CCXLIII. TO THE REV. EDWARD COLERIDGE.
December 9, 1825.
My dear Edward,—I write merely to tell you, that I have secured Charles Lamb and Mr. Irving to meet you, and wait only to learn the day for the endeavour to induce Mr. Blanco White to join us. Will you present Mr. and Mrs. Gillman’s regards to your brothers Henry and John, and that they would be most happy if both or either would be induced to accompany you?
I have had a very interesting conversation with Irving this evening on the present condition of the Scottish Church, the spiritual life of which, yea, the very core he describes as in a state of ossification. The greater part of the Scottish clergy, he complains, have lost the unction of their own church without acquiring the erudition and accomplishments of ours. Their sermons are all dry theological arguing and disputing, lifeless, pulseless,—a rushlight in a fleshless skull.
My kindest love to your sister, and kisses, prayers, and blessings for the little one.
[S. T. Coleridge.]
Thursday midnight.
I almost despair of John’s coming; but do persuade Henry if you can. I quite long to see him again.