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red up to a more thorough humiliation; but, in private, children and idiots are to be exempted.

Secondly, Novices and unexperienced Christians are not usually to fast in private; such were Christ's disciples, Matt. ix. 14, 16, 17. Luke v. 33, 34, 35, &c. When exception was taken at our Saviour, because they fasted not, he excuses them, not only that it was unseasonable to fast in a time of joy, while he, the bridegroom, was with them: but because they were not able to bear so strong an exercise, they being like old vessels and old garments, which would be made worse rather than better by the new wine, or new cloth of fasting. Strong physic is good, but not for babes. There is not the same reason why they may fast in private as in public, because the minister by teaching them, and by praying with them, and for them, taketh from them the greatest part of the burden of the fast in private.

Thirdly, All such as are not in their own power, are not to keep a private fast, when those under whose power they are shall expressly contradict it. For the husband might disallow the vow of his wife, even that wherewith she had bound herself to afflict her soul by fasting, Numb. xxx. 3 - 8, 13. Wherefore none may fast against the will of those who have full power to command their service and attendance.

When, and how long, fasts are to be observed.

Public fasts are to be kept as often as authority shall see cause.

Private, as often as a man shall have more than ordinary cause of seeking unto God, either for others or himself, 2 Sam. xii. 16. Neh. i. 4; for removing or preventing imminent judgments from the church and commonwealth, or for procuring their necessary good, Dan. ix. 3; for subduing some headstrong lust; for obtaining some necessary grace, or special blessing. Acts x. 30; for preparing himself for some special service of God, or the like.

Though I cannot but justly complain of Christians seldom fasting; yet I dare not allow you to make this extraordinary exercise of religion to be ordinary and