[Chapter III]
Leaves the Lakes on Account of his Health for Malta — his Employment in Malta in 1805 — goes to Syracuse and Rome — Winters at Naples 15th of December, 1806.
Mr. Coleridge once met Mrs. Barbauld at an evening party. He had not long been present, and the recognition of mere acquaintanceship over, than, walking across the room, she addressed him in these words:—
"So, Mr. Coleridge, I understand you do not consider Unitarians Christians."
"I hope, Madam," said he, "that all persons born in a Christian country are Christians, and trust they are under the condition of being saved; but I do contend that Unitarianism is not Christianity;"
to which she replied,
"I do not understand the distinction."
This want of knowledge of the difference, is common to many very clever and very amiable persons of this creed. It is hoped that we are not always to be tried by our speculative opinions, for man is frequently constituted higher and better than the principles he sometimes adopts.
Coleridge frequently observed,
"I do not so much care for men's religious opinions, — they vary, and are dependant on that which usually surrounds them-but I regard with more attention what men are."
He extended his kindness to all he believed to be good, whatever their creed, and when in his power, his aid.