Article June 20, 1925 Issue

Longevity

ALWYN A. STEWART

From ancient times some expression of desire for long life has been used as a greeting. "O king, live for ever," are the words of Daniel in the Old Testament; but we find the Psalmist declaring that "threescore years and ten" constitute the limit of human existence, and that "if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow."

The human mind, ever ready, when not guided by the divine Mind, to go down under the suggestions of error, has accepted the lower estimate, and has generally looked upon those who have passed the Psalmist's limit as having ceased to be of much practical use in the world,—as merely hanging on in a state of second childhood. Christian Science is showing that this limited view is not correct, and that we should have an expectation of continuous life, passed without the unfortunate happenings that would mar its orderly and progressive unfoldment.

Mrs. Eddy writes in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (pp. 223, 224), "Longevity is increasing;" and in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 29) she says, "The census since 1875 (the date of the first publication of my work, 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures') shows that longevity has increased." This fact is also attested in the report for 1923 of the Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry of Health in England, and referred to in the editorial columns of the Times (London), where it was stated: "The facts and figures ... justify the conclusion that this greater expectation of life is likely to be permanent. It may even be extended as the years pass.... Old age will be counted on, like youth and middle age. It may even be pledged in advance to definite aims and purposes."

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