The devout Christian instructed how to pray and give thanks to God, or, A book of devotions for families and for particular persons in most of the concerns of humane life / by the author of the Christian sacrifice.

A Prayer to be used by a woman with Child.

O God, the Author of our being, the Fountain of life and all o∣ther good; who hast begun an ex∣cellent work in me, which no eye but thine sees, and no hand but thy Almighty power can finish. I adore thy great and glorious Majesty in this and in all other thy works of wonder. Thou dost great things with∣out number: but art more particu∣larly to be acknowledged in the for∣mation of mankind, who are fear∣fully and wonderfully made, after thy own image and likeness.

Be pleased, O Lord, in thy infinite goodness to perfect and compleat that which thou hast begun. Pre∣serve the smallest degree of life, which thou hast inspired. Bestow

upon it intireness of all its parts: and prepare a convenient habitation for an understanding spirit, capable of the best wisdom, and inclinable to vertue and goodness. Prevent, good Lord, the miscarriage of my hopes; and ripen them to a good issue. And the nearer they come to their full growth; strengthen the more my humble trust in thee, and submission to thee, and hearty desires to en∣crease the number of thy faith∣ful people, together with my own Family.

That ought to be the chiefest de∣sire of my soul, to be formed my self in all things, according to the mind and will of thee, my God; that so I may be an instrument of doing good to others. O thou who hast wrought many holy purposes and resolutions in my heart, preserve and confirm them, that they may not prove ab∣ortive; but bring forth continual∣ly the fruit of good living. Perfect me in Knowledge, in Faith, in Love,

and in Obedience. Enable me so dis∣creetly and carefully to discharge the duties of all the Relations wherein I at present, or shall hereafter, stand; that I may be a comfort to them, and a credit to Religion. And howso∣ever thou disposest of me or them, Lord, make me well contented, and in every condition to give thanks unto thee, and rejoyce in thy holy Name, and in the hope of eternal life; through Christ Jesus my most blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen.