Matthew 17:21 However, this kind goes not out but by prayer and fasting. No doubt the primary meaning of the word translated "fasting," is that abstinence from food which was practised by the saints of the Old Testament, by our Lord Himself, His apostles, and His Church in all times and climes, for the subjection of the flesh to the spirit. But the Church of England, while she commends and commands this Scriptural discipline, makes no severe definitions and lays down no rigid rule, for many and righteous reasons. I. Because no rules could be applicable to all, the young, the old, the weak, the poor. II. Because, if it were compulsory, it would become a mere form or evasion; e.g., a fast from flesh meat might be only a feast on other dainties. III. Because a fast kept ostentatiously in direct disobedience to our Lord's warning that we appear not unto men to fast, would only be a feast of pride — the pride which apes humility. IV. Because under the gospel, in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, we fast by the love of virtue and our own choice, rather than by the coercion of any law. V. Because the best form of abstinence is to be temperate in all things. VI. Because bodily fasting is but a part of that self-denial which Christianity teaches, and which has a far more definite and comprehensive scope. True fasting is, to spend less upon ourselves, that we may have more to spend upon others; less upon luxuries and dainties, that others may have common food. (S. . R. Hole, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.WEB: But this kind doesn't go out except by prayer and fasting." |
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