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/433

 *tain what we expected. What appeared great when we desired it, seems little when it is attained; the wish is still unsatisfied, and something always remains behind, without which the gratification is incomplete. He that rises to greatness finds himself in danger; he that obtains riches perceives that he cannot gain esteem. He that is caressed, sees interest lurking under kindness; and he that hears his own praises, suspects that he is flattered. Discontent and doubt are always pursuing us. Our endeavours end without performance, and performance ends without satisfaction.

But, since this uncertainty and imperfection is the lot which our Creator has appointed for us, we are to inquire,

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

Human actions may be distinguished into various classes. Some are actions of duty, which can never be vain, because God will reward them. Yet these actions, considered as terminating in this world, will often produce vexation. It is our duty to admonish the vitious, to instruct the ignorant, and relieve the poor; and our admonitions will, sometimes, produce anger, instead of amendment; our instructions will be sometimes bestowed upon the perverse, the stupid, and the inattentive; and our charity will be sometimes misapplied by those that receive it; and, instead of feeding the hungry, will pamper the intemperate; but these disappointments do not make good actions vain, though they show us how much all success depends upon causes on which we have no influence.

There are likewise actions of necessity; these are often vain and vexatious; but such is the order of the world, that they cannot be omitted. He that will eat bread, must plough and sow; though it is not certain that he who ploughs and sows shall eat bread. It is appointed, that life should be sustained by labour; and we must not sink down in sullen idleness, when our industry is per