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1While I was fasting, and sitting on a certain mountain, and thanking the Lord for all that he had done with me, I saw the shepherd sitting by me, and saying: “Why have you come here so early?” “Because, sir,” said I, “I have a station.” 2“What,” said he, “is a station.” “I am fasting, sir,” said I. “But,” said he, “what is this fast, which you are fasting?” “I am fasting, sir,” said I, “as I have been accustomed.” 3“You do not know,” said he, “how to fast to the Lord, and this useless fast which you are fasting to him is not a fast?” “Why, sir,” said I, “do you say this?” “I tell you,” said he, “that this fast which you think to fast is nothing, but I will teach you what is a fast, acceptable and complete to the Lord. Listen,” he said: 4“God does not wish such a vain fast. For if you thus fast to God you do nothing for righteousness. But fast to God in this way: 5do nothing evil in your life, but serve the Lord with a pure heart; ‘keep his commandments’ and walk in his ordinances, and let no evil desire arise in your heart, but believe in God, that if you do these things and fear him, and refrain from every wicked act, you shall live to God; and if you do this you will fulfil a great fast and one acceptable to God.