Part 95

7. It remains only, in order to our observing such a fast, as is acceptable to the Lord, that we add alms thereto; works of mercy, after our power, both to the bodies and souls of men. _With such sacrifices_ also God _is well-pleased_. Thus the angel declares to _Cornelius_, fasting and [114]praying in his house, _Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before_ God. And this God himself expresly and largely declares, [115]_Is not this the fast that I have chosen, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him, and that thou hide not thyself from thy own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee, the glory of the_ Lord _shall be thy rare-ward. Then shalt thou call, and the_ Lord _shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, here I am.――If_ (when thou fastest) _ thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul: then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon-day. And the_ Lord _shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make thy bones fat: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring whose waters fail not_.