Origin of the work:
1656 Leszno
Editions:
1656 Leszno
1893 Prague, J. A. Komenského Sebraná díla kazatelská II
1974 Prague, Vybrané spisy J. A. Komenského, vol. VII
Contents:
A funeral sermon. Although Václav Lochar died at the age of just 74 years, Comenius takes the opportunity to provide a homily on longevity. Great age is a gift from God. Methuselah, the son of Enoch and the father of Lamech, famous for his longevity, lived 969 years, and already wished for death. The Lord’s justice, however, allows none to live to the age of a thousand years. Before the Flood, people lived to exceptionally great ages. The causes of this were both natural (the clean environment, self control, rightful thought and sexual moderation) and supernatural (Divine augmentation of health and life). The gift of longevity can be attained by all through sincere piety, moderation and guarding against danger – but not only those with long lives but those with short lives, too, can attain future blessedness if they prepare for it through correctness in their earthly lives; subsequently, they should be happy to depart.
For further study, see also:
J. V. Novák & J. Hendrich, Jan Amos Komenský, jeho život a spisy. Prague 1932, pp512-513
Vybrané spisy J. A. Komenského, vol. VII. Prague 1974, pp58-59
Jan Kumpera, J. A. Komenský, poutník na rozhraní věků. Prague & Ostrava 1992, pp264-265