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Isaiah 58
5 Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?
6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
7 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.
9 Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;
(8,6,8,6)
Attend, and mark the solemn fast
which to the Lord is dear;
Disdain the false unhallowed mask
which vain dissemblers wear.
Do I delight In sorrow’s dress?
saith he who reigns above;
The hanging head and rueful look,
will they attract my love?
Let such as feel oppression’s load
thy tender pity share:
And let the helpless, homeless poor,
be thy peculiar care.
Go, bid the hungry orphan be
with thy abundance blest;
Invite the wand’rer to thy gate,
and spread the couch of rest.
Let him who pines with piercing cold
by thee be warmed and clad;
Be thine the blissful task to make
the downcast mourner glad.
Then, bright as morning, shall come forth,
in peace and joy, thy days;
And glory from the Lord above
shall shine on all thy ways.
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