"Mirth, and even cheerfulness, when employed as remedies in low spirits, are like hot water to a frozen limb"

This quote by Benjamin Rush is a metaphor that compares the results of mirth and happiness to hot water on a frozen limb. It suggests that when someone is feeling low, mirth and cheerfulness can be used as treatments to assist them feel better. The metaphor indicates that mirth and happiness can be used to thaw out a person's frozen spirit, just as warm water can be utilized to thaw out a frozen limb. The quote recommends that mirth and happiness can be utilized to help someone who is feeling down to discover delight and happiness again. It is a suggestion that even in the darkest of times, there is still hope and that mirth and cheerfulness can be utilized to help lift somebody's spirits.