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The Art of Dying Well
TO THE READER.
IN presenting to the public another volume of Bellarmine’s spiritual works, I trust that, like the one
already published, (A Gradual Whereby to Ascend unto God," &c Jones and Dolman London, 1844)
it will be found not unworthy of the venerable author’s reputation. He is not indeed equal to many of
the great spiritual writers that lived about the time of the Reformation; “Controversy" was his chief
delight, his characteristic.
But it is well known, that in his old age and in the holy calm of solitude, whither he had retired to
prepare his soul for death he composed several excellent spiritual treatises. Among these, the "Art of
Dying Well," will be found to contain many sublime and practical lessons, on the most important of
all arts. It is written with a beautiful simplicity, unction, and strength of reasoning, supported by
many apposite quotations from the sacred Scripture and the Fathers. The remarks on the
“Sacraments” are especially valuable. The Art of Dying Well - St. Robert Bellarmine
2
I should observe, that after I had translated the work, I found it had already been translated more
than a century ago, by a Rev. John Ball (London, 1720). But on comparing it with the Latin, I soon
found that it was more a paraphrase than a translation; that whole sentences were omitted in almost
every page; that remarks were inserted which were not in the original, and especially that everything
connected with the doctrines of the Catholic Church was carefully expunged.
The translator, however, acknowledges as much in his Preface: “Wherever my author goes off into
the Romish innovations, I have attempted to give him another turn. I must farther own, that I have
taken some liberty, where it was proper, to enlarge his thoughts” &c. (P. v.)
This is now called by some living writers, who are so fond of translating Catholic books of devotion,
" adapting them to the use of the English Church." Is it not a pity, that many of our best spiritual
writers should be so translated by those of another communion, and that we ourselves should be
rather backward in giving proper translations to the public ?
I trust that by the blessing of God, this Translation, (such as it is) on so important, so momentous a
subject, may produce some good fruit in due season. And if there be any who shall feel after its
perusal, that they have gained some spiritual profit to their soul, may I be allowed to make one
humble yet earnest request? This is, that such would bestow a trifle on me, for the love of God,
towards enabling me to liquidate the debt still remaining on my Church.
“Charity covereth a multitude of sins (See the translation of Avrillon, by Dr. Tusey) and being the
Queen of all other virtues, she powerfully pleads for us before the throne of mercy, and induces the
Almighty to bestow His divine grace upon us, that by leading a good life, we may be enabled to die a
holy death.
JOHN DALTON.
St. Mary’s Church,
Lynn, Norfolk.
IN presenting to the public another volume of Bellarmine’s spiritual works, I trust that, like the one
already published, (A Gradual Whereby to Ascend unto God," &c Jones and Dolman London, 1844)
it will be found not unworthy of the venerable author’s reputation. He is not indeed equal to many of
the great spiritual writers that lived about the time of the Reformation; “Controversy" was his chief
delight, his characteristic.
But it is well known, that in his old age and in the holy calm of solitude, whither he had retired to
prepare his soul for death he composed several excellent spiritual treatises. Among these, the "Art of
Dying Well," will be found to contain many sublime and practical lessons, on the most important of
all arts. It is written with a beautiful simplicity, unction, and strength of reasoning, supported by
many apposite quotations from the sacred Scripture and the Fathers. The remarks on the
“Sacraments” are especially valuable. The Art of Dying Well - St. Robert Bellarmine
2
I should observe, that after I had translated the work, I found it had already been translated more
than a century ago, by a Rev. John Ball (London, 1720). But on comparing it with the Latin, I soon
found that it was more a paraphrase than a translation; that whole sentences were omitted in almost
every page; that remarks were inserted which were not in the original, and especially that everything
connected with the doctrines of the Catholic Church was carefully expunged.
The translator, however, acknowledges as much in his Preface: “Wherever my author goes off into
the Romish innovations, I have attempted to give him another turn. I must farther own, that I have
taken some liberty, where it was proper, to enlarge his thoughts” &c. (P. v.)
This is now called by some living writers, who are so fond of translating Catholic books of devotion,
" adapting them to the use of the English Church." Is it not a pity, that many of our best spiritual
writers should be so translated by those of another communion, and that we ourselves should be
rather backward in giving proper translations to the public ?
I trust that by the blessing of God, this Translation, (such as it is) on so important, so momentous a
subject, may produce some good fruit in due season. And if there be any who shall feel after its
perusal, that they have gained some spiritual profit to their soul, may I be allowed to make one
humble yet earnest request? This is, that such would bestow a trifle on me, for the love of God,
towards enabling me to liquidate the debt still remaining on my Church.
