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

And this the King of Nineveh enjoined in the fast appointed by him, Jonah 2.8. Let man and beat be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily to God.

And this the King of Nineveh enjoined in the fast appointed by him, Jonah 2.8. Let man and beat be covered with sackcloath, and cry mightily to God.

So that supplication and crying to God is another great part of the duty of the day.

3. Hearing the word, for the word is necessary both for the discovery of sin for our present humiliation, and for the discovery of our duty with respect to future reformation, both which are necessary to an acceptable fast. And the word of the Gospel sets before men a door of hope, that their sin may be pardoned, and judgment removed. It presents God not only as reconcilable, but delighting in mercy; It sets before men many instances of God's h•aring prayer, and the prevalency of repentance and humiliation with him. And particularly what acceptance solemn fasting hath found with him in several ages. And all this mightily tends to the furthering the great duties of the day. And it is observed of the fast kept by the children of Israel, Nehem. 9.3. that they read in the book of the Law of the Lord their God one fourth part of the day, and another fourth part they confessed and worshipped; if repentance, spiritual mourning, and soul humiliation be necessary to the day, as I shall show presently, then the hearing the word may be of great use thereunto: As when Josiah heard the words of the Law, he rent his clothes and humbled himself,