We must not suppose, however, that there was no spirit of antagonism to this remarkable practice, so new in origin, and yet so deeply established. I have carefully avoided any reference to the disagreements that led to the execution of Charles the First, and the Commonwealth. If this era was socially vicious, it was also religiously hypocritical. Both sides had good and bad men in their midst. A poem written in 1660, styled a “Psalm of Mercy,” is an evident “skit” by some Royalist upon the new taste in nomenclature. It is too long for quotation, and though not actually ribald, is better left in its obscurity. It pokes fun at the following names:—Rachel, Abigaile, Faith, Charity, Pru (Prudence), Ruth, Temperance, Grace, Bathsheba, Clemence, Jude, Pris (Priscilla), Aquila, Mercy, Thank, Dorcas, Chloe, Phœbe. It is curious to note, that while none of these names could be found in an English register prior to 1560, in 1660, when this satirical ballad was indited, there was not one which was not more or less popular, not one of which I myself have not found several instances in contemporary records. We have only to add, that after the recital of all these names, the poet concludes with a couplet which we cannot insert here, but which indicates very clearly that the writer was not very much drawn to this new phase of feeling. However, if we are to thank the Roundheads for the introduction of many really pretty names,—names, too, awakening sweet Biblical and religious associations in our hearts,—we must not forget that it was owing to the antagonistic spirit of the Cavaliers that we are still in possession of not a few old names, which, though pagan in origin, are rendered dear by their antiquity and their relations to English life and character generations ere the Reformation was dreamt of. Above all, we must never forget, that whether the name be in the Bible or out of it, whether it be given at the font or even in the registrar’s office, it is the man that sanctifies the name, not the name the man. It was not their names that made Venn, and Simeon, and Wilberforce venerated; but Venn, and Simeon, and Wilberforce, by their earnest devotion and stable piety, made themselves so revered by Christian Englishmen that their names are still uttered with that hushed and bated breath that is the deepest demonstration of regard that human heart can express. Let us not then regret, that if by one band of men the treasury house of the Scriptures was ransacked for a new vocabulary of nomenclature, to another band we owe the preservation from the death they were threatened with, of Ralph, Walter, Dick, Harry, Cecilia, Lucy, Beatrice, Julia, Robert, Humphry, and Edward. Again do you say, “But they are pagan!” Prythee, friend, will you say that because Latimer bore the pagan name of Hugh, he died “without hope,” as a dog dieth; or that she who permitted his body to be burned, because she bore the name of