NOE truth is more approued than that which doth both teach and assure vs that euery liuing man must once dy , to liue agayne ther in heauen with the S●● and blessed Soules , or in hell with the damned & wretched ghosts , since this is the last sentence from which there is noe appeale ; neuer to be reuewed agayne , pronounced by the mouth of god our souueraigne iudg . And truth it self by the apostle in these termes ; It is decreed that all men must once dye and after that comes iudgment . For which cause the most important and serious buisines that a Christian man can haue in this world is to learne to dye well : For this is the Science of Sciences . And thereto ought wee to applye that sayeing in the ghos●ell soe much praysed by our sauiour to S. Mary Magdalene . But one thing onely is necessary . Whereupon S. Iohn doth esteeme , and call those onely blessed amongst mortall men who dye in our lord : that is to say in his grace ; Blessed are the dead who , dye in our Lord .

Nowe since it is soe that eyther from à good , or euill death , the eternall and chiefe felicity is deriued , or els euerlasting and dreadful misery , if there be any thing , deare reader , which thou oughst to haue in singular recommendation whilst thou dost reside in this valley of teares , it is to search and knowe the meanes which thou must vse and practise to render the passage out of this mortall life , as much as in thee lyeth , most easy and assured . And to this end I haue bene willing to laye downe for thee , at the end of these prayers , some wholesome lessons for thy instruction , howe thou oughst to behaue thy self both in sicknes and in health , to the end thou maist more happily finish thy dayes and life . Of which lessons the principall , and most assured ( next to à good life ) is to haue recourse as you shall heare hereafter in fitt place to the perfections , and merits of the Saynts , and aboue all of the most holy , and euer glorious mother of god . In which I shall declare vnto thee ( beloued reader ) certayn deuout and religious persons being well instructed , cast themselues one daye , being inspired from god , vpon that consideration that our good mother the church doth call the blessed virgin , mother of God ; the Gate of heauen , and doore of paradise : & that shee doth daily sing vnto her ; Marye mother of grace , mother of mercy , defend ●s from our aduersary and receiue vs at the houre of death . But this was performed with soe serious attention , and soe much feruor of deuotion ; that from that time they resolued to addresse themselues alwayes with reuerence to her , and to implore her ayde and speciall assistance that they might more duely dispose themselues for that difficult , and dangerous passage of death .

For these considerations they did agree together to say euery daye the Lytanyes of our Ladye of Loretto to the honor & glory of her name , one for another ; as alsoe the prayers of the most glorious Patriarchs S. Ioseph , S. Augustin● , S. Barbara , to whom they particarly deuoted themselues that by they intercession they might be assisted in these theyr indeauours .

And forasmuch as noe man can fully possesse that high vetrue of Charity without hauing à particular care of the wellfare and safty of his neighbour ; to prouide also that theyr small number in times to come might increase in this deuotion , and to augment the effectuall merit of theyr prayers by à laudable and holy multiplication , they did aduise amongst themselues and determine , that each one of them should associate to theyre company twelue deuout persons , and that those twelue if they would , when the occasion should be offered might likewise each one of them associate other twelue , and they alsoe euery one of them twelue others , and soe consequently from one to another all those , whoe should from time to time be added by any one , that had bene formerly admitted , should haue the same power , which those had whoe did admitt them . And hence it doth proceede , deuout reader , that this Company is very fitly named at this time the holy society of twelue , Whereunto since that time soe many are vnited in France , Italy , Germany Spayne ; yea euen as farre as the Indyes , that they are accompted at this present of eyther sexe , men and woemen , more then three , or foure hundred thousand of the societye , But whereas almost infinite persons men and woemen cannot ( not being able to read ) say the foresayd litanies it hath bene thought by some of the principal most zealous , and affectionate to the sayd holy association , that in stead of them those ●hat are admitted , which cannot reade , say theire ●eads ; and for the psalme De profundis , which those whoe are more learned ought to say for such sou●es as are departed of the sayd holy Company , shall say 3. Pater Noster , and 3. Aue Maria.

Nowe to the end that those , who are admitted , may not erre in the number of those , whoe they are to admitt into the sayd holy association ; 〈◊〉 were good , as soon as they shall be receiue to register and write th● downe in some sma●● booke ; or els , which we●● better , and wherein ther● is more merit , euery on● of them shall prouid twelue of these littl● bookes to giue them gratis to each one of thos● whom they shall admitt● so shal he know by the finishing and distribution of his bookes that the number of those whome he may admitt is compleat and ended .

Another meanes more certaine and sutable to the condition of secular persons , especially woemen , is , to intreat him that shall admitt them , if he be à priest , or religious man , to accept and take the charge vpon him to associate for them such persons as he shall iudg in poynts of religion to be most capable giuing him the twelue bookes , which they haue prepared for that purpose ; nor ought those priests or religious men refuse this commission , and act of charity ; but rather ought to seeke and demand it . Yea they ought not to admitt but very few , or scarce any secular men at all , especially woemen ; without this condition , to witt that they shall not receiue any one without the knowledg of their Confessor ; considering that great profit will redound from thence to the holy association , which otherwise by degrees might be filled with à great number of libertins , and debaushed persons without deuotion , which in the end would bring dishoner to the societye . By which meanes the sayeing of the prophet Esay should be verifyed ; Thou hast multiplyed the nation , but hast not increased theire ioye .

Moreouer this holy and flourishing Company , with those prayers which are exercised therein hath bene receiued , and allowed by many graue and renowned persons , afwell of the chiefe of the cleargy as of the seculars . By famous and learned preachers and by good , and holy religious men , whoe haue bene admitted from diuers orders both austere and reformed . By whom all Christendome , perceiuing the fruit and proffit which must needs arise to the church of god from this laudable and holy society , doth labor to haue it approued , authorised , and inriched by the holy apostolique seat with the treasures of the sayd church obtayning for it plenary indulgences in forme of à Iubilie , which those of the company shall gayne twice in theire life , that is to say , then when they shall enter into the sayd holy Society , and at the article of death , and other plenary indulgences likewise , with the deliuery of à soule from purgatory , to be applyed by manner of suffrage to such soules , as are departed in the sayed holy societye , which they may gayne as well vpon all the feasts of our blessed Lady , as of the foresayd blessed S. Ioseph , S. Francis , S. Augustin , and S. Barbara , with this condition , that those whoe are of the society doe confesse themselues to allowed Confessors , and communicate vpon the sayd feasts .

And that they may be made pertakers of soe many good prayers , which are continually offered vp by soe deuout soules , and in soe many parts of the Christian world , it is requisite before they enter into this holy societye to haue àfirmed to liue & die therin and withall to obserue as they shall be able , all that which shall be heere . after sett downe although there be noe obligation or tye of conscience , other then that which euery Christian hath to liue well , and serue god , and to loue theire neighbour .

FIrst of all he that will enter into the sayd holy Company must cause himself to be receiued and admitted by one whoe hath bene formerly receiued , whoe shall make his reception soe much more gratefull and meritorious before god , as he himself shall be more recommendable in deuotion , holynes of life , and profession ; which poynt is soe important , and of that consideration , that those whoe demand to be admitted , ought to vse all meanes possible , that it may be done by some religious , or secular churchman , whoe hath the reputation to be à man of good life , or by some such other whoe as much as humayne frailty will admit , is irreprehensible in his life and conuersation .

Secondly he must euery daye without faile say the letanyes , which are set downe in theire place : the Antheme ; Sub tuum praesidium : the prayers and other vsual deuotions that doe follow , & the psalme De profundis : and such as cannot read , theyr beads with 3. Pater noster , and 3. Aue Maria ; as hath bene formerly mentioned .

Thirdly ; He must say the sayd letanyes with the prayers for all those of the society , as euery one of them doe say them for him ; & he must beare them in memory as much as he can , & cheefely him , by whom he was admitted , in all the rest of his prayers and orasons ; if he be à priest , in all his masses ; if à religious man , or woeman , in all theyr meditations , disciplines , fastings , watchings , and such like exercises of mortification ; and that he loue them , honor , and assist them aswell corporally , as spiritually , according to his power , and the neede that they shall haue .

