I resolved therefore once more to return, and in spite of their contempt to give them my advice, and conquer them by perseverance.

Going therefore among them again, I informed Mr Jenkinson of my design, at which he laughed heartily, but communicated it to the rest.

The proposal was received with the greatest good-humour, as it promised to afford a new fund of entertainment to persons who had now no other resource for mirth, but what could be derived from ridicule or debauchery.
I therefore read them a portion of the service with a loud unaffected voice, and found my audience perfectly merry upon the occasion.

Lewd whispers, groans of contrition burlesqued, winking and coughing, alternately excited laughter.

However, I continued with my natural solemnity to read on, sensible that what I did might amend some, but could itself receive no contamination from any.
After reading, I entered upon my exhortation, which was rather calculated at first to amuse them than to reprove.