I have
made also a very considerable proficiency in the French language, and
study it daily, and daily study the German; so that I am not, and have
not been idle. * * *
Coleridge had been introduced through Poole to the Wedgwoods; and
hearing that Coleridge was in need of funds, Tom Wedgwood offered
Coleridge L100, sending an order for the amount. Coleridge was now
meditating entering the Unitarian ministry, and was perplexed whether to
remain with Poetry or enter the pulpit. He writes to Cottle on the
occasion:
LETTER 70. TO COTTLE
Stowey (January, 1798.)
My very dear friend,
This last fortnight has been very eventful. I received one hundred
pounds from Josiah Wedgwood, in order to prevent the necessity of my
going into the ministry. I have received an invitation from Shrewsbury,
to be minister there; and after fluctuations of mind, which have for
nights together robbed me of sleep, and I am afraid of health, I have at
length returned the order to Mr. Wedgwood, with a long letter,
explanatory of my conduct, and accepted the Shrewsbury invitation. * *
The next letter Cottle says refers to the Wedgwood Pension, but may be
about the rejection of the L100.[l]
[Footnote 1: See Litchfield's "Tom Wedgwood", pp. 54-56.]
LETTER 71. TO THOMAS WEDGWOOD[1]
Shrewsbury, Friday night, (--January), 1798.
My dear sir,
I have this moment received your letter, and have scarcely more than a
moment to answer it by return of post.
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