Article April 9, 1910 Issue

THE LAST ENEMY OVERCOME

COUNTESS FANNY VON MOLTKE.

The Bible tells us that "the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death." What, then, can we do to overcome this enemy? This seems to be a task too great to begin with, and yet it has to be undertaken, and there must be a way to complete it. This way is pointed out very clearly in John's Gospel, where Christ Jesus says, in speaking to the Jews: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death;" and again, "I seek not mine own glory." These are the conditions which make it possible for us to overcome "the last enemy," or death. We have to "keep" the saying of our Master, and not seek our own glory.

In regard to these words of Jesus, our text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, says: "That statement is not confined to spiritual life, but includes all the phenomena of existence. Jesus demonstrated this, healing the dying and raising the dead. Mortal mind must part with error, must put off itself with its deeds, and immortal manhood, the Christ ideal, will appear. Faith should enlarge its borders and strengthen its base by resting upon Spirit instead of matter. When man gives up his belief in death, he will advance more rapidly toward God, Life, and Love" (p. 429).

How can it be more clearly pointed out, than in these statements, what we have to do to conquer death? But do we follow these precepts? Do we not say that this great proof of Life eternal will be demonstrated in times to come, by generations yet unborn? Do we not cling to the thought that our generation has still to go through death, that for us it is impossible to overcome this enemy? Why is this? Is it not because we seek our own glory more than the glory of our Father in heaven? Do we look to Life, Truth, and Love alone? Are we happy in working only for the great Cause of Christian Science, or is there a seeking to bring out personality, a longing for place and power? Cannot each one of us to whom the words of our Master are illumined by the glorious teachings of Christian Science do more than we are doing in striving to overcome evil, hate, envy, jealousy, misunderstandings, etc., and in doing so shall we not then come nearer to the time when the last enemy shall be destroyed? This belief that the time for this demonstration has not yet come is no help to us; nay, it is a hindrance. Let us know, every day, that in reality there is no death.

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