Fine Sammelband with four theological works by Desiderius Erasmus, all published by the well-known Leiden printer Joannes Maire. The present work containing four 17th-century editions reflects the enduring popularity of Erasmus' didactic and theological writings nearly a century after his death.
Ad 1: Maire's 1641 (his only) edition of this compact Latin devotional treatise by Erasmus, offering a concise moral and theological commentary on two foundational elements of Christian doctrine: the Apostles' Creed and the Ten Commandments. The work was intended for private reflection or instructional use and it is a good example of Erasmus' characteristic blend of lucid humanist prose and practical Christian ethics, urging readers toward sincere faith and virtuous conduct.
Ad 2: A finely printed Latin edition of one of Erasmus' most celebrated devotional treatises "The Handbook of the Christian Soldier". The work serves as a practical guide to inner piety and spiritual discipline, advocating a faith grounded not in ritual or external observance but in the renewal of the heart and the imitation of Christ. It is preceded by a letter of Erasmus to Paulus Volsius, dated Basel, 15 August 1518.
Ad 3: A succinct yet profound devotional treatise by Erasmus, offering guidance on the true manner of prayer and the cultivation of inward piety. The present work distils Erasmus' humanist spirituality into a meditative discourse on sincerity, humility, and the necessity of aligning one's will with divine purpose. It rejects rote recitation and superstition in favour of heartfelt communion with God, reflecting the author's lifelong concern with the reform of Christian practice through education and interior devotion. It was written in the form of a letter to the Polish diplomat and palatine (voivode) of Inowroclaw and of Sieradz Hieronymus Jaroslaw Laski (1496-1542).
Ad 4: A thoughtful and conciliatory treatise by Erasmus, addressing the urgent need for unity and peace within a divided Christendom. Originally written and published in the aftermath of the early Reformation, it embodies the author's lifelong plea for moderation, mutual understanding, and the healing of ecclesiastical discord through charity and reason rather than dogmatic strife. The present work shows Erasmus' conviction that genuine reform must begin with the renewal of hearts and minds, not the multiplication of schisms, a message that remained relevant amid the theological turbulence of the 17th century. The work is preceded by a letter written by Erasmus to the last Catholic bishop of the Diocese of Naumburg, Julius von Pflug (1499-1564).
With an annotation in Latin on the front pastedown, 3 (owner's) inscriptions on the title page of ad 1 (''Sum Justi Caspari Scherii Berol. Marchici'' (Justus Caspar Scher (ca. 1700); "Johannes ...man. 1651." and "constat 32. gl"), and marginal annotations and underlining of the text in ad 2. The binding is somewhat dust soiled, slight foxing throughout. Otherwise in good condition. Ad 1: Breugelmans, Fac et spera, p. 475; Catalogue of the Erasmus collection in the City Library of Rotterdam, p. 128; STCN 840230494; USTC 1028902; Vander Haeghen, Bibliotheca Erasmiana, p. 105; ad 2: Breugelmans, Fac et spera, p. 473; Catalogue of the Erasmus collection in the City Library of Rotterdam, p. 98; STCN 114270627; USTC 1015925; Vander Haeghen, Bibliotheca Erasmiana, p. 83; cf. STCN 840231318; USTC 1028909 (both ref. for different issue, same ed.); ad 3: Breugelmans, Fac et spera, p. 477; Catalogue of the Erasmus collection in the City Library of Rotterdam, p. 148; STCN 840230583; USTC 1028904; Vander Haeghen, Bibliotheca Erasmiana, p. 121; cf. STCN 06126220X; USTC 1011884 (both ref. for different issue, same ed.); ad 4: Breugelmans, Fac et spera, p. 493; Catalogue of the Erasmus collection in the City Library of Rotterdam, p. 140; STCN 840230362; USTC 1028901; not in Vander Haeghen, Bibliotheca Erasmiana.