The Henson Journals

[99]

Thursday, July 25th, 1918.

1452th day

Fawkes sends me the draft of what he proposes to write in the Hibbert Journal in reply to Lake's unfortunate article. It is well–expressed, and not ineffective, but might perhaps provide occasion for a continuation of controversy, which on many counts would be unfortunate. I returned it with a few suggestions.

Another sectarian minister – a Baptist – seeks Ordination. I returned a chilling reference to intellectual equipment, and referred him to Bannister. Wynne–Willson came to report progress in the matter of the War–Service on August 4th. It seems that the ass, Moore, has done his best to precipitate a crisis by raising the question of the co–operation of Dissenters. I sent him a note bidding him be helpful! Also, I wrote to Treherne, asking him to come here tomorrow afternoon, & expound to me the situation at St Barnabas. For the rest, I mooned away the day by reading with care the Prefaces & Rubricks of the Prayer–book, which have a good deal to disclose about the English Reformation, when closely considered. "The Times", "Punch", and "Rob Roy" filled up the rest of the time, & finally Ella read to me. In my present situation, the unapproachable greatness of Sir Walter Scott is brought home to the mind. What the boy read with hasty eagerness as an exciting narrative, the man peruses with deliberate pleasure as a rare treasure–house of wit & humour. Andrew Fairservice remains the prince of coxcombical cowards, and didactic humbugs; yet half–owning his own priceless turpitude.

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