"True happiness is seated in the mind, and within every one's reach If our fortune is not adequate to our wishes, let us confine our wishes to our fortune."
— Trusler, John (1735-1820)
Author
Place of Publication
London
Publisher
Printed for and published by the Rev. J. Trusler
Date
1790
Metaphor
"True happiness is seated in the mind, and within every one's reach If our fortune is not adequate to our wishes, let us confine our wishes to our fortune."
Metaphor in Context
When any man is discontented with his situation in life, let him compare it with that of others; let him consider whether those riches, that rank and power which many enjoy, do not carry more torments with them, than real happiness; and let us also look into the situation of those below us, and see, whether we are not in possession of many comforts which others want; others, perhaps, who have had better expectations in life, and are more deserving than ourselves. This should surely prevent us from repining at our own misfortunes, and make us thankful to Providence for the blessings he has been pleased to bestow upon us. True happiness is seated in the mind, and within every one's reach If our fortune is not adequate to our wishes, let us confine our wishes to our fortune. Let us make the best of our situation, and not lose the enjoyments of the present moment, in looking forward to the future; that future may never arrive, and if it does, it will bring with it an equal share of bitterness. Let us learn then, as St. Paul teaches us,
in whatever state we are, therewith to be content;
and let us remember, that however enviable a more exalted state of life may appear, there is no state but what has its attendant cases, and that All is not Gold that Glitters.
(pp. 127-8)
in whatever state we are, therewith to be content;
and let us remember, that however enviable a more exalted state of life may appear, there is no state but what has its attendant cases, and that All is not Gold that Glitters.
(pp. 127-8)
Categories
Provenance
ECCO-TCP
Citation
Only 1 entry in ESTC (1790).
See Proverbs Exemplified, and Illustrated by Pictures from Real Life. Teaching Morality and a Knowledge of the World; With Prints. Designed As a Succession-Book to Æsop's Fables. ([London]: Printed for and published by the Rev. J. Trusler, and sold at the Literary-Press, and by all booksellers. London May, 1, 1790). <Link to ESTC><Link to ECCO-TCP>
See Proverbs Exemplified, and Illustrated by Pictures from Real Life. Teaching Morality and a Knowledge of the World; With Prints. Designed As a Succession-Book to Æsop's Fables. ([London]: Printed for and published by the Rev. J. Trusler, and sold at the Literary-Press, and by all booksellers. London May, 1, 1790). <Link to ESTC><Link to ECCO-TCP>
Date of Entry
03/12/2014
