Fasts of the ancient church
In the ancient Christian church there were likewise stated fasts, and those both annual and weekly. Of the former sort was that before Easter, observed by some for 48 hours, by others for an entire week, by many for 2 weeks, taking no sustenance till the evening of each day. Of the latter, those of the fourth and sixth days of the week, observed (as Epiphanius writes, remarking it as an undeniable fact) in the whole habitable earth, at least in every place where any Christians made their abode. The annual fasts in our church are the 40 days of Lent, the Ember Days at the 4 seasons, the Rogation Days, and the vigils or eves of several solemn festivals. The weekly, all Fridays in the year, except Christmas Day.
1771 text
In the ancient Christian church there were likewise stated fasts, and those both annual and weekly. Of the former sort was that before Easter; observed by some for eight and forty hours: by others, for an entire week; by many for two weeks, taking no sustenance till the evening of each day. Of the latter, those of the fourth and sixth days of the week, observed (as Epiphanius writes, remarking it as an undeniable fact) ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ οἰκουμένῃ· in the whole habitable earth, at least, in every place where any Christians made their abode. The annual fasts in our church are, “the forty days of Lent, the ember days at the four seasons, the rogation days, and the vigils or eves of several solemn festivals: The weekly, all fridays in the year, except Christmas-day”.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 27 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 6:16-18.
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