How gladly would I meet mortality, my sentence, and be earth in sensible! How glad would lay me down, as in my mother's lap! There I should rest, and sleep secure.
Interpretation
The quote expresses a longing for peace and acceptance of death as a return to a state of comfort akin to being in a mother's arms.
In this quote, John Milton reflects on the themes of mortality and the deep desire for tranquility that comes with accepting one's death. He likens the end of life to a restful return to a nurturing state, evoking feelings of safety and innocence, much like a child resting in their mother's lap. This metaphorical imagery illustrates how the concept of mortality can be seen not only as an end but also as a release into a state of peace and security.
In practice
This quote can be used in a eulogy to express a comforting perspective on death.
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.
The evangelical movement has become just a bit victimized by a success-oriented culture, wanting the church - like the corporation - to be successful.
For instance, we're always fighting amongst each other. Who gives us the arms? And then we become indebted to wherever we are buying them from - with what? The very resources we need to keep there.
What on earth prompted you to take a hand in this?" "I don't know. My… my code of morals, perhaps." "Your code of morals. What code, if I may ask?" "Comprehension.
If you try to create a type, you may end with nothing. If you do a good job of creating an individual, you may succeed at creating a type.
Some men never feel small, but these are the few men who are.
What's happened at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq is one of the grossest violations of human rights under the Geneva Conventions that we have record of. It is simply monstrous.
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