God has lent us the earth for our life; it is a great entail. It belongs as much to those who are to come after us, and whose names are already written in the book of creation, as to us; and we have no right, by anything that we do or neglect, to involve them in unnecessary penalties, or deprive them of benefits which it was in our power to bequeath.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the idea that we have a moral obligation to take care of the earth for future generations. The earth is seen as a precious inheritance that should not be mistreated or exploited. It reminds us that our actions, or lack thereof, can have consequences for those who will follow us. We should not selfishly prioritize our own interests and disregard the welfare of those who will inherit this planet. Instead, we should act responsibly to ensure that we leave a healthy and sustainable world for future generations.