The Henson Journals

[51]

Monday, November 29th, 1920.

Assisted by William, who proved himself most efficient, I laboured at the work of getting my books into the cases in some recognizable order. More would have been achieved if I had not been called away, in order to see Mr Watts, the Vicar of Shildon, who is in difficulties in his parish. Lord Thurlow came to tea, & I suggested the possibility of his curate occupying the Lodge, & his curate's house–keeper keeping the gate.

I took down from Bishop Moule's book–shelves an edition of Durel's Latin version of the Caroline Prayer–Book, published in 1670. It invariably renders "priest" by "presbyter", and may be taken as giving the view accepted by the ecclesiastical authorities of the day.

The Bishop of Peterboro is to be one of the speakers at the meeting in the Albert Hall on December 4th to protest against reprisals. I refused Sir Henry Bentinck's request to preside, so he presides himself! Reprisals are, of course, extremely regrettable, and ought to be restrained as far as possible: but, in the terrible circumstances of the situation in Ireland at this moment, who can honestly say that he thinks it is possible to prohibit reprisals? And, if this be the case, how can any right–minded citizen join in an agitation which cannot but have the effect of embarrassing the Government in handling a most difficult situation? We owe something to the policemen and soldiers in Ireland who are fighting our cause against the basest & cunningest of enemies.

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