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In presenting to the public another volume of Bellarmine's spiritual works, I trust that, like the one already published, 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