As Leonard passed Saint Michael's church, in Basinghall-street, he perceived, to his great surprise, that it was lighted up, and at first supposed some service was going on within it, but on approaching he heard strains of lively and most irreverent music issuing from within.

Pushing open the door, he entered the sacred edifice, and found it occupied by a party of twenty young men, accompanied by a like number of females, some of whom were playing at dice and cards, some drinking, others singing Bacchanalian melodies, others dancing along the aisles to the notes of a theorbo and spinet.
Leonard was so inexpressibly shocked by what he beheld, that unable to contain himself he mounted the steps of the pulpit, and called to them in a loud voice to desist from their scandalous conduct, and no longer profane the house of God.

But they treated his remonstrances with laughter and derision, and some of the party forming themselves into a group round the pulpit, entreated him to preach to them.
"We want a little variety," said one of the group, a good-looking young man, upon whom the wine had evidently made some impression--"we are tired of drinking and play, and may as well listen to a sermon, especially an original one.

Hold forth to us, I say." "I would, hold forth till daybreak, if I thought it would produce any impression," returned Leonard.

"But I perceive you are too hardened to be aroused to repentance." "Repentance!" cried another of the assemblage.