Fourthly ; He must say the forsayd prayers to obtayne of god , by the intercession and fauor of our blessed Lady , and of the forsayd Saynts , the grace to dye well , and that with as much deuotion and attention as possibly he can , indeuoring with all his power , by his good life , to make himself meritorious of that grace : For as saynct Augustin sayth he can hardly dye ill , whoe hath liued well , & he can scarcly dye well , whoe hath liued ill . And it is , as a secret iudgment of god , noted by the same S. Augustin in his sermon of innocents : It is iust o Lord that he whoe whilst he liued was forget full of thee , at his death should forget himself : that is , his owne saluation , the sacraments , restitution & c ? and dye like à beast .

To conclude those of the company are exhorted , and intreated in our lord Iesus Christ to beare in memory and carefully to practise these fiue poynts which followe .

IF thou be in sinfull estate of life , those who are of the company through out the whole world by theire prayers and merits dispose thee , to leaue such manner of life , to acknowledg thy sinne , and that thou mayst not dye in it .

2. If thou be in state of grace , they pray to god to conserue thee therein , & to augment and confirme it vnto thee .

3. Thou dost participate of the infinite good workes of soe many good Christians as are admitted to this societye .

4. They help thee by theire prayers to obtayne the excellent guift of final perseuerance , and other vertues , which are necessary , as charity , patience , chastitye , deuotion &c.

5. They ayde thee also to obtayne of god that he would vouchsafe to keep thee from suddayne , or at least from vnprouided death : And from falling into mortall sinne : and in case thou doe committ any , that he would soe powerfully in spire thee with his grace that thou mayst presently rise from it againe . And alsoe that he would assist thee agaynst thy enimyes at the hower of thy death .

6. The sacred virgin mother of this holy company , and the glorious patrons thereof , Saint Ioseph ; S. Francis ; S. Augustin ; and S. Barbara , whom thou hast soe often called vpon for these ends , and soe many thousands as are of this societye which dayly pray for thee , will assist thee particularly in this dangerous passage .

7. By these meanes thou shalt receiue great consolation , & shalt be freed from great apprehensions , which perplex many .

8. After thy death if thou haue any guilt to be purged , they will assist thee that thou mayst be speedily deliuered from that clensing and correcting fier , as S. Augustin calleth it vpon the sixt psalme .

9. In à word thou shalt recieue à thousand other blessings , which are all comprised and farre more in the communion of Saynts ; and in that which S. Iames saith : The daily prayer of the iust man is of great force . Then consider , deare brother , if the prayer of one iust man be of soe great valew , how much more meritorious and auayleable will the continuall prayers of fiue or six hundred thousand seruants of god bee ; whoe doe dayly increase , and applye themselues to this exercise of prayer through the whole world , according to the rule and order of this holy company , to sollicit thy requests & affayres with god ; and that especially which is the most principall of them all , to make à happy end , and to dye in the faith of the church , with the benefit of the sacraments , & in the grace of god . Yea euen then when thou dost walk , sleepe , eate , and peraduenture offend god , a great number of people fall downe vpon theire knees , and lift vp theire hands to heauen , beseeching god to preserue thee from mortall sinne , and from a sinfull death , and his anger , & fearefull iudgment . Therefore , deuout reader , procure this blessing for thy soule whilst thou hast time , and despise not this fayre occasion which is soe easy for thee , and without any obligation at all . Think with thy self seriously what thou wilt wish that thou hadst done for thy selfe , when thou shalt be layd vpon thy bed waiting for the last stroke of death ; and pray to god that he will giue thee grace to finde that in thy selfe at that hower , & then lett him dispose of thee according to his holye will for the rest .

Sub tuum praesidium confugimus sancta Dei genitrix nostras deprecationes ne despicias in necessiratibus , sed à periculis cunctis libera nos sèmpèr Virgo gloriosa & benedicta Domina nostra , mediatrix nostra , tuo filio nos reconcilia , tuo filio nos commenda , tuo filio nos in hora mortis praesenta : sancta Maria succurre miseris , iuua pusillanimes , re . foue flebiles , ora pro populo , interueni pro clero , intercede pro deuoto foemineo senu ; sentiant omnes tuum juuamen , quicumque celebrant tuam sanctam commemoraetionem .

Vers : Ora pro nobis peccatoribus sancta Mariae mater Dei .

Resp: Nunc & in hora mortis nostrae .

Vers. Ora pro nobis sancte Ioseph .

