What about him? His friends brought him forward as a case for the Commissioners of Lunacy to take in hand, on the ground that he was weak of intellect, and unfit to manage his business. It might be asked whether such a name was not likely to drive him to the state specified in the petition.
While on the subject of birth, we may notice that the Presbyterian clergy were determined to visit the sins of the parents on the children in cases of illegitimacy. A few instances must suffice:
“1589, Aug. 3. Baptized Helpless Henley, a bastard.”—Berwick, Sussex.
“1608, Aug. 14. Baptized Repent Champney, a bastard.”—Warbleton.
“1599, May 13. Baptized Repentance, d. of Martha Henley, a bastard.”—Warbleton.
“1600, Mch. 26. Baptized Lament, d. of Anne Willard, a bastard.”—Ditto.
“1600, April 13. Baptized Repentance Gilbert, a bastard.”—Cranbrook.
“1598, Jan. 27. Baptized Forsaken, filius meretricis Agnetis Walton.”—Sedgefield.
“1609, Dec. 17. Baptized Flie-fornication, the bace son of Catren Andrewes.”—Waldron.
This is more kindly, but an exceptional case: