Jacobs ladder, or, The devout souls ascention to Heaven, in prayers, thanksgivings, and praises in four parts ... : with graces and thanksgivings : illustrated with sculptures / by Jo. Hall.

The Prayer for a Woman with Child.

MOst Merciful and Gracious God, who wilt not turn a∣way thine Ear, from those that call upon thee in sincerity and truth, Look down with an Eye of pity and compassion, upon thy unworthy servants; I must confess, my sins are very great, and so is my danger, which is at hand; my paines to come will be grievous, and my life is now most uncertain. Assure me I beseech thee, of the forgiveness of all my sins, mitigate my fear and sorrows, strengthen me with the comforts of thy Spirit, confirm me in the Faith of my Saviour, and bless all good means, appoint∣ed for my comfort, that in due time I may be a joyful Mother, and see the fruit of my body, safe,

sound and perfect, without blemish or deformity.

O Lord, I know not how soon my travel will steal on me, when I must fight that battle of life and death, one drop of thy mercy hath soveraign power, to cure all the Wounds of those sorrows; Shed therefore, O holy Father, that drop of grace upon me, in that minute when I am to encounter with so stern an adversary; strengthen me with patience, bless me that I perish not; bless the work of my Mid∣wife; let not the child yet unborn, the babe in my Womb, be punished for mine offences; but give it growth, give it flourishing, and ••orm; and whe•• the time is come, that thou wilt call it out of this close house of ••lesh, where it now inhabiteth, to dwell in the open world, sanctifie thy creature, make it by Baptisme, a member of thy Church, a Lamb of thy Flock, and direct it in the wayes of godliness

to its lives end, and all through Je∣sus Christ our Lord: in w••ose blessed Words I continue to Pray, Our Father.