Fastings and vigils, without a special object in view, are time run to waste.
They are made to minister to a sort of self-gratification, instead of being turned to account for the good of others.

They are like groaning in sickness.

Some people amuse themselves when ill with continuous moaning.

The forty days of Lent might be annually spent in visiting adjacent tribes, and bearing unavoidable hunger and thirst with a good grace.

Considering the greatness of the object to be attained, men might go without sugar, coffee, tea, &c.