a constitution_n nor_o so_o ancient_a as_o their_o day_n but_o none_o of_o their_o argument_n prove_v any_o more_o than_o this_o that_o the_o fast_a of_o forty_o day_n length_n do_v not_o derive_v itself_o from_o their_o ordinance_n or_o example_n for_o they_o be_v of_o no_o force_n at_o all_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o paschal_n fast_o that_o be_v a_o solemn_a time_n for_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o such_o holy_a duty_n before_o easter_n of_o more_o or_o few_o day_n as_o the_o devotion_n of_o christian_n incline_v they_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o apostolical_a example_n and_o if_o this_o be_v agree_v it_o will_v help_v to_o give_v we_o a_o right_a understanding_n in_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o when_o the_o fast_o come_v to_o be_v general_o extend_v to_o the_o length_n of_o forty_o day_n and_o so_o receive_v and_o observe_v in_o the_o church_n which_o the_o forename_a zanchy_a say_v it_o appear_v to_o he_o be_v non_o it_o a_o multò_fw-la post_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la tempora_fw-la not_o very_o long_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n that_o may_v be_v true_o think_v to_o be_v only_o by_o a_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n and_o so_o s._n austin_n express_o resolve_v that_o those_o forty_o day_n before_o easter_n shall_v be_v observe_v ecclesiae_fw-la consensio_fw-la roboravit_fw-la the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n have_v establish_v which_o be_v thus_o settle_v and_o confirm_v so_o long_o ago_o i_o can_v understand_v why_o any_o body_n shall_v now_o go_v about_o to_o overthrow_v it_o but_o rather_o employ_v their_o pain_n and_o learning_n in_o show_v how_o it_o be_v and_o how_o it_o ought_v now_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o which_o i_o can_v but_o commend_v the_o wisdom_n and_o piety_n of_o the_o forename_a zanchius_n who_o look_v upon_o these_o forty_o day_n before_o easter_n as_o tempus_fw-la ex_fw-la pia_fw-la veteris_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la continuatum_fw-la 696._o ib._n in_o quartum_fw-la precept_n p._n 696._o etc._n etc._n a_o time_n continue_v and_o extend_v to_o this_o length_n by_o the_o pious_a ordinance_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n in_o which_o the_o faithful_a be_v more_o diligent_o than_o at_o any_o other_o time_n excite_v to_o repentance_n both_o by_o fast_n and_o by_o prayer_n and_o by_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o by_o other_o pious_a exercise_n i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v give_v alm_n more_o liberal_o admonish_v one_o another_o and_o such_o like_a whereby_o they_o be_v prepare_v the_o more_o worthy_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a communion_n at_o easter_n and_o if_o any_o one_o say_v he_o thus_o define_v the_o forty_o day_n fast_o who_o be_v there_o that_o can_v just_o dislike_v it_o none_o but_o those_o certain_o who_o love_n to_o live_v licentious_o without_o any_o bridle_n or_o those_o who_o prejudice_n make_v inconsiderate_a and_o will_v not_o let_v they_o understand_v the_o meaning_n and_o intention_n 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nothing_o but_o bread_n and_o water_n and_o salt_n which_o be_v call_v dry_a diet_n and_o be_v proper_a to_o those_o six_o day_n as_o we_o read_v in_o epiphanius_n all_o epiphanius_n haeres_fw-la lxxv_o n._n 6._o in_o two_o of_o which_o day_n just_a before_o easter_n some_o eat_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o lent_n some_o will_v eat_v only_a fish_n other_o allow_v themselves_o also_o bird_n because_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n they_o think_v with_o fish_n be_v make_v out_o of_o the_o water_n as_o moses_n testify_v but_o other_o forbear_v all_o fish_n likewise_o as_o well_o as_o flesh_n which_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o greek_n yet_o the_o famous_a monk_n of_o mount_n athos_n will_v eat_v oyster_n because_o they_o have_v no_o blood_n in_o they_o some_o content_a themselves_o with_o egg_n and_o fruit_n other_o forbear_v both_o and_o live_v upon_o bread_n and_o herb_n and_o root_n and_o s._n hierom_n say_v there_o be_v some_o who_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o 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for_o his_o pleasure_n which_o of_o these_o two_o as_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v do_v you_o judge_v to_o be_v most_o abstemious_a i_o do_v not_o think_v you_o so_o very_o blind_a but_o you_o see_v that_o the_o latter_a be_v a_o glutton_n in_o comparison_n with_o the_o former_a and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o mad_a than_o to_o say_v that_o he_o