The Henson Journals

[198]

S. Andrew's Day, Thursday, November 30th, 1916.

850th day

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I celebrated at 8 a.m. All my brethren were present except Knowling and Dennett. After attending Mattins, I resumed the rather futile task of preparing materials for the Lecture. Selden's dedication of the treatise on "Titles of Honour" is expressed in a dedicatory epistle in which he dilates on the significance of such dedication of books. This volume is dedicated to his 'friend and chamber–fellow', Edward Heyward.

I attended a meeting in the Mayor's Chamber about a "Naval Flag Day". The afternoon post brought me a letter marked 'Private' from the Bishop of Southwark. He begins by thanking me for my 'interesting & valuable' article in the "Edinburgh Review", & then goes on to disclose his discontent with his present situation. "I don't think anyone pays the slightest attention to what I say." He adds some interesting information:–

"There is now going forward an attempt to unite the Bishops in a clear stand on the subject of reservation – 'that reservation is only used for the sick & for no other purpose whatsoever' – Gore is particularly keen about this, & especially in order to safeguard doctrine. Suppose we do all unite in our declaration (which I think is very probable) does anyone imagine that it is going to have the smallest influence with the Committee of the E.C.U. & the orders they issue."

Then he seems to suggest that the Edinburgh Article should be followed up by a Supplement 'which shd put out something constructive or suggest a line of recovery from the welter of dishonesty, individualism, & jargon.' He writes in a tone of deep despondency, and is plainly much disturbed. Unfortunately I have no comfort to offer. There is nothing for us now but to go on to the rocks of disruption.

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