For other things mild Heav'n a time ordains, And disapproves that care, though wise in show, That with superfluous burden loads the day, And when God sends a cheerful hour, refrains.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of balance and the need to let go of burdensome worries to embrace joyful moments.
John Milton suggests that while life presents challenges and responsibilities, it is wise to avoid overloading oneself with unnecessary concerns. Instead, one should recognize when divine or fortunate moments occur and be willing to partake in them without the weight of excessive anxiety or rigid adherence to duty.
In practice
During a motivational speech to remind people to enjoy life and balance their responsibilities.
They, looking back, all the eastern side beheld Of Paradise, so late their happy seat, Waved over by that flaming brand, the gate With dreadful faces thronged and fiery arms: Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon; The world was all before them, where to choose Their place of rest, and Providence their guide; They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow, Through Eden took their solitary way.
The stars, that nature hung in heaven, and filled their lamps with everlasting oil, give due light to the misled and lonely traveller.
Ev'n them who kept thy truth so pure of old, When all our fathers worshipp'd stocks and stones.
Abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is and saw Virtue in her shape how lovely: and pined his loss
The end of all learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love and imitate Him.
Apt words have power to suage the tumors of a troubled mind.
He that wants money, means, and content is without three good friends.
Good order is the foundation of all things.
No man is invincible, and therefore no man can fully understand that which would make him invincible. Even with complete and thorough study there is always the possibility of being defeated and although one may be expert in a particular form, mastery is something a man never stops seeking to attain.
In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.
Sometimes God lets you hit rock bottom so that you will discover He is the Rock at the bottom.
You can be helping many people, but if you are not helping yourself, you have missed the one person you were born to heal.
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