The Henson Journals

[224]

18th Sunday after Trinity, October 19th, 1919.

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Ella and I attended the Holy Communion in the Cathedral at 8 a.m. and received the Holy Communion. Ruth took me in to hear the Archdeacon's sermon. After service I fell in with Mrs Venn, & had some talk with her.

The Bishop of Dover came to lunch, & talked ardently of the Enabling Bill. His boisterous confidence fills me with depression & dismay. You cannot discuss the policy with a man who never dreams of doubting that whatever policy his superiors approve needs no other commendation. You cannot debate the principles implied in the policy with a man who has never analysed conduct, or looked beneath the surface of life. Bishop Bilbrough is totally conventional, an excellent specimen of the type of the successful parish priest. I hear without surprise that he is extremely popular with the clergy, whose ideals & prejudices he shares, & whose interests he advocates.

We visited the ruins of S. Augustine's monastery. They are extensive & full of interest. I had tea with the Dean & Mrs Wace, & then revised my sermon.

There was a large congregation in the Cathedral when I preached at the second Evensong, but the military element so conspicuous in recent years had nearly disappeared.

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