“Charity covereth a multitude of sins (See the translation of Avrillon, by Dr. Tusey) and being the
Queen of all other virtues, she powerfully pleads for us before the throne of mercy, and induces the
Almighty to bestow His divine grace upon us, that by leading a good life, we may be enabled to die a
holy death.
JOHN DALTON.
St. Mary’s Church,
Lynn, Norfolk.
94 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1790
91 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
Robert Bellarmine
360 books37 followersSaint Robert Bellarmine, SJ was an Italian bishop, cardinal, theologian, and an influental figure of the Counter-Reformation. He was canonized a saint in 1930 by Pope Pius XI and named a Doctor of the Church in 1931. He is also known as Roberto Bellarmino.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 13, 2014
As with all books of a short nature, yet of a Catholic spiritual orientation, one is more amazed yet again at the level of wisdom and depth present within this book.
This book ought to be something of a core requirement to read for all Catholics, who taking their Faith joyously and seriously in seeking to get to Heaven should follow through with reading once a year for the rest of their life, especially around the time of Lent [2 Weeks Prior to Holy Week].
The book is broken up into 2 parts, the first is aspects of Dying to Self (Prayer, Fasting, Sacraments, Dispositions, etc...) and then the second part is a 10 Day Exercise of Meditations, this I recommend doing 10-Days prior to Easter Sunday (wherein on Easter Sunday we arrive at the 10th Day of the Meditation).
This book ought to be something of a core requirement to read for all Catholics, who taking their Faith joyously and seriously in seeking to get to Heaven should follow through with reading once a year for the rest of their life, especially around the time of Lent [2 Weeks Prior to Holy Week].
The book is broken up into 2 parts, the first is aspects of Dying to Self (Prayer, Fasting, Sacraments, Dispositions, etc...) and then the second part is a 10 Day Exercise of Meditations, this I recommend doing 10-Days prior to Easter Sunday (wherein on Easter Sunday we arrive at the 10th Day of the Meditation).
September 27, 2012
I try to read this book every Lent. This was my third time through. The fact that I'm finishing in September says something about how good I am with my spiritual reading.
This is a practical and scriptural guide to living the good life. As Bellarmine loves to remind us, the good life is an attentive preparation for death and the life to come.
This is a practical and scriptural guide to living the good life. As Bellarmine loves to remind us, the good life is an attentive preparation for death and the life to come.
March 27, 2012
St. Robert Bellarmine has some great insights in this book, particularly with how he deals with the sacraments. There were some parts of his discussion on matrimony on which I think the Church has come to a different understanding, however.
I enjoyed the first half of the book more than the second half of the book. The second half deals, in part, with a plan for dying, including suggestions on what to do (per day?!), if possible.
His section on confirmation was amazing -- something to share with people in RCIA or teens about to be confirmed.
I enjoyed the first half of the book more than the second half of the book. The second half deals, in part, with a plan for dying, including suggestions on what to do (per day?!), if possible.
His section on confirmation was amazing -- something to share with people in RCIA or teens about to be confirmed.
February 13, 2014
Written in 1619, this book is surprisingly relevant. The author's premise is that dying well first requires living well! I have fuller review posted here:
http://brightcatholic.blogspot.com/20...
http://brightcatholic.blogspot.com/20...
August 30, 2020
A guide to the proper way to live/strong>
The clearest cut and the direct way we should conduct our lives. My regret now is in not having read this earlier in life and then practicing it afterward
The clearest cut and the direct way we should conduct our lives. My regret now is in not having read this earlier in life and then practicing it afterward
July 27, 2021
St Robert Bellarmine gives 17 rules in observing the art of dying well. Each of these suggestions were steeped in scripture and wisdom from the saints that I had to take my time in absorbing it. This is reliable spiritual reading for me, certainly one to revisit again.
July 19, 2023
A good book on what you need to have in order in your life to get to heaven but also just a great breakdown and summary of Christian virtues and what all men should aspire towards, that being virtue and perfection in Christ.
December 3, 2025
I did not read, but listened to this as an audiobook. I'm very glad I did, as it was one book I think that I would have struggled with.
Hearing it on long car journeys and occasionally in the late evening gave me insight into great wisdom from someone who lived around 400 years ago.
It is a book that very much says that how we live in our current lives affects what happens to us after death.
The narrator had just the right intonation and phraseology to deliver additional meaning without being overbearing or intrusive.
Recommended during these restricted times on our liberty, for obvious reasons.
Hearing it on long car journeys and occasionally in the late evening gave me insight into great wisdom from someone who lived around 400 years ago.
It is a book that very much says that how we live in our current lives affects what happens to us after death.
The narrator had just the right intonation and phraseology to deliver additional meaning without being overbearing or intrusive.
