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There are a hundred faults in this Thing, and a hundred things
might be said to prove them beauties. But it is needless. A book may
be amusing with numerous errors, or it may be very dull without a
single absurdity. The hero of this piece unites in himself the three
greatest characters upon earth; he is a priest, a husbandman, and the
father of a family. He is drawn as ready to teach and ready to obey; as
simple in affluence, and majestic in adversity. In this age of opulence
and refinement, whom can such a character please? Such as are fond of
high life will turn with disdain from the simplicity of his country
fireside. Such as mistake ribaldry for humor will find no wit in his
harmless conversation; and such as have been taught to deride religion
will laugh at one whose chief stores of comfort are drawn from
futurity.
OLIVER GOLDSMITH.