§. 106. Of the continuance of a Fast.

§. 106. Of the continuance of a Fast.

TO know the right and due continuance of a fast, it is needful to put difference betwixt a fast in whole, and in part. A fast in whole is such a fast as we have described, wherein there is an utter abstinence (except in case of necessity) from refreshing the body with any food at all. A fast in part, is when a man taketh some nourishment in the days of his fast:¹ and this is when there is occasion of fasting longer then a man is able to forbear all manner of sustenance: for example a man of great use, whose⟨p. 457⟩ death is a very great loss, is strucken with a dangerous sickness, and lieth betwixt hope and fear some week or more: their issue being unknown, his friends earnestly desirous of his life, continue to fast and pray every day, till they see what issue the Lord will give: now because of the long continuance of such a fast, every day they take one meal to preserve the strength of their body. The like fast may be used when a City is besieged, and the inhabitants enclosed by their enemies on every side. Now because such a fast may be long endured, and the occasion thereof may be longer or shorter, no set time can be set for the continuance of it, but only that it be ordered according to the occasion that God giveth.

TO know the right and due continuance of a fast, it is needfull to put difference betwixt a fast in whole, and in part. A fast in whole is such a fast as wee haue described, wherein there is an vtter abstinence (except in case of necessity) from refreshing the body with any food at all. A fast in part, is when a man taketh some nourishment in the daies of his fast:¹ and this is when there is occasion of fasting longer then a man is able to forbeare all manner of sustenance: for example a man of great vse, whose⟨p. 457⟩ death is a very great losse, is strucken with a dangerous sicknesse, and lieth betwixt hope and feare some weeke or more: their issue being vnknowne, his friends earnestly desirous of his life, continue to fast and pray euery day, till they see what issue the Lord will giue: now because of the long continuance of such a fast, euery day they take one meale to preserue the strength of their body. The like fast may bee vsed when a City is besieged, and the inhabitants inclosed by their enemies on euery side. Now because such a fast may be long indured, and the occasion thereof may bee longer or shorter, no set time can be set for the continuance of it, but onely that it bee ordered according to the occasion that God giueth.