The parson knows accurately, from lessons which he has learned unknowingly, the extent of evil and the extent of good will that exists around him. Against gross profligacy and loud sin he can inveigh boldly, and he can make men and women quake in their shoes by telling them the punishment which will follow such courses.
But with the peccadilloes dear to the rustic mind he knows how to make compromises, and can put up with a little drunkenness, with occasional sabbath-breaking, with ordinary oaths, and with church somnolence. He does not expect much from human nature, and is thankful for moderate results.
Anthony Trollope, Clergymen of the Church of England, 1865
In other words, he knows that good enough is often good enough.
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