The Henson Journals

[389]

22nd Sunday after Trinity, November 15th, 1908.

A dull, raw morning. There were 31 comts at 8 a.m. The congregation at Mattins was small, restless, & noisy: the offertory only about £12. I read the letter about 'Personal Service among the Poor' from the pulpit, & recommended it: but, in that atmosphere of inattention, it could not possibly have any good effect. Oh!

In the afternoon I went with Bob Bineham to the Hoxton Wesleyan men's meeting, where I descanted for 35 minutes to about 100 men in the Chapel on the subject of 'Forgiveness'. It was a chilling performance: & I think the men were as tired of it as I was.

The congregation at Evensong was fairly good, but still disposed to cough. I continued my sermon on 'Forgiveness', dealing rather with the practical applications of the Christian doctrine. On the whole this has been a bad day.

[390] [symbol]

November 16th 1908

My dear Lang,

I must send you the assurance of my very sincere good wishes for your success in the best sense of the term in this great place. I am, of course, surprised that you go straight to an archbishoprick: I expected that you would have gone via a bishoprick. But you are too meteoric for precedent.

I am sorry, of course, very sorry that you are so stiff a High Churchman: but on that score, your way in the Church will be the easier. You will have many large questions to answer. May God give you grace to answer them in a large way!

Yours aff.

H. Hensley Henson.

The above was written to Lang on reading the announcement of his promotion to the Archbishopric of York.

How far does this sensational appointment confirm my prophecy (v. p.304)? The new Primate of England will be received with enthusiasm by the E.C.U., and the 'Church Times'.

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Issues and controversies: York appointment