A25478:1287
A supplement to The Morning-exercise at Cripple-Gate, or, Several more cases of conscience practically…
A supplement to The Morning-exercise at Cripple-Gate, or, Several more cases of conscience practically resolved by sundry ministers
London: printed for Thomas Cockerill, 1676
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
4. For Conquest over some eminent Temptation. This may be the occasion of a private fast, when a private person lies under it, or of a more public fast, if the temptation reacheth further. As Christ speaks of some kind of Devils that are not cast out but by Fasting and Prayer: And the Rule may reach to Soul-temptations, as well as bodily possessions, whereof our Saviour there speaks. But I hasten.
4. For Conquest over some eminent Temptation. This may be the occasion of a private fast, when a private person lies under it, or of a more publick fast, if the temptation reacheth further. As Christ speaks of some kind of Devils that are not cast out but by Fasting and Prayer: And the Rule may reach to Soul-temptations, as well as bodily possessions, whereof our Saviour there speaks. But I hasten.
4. I shall next speak of the concern that abstinence from food hath in the duties of a fast.
1. That hereby the soul may be more fit for its operations;1 the pampering and feeding the body is usually injurious to the free exercise of the soul. And therefore the chastening it with due fasting may befriend the soul therein, especially in such exercises wherein the soul is to have least communion with the body.
- 1Jejunium purgat mentem, s•blevat sensum, carnem spiritui subjicit, concupiscentiae nebulas dispergit; as Austin speaks of it. Tom. 10. Ser. 230. de Temp.