The Henson Journals

[39]

Tuesday, June 24th, 1919.

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What can I say wisely at the meeting this afternoon in aid of the French & Belgian Protestant churches? The appeal for assistance can hardly avoid some reference to their religious character, & to its bearing on our duty. There is abundant historical material, but then there are 2 circumstances which cannot be ignored. These churches have failed to justify their claims as national systems: and they have generally lapsed into Socinianism.

A parallel between the XVIth and the XXth century suggests itself. Then as now the brunt of the struggle for liberty fell on France and Belgium: & then as now the British Fleet played a decisive part. Jutland is the modern equivalent of Calais Downs. The scuttling of the German Navy corresponds with the desperate flight of the Spanish Armada, & its ruin in the stormy waters of the North.

I met Dibden in the Athenaeum. He had read the letter of the Bishops of Bristol and Newcastle, which appears in today's "Times": and was evidently pleased with it. He thinks the Enabling Bill will be referred to a Joint Committee of the two Houses with a view to recasting the Bill in [order] to make it a practical measure of administrative Reform. He disclaims all share in the constitution drawn up by the Selborne Committee.

[40]

I walked to 146 New Bond Street, and was photographed for the Freemasons. On the way I was addressed by a young man, who announced himself as Lionel Box. His brother, Norman is, he says, with the Army of Occupation in Cologne, and the elder brother, Gilbert is being married in S. Margaret's tomorrow. It is both pleasant and painful to be reminded thus of the old time in Westminster.

I lunched in the club, & then walked to Sion College, & made a speech at the Foreign Churches Aid Society. My subject was, "The renewal of fraternal relations between the French Protestants & the British Church". There were about 30 persons present! Ella came in at the end of the meeting, & carried me off to pay calls – a tiresome procedure of which I soon tired.

Ernest Pearce dined with me at the Club. He says that Truro has been offered to Guy Warman of Bradford, & that Southwark will probably go to Garbett. Lincoln may go to Headlam; if this comes about, Rashdall might be appointed to the Regius Professorship. I heard with some surprise that Gore was being pressed for the Preachership of the Temple. We walked in the Park before going to bed.

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