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

2. We ought not to fast with that legal frame of spirit which was upon the Jews in those days, for every duty in the days of the New Testament is to ⟨p. 254⟩be managed with a spirit suiting the Gospel ministration.

3. As to its sanction, there may be also the addition of humane authority in the appointing of fasts, especially public fasts, when the public state of affairs may require it, the duty in general being of God's institution, and the voice of Providence calling people to it, the Magistrate in this case may determine the time, if it be general to a Nation. Or the Pastors and guides of the Church with respect to the several Churches over which they preside. For where a duty is required of God, and the circumstance of time not determined, there Christian prudence in Magistrates or Churches is to be the rule for determination. As the particular times for Baptism and the Lord's Supper are left to Christian prudence to determine.

3. As to its sanction, there may be also the addition of humane authority in the appointing of fasts, especially publick fasts, when the publick state of affairs may require it, the duty in general being of God's institution, and the voice of Providence calling people to it, the Magistrate in this case may determine the time, if it be general to a Nation. Or the Pastors and guides of the Church with respect to the several Churches over which they preside. For where a duty is required of God, and the circumstance of time not determin'd, there Christian prudence in Magistrates or Churches is to be the rule for determination. As the particular times for Baptism and the Lord's Supper are left to Christian prudence to determine.