Praxis II

Praxis pietatis, druhý díl, obsahující v sobě umění svatého přemyšlování: jak by totiž pobožný křesťan v rozvažování božských a nebeských věcí jisté časy a chvilky tráviti a skrze to v životě tomto strastném i potom v onom věčném srdečné radosti a stálého potěšení nabývati mohl. S přidanou předmluvou o zkušování svědomí a několik pěkných příkladů takového přemyšlování

Praxis pietatis, part the second, containing within itself the art of holy contemplation: how thereby a devout Christian in reflecting upon divine and heavenly matters at certain times and moments, through doing so might in this trying life and afterwards attain eternal joy of the heart and everlasting happiness. With a foreword on the training of the conscience and several pretty examples of such contemplation.

Origin of the work:
1631 – 1633 Leszno

Editions:
  1641, probably at Trenčín, parts I & II

1877, Prague, parts I & II

1922, Brno, parts I & II

Contents:

Like the first part, the Praxis pietatis I, the second volume of this text was also widely read. Once again, it is a translation and emendation, this time of a work by the English divine Joseph Hall (1574 – 1656). Both parts were then published together.

The book teaches the art of meditation (contemplation) as a means of approaching the goals and ideals of true Christianity. It defines the term contemplation, and sets out its aims, how it may be undertaken, and what is its subject. It was a support for those religious exiles abroad and the evangelically-inclined population forced to live in their subjugated homeland. In the 18^th century it was published with numerous additions, and was broadly used even after the publication of the Edict of Tolerance.

For further study, see also:

J. V. Novák & J. Hendrich, Jan Amos Komenský, jeho život a spisy. Prague 1932, pp178-179

Vybrané spisy J. A. Komenského, vol. VII. Prague 1974, p48

Jan Kumpera, Jan Amos Komenský, poutník na rozhraní věků. Prague & Ostrava 1992, p288