In like manner, though fasting be subject to all the same variations, yet is it a constant and universal duty.
XVI. *Justus is a grave, sober man. He is very angry at those who neglect fasting. He thinks they know nothing of religion.
But presently after, Justus will tell you, that he never fasts but on Good Friday, and the 30th of January.
If Justus had lived before the murder of King Charles, he had had but one fast in the year. Yet in all likelihood he would then have stood up for the doctrine of fasting.
If a man was to be angry at those who neglect the service of the church, as people that know nothing of religion, and then tell you, that he himself never goes thither but on Good Friday, and the 30th of January, you would say, that he knew nothing of the nature of church service.
Now Justus shews the same ignorance of the nature of fasting.
If prayer and repentance and the service of the church, were not common acts of devotion, and necessary ways of worshipping God, they would not be necessary on Good Friday.
In like manner, unless fasting was a common and necessary part of religion, it would neither be necessary nor acceptable on those particular days.
For it is not the day that makes the duty to be necessary. But the day happens to be a proper occasion of exercising a necessary duty.
XVII. If Justus was to say, that he never repents but on those public days, he might as easily defend himself as when he says, he only fasts but at those times.