who_o fill_v his_o belly_n even_o to_o belch_a with_o all_o manner_n of_o pleasant_a thing_n save_o only_a flesh-meat_n and_o wine_n have_v keep_v the_o rule_n of_o sanctity_n but_o that_o the_o other_o who_o eat_v only_o so_o much_o of_o the_o vile_a food_n season_v with_o a_o little_a smoky_a lard_n as_o will_v suffice_v for_o the_o refection_n of_o his_o body_n with_o three_o cup_n of_o wine_n mere_o for_o the_o support_n of_o health_n be_v prepare_v for_o certain_a punishment_n thus_o that_o great_a man_n who_o word_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o contract_v a_o little_a represent_v as_o i_o take_v it_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n in_o their_o fast_n by_o which_o we_o may_v make_v a_o just_a judgement_n of_o our_o own_o in_o these_o day_n and_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o with_o a_o dangerous_a opinion_n that_o we_o have_v perform_v this_o duty_n when_o we_o have_v only_o change_v our_o diet_n not_o forbear_v our_o dinner_n or_o if_o we_o have_v cramb_v ourselves_o with_o delightful_a supper_n this_o be_v not_o only_o against_o all_o ancient_a practice_n and_o the_o repeat_v admonition_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n but_o be_v still_o condemn_v by_o good_a man_n in_o all_o church_n particular_o by_o lindanus_n a_o xi_o panopliae_fw-la l._n 3._o c._n xi_o excellent_a writer_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o the_o last_o age_n who_o word_n i_o shall_v not_o translate_v at_o large_a but_o only_o observe_v in_o short_a that_o he_o sad_o bewail_v the_o state_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o which_o the_o shadow_n only_o of_o fast_v be_v leave_v as_o for_o those_o that_o can_v possible_o fast_o so_o long_o it_o never_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o church_n to_o oblige_v they_o but_o they_o be_v ancient_o exhort_v as_o appear_v by_o s._n chrysostom_n who_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_a i_o shall_v produce_v anon_o to_o take_v some_o refreshment_n but_o then_o it_o be_v only_o to_o support_v their_o spirit_n from_o faint_v and_o they_o all_o humble_v themselves_o before_o god_n with_o supplication_n and_o prayer_n especial_o upon_o the_o most_o solemn_a day_n of_o prayer_n and_o bewail_v those_o sinner_n which_o now_o do_v open_a penance_n and_o beseech_v god_n to_o give_v they_o true_a repentance_n and_o endeavour_v to_o perfect_v their_o own_o and_o give_v alm_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o spend_v more_o time_n than_o ordinary_a in_o read_v and_o hear_v god_n holy_a word_n in_o which_o and_o such_o like_a holy_a exercise_n both_o one_o and_o other_o pass_v this_o time_n of_o lent_n satisfy_v themselves_o with_o these_o spiritual_a pleasure_n while_o they_o deny_v their_o appetite_n in_o bodily_a delight_n that_o be_v they_o that_o can_v not_o fast_o take_v care_n notwithstanding_o to_o perform_v all_o those_o christian_a duty_n which_o it_o be_v the_o very_a design_n and_o end_n of_o fast_v to_o help_v and_o promote_v chap._n xviii_o the_o great_a vsefulness_n thereof_o and_o now_o who_o see_v not_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o observance_n and_o the_o great_a benefit_n we_o may_v receive_v thereby_o if_o instead_o of_o contend_v about_o it_o for_o which_o thus_o understand_v i_o can_v see_v no_o ground_n we_o will_v all_o set_v ourselves_o to_o make_v the_o best_a use_n we_o can_v of_o what_o the_o church_n have_v pious_o ordain_v and_o for_o many_o age_n profitable_o practise_v i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o it_o appear_v to_o other_o but_o it_o seem_v very_o strange_a to_o i_o that_o what_o the_o church_n have_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n in_o s._n augustine_n time_n shall_v find_v any_o dissenter_n from_o it_o in_o these_o day_n and_o yet_o i_o fear_v there_o be_v some_o i_o wish_v they_o be_v not_o many_o who_o scarce_o observe_v good-friday_n that_o be_v the_o day_n of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n with_o any_o of_o that_o strictness_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v but_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o do_v all_o other_o thing_n as_o upon_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o day_n of_o the_o year_n a_o thing_n never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n till_o these_o late_a day_n which_o among_o other_o scandal_n afford_v matter_n for_o the_o lamentation_n of_o the_o best_a man_n and_o woman_n among_o we_o during_o the_o lenten_a season_n especial_o upon_o that_o great_a and_o solemn_a day_n when_o by_o common_a consent_n christian_n ancient_o make_v a_o conscience_n of_o fast_v strict_o and_o they_o who_o
