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I. THE NATURE, DESIGN, AND IMPORTANCE OF FASTING. Not only abstinence from sin, but abstinence from food for a time, longer or shorter, as health and duty will allow. Scripture testimony, etc. What is the design of fasting?

1. To manifest and promote sorrow for sin, etc. (Isaiah 58:5).

2. Self-denial, and a means of mortification.

3. That it may help to prayer and other holy duties. These things manifest the reasonableness and importance of fasting.

II. How THE HYPOCRITES FASTED. Partial, insincere, selfish, self-righteous, external, etc. How much reason is there to think that thousands among us fast in this way!

III. How THE TRUE PEOPLE OF GOD OBSERVE THIS DUTY. They are sincere and deeply affected with their own sins, etc. (Joel 2:12-17; Exodus 9:4; Daniel 9:3; James 4:9, 10). They intend the glory of God (Matthew 6:18), and the mortification of sin in themselves and others, and the reformation of the nation (Romans 13:14; Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:16-24). They are humble, spiritual, consistent, practical (Joel 2:14; Isaiah 1:16; Isaiah 55:6, 7; Matthew 3:7-10; Luke 3:7, 9; Luke 13:1-9; James 4:8; Isaiah 1:17; Isaiah 58:7; Psalm 48:25; Luke 3:11).

(J. Benson.)

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KJV: Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

WEB: "Moreover when you fast, don't be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.