Eternity is today

Only by walking hand in hand with nature, only by a reverent and loving study of the mysteries for ever around us, is it possible to disabuse the mind of the narrow view, the contracted belief that time is now and eternity tomorrow. Eternity is today...

It is but a simple transition to conclude that with more extended knowledge, with wider sympathies, with greater powers - powers more equal to the vague longings of their minds, the human race would be as we are at this moment in the shadow of the chestnut-tree. No need of priest and lawyer; no need of armies or kings...

This blade of grass grows as high as it can, the nightingale there sings as sweetly as it can, the goldfinches feed to their full desire and lay down no arbitrary rules of life; the great sun above pours out its heat and light in a flood unrestrained. What is the meaning of this hieroglyph, which is repeated in a thousand thousand other ways and shapes, which meets us at every turn? It is evident that all living creatures, from the zoophyte upwards, plant, reptile, bird, animal, and in his natural state - in his physical frame - man also, strive with all their powers to obtain as perfect an existence as possible. It is the one great law of their being, followed from birth to death.'

Richard Geffories (1848-1887)

From 'Nature and Eternity', The Hills and the Vale