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  ALL SHADOW AND VANITY
  by Thomas Brooks
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Summary: The world is a temporary and fleeting place, and we should not
become overly attached to its pleasures and things.

Topics: "Eternal Perspective", "Vanity of the World"
Scripture References: Psalm 39:5, Proverbs 31:30, Ecclesiastes 1:2, Isaiah 40:6-8, Matthew 6:19-21, Luke 12:15, 2 Corinthians 4:18, Colossians 3:2, James 4:14, 1 John 2:17

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DESCRIPTION
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Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound emptiness of worldly pursuits,
echoing Solomon's declaration that all is vanity. He illustrates that
the pleasures and achievements of this life are fleeting and ultimately
unsatisfying, akin to a shadow that quickly fades away. Brooks urges
listeners to recognize the transient nature of earthly joys and the
futility of seeking fulfillment in them, as they are ultimately
deceptive and lead to disappointment. He draws parallels between worldly
allurements and the forbidden fruit, highlighting their superficial
appeal but deadly consequences. The sermon calls for a deeper
understanding of true value beyond the vanity of this world.

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CONTENT
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"Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of

vanities; all is vanity." Ecclessiastes 1:2

In all the ages of the world, this testimony of Solomon

holds good. The things of this world are not only vain;

but vanity in the abstract. They are excessive vanity;

vanity of vanities; yes, they are a heap of vanity;

vanity of vanities.

All in heaven write 'vanity of vanities' upon all worldly

things; and all in hell write 'vanity of vanities' upon all

worldly things: and why should not all on earth write

'vanity of vanities' upon all worldly things?

The world is all shadow and vanity. The world is

like Jonah's gourd--a man may sit under its shadow

for a while--but it soon withers, decays, and dies.

He who shall but weigh . . .

man's pains with his pay,

his miseries with his mercies,

his sorrows with his joys,

his crosses with his comforts,

his needs with his enjoyments, etc.,

may well cry out, "Oh the vanity and

uncertainty of all these earthly things!"

All the great, the mirthful, the glorious things of the

world, may fitly be resembled to the fruit which undid

us all, which was fair to the sight, smooth in handling,

sweet in taste--but deadly in operation!

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/all-shadow-and-vanity/
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