Lightly Modernized, Edited & Reformatted
In "Overcoming the Fear of Death," Nicholas Byfield (1579–1622) provides a profound journey towards conquering the universal fear of mortality. Through a blend of meditation and practice, Byfield offers compassionate guidance in addressing anxieties associated with death. Drawing from Christian theology and biblical wisdom, he advocates for cultivating contempt for worldly desires and longing for eternal riches. By confronting beloved sins and fostering an unblemished lifestyle, readers discover inner peace and courage to face the unknown. Byfield's timeless teachings resonate with modern audiences, offering a transformative guide to spiritual growth and fearlessness.
TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE AND NOBLE LADY
CHAPTER I: Showing the Scope and Parts of this Treatise
CHAPTER II: Proving that we may be cured of the fear of death
CHAPTER III: Showing how unseemly it is to fear death
CHAPTER IV: Showing that a Christian is happy in many ways in death
CHAPTER V: Revealing the Miseries of Life for the Wicked
CHAPTER VI: Revealing the Miseries of Godly Men in Life
CHAPTER VII: The Miseries of a Christian in Respect of God in this Life
CHAPTER VIII: The Misery of Life in Respect of Evil Angels
CHAPTER IX: The Misery of Life in Respect of the World
CHAPTER X: The Vanities of the Seeming Felicities of the World
CHAPTER XI: The Miseries of Life in Respect of Ourselves
CHAPTER XII: Comforts against the Pain of Death
CHAPTER XIII: Comforts against the Loss of the Body in Death
CHAPTER XIV: The Desire for Long Life Confuted
CHAPTER XV: Of Those Who Wish to Live to Do Good
CHAPTER XVI: Why Men May Not Take Their Own Lives to Escape the Miseries of Life
CHAPTER XVII: Why We Should Not Be Troubled to Part with Our Friends
CHAPTER XVIII: Why We Should Not Be Sorry to Leave the Pleasures of Life
CHAPTER XIX: Why We Should Not Be Reluctant to Leave the Honors of the World
CHAPTER XX: Why It Should Not Trouble Us to Part with Riches
CHAPTER XXI: Curing the Fear of Death Through Practice