THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS, WITH THANKSGIVINGS, FOR MOTHERS, BEFORE AND AFTER THE BIRTH BY THE COMPILER OF "HEART PRAYERS." LONDON: THE CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION, 6, PATERNOSTER ROW. 1423 WONDERFUL as is the natural courage of women in the anticipation, as well as in the actual endurance, of childbirth, it still requires supernatural support. The gift of nature needs to be sanctified by the gifts of grace, in order that it may be acceptably offered to God in Christ. Again, the thankfulness, upon, and after, the birth of a child, which is so beautiful a feature of a mother's character, in like manner, requires to be supported and sanctified. Her duties and shortcomings, too, present themselves to her with special clearness at such a time. This little book is designed by the authoress to offer some simple devotional help to mothers at these critical periods of their lives. May God bless it to their continuance "in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.” ALL SAINTS, MARGARET STREET, May 28, 1881. B. COMPTON. THOUGHTS, PRAYERS, AND THANKSGIVINGS FOR MOTHERS. Thoughts of a Mother on the Expected Birth of her Infant. GOD OD is again giving me a fresh proof of His love; may I not say, of His trust in me? Or, is He, perhaps, proving me again where I have failed before? trying whether I can make holy preparation, whether I can look forward with quiet confidence and calm awe to the great event which is before me? What a solemn thing to be entrusted with the care of a human life; even if it were only a mere mortal life! But I am entrusted with the life of an immortal being-of a life that can never die—a life that, when once begun in this passing world, will live on and on eternally, in worlds beyond the grave! And more than this. I am entrusted with the care of a body, soul, and spirit, which may be united through Holy Baptism with Jesus Christ, the Second Adam; which may become a member of His Body, with His life living in it; which will then be precious and dear to my Heavenly Father as in |