A06783:85
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.
☞Of the true use of fasting. ¶The .xvi. Chapter.
☞Of the true vse of fastinge. ¶The .xvi. Chapter.
The use yea rather the abuse of fasting in the Popes kingdom1 was very wicked and worthy to be abhorred of y• faithful. For besides the fondness of the simple people in abusing the noble virtue of fasting for want of knowledge unto many and sundry superstitious and ungodly purposes as partly heretofore we have heard: there have not wan ted among them that proofs divinity which both in their sermons and writings corrupted the true and godly use of fasting. For they have taught, that fasting of it self is so worthy a virtue, ⟨image 48⟩and of so great power, that it is able to satisfy for since,2 to appease the wrath of God, to reconcile us to god, to deserve righteousness and to win everlasting life. This doctrine is an enemy to the free grace of god, injurious to the fruits and merits of Christs passion and by no means to be received of the faithful Christians.3 For all be it fasting be without doubt a worthy fruit of repentance, and pleaseth God, when he that fasteth, humbleth him self in the sight of God, confesseth his sin, repenteth him of his misdeeds, calleth for mercy, believeth to be forgiven for Christs sake, and studieth earnestly from hence forth to lead a life ⟨image 49⟩conformable to the rule of gods word, yet is it not of such virtue in it self, that it is able to bring unto us those good things which we look for at the hand of God through Christ our Lord, I mean the favour of God, the forgiveness of sins, the gift of the holy ghost, a new heart stuffed with spiritual affects, righteousness, peace, quietness of conscience, and everlasting life.