Annotated Edition including:

. A beautiful and Easy to Read Layout

. Notes

. A biography

. A bibliography.

LAST year, for my own spiritual benefit especially, I composed a "Gradual to ascend unto God from the Contemplation of created objects." Now, since it hath pleased God to prolong my old age a little longer, I wish to meditate on that heavenly country to which all the sons of Adam ardently aspire, who dwell, lamenting and weeping, in this valley of death; and these meditations I desire to write, lest they perish. Wherefore in the Holy Scriptures, which may be compared to "Consoling Letters" sent unto us in this our exile from heaven by our Father, I find four names mentioned, from which we may in a manner learn what are the good things of that land. The names are, -Paradise, Mansion, City, and a Kingdom.

Hence these four words mean one and the same thing; and the Paradise is so extensive, that it can truly be called a House, City, and Kingdom. Wherefore, concerning this most blessed place I will first, under the word "Kingdom"; then under that of a "City;" afterwards under that of a "House;" and, lastly, under the word "Paradise" meditate in the chamber of my heart; and, with God's assistance, commit to writing what He shall please to suggest unto me.