A supplement to The Morning-exercise at Cripple-Gate, or, Several more cases of conscience practically…

A Religious Fast is the devotion of the whole man to solemn extraordinary attendance upon God in a particular time separated for that end, for the deprecating ⟨p. 252⟩his displeasure, and for the supplicating of his favour, joined with an abstinence from bodily food, and other bodily delights, and from secular affairs. So that he that fasteth doth for that time separate himself to God, and doth voluntarily dedicate a part of time to his more solemn service; and doth put himself (as it were) under a Religious vow to abide solemnly with God in the duties of the fast he is engaged in.

A Religious Fast is the devotion of the whole man to solemn extraordinary attendance upon God in a particular time separated for that end, for the deprecating ⟨p. 252⟩his displeasure, and for the supplicating of his favour, joined with an abstinence from bodily food, and other bodily delights, and from secular affairs. So that he that fasteth doth for that time separate himself to God, and doth voluntarily dedicate a part of time to his more solemn service; and doth put himself (as it were) under a Religious vow to abide solemnly with God in the duties of the fast he is ingaged in.

Now this Religious fast is either public or private.

Now this Religious fast is either publick or private.

1. Public. As when a whole City fasts, as in the case of Nineveh; or a whole Nation, as in Jehoshaphat's case,