Solemn times of fasting
Use continually then as much abstinence as you please, which taken thus is no other than Christian temperance. But this need not at all interfere with your observing solemn times of fasting and prayer. For instance, your habitual abstinence or temperance would not prevent your fasting in secret if you were suddenly overwhelmed with huge sorrow and remorse and with horrible fear and dismay. Such a situation of mind would almost constrain you to fast. You would loathe your daily food. You would scarcely endure even to take such supplies as were needful for the body, till God lifted you up out of the horrible pit, and set your feet upon a rock, and ordered your goings (Psalm 40:2). The same would be the case if you were in agony of desire, vehemently wrestling with God for his blessing. You would need none to instruct you not to eat bread till you had obtained the request of your lips.
1771 text
6. Use continually then as much abstinence as you please; which taken thus, is no other than Christian temperance. But this need not at all interfere with your observing solemn times of fasting and prayer. For instance; your habitual abstinence or temperance, would not prevent your fasting in secret, if you was suddenly overwhelmed with huge sorrow and remorse, and with horrible fear and dismay. Such a situation of mind would almost constrain you to fast: you would loath your daily food: You would scarce endure even to take such supplies, as were needful for the body, ’till God lifted you up out of the horrible pit, and set your feet upon a rock, and ordered your goings. The same would be the case if you was in agony of desire, vehemently wrestling with God for his blessing. You would need none to instruct you, not to eat bread, ’till you had obtained the request of your lips.
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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