The Henson Journals

[102]

Monday, March 23rd, 1920.

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I left Bradford at 9.18 a.m., and travelled by way of Sheffield, Birmingham, Droitwich, to Hereford, where I arrived at 6.3 p.m.; and was met by the car. Wynne–Willson did the letters with me before dinner. Has the expenditure of these 4 days been justified? I am half–disposed to allow myself to think so. In the train I read through the volume "The Skilled Labourer. 1760 – 1832", a notable volume which deepens the sinister impression made by the authors' previous volumes. What an evil treasury of bitter memories & too–well justified suspicions is in the minds of our common folk! That fact explains the Labour–troubles of the present, and paralyzes every effort at social reconciliation.

A person, to whom I refused permission to officiate in the diocese, writes furiously to demand the reason. I reply that I will not grant him what he asks. Surely it would be impossible to accept the position that one must explain to every jack–ass why one desires to be free of him! Yet, placing one's self in his situation, would I "take it lying down", if I had been thus refused my request? For, he might fairly complain, 'your reasons, if unstated, may be misconceived, and a prejudice, perhaps of a very formidable character, may be raised against me by those who interpret them wrongly.' To which, I suppose, the answer must be that both the application and the refusal belong to the arcana, and that, if they be made public, it can only be by himself.

[103]

March 23rd 1920

My dear Mr Muir

You are good enough to ask permission to print the sermon which I preached in Eastbrook Hall at your Anniversary. I am very willing to grant your small request, and take leave in doing so to dedicate the sermon, in much affection and regard, to you and your people.

The spectacle of your great Hall filled with men and women whose hearts were evidently aflame with good purpose and hope, gave me much joy and comfort. I pray that God's Blessing may be upon all the varied effort of your great Mission.

Yours most sincerely

H. H. Hereford

The principle at stake is the freedom of the Bishop to exercise his discretion without giving reasons. In the case of a clergyman seeking institution or licence, I apprehend, that he has something in the nature of a right, which the Bishop must respect, but there is nothing of the kind in the case of one who, for his own convenience, asks for permission to officiate. He may be a rogue seeking to rehabilitate his character for the purpose of fresh rogueries!

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