The Henson Journals

[314]

Thursday, October 12th, 1916.

801st day

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I went to the Cathedral at 8 a.m., and received the Holy Communion. Intercessions for the Boys become more real when their letters from the Front are fresh in one's mind. It is all that one can do for them now. The Prime Minister seems to have risen to his full height in his speech to the Commons last night: and the circumstance of his recent bereavement added a pathetic dignity to his language, which was elevated & moving. The House evidently was impressed in no ordinary degree.

Major Rowlandson came to lunch. He has now got a temporary appointment in these parts. Last week the War Office sent a demand for 60 officers, and there were but 4 available. If this be at all representative, the military situation will become speedily serious. I attended Evensong, and afterwards walked with Logic. On my return I wrote two condolence–letters, one to Ralph on the death of his mother, and one to Linetta on the death of her nephew.

A letter from Ernest Rudling arrived. He says he will follow my advice in the matter of Angel Colenso (v. p. 334).

I have told the minor canons that, provided always their duties in the cathedral are duly provided for, I have no objection to their giving assistance in connection with the "National Mission". My own disapproval of the Mission is well–known, but I have no desire to make my own decision a law for others in such a matter. Miss Christopher says that Bardsley, the Secretary of the N.M. addressed her students, and was a hopeless failure. The truth is that such high expectations as to the Mission are raised that disappointment is inevitable. For nothing short of a miracle could avert it; and miracles do not happen.

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