A06783:57
A fruitful treatise of fasting
A fruitful treatise of fasting wherein is declared what the Christen fast is, how we ought to fast, [and] what the true use of fasting is. Newly made by Thomas Becon.A fruitful treatise of fasting wherin is declared what ye Christen fast is, how we ought to fast, [and] what ye true vse of fastyng is. Newlye made by Thomas Becon.
printed by John Day, 1551printed by Ihon Day, 1551
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
The true and Christen fast is done freely and willingly,1 and cometh from the fervent motion of the spirit. The popish and superstitious fast serveth the custom only, and is done at the commandment of man with a grudging and unwilling mind, which being loth to fast if the custom & mans ordinance were not, wisheth both the fast and the commander of the fast at the devil. And if any in so great a multitude do willingly fast, yet is it done partly to satisfy the custom partly because they will be counted ⟨image 26⟩good devout & catholic men, partly to honour some saint, partly to deserve remission of their sins, & to win everlasting life. Can this kind of fasting please god?2 They worship me in vain, saith Christ, teaching doctrines that are the commandments of men.3 Saint Paul also saith, Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
THe true and Christen fast is done frely and willingli,1 and commeth frō the feruent mocion of the spirit. The popish and supersticious faste serueth the custome onli, and is done at the commaundemēt of man with a grudgynge and vnwillinge mynde, which beinge lothe to faste if the custome & mans ordinaunce wer not, wisheth both the fast and the commaunder of the fast at the deuil. And if any in so great a multitude do willinglye fast, yet is it done partly to satisfy the custome partly because they wil be coūted ⟨image 26⟩good deuout & catholike mē, partly to honour some sainct, partli to deserue remiscion of theyr sins, & to win euerlasting life. Can thys kinde of fasting plese god?2 They worship me in vain, saith Christ, teachinge doctrines that are the cōmaundements of men.3 Sainct Paule also saith, Whatsoeuer is not of faith is sinne.