For a Woman in the Beginning of Her Travail

Jesus, the woman's conquering Seed,
Who didst our world of sorrows bear,
Stand by me in my greatest need,
And now accept my plaintive prayer:
The painful curse entail'd by Eve
On me, on all the weaker kind,
O may I patiently receive,
And turn'd into a blessing find.

Thou hast redeem'd in troubles past
A soul that did on Thee rely;
And still I hold the promise fast,
And still expect salvation nigh:
I trust that as my pangs increase,
Thou wilt my fainting spirit revive,
And nearest in my last distress
Thy most abundant comforts give.
O'erwhelm'd at times with chilling fears,
Thou dost not leave me without hope;
Thy secret power and presence cheers
And lifts my sinking nature up:
Again Thy gracious strength I own
Display'd in man's infirmity;
And never did Thy Spirit groan
For help in one so weak as me!