THE FEAR OF DEATH.

Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, 11 September 1912, Page 7

THE FEAR OF DEATH.

The first element in the fear of death is an idea of physical pain. It is natural that this should be connected with the idea of death, for in many instances intense pain precedes death. The two, however, are far from being invariable accompaniments. Intense pain may be followed by life as well as by death. We must distinguish between the fear of pain and the fear of death. Death may be absolutely painless, and, besides this, the fact must be recognised that death is but a point of time—an instant, a second—and that neither the preliminary process nor the immediate dissolution is constantly attended by pain. Even the worst death may be welcomed as bringing a release from suffering. So let us thrust aside the notion of pain and,keep carefully separated from it the fear of death. Second, is the idea of the mystery of the change. Let us keep closely in mind what death is— it is an instantaneous change. Qn'e moment was life, the next was not life. One instant was the exercise of vital energies, the next their total stoppage. One second one was with this world, the next he is gone from it for ever. One canont think of death and not think of the mystery of the change and the lonesomeness of it. Everyone has to encounter it for and by himself. Third, is the idea of that which is beyond death. This idea also is inseparable from the contemplation of the change. Whether one believes in a life beyond the grave, or an anriiEilation, makes no difference. There is something beyond, and the dread of that mystery . -

"Puzzles the will And makes us rather bear the ills we have

Than fly to others than we know not of."