child a name merely because it happened to be found in the Scriptures,
where with its special meaning it was singularly appropriate, yet, when
used as a name without that special signification, it would be equally
inappropriate. But are we wholly free from the same fault in another
direction? How many children have been so burdened with a name that had
been made illustrious by the life and services of its original bearer
that they were always ashamed to hear it spoken; that very name of honor
becoming in its present position a reproach and a hindrance, rather than
a stimulus, because the bearers feel that they cannot sustain its
ancient renown, and therefore they become mere nothings, simply from the
fact of having been borne down to the dust under the burden of a great
name.

Who can tell how many have become notorious, or have committed vagaries
which have rendered them ridiculous, and destroyed their usefulness,
from a sincere desire to bear worthily an honored name? Who shall say
that the eccentricities of a certain celebrity of acknowledged talent,
whose name would be quickly recognized, were not the result of the same
cause, the length, and weight of the name given him at his birth proving
too great an incumbrance for him to overcome.

How many ignoble George Washingtons, Henry Clays, Patrick Henrys, and
other equally illustrious names, are wandering aimlessly about our
streets, shiftless, worthless, utterly unworthy the names they bear,
simply because they bear them, when, had they been given plain, honest,
common names, they might have been held in respect and esteem. The
burden is too great for them. A ship with a drag attached to her cannot
make progress, be she ever so swift without it. Even the eagle will
refuse his flight when burdened with excessive weight.