The Henson Journals

[608]

Wednesday, May 24th, 1916.

660th day

I wrote a long letter to Ernest: worked at & practically finished the Edinburgh Sermon: went to the "Empire Day" function at the Blue Coat School, & made a speech to the children: afterwards called with Ella on Olive & Caroline, & saw their babies: also on Mrs Paine. Then we returned to the Deanery by way of the river–bank.

I received from the Bishop of Chelmsford a letter protesting against my reference to him in the St Margaret's Sermon of May 14th, & saying that I misinterpreted his teaching. I replied forthwith, sending an extract from the said sermon, & referring the Bishop to the report of his words in the "Record" of April 20th which (I said) appeared to justify my reference. Then I went to the Wharton Park, and there addressed a considerable gathering of Boys' Scouts, Church Lads Brigade, & Boys Brigade, who were parading in honour of "Empire Day". The boys made a brave show as they marched through the town preceded by their Band. They were ranged conveniently in the Rink, & could, I was assured, hear easily what I said to them. Later, Steel–Maitland and his wife arrived from London, designing to break their journey to Scotland, & see the Cathedral.

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