Time&Eternity

38 chapter 1
In expressions such as “at all times,” the plural of time has the meaning
of “always” in all three languages. Furthermore, “times” characterizes the
change and the succession of different periods, such as old, difficult, stormy,
changing, and new times. Particularly in German, the plural often appears,
even at this point, to be a result of the requirements of rhyme. In Swedish,
one likes to speak of eternal time and also of eternal times, 164 which corresponds
to the occasional use of “eternal ages” 165 in the AHB. 166 “New times”
can have a time-immanent as well as a time-transcendent meaning, that is,
either they are new periods within time, or they signal a complete transition
into eternity. 167
If time is placed in relation to eternity, it often occurs according to a
clear pattern. Time does not necessarily have a negative character, but its
temporary nature is seen more or less as a comfortable prelude to heavenly
peace and songs of praise. 168 This time-eternity perspective based on the
pattern “here the (preparation) time—there the peace” has a long tradition
in classical hymns. It is based upon a distinction between time and eternity
that is not always strictly expressed in the terminology, but which can be
verified by the comparison of the characteristics of time and eternity. Time
is short and fraught with difficulty; eternity means peace. 169 In time, one is
encouraged to “watch, pray, and fight,” 170 while in eternity, one speaks of
coming home, of songs of praise, of restfulness and peace. 171 While time can
signify torment, eternity is comfort. 172 In eternity, no one ages; and, indeed,
there is simultaneity with God. 173 Darkness, coverings, and veils belong to
time, whereas clarity is the mark of eternity. 174 In short, time corresponds to
night; 175 eternity symbolizes morning, day, and summer. 176
However, I do not wish to give the impression that time has been described
in a purely unfavorable manner. The classical hymns certainly know
how to distinguish between good and splendid times on the one hand, and
evil and bad times on the other; but, due to their preliminary nature, both
are defined by eternity, and each, in its own way, is at its service. 177 The bad
times, on the one hand, strengthen eternity’s dimensions of comfort and
hope: The more wretched one’s time is in the vale of tears, the brighter the
brilliant glow of eternity. 178 Good times, on the other hand, vastly increase
the expectations for eternity: If it is so lovely now, just imagine what it will
be like then! 179
A feature common to many hymns, particularly older ones, is therefore
the primacy of eternity. The quality of time is not defined in reference to itself,
but rather by its subordination to eternity.
Ein Tag, der sagt dem andern,
mein Leben sei ein Wandern
zur großen Ewigkeit.