ε. That we may worthily prepare for the great solemnity of Easter, suffering with Christ that we may also be glorified together.
3. The advantages of fasting are,—
α. It keeps the body under, and brings it into subjection; giving us the habit of obtaining a mastery over our appetites.
β. It disposes the soul for prayer, and the mind for meditation.
γ. It makes reparation for past offences. (Jonah iii. 5-10.)
δ. It is meritorious, being one of those three works of which Christ has said that it shall be openly rewarded. (Matt. vi. 18.)
And when the tempter came to Him, he said. Here note—
I.
α. The devil is called tempter, as one who builds is called a builder, and one who paints is called a painter: from the work upon which he is constantly engaged.