He was born in a remote and obscure farming district. His mother thought it right to have him christened, and so took him for that purpose to Mr. B., a minister in the Church of England; but she was greatly disappointed by finding him intoxicated, and incapable of performing that rite. However, she went a second time; but, to her astonishment, found him in the same sad and lamentable state, and had to come home with a heavy heart.