The Henson Journals

[283]

3rd Sunday after Epiphany, January 24th, 1904.

I Celebrated in S. Margaret's at 8 a.m. After breakfast I revised a sermon on "Honour in times of Religious Transition", and walked to the Temple, where I delivered it to a congregation by no means crowded: that may have been in some degree owing to the raw & unpromising weather. I was hospitably entertained at lunch in the Inner Temple. The aged Treasurer, Judge Baylis, insisted on showing me about the building, and the curious silver-gilt ships of great age, which are the glory of the Temple plate. Alfred Lyttelton & his family were in church & at lunch.

[284] [symbol]

[symbol] To the Abp. of Canterbury

Jany 29th 1904

My dear Lord Abp,

I shall ask you to allow me to send you the enclosed letters to read, & (if you will be so good) to return to me. My own view was that Mr Beeby ought to have made a frank statement of his case in the "Times", letting the public know the harsh treatment he has received, appealing against the hateful slanders which have been moved against his character, &, if the consent of Bishop Perowne could be obtained, publishing the remarkable letters which he received from that prelate some years ago when the same unscrupulous faction, which has now triumphed, vainly tried to force the action of his diocesan. I think there is enough generosity left in the public mind to have responded to such an appeal, as he undoubtedly has the power to make. But he declines this counsel, & prefers to retire from conflict. I think he is mistaken, but of course, he must choose his own procedure.

Your Grace will understand why I feel that these letters should be sent for your perusal. [285] They will help you to form an opinion of the man.

I am,

Always your Grace's sincerely,

& dutifully

H. H. H.

[286]

On Saturday the 30th Jany 1904, we went to Eton through floods of rain. A pleasant dinner-party at the Headmaster's. Sunday, the 31st, was very wet until 3 p.m., but one's congregation was for cogent reasons "independent of the weather". A grand congregation it is: the great chapel filled with the finest lads in the world. I preached on "Christianity & Youthful ambitions", and was very well listened to, a circumstance the more gratifying since Etonians are quite able & willing to make their inattention known to the preacher.

Ernald & Edmond took me for a walk about the castle & Park: and afterwards we went to Evensong in the School Chapel. Alington came in to supper.

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Issues and controversies: Beeby case