FASTING OF THE RIGHT SORT.
By Robert Herrick
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and 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 thine own flesh?” Isa. 58: 6, 7. Is this a fast—to keep
The larder lean,
And clean
From fat of veals and sheep? Is it to quit the dish
Of flesh, yet still
To fill
The platter high with fish? Is it to fast an hour,—
Or ragged to go,—
Or show
A downcast look, and sour? No; 'tis a fast to dole
Thy sheaf of wheat,
And meat,
Unto the hungry soul. It is to fast from strife,
From old debate,
And hate;
To circumcise thy life. To show a heart grief-rent;
To starve thy sin,
Not bin;
And that's to keep a Lent.