Found in Marcia Schuyler

The Vicar of Wakefield

 Written by Oliver Goldsmith and published in 1766.

From its first pages:

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 himse3lf 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 humour, 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

Read this book online

  • All
  • A Daily Rate
  • An Unwilling Guest
  • A Voice In The Wilderness
  • Beauty For Ashes
  • Because Of Stephen
  • Happiness Hill
  • In The Way
  • Job's Niece
  • Katherine's Yesterday
  • Marcia Schuyler
  • Not Under The Law
  • The Christmas Bride
  • The City Of Fire
  • The Enchanted Barn
  • The Honor Girl
  • The Red Signal