Note 267 — Chapter V · EMOTIONAL AND IMITATIVE LANGUAGE.

‘There prevailed in those days an indecent custom; when the preacher touched any favourite topick in a manner that delighted his audience, their approbation was expressed by a loud hum, continued in proportion to their zeal or pleasure. When Burnet preached, part of his congregation hummed so loudly and so long, that he sat down to enjoy it, and rubbed his face with his handkerchief. When Sprat preached, he likewise was honoured with the like animating hum, but he stretched out his hand to the congregation, and cried, “Peace, peace; I pray you, peace.”’ Johnson, ‘Life of Sprat.’