The Henson Journals

[53]

Friday, June 7th, 1918.

1404th day

I have chosen my text for the sermon at Oxford: it will fit in well enough with the historical retrospect suggested by the Commemoration, & will lend itself properly to some reflections on the situation which the War is creating. It is, moreover, a text which has always appealed to me strangely: "The world passeth away, & the lust thereof, but he that doeth the Will of God abideth for ever". I spent the morning in making notes for a sermon on this text, but my progress was not encouraging. After lunch I motored to Bishop Eaton, or rather Eaton Bishop, and called on Mr O'Neil the parson, a cheerful man, who received me with kindness, & showed me his church. This has two very notable features – a squat, square Norman tower, and some wonderful 14th century painted glass in the chancel. I called also on the Right Honble William Crooks, who has been visiting his niece, a farmer's wife in this parish. I was distressed to notice how ill the good man looked, & gratified by the warmth of his welcome. The farmer, Mutlow, shewed me some very fine Herefords. One bull was a truly formidable beast to look at. I caused Bateman to pack & send off copies of my new volume to Carissima, & to Lawrence Holt. Also I wrote to Major offering him the sermon on Reunion which was preached in S. Martin's last Sunday. Bonar–Law, in answer to a question in the House, said that the Deanery of Durham had been offered to somebody. I suppose this must mean that Welldon will exchange Manchester for Durham.

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