CHAPTER II. 107 the duty. It is also evident, that many assistances may be borrowed by younger and elder christians from forms of prayer well composed, without the use of the whole form as a prayer. And if I may have leave to speak the language of a judici- ous author, that wrote more than forty years ago, I would say, with him, That forms may be usçful, and in some cases necessary: For, 1. CO Some, even among christians and professors, are so rude and ignorant, though it may be spoken to their shame, that they cannot tolerably express their desiresin prayer ; and must such utterly neglect the duty ? Is it not better during their gross ignorance, to use the help of others gifts and composures, than not to pray at all? Or to utter that which is senseless and_; impious? 1 speak it not to,exouse their. ignorance, or that they should be encouraged to rest satisfied herein, but for the present necessity. 2. " Some again, though they can do it privately, and'so far as may suffice in their secret addresses to God; yet wheat they are to pray before others, want either dexterity and fitness pf expression, readiness of utterance, or confidence to use those abilities they have, whom yet I will not excuse from sinful bashfulness. 3. " It is possible, that some bodily distemper, or sudden distraction, may befal such as are otherwise able, which may becloud their minds, weaken their memories, and dull their parts, that they may be unfit to express themselves in extempo- rary conceptions. This may happen incase of melancholy, cold palsies, or the like distempers. 0° I conclude then, that in the cases aforesaid, or the like, a form may be profitable and helpful. Nor is it a tying it up the Spirit, but if conscionably used, may be both attended with theSpirit's assistance, and find acceptance with .God. Yet it will not hence follow that any should satisfy themselves in such stated and stinted forms : much less, that those who have praying abilities, should be enforced by others to rest in them. If ignorance, bashfulness, defect of memory, or other distemper, may render it excusable and necessary to some, is it fit all should rest in their measure ? 'Where then will be that coveting earnestly the best gifts? Or why should those that are excellently gifted that way, be hindered from the use and exercise of that gift, because others want it ?" Thus far this worthy writer. Now though the use of forms in such cases be not unlawful, yet a perpetual confinement to them will be at- tended with such inconveniences as these 1. It much hinders the free exerciseof our own thoughts and desires, which is the chief work and business of prayer, viz. to express our desires to God ? and whereas our thoughts and affections should direct our words, a set form of words directs
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