The Henson Journals

[266]

Monday, October 30th, 1916.

819th day

I attended Mattins, prepared notes for my address tonight; went through the various recommendations of clergymen for preferment; & sent in three nominations for Edlington & Bearpark.

After lunch I travelled to Carlisle, leaving about 2.19 p.m. and arriving about 4.30 p.m. Canon Rawnsley's car met me at the station, & carried me to his prebendal house, where I was kindly entertained. After an early dinner we (Canon & Mrs R. & myself) went to the Town Hall, where the annual meeting of the Bible Society was arranged to take place. I made a speech mainly about the change which had passed upon our views & treatment of the Bible, and its permanent value. The audience, which numbered about 100 persons, was attentive, but not, perhaps, altogether pleased. The darkened state of the streets, and the drenching rain were hostile conditions, under which to hold a meeting. I reflected sadly that time & travelling expenses were ill rewarded by so scanty a gathering. I had a good deal of conversation with mine host, a well–meaning, fussily active little man, with a passion for writing indifferent sonnets, of an immense belief in the value of signed documents of every kind! He was not very enthusiastic over the "National Mission" though he thought the women–pilgrims had done good. He had been entertaining the Dean of Salisbury (Page Roberts) who had preached to Doctors & nurses on St Luke's day, and, in spite of his four–score years, was in great form. Of his own Dean, the egregious Barker, he gave but an ill account, not pleasant to hear.

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