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41. Using liberty of words, and unconfined, and unpre∣scribed expressions. These, 1. More hindring any eva∣gation of thoughts; and procuring more intention of the mind to the business in hand. [Where note that prayers said by heart, because with some difficulty remembred, keep the mind more attentive than prayers read. Again Prayers extempore, or new conceived matter or expressions, more than set forms repeated by heart, (except very much
advertency, or also some repetition, or meditation of them be used) because, in those forms swimming lightly in the memory, the fancy unengaged (yet seldome idle) is left at liberty for other imployments; and the mind ordinarily less mindeth its former, (especially after its often repeti∣tion of them) than its new, conceptions.]
2. Being more obedient to the operations, and impressions of the holy spirit (which especially directeth us in Prayer) and to the spiritual inclinations of our passions; which are sometimes more sorrowful, and fitter for acts of contri∣tion; sometimes more lightsome, and fitter for thanksgiv∣ing, and praise. Now to both these are set forms an ex∣tream restraint, to the great loss of the Soul.
3. Being more pliable to our present condition, and necessi∣ties, continually varying, to which one set form can no way suit.
4. Lastly; giving us much more content, and delight in our Prayers, and making us more willingly to frequent this duty, where more liberty is allowed to our affections.