The Henson Journals

[79]

Tuesday, August 10th, 1920.

It occurred to me that a lecture on "Episcopacy" might fitly be included in the Swedish course, for beyond all question, an almost demented insistence on the value of the Episcopate, nay more, on its absolute necessity, has become the "hall–mark" of theꓥ neo Anglo–Catholics"ꓥ [modern Anglicans.] I apprehend that there have been 3 views maintained on the subject by Anglicans, viz. 1) Episcopacy is a legitimate form of ecclesiastical government, & one strongly recommended by antiquity & general acceptance: 2) Episcopacy represents the Divine Intention, as perpetuating the original "impurity" of ministers: 3) Episcopacy is a Dominical Institution through which alone the Divine Commission can be conveyed, & a valid ministry created. The Church of England, in fact, has reproduced with respect to Episcopacy, the experience of the Christian Church itself.

The Bishop of London, who is visiting his brother, the Archdeacon, came to see me, & later played tennis with Streeter, & the young Glennies. Fearne Booker arrived.

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