The Henson Journals

[117]

Wednesday, August 7th, 1918.

1465th day

I got up, & went across to the Palace, but the heavy thunderous weather nearly prostrated me. The Bishop of Bristol and Miss Burden lunched here. Streeter sate with me in the garden after tea for more than an hour. He says that Mott was much consulted by the Russian Church Authorities, when they attempted to effect an ecclesiastical Reformation after the Czar's downfall: that he was admitted to Holy Communion, & presented with an ancient ikon which had been taken from a Church. This may serve to show the amount of importance which the Russians attach to our episcopal succession, for Mott is an American Presbyterian. I received a charmingly–written letter from Paul Sabatier, whom some years ago I met at the Speaker's. He thinks the "reunion" movement ought to include the continental Protestants, who are, he says, turning instinctively to the C. of E. to learn the secret of an organisation which treasures the past, understands the present, & aspires to solve the future. But I don't recognise the C. of E. in his description!

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