Fast

total or partial abstinence from or deprivation of food; an omi ion to take food. Also a time set apart to expre national grief for some calamity, or to deprecate an impending evil. The old Kgyptians, the A yrians (Jonah iii: 5), the Greeks, Romans, and other ancient nations, had most of them stated or occasional fasts, as have the modern Mohammedans, Hindus, etc, The Day of Atonement was the only fasting day enjoined by the law of Moses, but the Mishna speaks of four pthers, respectively commemorating the storming of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, the burning of the Temple by Titus, the sack of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, and the receiving by Ezekiel and the other captives of the news of the destruction of Jerusalem. There were also fasts pr claimed by royal or other authority on special pecasions (I Kings viii: 2). For the spiritual and unspiritual way of keep- 2 fast, see Isaiah lviii: 3. oO stated fasts are enjoined in the New Testament; they arose subsequently, the Lent fast taking the lead. In the 3d century the Latins fasted on the seventh day. In a. p. 813 the Council of Mentz in its 34th canon ° ordered a fast the first week in March, the second week in June, the third week in September, and the last full week preceding Christmas eve. 'Toward the end of the 10th century, the custom became prevalent of fasting on Saturday in honor of the Virgin Mary. In the Episcopalian and Reman Catholic Churches the principal fasts of the vear are Lent, the Ember days, All-Saints, the Immaculate Conreption, Rogation days, and the eves or vigils before certain festivals; as before Christmas day. Some of these fasts are common to both Churches. Several times in the course of political events have different Christian yovernments proclaimed days of fasting and prayer, supplication being directed to the great Guide and Director of affairs that He would avert the threatened danger with which the State was coafronted. As a notable antitype of this custom may be mentioned the American National Thanksziving.