Secondly, maintain an earnest longing, and endeavour to enjoy Christ Jesus, who is our souls life in every holy Ordinance, which he hath appointed. If it be possible (with true satisfaction to our consciences, and doubts in Gods presence) let us never rest from being planted into the holy society of Gods children, gathered into the order of Christ Jesus, according to his most holy will and Testament: Remembering that Christian health, grouth, and flourishing, are promised to the Trees planted in Jehovahs house: And that the holy Ordinances are the Lords provisions, and soul meals, and Breasts which he hath graciously appointed for his children, of all sorts, and ages.
Prayer with fasting a most Christian and mighty ordinance.
Especially be much in holy prayer, and fasting before the Lord: this is an Ordinance of which neither Pope nor Devill could ever deprive a child of God: If it be possible practice this duty with others, however before the Lord in secret: remembring how frequent the children of God in holy scripture were in this duty. Daniel is an heavenly pattern: and so is David, who wept and chastised his soul with fasting although he was reproached for it, Psal. 69.
Our holy Bridegroom the Lord Jesus, tels us that the Bridegroom shall be taken away, and then his servants fast: as if he had expressly named the times of the Antichristian bondage, wherein the followers of Jesus, like the blessed Women, (John the 20.) weeping, cry out, they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.
This holy Ordinance is of such admirable use among the Saints, that even in the first, and purest times of Christianity, we read of Christian yoak fellows, consenting to a separation from each other, for a time that they may give themselves to prayer, and fasting, 1. Cor: 7.
Obj. But some say fasting as it seems to be more proper to the Old Testament, so seems it not so usefull in the New Covenant, when more spirituall worship, and spirituall joys seem more suitable, and seasonable.
The excellent use of prayer and fasting.
I answer, all the former Scriptures declare it to be an Ordinance of the New Testament, as well as a prayer itself: And for the use of it, it is most admirable for the separating, and abstracting of the mind, and spirit, from earthly occasions, and comforts, for the devoting of the soul to heavenly consideration, and examination of our wayes, for the pouring forth of prayers, and cries to God in the many great, and mighty straights which Gods people passe through in this vale of tears, and Lamentation. And indeed it is (as I may say) the taking of a soul sweat, or soul purge for the avoiding and cleansing out our spirituall Humours, and corruptions.
3dly.
Spirituall taking of cold.