The edition printed at Oxford, 'for the satisfaction of the person of quality herein concerned,' in 1684, and reprinted at the end of C. H. Cranford's Sermons in 1840, is an altered one, the editor having made changes in religious matters.
It is still somewhat contentious whether the manuscript is by Jocelin, and whether Goad's editorial work brought in substantive change in the content.
[3] Jocelin wrote The Mother’s Legacy to her Vnborn Child during the Early Modern period, when women were typically defined by their existence in the domestic sphere.
Jocelin's work kept in line with the expectations of women during the period because of her clear dedication to her position as a mother.
Much like women of her time Jocelin desired for her daughter to be acceptable to society even if it meant limiting her intelligence or unhappiness.
She urges the child to pray regularly, avoid temptations, acknowledge holy days and be charitable.
Much of the books instruction is directed toward Jocelin's husband including how to properly select a wet nurse for their child if Elizabeth should die.
Excerpts from The Mother's Legacy to her Vnborn Child: “I desire her bringing up may bee learning the Bible, as my sisters doe, good housewifery, writing, and good works: other learning a woman needs not; though I admire it in those whom God hath blest with descretion, yet I desired not much in my owne, having seene that sometimes women have greater portions of learning than wisdome, which is of no better use to them than a main saile to a flye-boat, which runs it under water.