The Henson Journals

[58]

Thursday, November 29th, 1917.

1214th day

This day was spent mostly in the Athenaenum where I wrote many letters including one to the "Times" on the proceedings at the Representative Church Council. I wrote also to my wife, to Ernest, to Nimbus, to George, and to the Baptist Phillips, promising to preach in April in his chapel. Also to the Vicar of Barking promising to preach on Feb. 9th. After lunching in the Club, I had my head shampooed. Then I walked to Lambeth, & saw the Archbishop who was on the point of departure for Canterbury. His Grace was most cordial; thanked me warmly for what he called my public–spirited & helpful behaviour at the Council: praised my speech: & generally was almost gushing! He referred cryptically to the time, which will not be far distant, when I should have to view these questions from within, and be wearing "other slieves" [sic]. Is this mere hedging to make sure that, if I do go to Hereford, I shall mentally credit his Grace with the character of the author of my preferment? Or, does he know that something is really probable, & was simply speaking in the light of the probability? Sir Lewis Dibdin met me in the Club, & said: "If I held your view, I should regard the proceedings in the Council as a considerable triumph". Lord Parmoor came to me, & spoke in a friendly way. I thought he did not look very triumphant. I called on Gow, & talked with him for half an hour. Then I returned to mine host, & made an end of a futile day.

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