The natural ground
Here then is the natural ground of fasting. One who is under deep affliction, overwhelmed with sorrow for sin and a strong apprehension of the wrath of God, would without any rule, without knowing or considering whether it were a command of God or not, forget to eat his bread, abstain not only from pleasant but even from needful food. Like Saint Paul, who after he was led into Damascus was 3 days without sight and neither ate nor drank. Acts 9:9.
1771 text
2. Here then is the natural ground of fasting. One who is under deep affliction, overwhelmed with sorrow for sin, and a strong apprehension of the wrath of God, would without any rule, without knowing or considering, whether it were a command of God or not, forget to eat his bread, abstain not only from pleasant, but even from needful food. Like St. Paul, who after he was led into Damascus, was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink, Acts ix. 9.
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.