The Henson Journals

[18]

Friday, November 7th, 1919.

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I wrote a sermon on "The modern Problem of Drunkenness" for use next Sunday in Holy Trinity, when I am pledged to preach for the C.E.T.S. After lunch I motored with Ella to Ballingham, & there inspected the Rectory and the house wh it is proposed to substitute for it. I decided against the transaction. On returning to the Palace I wrote to Mr Tickle announcing my decision.

The "Times" gives a considerable extract from my letter in the 'Diocesan Messenger' under the heading "Illegal use of Incense: the Bishop of Hereford's acquiescence". Will this lead to any controversy? If the days were normal, assuredly Yes: but, as things stand with us now, I think nothing ecclesiastical could interest the English people. This is the reason why it is quite possible that the Enabling Bill may pass into law. Since the public is wholly indifferent, the fanaticks have their way. The Bishop of Chelmsford has a letter in today's "Times" supporting the Bill. As an ex–sectary he is of course quite unable to understand the meaning or force of the main objection to the Bill.

[19] [symbol]

My dear Prebendary,

The direction in the Diocesan Messenger about the Lectionary is not intended to be retrospective. I can well understand that the clergy, who, in conformity with my predecessor's permission, introduced the new Lectionary, might find it difficult to go back on their traces.

On the other matters, my feeling is adverse to any deliberate departure from the prescribed forms. There is a distinction in my mind between a special occasion, and a regular procedure: and again, between adding new services congruous with the old and desired by the people for good reasons, and cutting about & altering at will the old service.

The congregations are different at the several celebrations, & the relief, if relief it be, is really claimed, not for the people, but for the priest.

I have been much perturbed by the very general abandonment of the Prayer book after the 3rd collect: & I have seen no reason for thinking that, as forms for regular use, the new are superior to the old.

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The "National Mission", as you know, did not commend itself to me, and I am very sceptical indeed as to its value. But on these points which you mention I have not yet made up my mind whether it is desirable that I should address the diocese, of what, if I did, it is really expedient to say.

I have every confidence in your loyalty and wisdom with respect to these matters: & until I do speak, please hold yourself free to go on as you have been going.

Yours ever,

H. H. Hereford

The Rev. Prebendary Ragg.

Not a few clergy in the diocese appear to be using the new unlegalised Lectionary, having been encouraged to do so by my predecessor who – when clearly in his old age & within a few months of his resignation – gave them his permission. Wynne Willson himself, Lushington, Riddell, Knight, and the Cathedral clergy have all taken this course.

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My dear Bishop,

Your letter of Nov: 1st has been unanswered, partly, because I have been away from home: & partly, because I have been much pressed with work.

The grave matter about consenting to a reference of the subject (Fellowship with Non–Anglicans) to the Lambeth Conference is the implied understanding that its verdict will be accepted. Now that is precisely what I, and I suppose, every other man whose conscience is engaged in this matter, are not really prepared to do: and I think it is very desirable that in some formal and public way you make an explicit statement that your acquiescence in any postponement of a decision is conditioned by your determination to retain your liberty of action. The L. C. will certainly do nothing but cant: & quite possibly it may even recant such frail essays as it has ventured in the past.

Matters might well come to an issue of conscience & will, in wh, if we stand firm & stand together, we must win, because au fond [at bottom] this exclusive Catholicism of our opponents involves a Reformed Church in self–stultification.

I don't think his Grace has acted very candidly, & I feel very sure that, if we depend on him, he will 'let us down'.

Yours ever,

H. H. Hereford

The Bishop of Norwich

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