own strength : he returns, again and again, " like a dog to his vomit ;" nor can all the bitter consequences which he has experienced in this world, nor those more awful terrors which he is taught to expect in the world to come, suffice to keep him steadfast to his purpose. Even prayer itself has but a slight and transient effect; insomuch that, in some instances, he is even afraid to pray ; because it seems as if his very prayers only stirred up his enemy to renew with greater vigour and success his irresistible assaults. But, by the ordinances of our Church, as well as by the Holy Scriptures, we are taught, and especially at this season", that "with prayer, fasting" should be joined —
[Fasting is a duty enjoined by God himself. Under the law, a day was appointed whereon the whole nation of Israel were to observe an annual fastx: and all the most eminent servants of God recorded in the Old Testament combined fasting with prayer y. Under the New Testament dispensation the same duty is inculcated, and, on proper occasions, was practised also by the servants of the Lordz. For seasons of affliction, it is peculiarly suited; and, above all, for such a season as has been before described. It tends to honour God, whom we have offended by our sins. It tends to humble our- selves, as being itself an acknowledgment of our desert of his wrath. It tends to mortify the very corruptions we mourn over : and it greatly aids our urgency in prayer. In these respects it may justly be deemed of great importance : for though in itself it has no kind of merit, yet, as manifesting our sincerity, and approving us both to God and to our own consciences, it is of singular use, especially if accompanied with a corre- sponding humiliation of our souls before God : for, without that, it will be only an empty ceremony, an hypocritical profession, a senseless mockery.]
Though neither of them apart should have pre- vailed, the two combined will be effectual for the desired end —
[In no instance has God ever withheld his blessing from the two combined. Prayer alone, if fervent and believing, will not be suffered to go forth in vain ; but, in the extraordinary cases before referred to, a man truly in earnest will address
u Lent. x Lev. xxiii. 27 — 29.
y Ezra viii. 21. Neh. i. 4. Esth. iv. 16.
z Mark ii. 20. Matt. vi. 17. Luke ii. 37. 2 Cor. xi. 27.