Promontorium malæ spei: impiis periculose navigantibus propositum - Zehentner, Paul 1589-1648 (Haupt; Widmanstadt Graz, 1643)
Jesuit warning of the consequences of licentiousness ("Promontory, thoughts of hope for the wicked goal that sailed dangerously. Whether it is a sign of rejection and note: procrastination of repentance written precautionary men's amendment is reluctance, sometimes hope to repent.")
First and only edition of a Latin edifying text on moral and religious issues by the Jesuit Paul Zehentner (1589-1648), preacher at the Graz court of the widow of the Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand II and teacher of grammar, the humanities and the Holy Scripture at Millestadt in Austria. A moral-theological treatment of state theory, astrology and magic, intended to highlight the dangers of licentious behaviour.
It provides our first known reference to the tragedy of Leontius, a play Zehentner saw at the Jesuit University in Ingolstadt in 1615, and which was to serve as a prototype for the Don Juan legend (Keefe, Mozart studies, p. 140).
Zehentner dedicated the book to Leonardus Helfridus, Count at Maggau, 26 October 1643, and received a privilege from the Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand III.
Engraved allegorical frontispiece and a richly designed armorial and emblematic dedication plate, both by David Tscherning.
index
Keywords: Jesuits; 17th Century (1601-1700); History; Moral education; Theology; Catholicism; Religion