Now His meaning is like this: The present time is of joy and gladness, therefore do not bring in the things which are melancholy. For fasting is a melancholy thing, not in its own nature, but to them that are yet in rather a feeble state; for to those at least that are willing to practise self-command, the observance is exceedingly pleasant and desirable. For as when the body is in health, the spirits are high,so when the soul is well conditioned, the pleasure is greater. But according to their previous impression He saith this. So also Isaiah,discoursing of it, calls it “an affliction of the soul;” and Moses too in like manner.