now_o make_v no_o reckon_n of_o it_o will_v do_v well_o nay_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o consider_v if_o they_o meet_v with_o this_o little_a book_n what_o i_o have_v therein_o represent_v and_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v be_v convince_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o if_o they_o be_v able_a than_o fast_o and_o pray_v and_o humble_v themselves_o before_o god_n on_o that_o day_n for_o if_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o fast_n be_v a_o christian_a duty_n and_o that_o there_o be_v frequent_a occasion_n for_o it_o both_o upon_o their_o own_o account_n and_o other_o and_o so_o become_v sensible_a that_o the_o weekly_a fast_n be_v wise_o ordain_v they_o will_v easy_o see_v that_o there_o be_v great_a use_n also_o of_o this_o yearly_a fast_a of_o lent_n that_o the_o defect_n of_o their_o weekly_a humiliation_n and_o devotion_n may_v hereby_o be_v supply_v if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o this_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v pious_a and_o humble_a mind_n who_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o slightness_n of_o their_o weekly_a humiliation_n and_o repentance_n can_v but_o be_v dispose_v to_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n which_o call_v they_o to_o fast_o before_o festival_n especial_o to_o a_o most_o solemn_a fast_o before_o the_o most_o solemn_a yearly_a festival_n that_o by_o take_v a_o strict_a account_n of_o themselves_o and_o perfect_v their_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n they_o may_v have_v a_o right_n as_o mr._n thorndike_n speak_v to_o the_o blessing_n which_o we_o then_o celebrate_v for_o which_o very_a reason_n peter_n martyr_n 171._o martyr_n in_o cap._n xx_o l._n judicum_fw-la p._n 171._o think_v the_o annual_a fast_n be_v ordain_v among_o the_o jew_n by_o god_n himself_o because_o many_o sin_n have_v be_v commit_v by_o the_o people_n in_o the_o whole_a year_n forego_v and_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n have_v not_o be_v diligent_o observe_v and_o that_o suggest_v another_o reason_n why_o this_o fast_a of_o lent_n shall_v be_v diligent_o observe_v for_o beside_o what_o relate_v to_o our_o private_a concern_v there_o may_v have_v be_v some_o public_a offence_n commit_v by_o the_o community_n i_o mean_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n which_o may_v just_o require_v the_o public_a humiliation_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n we_o see_v for_o instance_n several_a wholesome_a law_n and_o constitution_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n general_o disregard_v or_o at_o least_o not_o observe_v there_o be_v certain_a vice_n also_o in_o some_o age_n universal_o prevail_v without_o any_o check_n whereby_o the_o people_n become_v less_o sensible_a of_o their_o guilt_n there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o the_o holy_a communion_n be_v not_o administer_v for_o several_a year_n together_o in_o a_o great_a many_o parish_n of_o england_n it_o be_v still_o perhaps_o not_o so_o frequent_o administer_v much_o less_o attend_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o public_a prayer_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a be_v not_o so_o frequent_v as_o the_o service_n of_o god_n require_v and_o if_o nothing_o of_o this_o or_o any_o thing_n like_o it_o be_v know_v to_o be_v public_o do_v or_o omit_v contrary_a to_o our_o christian_a duty_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v very_o safe_a for_o we_o to_o suspect_v there_o may_v be_v much_o lurk_a wickedness_n which_o be_v not_o espy_v or_o at_o least_o that_o several_a sin_n of_o ignorance_n have_v be_v commit_v and_o that_o by_o mistake_n and_o through_o weakness_n many_o error_n may_v have_v be_v in_o the_o public_a management_n of_o affair_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v apt_a sometime_o to_o do_v amiss_o even_o when_o their_o intention_n and_o design_n be_v right_a and_o good_a upon_o which_o score_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o the_o fast_a of_o lent_n be_v most_o necessary_a that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o public_a humiliation_n for_o public_a error_n if_o not_o for_o public_a sin_n beside_o every_o one_o know_v that_o this_o ancient_o be_v the_o season_n for_o put_v such_o person_n to_o open_a penance_n as_o stand_v convict_v of_o notorious_a sin_n and_o for_o send_v up_o prayer_n to_o god_n like_o public_a ambassador_n as_o tertullian_n ix_o tertullian_n l._n de_fw-fr poenit._n c._n ix_o and_o other_o speak_v to_o sue_v in_o their_o behalf_n for_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o to_o beseech_v god_n to_o grant_v they_o true_a repentance_n and_o perfect_a