Resp. Nunc & in hora mortis nostrae .

Vers. Ora pro nobis sancte Augustine .

Resp. Nunc & in hora mortis nostrae .

Vers : Ora pro nobis beate Francisce .

Resp. Nunc & in hora mortis nostrae .

Deus qui Ecclesiam tuam beati Francisci meritis foetu nouę prolis amphficas : tribue nobis ex eius imitatione terrena despicere , & coelestium donor̄um seniper participatione gaudere .

Intercessio quaesumus Domine beatae Barbarae Virginis , & Martyris tuae ab omni aduersitate nos protegat , vt per eius inte ruen tum gloriosum , sacrosanctum coiporis Domini nostri sacramentum , ante diem exitus nostri per veram poenitentiam , & puram confessionem percipere mereamur .

Da nobis quaesumus Domine perseuetantem in voluntate tua famulatum , vi in diebus nostris . & merito , & numero populus tibi seruiens augeatur .

Praetende Domine famulis , & famulabus tuis dexteram coelestis auxilij , vt te toto corde perquirant & quae digne postulant consequi mereantur .

Actiones nostras quaesumus Domine aspirando praeueni , & adiuuando prosequere , vt cuncta nostra oratio , & operatio , atque bene viuendi insticutio , à te semper incipiat , & per te coepta finiatur : Qui in trinitate perfecta viuis & regnas Deus , in secula seculorum . Amen .

DE profundis clamaui ad te Domine : Domine exaudi vocem meam .

Fiant aures tuae intendentes : in vocem deprecationis meae .

DEus veniae largitor , & humanae salutis amator , quaesumus clemētiam man vt nostrae associationis fideles , qui ex hocseculo transierunt , beata Ma●ia semper virgine intercedente , cum omnibus sanctis tuis ad perpetuae beatitudinis consortium peruenire concedas : Per Christum Dominum nostrum . Amen .

INtercessio quaesumus Domine beatae Barbarę Virginis , & martyris tuae ab omni aduersitate nos protegat , vt per eius interuentum gloriosum sacro-sanctum corporis Domini nostri Iesu Christi sacramentum ante diem exitus nostri per veram pęnitentiam & puram confessionem ; atque etiam extremam vnctionem percipere mereamur : per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum Amen .

YOu shall know that amongst the holy patrons of this blessed f●aternitye S. Barbara is rightly placed , forasmuch as shee hath that guift and grace from god to preserue from soddayne , and vnprouided death all such as doe demand it of god in her name . As it doth appeare in the acts of her noble martyrdome which you shall sind in the lines of Saynts witten by the reuerend father Rybadeneyra : with a notable example of one , who falling dow●● from the topp of a house that was on fire , and being buried , or rather ouerwhelmed with the ruynes of the house , and flaming brands , was in due time succored by the sayd Saynt , whoe appeared vnto him and promised him that he should not dye before he had receiued the Sacraments ; and for that end thee had obtayned of god a respit for him till the ne●t day : which s●e fell out , and he made a most happy end ; because for a great space of tyme he had be●● deuou● to the foresayd Saynt .

O Lord Iesus Christ , my most mercifull sauiour , I beseech thee by that great bitternes , which thou didst suffer on the crosse for me wretched sinner ; especially at that houre when thy most sanctified soule did depart from thy blessed bodye , that it would please thee to haue pitty on my soule , and to vse mercye thereto when it shall depart out of this life , and that thou wouldest by the merits of thy most precious bloud take it with thee into aeternall life . Amen .

O Domina mea sancta Maria ego infaelix peccator me in tuam benedictam fidem ac singularem custodiam , & in sinum misericordiae tuae hodiè & quotidiè , & in hora exitus mei , animam mean & corpus meum tibi commendo ; omnem spem meam , & consolationem meam , omnes angustias , & miserias meas , vitam , & finem vitae meae tibi comitto ; te hodie matrem , & apud Deum aduocatam mean prae omnibus eligo , & pręopto ; tu quę pijssima es mater misericordiae , noli me propter nimia peccata mea reijcere : sed pertuam sanctissimam intercessionem , & per tua gloriosa merita , omnia mea dirigantur & disponantur opera , secundum tuam , tuique filij voluntatem . Amen .