Recommended during these restricted times on our liberty, for obvious reasons.
October 13, 2017
The title seems a bit depressing. The contents of the book cover how we should live, so we can die well. It is a great book that should be reread and take notes from. Every young and old person ought to read this book.
August 14, 2016
Read Chs. 1-3 and 12-13 in a pdf for my Luther seminar at Baylor (Spring 2014).
May 22, 2024
Such a beautiful spiritual guide. There is more to this book than I could describe in this small summary, but I can leave you with some of the parts that stood out to me the most.
Firstly, to die well, we must live well. That is, to die and attain eternal beatitude, we must at the very least stay in the state of grace. Vigilance is a virtue. Examine your conscience often, twice a day Bellarmjne recommends. The second you fall to mortal sin, run to the confessional. Don’t be scared off by the idea of “inconveniencing” the priest: your eternal soul demands it and has been given an opportunity for forgiveness by God Himself.
Secondly, lean on the Cardinal virtues, especially Charity. True charity requires purity. There is no room for spiritual duplicity and love of sin.
Third, fast. Fasting tames the flesh and like a fever, burns out our desires. As St. Basil said, “Penance, without fasting, is useless and vain; by fasting satisfy God.”
Fourth, receive the sacraments. Baptism, confirmation, the Eucharist, reconciliation are all vital for the soul.
Remember, like the virgins in Christ’s parable it is better to follow the King and keep our watchful lamps lit. Commit to sobriety, not simply from alcohol, but be sober to the plan of God and against the thief in the night.
Honestly, this would make for a great Lenten read, feels a little heavy for ordinary time.
10/10
Firstly, to die well, we must live well. That is, to die and attain eternal beatitude, we must at the very least stay in the state of grace. Vigilance is a virtue. Examine your conscience often, twice a day Bellarmjne recommends. The second you fall to mortal sin, run to the confessional. Don’t be scared off by the idea of “inconveniencing” the priest: your eternal soul demands it and has been given an opportunity for forgiveness by God Himself.
Secondly, lean on the Cardinal virtues, especially Charity. True charity requires purity. There is no room for spiritual duplicity and love of sin.
Third, fast. Fasting tames the flesh and like a fever, burns out our desires. As St. Basil said, “Penance, without fasting, is useless and vain; by fasting satisfy God.”
Fourth, receive the sacraments. Baptism, confirmation, the Eucharist, reconciliation are all vital for the soul.
Remember, like the virgins in Christ’s parable it is better to follow the King and keep our watchful lamps lit. Commit to sobriety, not simply from alcohol, but be sober to the plan of God and against the thief in the night.
Honestly, this would make for a great Lenten read, feels a little heavy for ordinary time.
10/10
August 27, 2025
Whether Catholic or not, you will gain something from this short book. Even when you get to the chapters on the sacraments, there is a lot of practical wisdom you will gain even if you disagree with his view of the sacraments.
My favorite section had to be in chapter 16 on extreme unction, specifically when going over gluttony. Reading a book like this will remind you of the need to do more devotional reading and be careful not to put all of your eggs in the baskets of purely theological and philosophical matters.
My favorite section had to be in chapter 16 on extreme unction, specifically when going over gluttony. Reading a book like this will remind you of the need to do more devotional reading and be careful not to put all of your eggs in the baskets of purely theological and philosophical matters.
May 23, 2021
How to become a saint made easy. St. Bellarmine keeps his writing simple for anyone to read and understand. Loved this one so much (read aloud with husband who also loved out) and will be seeking out more of this wise saint's books! Recommend!
February 14, 2023
The Christian season of Lent is upon us in 8 days' time. Forty days seems a long time to fill with something thought-provoking and inspirational.
So, for a second time, I will be re-visiting this 17th-century text, through the modern medium of an Amazon available audiobook https://bit.ly/3RQjmY1
I'm not one usually given to re-reading books, but there is a lot to ponder about in this 'guidebook for people who want to go to heaven', should you believe that such a place exists. Sadly, so many do not, which for some people denies them the hope that sustains them in this life, despite all its challenges and surprises.
Despite the slightly morbid title, the contents are truly uplifting, along with some practical suggestions.
So, for a second time, I will be re-visiting this 17th-century text, through the modern medium of an Amazon available audiobook https://bit.ly/3RQjmY1
I'm not one usually given to re-reading books, but there is a lot to ponder about in this 'guidebook for people who want to go to heaven', should you believe that such a place exists. Sadly, so many do not, which for some people denies them the hope that sustains them in this life, despite all its challenges and surprises.
Despite the slightly morbid title, the contents are truly uplifting, along with some practical suggestions.
June 21, 2015
quite sobering and refreshing
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews