Of Fasting

Sermon on the Mount. St Matthew.

(The Gospel History, Section 43*)

Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen of men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face; that thou be not seen of men to fast, but of thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall recompense thee.

Of Fasting

(The Saviour of the World, Vol II Book III Poem XLVII)

And then, of fasting spake the Son of man,
Who knows the needs of flesh: “Art sorry, thou,
Afflicted for the sins thou dost commit,
Afflicted for thy nation’s many sins,
Afflicted for calamity befalls
The people thou art one with; grievest most
For that Thy God doth turn away His face
And prayer falls flat—word said without response?
Doth meat offend, should satisfy thy flesh,
So sore do flesh and spirit strive in thee?
’Tis well that thou should’st fast and weep and pray,
Take hold upon Him, not to let Him go
Until he bless thee with the morning light!
But these, the secret things thou hast with God!
Disclosed to men, breathed on with common breath—
’Tis as the Holiest were trod by feet
Not consecrate to Me. So, smiling, go.
And cheerful among men as though no weight
Pressed heavy on thy spirit. God will cheer
The sorrow God doth send—to live upon.
The secret of His chidings dare disclose,—
Men’s foolish praise and pity, thy reward;
Not recompense that cometh from the Lord!”

St. Matthew vi. 16-18