Rev. John Brown
Thomas Gray to William Mason, 23 April 1757; Correspondence of Thomas Gray and William Mason, ed. John Mitford (1853) 76-77.
Dr. Brown's book [Estimate of the Manners and Principles of the Times] (I hear) is much admired in town, which I do not understand. I expected it would be admired here; but they affect not to like it, though I know they ought. What would you have me do? There is one thing in it I applaud, which is the dissertation against trade, for I have always said it was the ruin of the nation.