midnight
John rose , smiling , and as he did so said , `` Was that the way Methodism began , mother ? '' `` To be sure , it was . It began in the lanes and streets and in the barns and kitchens of old manor houses like Hatton Hall . Your great-grandfather used to say it was like a loud cry at midnight startling the sleepy world . '' `` It was the most picturesque domestic event of last century , as well as a religious -- '' `` Picturesque ! I never thought of Methodism in that way , John ; but I 'll tell thee , it took the very heart of Yorkshire and set it to song and prayer -- and cotton-spinning . It stopped a deal of gambling and racing and dog-and cock-fighting , and chapels and mills grew together all over the length and breadth of Yorkshire .