This is an apologue of misplaced confidence in things earthly.
"Anglo-Saxon Literature"
John Earle
The apologue, I may say in passing, is not Mr. Spencer's; it is by the author of the "Vestiges," and will be found on page 161 of the 1853 edition of that book; but let this pass.
"Luck or Cunning?"
Samuel Butler
Being asked his views on a future life he replied by this apologue: "One of my friends in Italy, seeing the sign of an inn, asked if that was the Angel."
"A Biographical Dictionary of Freethinkers of All Ages and Nations"
Joseph Mazzini Wheeler