The Institution of Christian Religion

But because many when they hear weeping, fasting and ashes spoken of,¹ both often in other places and specially in Joel, they measure the chief part of repentance by fasting and weeping: therefore their error is to be taken away. That which is there spoken of the turning of the whole heart to the lord, of cutting their hearts and not their garments, is properly belonging to repentance: but weeping and fasting are not joined as continual or necessary effects thereof, but are spoken of in respect of a special circumstance. Because he had prophesied, that there hanged over the Jews a most grievous destruction, therefore he counselleth them to prevent the wrath of God, not only in repenting, but also in uttering tokens of their sorrow. For as a man standing to be arraigned, useth humbly to abase himself with an overgrown beard, uncombed hear and black apparel, to move the judge to pity: so it behoved them when they stood accused before the judgement seat of God, in piteous array to beseech him not to extend his rigour. But although ashes and sackcloth did peradventure ⟨p. 133⟩more fitly agree with those times. Yet it is certain, that weeping and fasting should be to a very convenient good use among us, so oft as the Lord seemeth to threaten us any plague or calamity. For when he maketh any danger to appear, he doth after a certain manner give warning, that he is prepared or armed to revenge. Therefore the prophet did well, when he exhorted his countrymen to weeping & fasting, that is to the sorrowful manner of accused men, whose offences he said a little before, were had in examination. Even as the Pastors of the Church should not do ill at this day, if when they see any ruin hanging over the necks of their people, they would cry out upon them to make hast to fasting & weeping: so that they would with greater and more inward care and diligence, alway enforce that which is the principal point, that they must cut their hearts and not their garments. It is out of doubt, that fasting is not alway joined with repentance but is appointed peculiarly for times of miserable plagues: & therefore Christ joineth it with wailing,² when he acquiteth the Apostles from need thereof, until the time that being spoiled of his presence, they should be tormented with grief. I speak of solemn fasting.