Abstain from pleasant food
But at these solemn seasons we may even in great weakness of body avoid that other extreme for which God condemns those who of old expostulated with him for not accepting their fasts. Why have we fasted, say they, and you see not? Behold, in the day of your fast you find pleasure, says the Lord (Isaiah 58:3). If we cannot wholly abstain, we may at least abstain from pleasant food, and then we shall not seek his face in vain.
1771 text
But at these solemn seasons, we may even in great weakness of body, avoid that other extreme, for which God condemns those who of old expostulated with him for not accepting their fasts. Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not?――Behold in the day of your fast, you find pleasure, saith the Lord――If we cannot wholly abstain, we may at least abstain from pleasant food; and then we shall not seek his face in vain.
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.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.