Robert Bellarmine

Excerpt: CHAPTER I. HE WHO DESIRES TO DIE WELL, MUST LIVE WELL I NOW commence the rules to be observed in the Art of dying well. This art I shall divide into two parts: in the first I shall speak of the precepts we must follow whilst in good health; in the other of those we should observe when we are dangerously ill, or near death's door. We shall first treat of those precepts that relate to virtue; and afterwards of those which relate to the sacraments: for, by these two we shall be especially enabled both to live well, and to die well. But the general rule, " that he who lives well, will die well," must be mentioned before all others: for since death is nothing more than the end of life, it is certain that all who live well to the end, die well; nor can he die ill, who hath never lived ill; as, on the other hand, he who hath never led a good life, cannot die a good death. The same thing is observable in many similar cases: for all that walk along the right path, are sure to arrive at the place of their destination; whilst, on the contrary, they who wander from it, will never arrive at their journey's end. They also who diligently apply to study, will soon become learned doctors; but they who do not, will be ignorant. But, perhaps, some one may mention, as an objection, the example of the good thief, who lived ill and yet died well. This was not the case; for that good thief led a holy life, and therefore died a holy death. But, even supposing he had spent the greater part of his days in wickedness, yet the other part of his life was spent so well, that he easily repented of his former sins, and gained the greatest graces. For, burning with the love of God, he openly defended our Saviour from the calumnies of His enemies; and filled with the same charity towards his neighbour, he rebuked and admonished his blaspheming companion, and endeavoured to convert him. He was yet alive when he thus addressed him, saying: "Neither dost thou fear God, seeing thou art under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done no evil." (St. Luke 23:40, 41.) Neither was he dead when, confessing and calling upon Christ, he uttered these noble words: "Lord, remember me when thou shalt come into thy kingdom." The good thief then appeared to "have been one of those who came last into the vineyard, and yet he received a reward greater than the first." True, therefore, is the sentence, " He who lives well, dies well;" and, "He who lives ill, dies ill." We must acknowledge that it is a most dangerous thing to deter till death our conversion from sin to virtue: far more happy are they who begin to carry the yoke of the Lord "from their youth," as Jeremiah saith; and exceedingly blessed are those, "who were not defiled with women, and in whose mouth there was found no lie: for they are without spot before the throne of God. These were purchased from among men, the first-fruits to God and to the Lamb." (Apoc. 14:4, 5.) Such were Jeremias, and St. John, "more than a prophet;" and above all, the Mother of our Lord, as well as many more whom God alone knoweth. This first great truth now remains established, that a good death depends upon a good life.

Robert Bellarmine was one of the most original and influential political theorists of his time. He participated in several of the political debates that agitated early modern Europe, such as the controversy over the Oath of Allegiance in England. Bellarmine presents one of the clearest and most coherent definitions of the nature and aim of temporal authority and its relationship to spiritual authority. The king has jurisdiction over the body, the pope over the conscience. This distinction was crucial for the history of early modern monarchies: the conflict between state and church ceased to be concerned with physical persons and become a contest for the consciences of subjects. The political thought of Bellarmine was at the center of post-Reformation debates on the relationship between state and church; on the nature, aim, and limits of temporal government; and on the relation between religion and natural law. He posed in a novel, controversial manner the relationship between public and private spheres, thus opening up questions central to what we consider 'modernity'. This accessible edition of some of Ballarmine's most important works in fresh translations will be interesting for a wide readership of both scholars of political thought and the educated general public.

"The Church of God has not his equal in learning." - Pope Clement VIII about St. Robert BellarmineBrilliant Saint and Doctor of the Church reveals his "Marian Method" to give Catholics the best one-two punch to skyrocket their devotion to Mary...and their skills in Marian apologeticsYour time's valuable, so I'll get right to the point.St. Robert Bellarmine was the most learned man in the Church during his lifetime.He was also known as the best teacher in Rome.People flocked to his classes. The Cardinals and Bishops in Rome sent others to his classes to takes notes for them.St. Robert's Marian writings are so easy to understand, that it'll be a breeze for you to absorb them. And it won't take you a lot of time.This collection includes his writings on Marian apologetics, his Marian sermons and sermon fragments.It also contains biographical material about him, which, until now, has never been translated. It's all focused on how he lived his own devotion to Mary.That's where he shows you "how to learn from the example of Mary."This is only place you'll find this material in English.Pope St. Pius X wrote about the Blessed Mother: "Hence nobody ever knew Christ so profoundly as she did, and nobody can ever be more competent as a guide and teacher of the knowledge of Christ."Hence it follows, as We have already pointed out, that the Virgin is more powerful than all others as a means for uniting mankind with Christ."That was true in St. Robert's life, because during the process of his canonization, the Church concluded that he'd never committed a deliberate venial sin. And since God grants all graces through Mary, that was a special grace that she obtained for him.Imagine what the Marian writings of someone who lived so close to Jesus and Mary will do for your spiritual life.Blessed Pope Pius IX stated: "God has committed to Mary the treasury of all good things, in order that everyone may know that through her are obtained every hope, every grace, and all salvation. For this is His will, that we obtain everything through Mary."Furthermore, Pope St. Paul VI wrote..."Mary is not only an example for the whole Church in the exercise of divine worship but is also, clearly, a teacher of the spiritual life for individual Christians" (Marialis Cultis, 21).That's why not growing closer to Mary is a guaranteed loss.Since God grants all graces through Mary, the only way to get close to Him is through her."The Marian Writings of St. Robert Bellarmine" is your practical handbook to help you deepen your relationship with Mary, so that she can draw you closer to God. If you like clear advice and simple practices you can start today, then you'll love St. Robert's life-changing guide.Buy "The Marian Writings of St. Robert Bellarmine" to start catapulting your devotion to Mary and your skills in Marian apologetics today

A sermon on Hell as part of \"The Four Last Things.\" Novel and vigorous; inspires a person to do whatever is necessary not to go there. Brief and powerful.