Page:The Works of Samuel Johnson ... A journey to the Hebrides. The vision of Theodore, the hermit of Teneriffe. The fountains. Prayers and meditations. Sermons.v. 10-11. Parliamentary debates.pdf/431

 the wisest of mankind; if wealth can purchase happiness, he had so much gold, that silver was little regarded. Over all these advantages, presided a mind, in the highest degree disposed to magnificence and voluptuousness, so eager in pursuit of gratification, that, alas! after every other price had been bid for happiness, religion and virtue were brought to the sale. But, after the anxiety of his inquiries, the weariness of his labours, and the loss of his innocence, he obtained only this conclusion: "I have seen all the works that are done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit."

That this result of Solomon's experience, thus solemnly bequeathed by him to all generations, may not be transmitted to us without its proper use; let us diligently consider,

vanity.
 * In what sense we are to understand, that all is

ought to influence the conduct of life.
 * How far the conviction, that all is vanity,

mind may deduce from the position, that all is vanity.
 * What consequences the serious and religious

When we examine, first, in what sense we are to understand that all is vanity; we must remember, that the preacher is not speaking of religious practices, or of any actions immediately commanded by God, or directly referred to him; but of such employments as we pursue by choice, and such works as we perform in hopes of a recompense in the present life; such as flatter the imagination with pleasing scenes, and probable increase of temporal felicity; of this he determines that all is vanity, and every hour confirms his determination.

The event of all human endeavours is uncertain. He that plants may gather no fruit; he that sows may reap no harvest. Even the most simple operations are liable to miscarriage, from causes which we cannot foresee; and if we could foresee them, cannot prevent. What can be more vain than the confidence of man, when the annual