Improprieties in Public Worship.
THE following anecdote of Garrick and Dr. Stonehouse, from the Countess of Huntington's Life and Times, is well worthy the attention of clergymen, some of whom, we doubt not, occasionally lay themselves open to a rebuke similar to the one given by the British Roscius: Dr. Stonehouse is said to have been one of the most correct and elegant preachers in the kingdom. When he entered into the holy orders he took occasion to profit by his acquaintance with Garrick, to procure from him some valuable instruction in elocution. Being once engaged to read prayers and 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 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 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 backward and forward, and turned the leaves as carelessly as if they were those of a day-book or ledger." The Doctor was wise enough to see the force of these observations, and ever after he avoided the faults they were designed to reprove.