The celebrated & Reverend T. Screech Me Dead attacking the devil in his strong hold [graphic].[approximately 1818]engIn a clear parody of Hogarth's "Sleeping Congregation" this scene in a dissenting chapel, shows the preacher leaning from the pulpit, his fist raised as he shouts to the congregation below. A squirrel sits on the canopy of pulpit gnawing on a nut. While some of the congregation in the foreground and those in the background in a raised pew or balcony look up at the preacher, most are smiling at their neighbors and exchanging amorous glances. A chandelier hangs from the upper margin, beside it an inscription: "My friends fear nothing! Follow the first and good commandment -- increase & multiply! Defy as I do Beelzebub & all his crew. We are as innocent lambs passing our evenings here in love and harmony. Hearken not to backsliders, attend regularly & your feelings shall be gratified."Title from item.Publication date from British Museum catalogue.