“Since as I said, there are many kinds of proclamations, let us listen to the trumpet blast of the prophet: “Blow a trumpet in Zion, consecrate a fast.” This is a warning trumpet, and it earnestly commands us that when we fast, we should do it in a holy manner, for God is holy and has pleasure in His holy people. Not everyone, however, who calls upon God honours Him. Some defile Him- although they don’t actually defile Him: that’s impossible. But they do defile their own conscience concerning Him.”