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When the day is come, be strict in observing the outward fast. To this end,

First, Forbear all meat and drink, Esth. iv. 16. Luke v. 33, until the set time of the fast be ended, which usually is about supper-time. A general council in the primitive church decreed, that total abstinence should be observed until evening prayer was ended. In case of necessity, that is, when total abstinence will indeed disable you from attending to the chief duties of that day, you may eat or drink; for in such cases God will have mercy rather than sacrifice; but then it must be a small refreshment, and that not of a dainty kind; only such and so much as may remove the impediment to the spiritual performance of the duties of that day.

Secondly, Abstain from all other worldly delights, as (so far as will stand with comeliness) from fine apparel, Exod. xxxiii. 4, 5, 6; from all recreations and pleasant music, Isa. lviii. 3: from the marriage bed, and the like, 1 Cor. vii. 5. Joel ii. 16.

Thirdly, Abstain from all worldly labour, as upon a Sabbath day, Isa. lviii. 3; for worldly business, and the cares thereof, do distract the thoughts, and hinder devotion, as well as worldly delights; and a ceasing from these gives a full opportunity to holy employments the whole day. Therefore the Jews were commanded to sanctify a fast, Joel ii. 26. (* Joel i. 14.) And that yearly fast, called the day of atonement, Lev. xxiii. 27 - 32, was, upon peril of their lives, to be kept by a forbearance of all manner of work. Now although the ceremonials of that day are abolished in Christ, yet, forbearing work, as well as meat and drink (being of the substance and morality of a fast) remains to be observed in all truly religious fasts.

Thus much for the outward fast: you must be as strict in observing the inward.

Begin the day with prayer, according as I directed you to do everyday; but with more than ordinary preparation, with fervency and faith, praying for God's special grace, to enable you to sanctify a fast that day according to the commandment.