Note 75 — Chapter IX

Dr. Stonhouse is said to have been one of the most correct and elegant preachers in the kingdom. When he entered into holy orders he took occasion to profit by his acquaintance with Garrick, to procure from him some valuable instructions in elocution. Being once engaged to read prayers and to preach at a church in the city, he prevailed upon Garrick to go with him. After the service, the British Roscius asked the Doctor what particular business he had to do when the duty was over. “None,” said the other. “I thought you had (said Garrick), on seeing you enter the reading-desk in such a hurry. Nothing (added he) can be more indecent than to see a clergyman set about sacred business as if he were a tradesman, and go into the church as if he wanted to get out of it as soon as possible.” He next asked the Doctor “what books he had in the desk before him?” “Only the Bible and Prayer Book.” “Only the Bible and Prayer Book (replied the player); why you tossed them backwards and forwards, and turned the leaves as carelessly, as if they were those of a day-book and ledger.” The Doctor was wise enough to see the force of these observations, and ever after avoided the faults they were designed to reprove.