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62
FRIDAY.
docile and obedient will, that in great matters I may the more easily resist the motions of the flesh.
As, according to the liberty of the Gospel, Thou hast not commanded us, Lord, in the particulars of our fasts, teach me to choose such modes and degrees of abstinence as may best serve to godliness and the subjection of self. As I now fall short in this duty, so keep me from all excess to the hurt of bodily health or of my usefulness. Keep me both from formal fasting and from thinking much of it, and also from being ashamed to confess that I fast.
Enable me also, O Lord, to take up the cross of almsgiving and to rejoice therein. I should take from myself and bestow upon the poor; I should fast after this manner, I should deal my bread to the hungry and bring the poor that are cast out into my house; when I see the naked I should cover him, and hide not myself from my own flesh. I should set apart a given portion of my earthly means, that my alms may be according to my means. Not only should I give abundantly according to my means, but I should give lovingly, for Thou lovest “a cheerful giver.” Move me by Thy Spirit to have a true love to the poor, that I may succour them out of a loving