830 rletaRe FOR CHFLDaGN- be received into the favour of God, and have a name and place among his children. I want to be translated from my old estate of sin and guilt, and to be brought into the privileges of the new covenant through Christ Jesus. O that I might be made a new creature, and converted sincerely to God in my younger years, before sin, and Satan, and this world have taken faster hold of me ! I want to have my sinful nature made holy by the power- ful working of the Spirit of God in me; O' that I were changed from a vain and evil temper into a spiritual, holy and heavenly disposition ! I want to have all wicked thoughts and sinful de- sires and passions subdued, that I may love God and man, as I ought, and perform my duty better to them. I would beg of God, to direct me in all my ways, and to preserve me from every temptation and snare. O that I might be carried safely through all the dangers and troubles of this life, be prepared for death, and be at last brought safe to heaven !" 15: Q. What mercies do you want for your body, or for this life, which are called tetñporal blessings ? A. " This body of mine wants daily food and raiment to preserve its life : it wants health and strength to do my proper work : it wants pro- tection from dangers every day, and sleep and safety every night : And I want a continual divine blessing on my labours and studies, and on all my concerns in this world, that they may turn to my,present and future benefit_" 16. Q. Since you have given so large an account of what you want for yourself, tell me what petitions you should offer to. God for others, which is properly called intercession I A. I should pray for my parents, my kindred and friends, for my teachers and rulers, that proper blessings may be bestowed on them all, and that myself and others may be made wise and happy under their care. I should pray even for my enemies, that God wouldgive them true repentance and forgiveness. I should pray for all ranks and degrees of men, for Jews, Turks and heathens, that they may be led into the way of truth and salvation, and especially for the christian nations and the church of Christ in the world, that being delivered from the fear of their enemies, they may grow in grace and holiness, and comfort. 17. Q. What is the 'fifth part of prayer, which is called pleading with God? A. To plead with God in prayer, is to use arguments in a humble manner with God to bestow mercy onus. 18. Q. What particular arguments are proper to use with God in praying to him ? A. We may plead with God to bestow mercy, because our wants and sorrows are very great, because God alone can help us, because he is a God of infinite goodness and compassion, because he has made many gracious
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