remission_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o if_o this_o godly_a discipline_n be_v not_o now_o practise_v there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n for_o all_o good_a christian_n to_o bewail_v it_o and_o look_v upon_o this_o as_o one_o public_a neglect_n join_v together_o in_o public_a repentance_n for_o which_o there_o must_v be_v some_o time_n appoint_v and_o what_o time_n so_o proper_a as_o this_o which_o be_v the_o time_n ancient_o appoint_v for_o this_o now_o neglect_v discipline_n and_o the_o time_n wherein_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n as_o one_o man_n humble_v themselves_o before_o god_n both_o high_a and_o low_a rich_a and_o poor_a to_o beg_v of_o god_n a_o general_a pardon_n of_o all_o offence_n with_o fast_v and_o alm_n and_o with_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n of_o life_n insomuch_o that_o they_o who_o always_o live_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o circumspect_a care_n to_o please_v god_n in_o every_o thing_n may_v find_v also_o something_o to_o do_v at_o this_o season_n as_o well_o as_o other_o man_n if_o it_o be_v but_o in_o bewail_v high_a offender_n and_o put_v up_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o they_o which_o avail_n much_o from_o a_o righteous_a man_n but_o if_o they_o be_v so_o exact_a and_o circumspect_a as_o they_o ought_v they_o may_v find_v likewise_o that_o they_o have_v not_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o particular_a place_n and_o relation_n with_o such_o diligence_n but_o there_o be_v many_o defect_n many_o oversight_n and_o slip_n for_o which_o they_o have_v need_v to_o ask_v a_o pardon_n but_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o this_o that_o can_v be_v suppose_v yet_o there_o be_v a_o benefit_n which_o the_o most_o perfect_a christian_n may_v reap_v from_o the_o observance_n of_o this_o lend_a season_n and_o that_o of_o a_o inestimable_a value_n in_o their_o account_n which_o be_v that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o time_n of_o retirement_n from_o the_o hurry_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v very_o desirable_a to_o all_o wise_a and_o good_a mind_n that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v god_n and_o themselves_o without_o disturbance_n but_o hard_a to_o meet_v withal_o especial_o in_o populous_a city_n unless_o by_o common_a consent_n man_n forbear_v their_o visit_n and_o keep_v at_o home_n which_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o a_o time_n of_o fast_v and_o decline_v their_o wont_a meeting_n during_o this_o season_n unless_o upon_o their_o necessary_a business_n that_o they_o may_v have_v leisure_n to_o be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o themselves_o and_o with_o the_o affair_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o another_o world_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o s._n athanasius_n etc._n athanasius_n lib._n the_o virgin_n p._n 1047_o etc._n etc._n call_v fast_v the_o life_n of_o angel_n not_o only_o because_o during_o the_o time_n we_o can_v live_v without_o meat_n and_o drink_n we_o imitate_v their_o happy_a life_n and_o be_v as_o he_o speak_v of_o their_o order_n and_o place_v in_o their_o rank_n but_o because_o it_o clarify_v the_o mind_n and_o give_v it_o both_o ability_n and_o leisure_n to_o withdraw_v itself_o from_o the_o company_n of_o thing_n here_o below_o and_o raise_v its_o thought_n to_o the_o celestial_a company_n above_o to_o which_o purpose_n s._n chrysostom_n as_o his_o manner_n be_v discourse_v more_o copious_o in_o a_o sermon_n he_o make_v at_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o lend_v fast_o gen._n fast_o hom._n 1._o in_o gen._n which_o season_n he_o desire_v his_o auditor_n to_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o entertain_v with_o the_o same_o joy_n that_o a_o chaste_a and_o modest_a virgin_n be_v bring_v withal_o to_o her_o bridal_a chamber_n let_v none_o of_o you_o say_v he_o be_v sad_a let_v no_o dejection_n appear_v in_o any_o countenance_n when_o he_o be_v invite_v to_o this_o fast_a but_o let_v all_o be_v exceed_v glad_a and_o glorify_v god_n the_o great_a curator_n of_o soul_n who_o have_v provide_v for_o they_o this_o remedy_n who_o advent_n ought_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o much_o pleasure_n because_o the_o ensue_a day_n of_o fast_v be_v the_o true_a holiday_n and_o time_n of_o rest_n wherein_o be_v the_o safety_n of_o soul_n wherein_o be_v peace_n wherein_o be_v concord_n and_o happy_a agreement_n wherein_o all_o busy_a provision_n for_o this_o life_n be_v lay_v aside_o there_o be_v no_o noise_n no_o tumult_n no_o run_v about_o of_o cook_n no_o slay_v of_o ox_n and_o kill_v of_o sheep_n but_o these_o be_v