in the week of Pentecost; that of autumn in the seventh month; and in the tenth that of winter. Thus we learn, that the divine precepts apply to all seasons; and that, for our edification, all things are subservient to God.” Serm. viii. de Jejunio Decimi Mensis, p. 138.—“ It cannot be doubted, that every Christian observance is founded on the will of heaven; and that what the Church has received for the promotion of piety, is derived from Apostolical Tradition and the teaching of the divine Spirit. This Spirit, at this time in the hearts of the faithful, presides over his own institutions, that all may understand them, and all obey them.” Serm. ii. de Jejun. Pent. p. 331.-He, in other places, observes why these fasts were instituted; that, in each season of the year, some days be particularly devoted to the service of God in Penitential exercises; and, at the same time, that his blessing be implored on the fruits of the earth.
The Vigil-fasts, before the more solemn feasts, are equally ancient.
ABSTINENCE ON CERTAIN DAYS.
As the fast of Lent, and of the other days just mentioned, consists in abstaining from flesh-meat, and in taking only one meal; so have we other days, such as Friday and Saturday in each week, and a few others, on which the above abstinence is alone commanded.
This observance is also very ancient, though, primitively, fasting was joined to the abstinence, and in the Church of Africa, St. Augustin observes, Wednesday, not Saturday was kept.--Ep. xxxvi. ad Casulanum, T. ii. p. 80.-Friday was chosen, and distinguished by mortification, to keep alive in us the memory of Christ's Passion on that day; and Sa-
