The Henson Journals

[179]

Monday, September 22nd, 1919.

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I wrote to the Prime Minister about the vacant Deanery, and begged him to consider certain names. I also urged on him the fitness of Walker of Queen's for the Mastership of the Temple. I wrote to [sic] also to a young ex–Service man who desires to be ordained but knows neither Latin nor Greek, and imagines that both can be dispensed with in the case of men in his position. His testimonials were so good, and he himself seemed so obviously well–suited for the Ministry, that I wrote to him more kindly than I shd naturally have done, bidding him indicate what parts of the syllabus he cd not attempt, & promising to consider whether I cd admit him as an ordination candidate. The residue of my time was expended on the Anson Memoir. After lunch Ernest and I walked for two hours, & talked much. If only he had more depth of character, and could outgrow the childish egoism, which makes him for ever talk and think about himself, he might be a serviceable minister. I should have more hope if he were younger, but at 32 most men have made a fairly complete disclosure of themselves. There can be few untapped resources of character then! James came to dine in order to meet Miss Mundella. He is the very model of the demure, courteous, omniscient county solicitor, who has the key to every skeleton–holding cupboard in the country–side!

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