Abstinence in weakness
Nearly related to this is what our church seems peculiarly to mean by the term abstinence, which may be used when we cannot fast entirely by reason of sickness or bodily weakness. This is the eating little, the abstaining in part, the taking a smaller quantity of food than usual. I do not remember any scriptural instance of this. But neither can I condemn it. For the Scripture does not. It may have its use and receive a blessing from God.
1771 text
4. Nearly related to this, is what our church seems peculiarly to mean by the term abstinence: which may be used when we cannot fast entirely by reason of sickness or bodily weakness. This is, the eating little; the abstaining in part; the taking a smaller quantity of food than usual. I do not remember any scriptural instance of this. But neither can I condemn it. For the scripture does not: it may have its use, and receive a blessing from God.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 27 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 6:16-18.
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