The Henson Journals

[24]

Saturday, June 14th, 1919.

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I prepared notes for tomorrow's preaching, & then went to the Bank & arranged for the disposition of the "surrender value" of the policy. James Parker–Smith with his wife & daughter arrived for a week–end visit. I received a rather urgently expressed request to be one of a company of six English preachers, who are to visit the United States this autumn. But I could not manage the absence from Hereford without much dislocation of plans, and I am by no means persuaded that I am physically or mentally competent for that kind of effort. Yet, of course, there is some justice in the contention that there are some obvious reasons which mark me out rather specially for any reconciling visit to non–episcopal churches.

The 'Times' contains a letter from Rashdall, designed as an answer to Sir Edward Clarke, and one signed by Temple and Iremonger brusquely refusing Major's suggestion that a compromise might be effected by amending the Bill. It is to be 'the Bill', the whole Bill, & nothing but the Bill'! I cannot think that this brutal procedure can prevail. Parliament must have changed greatly if it is willing to yield to this hectoring approach.

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