The Henson Journals

[11]

Tuesday, January 27th, 1920.

A field of Thistles seemed once a battle of Pikes unto some discoverers of the Duke of Burgundy. You can apply what I exemplify. I go no farther, but leave you to yourselves; & if it be possible, unto more charitable conceits of those that deserve no others imputation but. They are no Puritans: which God in goodness keep out of this Church & State, as dangerous as Popery, for any thing I am able to discern: the only difference being, Popery is for Tyranny, Puritanism for anarchy: Popery is original of Superstition: Puritanism, the highway unto Profaneness; both alike enemies unto Piety.

Montague. A. D. 1625

Lilley brought Gillenders to lunch. I was relieved to hear that the latter will accept Leominster. He looks a sensible strong man. At least he is the antithesis to the outgoing vicar. Then I sawed wood with William. Theobald, the Inspector of schools, brought to tea his father Canon Theobald, a fine old clergyman, approaching 90 years of age, but very upright & alert. We conversed on politics, secular & ecclesiastical. Rather to my surprise I received a cheque for four guineas on account of my little article on Prohibition. I dictated some more of the Swedish Lecture to Fearne, but I doubt more than ever whether it will serve.

[12] [symbol]

January 27th 1920

Dear Mr Hereford

I am obliged to you for your letter. In these days it is more than ever important that we should be loyal to the professed principles of the Church of England, &, as far as possible, should avoid anything which might imply disregard of the Law. On both considerations I am really glad that your memorial will take the form of the Cross, & not of the Crucifix. Private patronage, honourably administered in the spirit which you express, is in my judgement very serviceable to the Church, & I for one should be reluctant to assist in its abolition. Certainly, when it secures to a parish the residence & pastorate of a man like Mr Binstead, it needs no other justification.

I enjoyed my visit to Mordiford on Sunday morning.

Believe me. Yours sincerely

H. H. Hereford

J. I. Hereford Esq

---