_And the dismissal is made._ _It is necessary to know that, if the newly born babe, being exceedingly weak, do not suck, but appear likely to die, it behoveth not to wait six or eight days, and then to baptize it, as some wickedly say; but at the very hour of its birth to wash it only, and immediately to baptize it, that it die not unilluminated. Since they that are five months pregnant are, by the laws and canons, responsible for murder, if it happen that by any shock they abort the babe, so much the more is it necessary to avoid the condemnation of them that are brought forth, that they die not unilluminated._ [Illustration] _Chapter III._ PRAYERS FOR A PARTURIENT WOMAN AFTER FORTY DAYS. _On the fortieth day the child is again brought to the temple to be churched, that is, to make a beginning of attending church. It is brought by the mother, who hath already been cleansed and washed, accompanied by the intended sponsor at the baptism._ _And the priest maketh,_ Blessed be our God.... _Trisagion._ O most holy Trinity ... _and_ Our Father.... For thine is the kingdom.... _Then the troparion of the day, or of the commemorated saint._ _Glory. Both now._ Through the prayers, O Lord, of all the Saints, and of the God-bearing one, grant us thy peace, and have mercy upon us, as the alone compassionate one. _And she, holding the child, boweth her head, and the priest maketh the sign of the cross over him, and, touching his head, saith the prayer._ Let us pray to the Lord. O Lord God Almighty, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who by thy word hast made every rational and irrational creature, and hast led all things into being from non-existence; to thee we pray, and on thee we call, Cleanse this thine handmaid, _name_, whom thou hast saved by thy will, and who cometh into thy holy church, from every sin and from every defilement, that she may be counted worthy to partake uncondemnedly of thy holy mysteries. _Be it known that if the babe be not among the living, the prayer is read thus far._ _Then, with a loud voice,_ For thou art a good and man-loving God.... _But if it be alive, read also this to the end._ Bless also the child which hath been born of her; increase it, sanctify it, give it understanding, and a prudent and virtuous mind; for thou hast brought it into being, and hast shewn unto it perceptible light; that at the time which thou hast appointed it may be counted worthy of spiritual light, and may be numbered together with thy holy flock, through thine only-begotten Son, with whom thou art blessed, together with thy most holy, and good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen. Peace to all. Bow your heads to the Lord. _Prayer for the mother of the child._