during the life of the author, and published by Carnan and Newbery, who were the proprietors of the work, and one of whom was the original purchaser of the copy-right. Next to that, the most authentick copy which the editors have seen, is that contained in the Miscellaneous Works of Oliver Goldsmith, M. B. in four octavo volumes, printed in London, in the year 1801. In this, the unwarrantable alterations of previous editions are, with a few exceptions, discarded. In the present edition, particular pains have been taken to avoid the prevailing fault of American publications, inaccuracy in printing. As to orthography, the dictionary of Dr. Johnson has been taken as the only correct standard in the English language. It seems to be so considered and acknowledged by the best judges in Great Britain, and has, accordingly, been resorted to, as authority, in all publications from the LoRENZO PRESS. The editors believe that in this volume, every word is accurately spelt, according to that standard; and therefore think themselves authorized to pronounce it the most correctly printed book in the language. PHILADELPHIA, ADVERTISEMENT. 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 errours; 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 majestick 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. THE VICAR OF WAKEFIELD. CHAPTER I. THE DESCRIPTION OF THE FAMILY OF WAKEFIELD: IN WHICH A KINDRED LIKENESS PREVAILS, AS WELL OF MINDS AS OF PERSONS. I WAS ever of opinion, that the honest man who married, and brought up a large family, did more service than he who continued single, and only talked of population. From this motive, I had scarce taken orders a year, before I began to think seriously of matrimony, and chose my wife, as she did her wedding-gown, not for a fine glossy surface, but such qualities as would wear well. To do her justice, she was a good-natured, notable woman; and as for breeding, there were few country ladies who could show more. She could read any English book without much B |