If all things abovesaid may not be done, for hastiness[1] and shortness of time, then put forth prayers; and namely such as be directed to our Saviour, specially Our Lord Jesu Christ. When man is in point of death, and hasteth fast to his end, then should no carnal friends, nor wife, nor children, nor riches, nor no temporal goods, be reduced[2] unto his mind, neither be communed of before him; only as much as spiritual health and profit of the sick man asketh and requireth.
In this matter that is of our last and most great need, all manner of points and sentences[3] thereof, and adverbs also that be put thereto, should most subtly and diligently be charged and considered of every man;[4] forasmuch as there shall no man be rewarded for his words alone, but for his deeds also joined and according to his words. As it is said in the book cleped Compendium of the Truth of Divinity, the second book, the tenth chapter : That what man that lusteth, and will gladly die well and surely and meritorily, without peril, he must take heed visibly, and study and learn diligently this craft of dying, and the dispositions thereof abovesaid, while he is in heal; and not abide till the death entereth in him.
For sooth, dear sister or brother, I tell thee sooth, believe me thereof, that when death or great sickness
