The Prophet shows wherein the true offices of piety which are principally commanded of God consist, namely,1 in comforting the poor and oppressed. Object. But it seems the Prophet utterly abolisheth fasting, when in stead thereof he recites those works which are much more acceptable unto God. I answer, Ans. 2that fasting is then approved, when charity is joined with it. The Prophet brings us to this principle, to wit, that our consciences may be pure & sound, & that we exercise our selves in showing brotherly kindness one to another. For if this order be duly observed, then fasting being added thereto, will be pleasing and acceptable to the Lord. But, may some say, here is not a word uttered touching ⟨p. 597⟩the purity of the heart. Ans. I answer, it is understood by the fruits that proceed from the same, or from the works by which it is easy to discern what the heart is. In the next place he numbers up the duties of the second Table, and so under this part understands the observation of the whole Law; as we have seen in Chap. 56. For it is not enough to be beneficial to our neighbours, if in the mean while we contemn God. But we are to note our Prophets meaning: for in as much as we cannot hold the band of brotherly love with our neighbours, unless the love of God go before, to examine whether this love and fear of his Majesty be in us or no, he requires these Christian duties, as the nearest signs thereof, namely, if we live with our brethren, justly, lovingly, and without offering them any hard measure. Add also, that an outward appearance will not serve the turn: for where the Spirit of God bears not rule, there charity is cold. And therefore S. Paul makes express mention of love among the fruits of the Spirit: Gal. 5.22. When the observation of the Law is mentioned then, we understand not only the outward actions, but the affections of the heart must also come into account.
THe Prophet shewes wherein the true offices of pietie which are principally commanded of God consist, namely,1 in comforting the poore and oppressed. Obiect. But it seemes the Prophet vtterlie abolisheth fasting, when in stead thereof hee recites those works which are much more acceptable vnto God. I answere, Ans. 2that fasting is then approued, when charitie is ioined with it. The Prophet brings vs to this principle, to wit, that our consciences may be pure & sound, & that we exercise our selues in shewing brotherly kindnes one to another. For if this order be duly obserued, then fasting being added thereto, wil be pleasing and acceptable to the Lord. But, may some say, here is not a word vttered touching ⟨p. 597⟩the puritie of the heart. Ans. I answere, it is vnderstood by the fruits that proceede from the same, or from the workes by which it is easie to discerne what the heart is. In the next place he numbers vp the duties of the second Table, and so vnder this part vnderstands the obseruation of the whole Law; as wee haue seene in Chap. 56. For it is not enough to be beneficial to our neighbours, if in the meane while we contemne God. But we are to note our Prophets meaning: for in as much as we cannot hold the band of brotherly loue with our neighbours, vnlesse the loue of God goe before, to examine whether this loue and feare of his Maiestie bee in vs or no, hee requires these Christian duties, as the neerest signes therof, namely, if we liue with our brethren, iustly, louingly, and without offering them any hard measure. Adde also, that an outward appearance will not serue the turne: for where the Spirit of God beares not rule, there charitie is cold. And therefore S. Paul makes expresse mention of loue among the fruits of the Spirit: Gal. 5.22. When the obseruation of the Law is mentioned then, we vnderstand not onely the outward actions, but the affections of the heart must also come into account.
- 1What duties God allows of in fasting.What duties God allowes of in fasting.
- 2Fasting approved when charity is joined with it.Fasting approoued when charity is ioyned with it.
