rd in the land. George Whitfield,
John Wesley, and a few other brave men, whose hearts were roused by the
Spirit of God, went up and down the country proclaiming the glad tidings
of the cross, which for so long had been as an idle tale to the
English people.

The wave of religious awakening had touched the highest circles of
London society; and when Hannah More received her flattering welcome
from fashion, wit, and genius in 1773, the spirit of indifference and
neglect had given way in a slight degree to a spirit of inquiry and
anxious concern. There was, however, no perceptible change as yet in the
utter worldliness of the times, or in the low standard of morals.

It was a perilous thing for a young woman like Hannah More, with her
enthusiasm, talents, and general attractiveness, to be suddenly launched
in the turbid though fascinating current of London society. But the
admirable training in strict moral principles with which she had been
privileged furnished weapons of defence against the more specious
temptations which presented themselves; whilst her quick discernment
easily penetrated the thin shell of external polish covering
worthlessness of character. It was also fortunate for her that at the
outset of her London experience she became acquainted with such a
sterling man as Dr. Johnson.

A few days after her arrival she was introduced to David Garrick and his
wife. The famous actor had seen a letter of hers to a mutual friend,
extolling one of his theatrical performances. He forthwith secured an
interview, which resulted in favourable impressions on both sides, of
amiability and intellectual powers. A very cordial friendship ensued.

Garrick's social circle was now thrown open to Miss More. At his house
she first met Mrs. Elizabeth Montague, the authoress of an _Essay on the
Writings and Genius of Shakespeare_, a work which brought around the
writer the best literary men of the time.

Miss More's introduction to Dr. Johnson took place at the house of Sir
Joshua Reynolds. This event, though much desired, was not without dread,
lest the great man should happen to be in one of his querulous moods.
All fear vanished on her seeing the Doctor approach with a smile on his
rugged countenance, and Sir Joshua's macaw perched on his hand. Her
surprise may be imagined when he greeted her with a verse from a Morning
Hymn of her own composition.

The following extracts are from letters written by one of Hannah's
vivacio