Written in 1624, during Donne's recovery from a dangerous illness. Here,
as elsewhere, Walton is our best commentator:
"Within a few dayes his distempers abated; and as his strength
increased, so did his thankfulnesse to Almighty God, testified in his
_book of Devotions_, which he published at his recovery. In which the
reader may see, the most secret thoughts that then possest his soul,
Paraphrased and made publick; a book that may not unfitly be called a
Sacred picture of spiritual extasies, occasioned and applyable to the
emergencies of that sicknesse, which being a composition of
_Meditations_, _disquisitions_ and _prayers_, he writ on his sick-bed;
herein imitating the holy Patriarchs, who were wont to build their
Altars in that place, where they had received their blessings."
Donne's _Devotions upon Emergent Occasions and Several Steps in my
Sickness_ was published in 1624, and dedicated "To the most excellent
prince, Prince Charles."