Stonehouse, James

Stonehouse, James,

Sir, an English baronet and clergyman was born near Abingdon, Berkshire, July 20, 1716. He succeeded to the title of baronet late in life, by the death of his relative, Sir James Stonehouse. Educated at Winchester School, he entered St. John's College, Oxford, where he took his master's degree in 1739, and his degrees in medicine 1742 and 1745. After several more years devoted to the study of medicine at home and abroad, he settled in Northampton, where he had a very extensive practice. After practicing for twenty years, he left his profession, with the purpose of entering the ministry. He was ordained deacon and priest in two successive weeks, by special favor of the bishop of Hereford; and in 1764 was presented to the living of Little Cheverell, and in 1779 to that of Great Cheverell. He died at Bristol-Wells, Dec. 8, 1795. Having imbibed infidel notions from Dr. Nichols, one of his instructors, he wrote a keen pamphlet against revealed religion, the third edition of which, however, he burned. Greatly regretting his former acts of opposition, he devoted himself to his work as minister, and also wrote several tracts: Considerations on Some Particular Sins, and on the Means of Doing Good Bodily and Spiritually: — St. Paul's Exhortation and Motive to Support the Weak or Sick Poor: — A Short Explanation of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, etc.: — Hints to a Curate for the Management of a Parish: — A Serious Address to the Parishioners of Great Cheverell.