3z o ein p002 fflftno fanulp tious conceits, and makingLaws to our felves as Gods, which he hash not made) fecret prayer is fo great a duty, that every man muff ufe it, as oft, as other du- ties at that time are not to be preferred but will give leave. And force can find time for it, (with medita- tion,) in their Labour and Travel when they are alone. S. QtA. Is long orPort Prayer to be preferred? P. The General Rule alto, mutt dire& youin this It varyeth the cafe as Times and lterfons and occafions vary. When no greater duty (at that time) calleth- you off, you can fcarce be too long, if you continue fit for it, in mind and expreßion : But when other duties call you off, or you cannot be long without unmeet ex- preífìons and repetitions beforeothers, or without your own or the families dulnefs, and unfitnefs, fhorter at that time maybe the beft. But fee that formal affec`ìa- tion be not the lengthner ofyour Prayers, nor carnal tvearinefs the fhortner of them ; At leaft do not juftifie either of thefe. S. Q. 5. Is it better to pray by a Jet Form or Book, or without, as 1am able to exprefs my defires ? P. God hath not made you a Law againft either : But left every man to the way that is fitteft for him. S. How (hall "'know which is fitteftfor me ? P. I. In ferret ufually, it is beft to ufe your felt ofteft to pray Freely, from the prefent fenfe of your condition ; that you may be able todo it, and to vary as occafion ferveth : For' the belt mans mind is apt to grow dull in ufing the fame words an hundred times over As a Mufick leffon played too oft doth become lefs pleating. And it will not cure us to fay, that it filould not be fo. .. Therefore alto you fhould learn to pray freely from
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