The Henson Journals

[143]

Tuesday, April 20th, 1920.

A wet stormy day and very cold. Accompanied by old Alderman Farr from Leominster, I motored to Staunton on Wye, and presided at a meeting of the Jarvis Trustees. There was much petty business which I got through quickly, & was back in the Palace by 1 p.m. At 2 p.m. I presided over a meeting of the Diocesan Mission Ctee. We drew up regulations for the Diocesan Missioner, who is still unable to find a house.

I received two affectionate letters from George, the one from Kobe, Japan dated March 9th, the other from Yokohama, dated March 16th. He had received at once 3 letters from me, the latest bearing date January 18th. It wd seem that the letters I wrote on November 24th and Dec. 8th have gone astray.

Hutton writes to acknowledge his copy of the "Memoir":–

"A thousand thanks for it. I have read it with great delight. It seems to me to be ^written^ with extraordinary discretion & charm. It must have been extremely difficult to compile, but I think you have triumphed over all difficulties & produced a true & worthy memorial of a noble gentleman."

This is flatterous & excessive, but I think it does not wholly miss the mark. The "Memoir" is ragged, ill–proportioned, & ill–expressed, but it so far succeeds that it leaves a definite impression on the reader's mind, & that impression is mainly just. One who had never known the Warden, would form a worthy estimate of him from reading this sketch.

[144] [symbol]

April 21st, 1920.

My dear Mr Randle,

I don't like exchanges, which are difficult to reconcile with any coherent theory of Divine vocation, & are almost invariably resented by the parishioners; but I shall not refuse to consent to your seeking an exchange, because it is clear to me that there are strong reasons why a change of parish is advisable in your case. It will not be easy for me to answer the inquiries about you, which in due course I may expect to receive. It is hardly possible for me to say with truth the favourable things which are commonly said about a parish clergyman when he leaved his parish, but I will say the truth as kindly as I can. Meanwhile I will hope that you may be brought into a situation which will develope your better qualities, & enable you to fulfil the solemn task of a parish clergyman with acceptance.

Believe me,

Yours sincerely,

H. H. Hereford.

The Rev. C. W. Randle.

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