Historical references to London's sounds

Thomas Brown hears prayer-bills read in a London church

Before Sermon began, the Clark in a Slit Stick (contrived for that purpose at a Serious Consult by the Famous Architects and Engineers, Sir C. W. and Col. Pickpeper) handed up to the Pulpit a Number of Prayer-Bills, containg the Humble Petitions of divers Devoto's, for a supply of what they wanted, and the removal of their Afflictions.

One was a Bill from a Courtier, that having a good Post, desired he might keep it for his Life, without being call'd to an Account for Neglect, or Mismanagement; and that he might continue without controul, God's Servant in Ordinary, and the King's Special Favourite.

A Young Virgin, apprehensive of her Wants, and Weaknesses, being about to enter into the Holy State of Matrimony, prayed for proportionable Gifts and Graces, to enable her for such an Under-Taking.

Some Pray'd for Good Matches for their Daughters, and good Offices for their Sons; others beg'd Children for themselves: And sure the Husband that allows his Wife to ask Children Abroad, will be so Civil as to take them Home when they are given him.

Now came abundance of Bills from such as were going Voyages to Sea, and others that were taking long Journeys by Land; both Praying for the Gift of Chastity for their Wives, and Fidelity for their Prentices, till they should return again. Then the Bills of Complaint coming in thick and threefold, Humbly shewing that many Citizens Wives, had hard Hearts, Undutiful Husbands, and Disobedient Children, which they heartily Pray'd to be quit of; I discharg'd my Ears from their Attendance on so Melancholy a Subject, and employed my Eyes on the variety of Diverting Faces in the Gallery.