Ars Moriendi (The Art of Dying) by Meister E.S.
Ars Moriendi are books published during the late Middle Ages that taught the reader how the die well. They usually consisted of six chapters, which were accompanied by instructive images.
Here’s a brief medieval guide on how to make dying an art (or how to die well):
- Realise that dying has a good side, that death is not something to be afraid of.
- Beware of five temptations that beset a dying man, and avoid them: lack of faith, despair, impatience, spiritual pride, and avarice.
- Be reminded of the redemptive powers of Christ’s love.
- Imitate Christ’s life.
- Get friends and family to be aware of the general rules of behaviour at the deathbed.
- Make sure appropriate prayers are said at the deathbed.
