Doubt I: What fasting is, and of how many kinds

It is to be noted from St. Bonaventure here, that Fasting signifies a certain abstinence.

FIRST, then, in the order of genus it signifies abstinence from all illicit voluptuousness, of which St. Augustine, tract. 17. in Ioan., and Isa. 58: Is not this rather the fast that I have chosen; loose the bands of impiety, etc. Properly, however, it signifies abstinence from food and drink.

SECONDLY, therefore, Fasting is called moral abstinence from foods and drinks according to the common norm of the virtue of Temperance, and this ought to be perpetual.

THE THIRD fasting is called Natural, which consists in abstinence of every kind from food and drink; which fasting is required in those about to receive the Eucharist. Nor is it solved by the receiving of the Eucharist; yet not without the Purification, which would break the natural fast.

THE FOURTH fasting is a certain special moderation, and a longer abstinence; and this is praised in the Scriptures.