We found no blessing
But we do not find it so in fact (this is a third objection). We have fasted much and often. But what did it avail? We were not a whit better. We found no blessing in it. Indeed, we have found it a hindrance rather than a help. Instead of preventing anger, for instance, or fretfulness, it has been a means of increasing them to such a height that we could neither bear others nor ourselves. This may very possibly be the case. It is possible either to fast or pray in such a manner as to make you much worse than before, more unhappy and more unholy. Yet the fault does not lie in the means itself but in the manner of using it. Use it still, but use it in a different manner. Do what God commands as he commands it, and then doubtless his promise shall not fail. His blessing shall be withheld no longer. But when you fast in secret, he who sees in secret shall reward you openly.
1771 text
3. “But we do not find it so in fact: (this is a third objection.) We have fasted much and often. But what did it avail? We were not a whit better: we found no blessing therein. Nay, we have found it an hindrance rather than an help. Instead of preventing anger, for instance, or fretfulness, it has been a means of increasing them to such a height, that we could neither bear others nor ourselves.” This may very possibly be the case. ’Tis possible, either to fast or pray, in such a manner, as to make you much worse than before; more unhappy, and more unholy. Yet the fault does not lie in the means itself; but in the manner of using it. Use it still, but use it in a different manner. Do what God commands as he commands it, and then doubtless his promise shall not fail; his blessing shall be with-held no longer: but when thou fastest in secret, he that seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.