The Henson Journals

[173]

Thursday, September 18th, 1919.

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I travelled to Oxford by the early train, and arrived about 10.30 a.m. I had time to get my hair cut before going to the Cathedral for the Freemasons' Service of Thanksgiving and Commemoration. It was an impressive service. I preached for exactly half an hour. There was a considerable gathering of brethren, who sang very heartily. Then we were all photographed in Tom Quad. I sate beside Lord Valentia in my robes. Then followed luncheon in the Town Hall. I came away while the meal was proceeding, & caught the 3 p.m. train for Hereford. I was back at the Palace by 6.20 p.m.

Bethune Baker has a letter in the 'Times' supporting the Bishop of Manchester, pressing for inter–communion & belittling exchange of pulpits. He does not appear, however, fully to understand the Bishop of Norwich's proposal, nor does he sufficiently appreciate the importance of the fact that the Nonconformist leaders have accepted it. The really important matter now is neither inter–communion, nor exchange of pulpits, but the saving of the Church of England to the cause of the Reformation. If Gore & Talbot are allowed to succeed in vetoing every approach to the Non–episcopal churches, and in compelling the Anglican to contemplate reunion only with reference to Rome & the East, the "game is up" so far as evangelical religion and liberal churchmanship are concerned. Hence the importance of defeating them.

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