A09365:1230
The Whole Treatise of the Cases of Conscience
The whole treatise of the cases of conscience distinguished into three books: the first whereof is revised and corrected in sundry places, and the other two annexed. Taught and delivered by M. W. Perkins in his holy-day lectures, carefully examined by his own briefs, and now published together for the common good, by T. Pickering Bachelor of Divinity. Whereunto is adjoined a twofold table: one of the heads and number of the questions propounded and resolved; another of the principal texts of Scripture which are either explained, or vindicated from corrupt interpretation.The whole treatise of the cases of conscience distinguished into three bookes: the first whereof is revised and corrected in sundrie places, and the other two annexed. Taught and deliuered by M. W. Perkins in his holy-day lectures, carefully examined by his owne briefes, and now published together for the common good, by T. Pickering Bachelour of Diuinitie. Whereunto is adioyned a twofold table: one of the heads and number of the questions propounded and resolued; another of the principall texts of Scripture vvhich are either explaned, or vindicated from corrupt interpretation.
Cambridge: printed by John Legat, 1606Cambridge: printed by Iohn Legat, 1606
Book 2 › Chapter 15 › Question 1: I. Question. What is a Religious Fast?
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.
I. Question. What is a Religious Fast?
Ans. It is a voluntary and extraordinary abstinence, taken up for a religious end; what this end is, we shall see afterward.
Ans. It is a voluntary and extraordinary abstinence, taken vp for a religious end; what this end is, we shall see afterward.
First, I call it voluntary, because the time, and particular manner of Fasting, is not imposed, or determined, but left free to our own liberty. Again, I term it extraordinary, to distinguish it from ordinary fasting; which stands in the practise of temperance and sobriety; whereby the appetite is restrained, in the use of meats and drinks, that it do not exceed moderation. Now this kind of fast is to be used of all Christians, at all times; whereas the extraordinary ⟨p. 425⟩is not daily and ordinarily to be practised, but upon special occasions, and at special times, in as much, as it is a more strait and severe abstinence then the other.
First, I call it voluntarie, because the time, and particular manner of Fasting, is not imposed, or determined, but left free to our owne liberty. Againe, I tearme it extraordinary, to distinguish it from ordinary fasting; which stands in the practise of temperance and sobrietie; whereby the appetite is restrained, in the vse of meates and drinkes, that it doe not exceede moderation. Now this kinde of fast is to be vsed of all Christians, at all times; whereas the extraordinarie