The Henson Journals

[221]

Tuesday, July 18th, 1922.

I read through Leslie Stephens's Article on Sir Walter Scott in the Dictionary of National Biography. It fills 24 two–coloured pages, and is admirably balanced and concise.

Twelve Rural Deans with the Bishop of Jarrow & Mr Quick came to attend a conference, dine, and sleep. After tea we discussed my project for financing the diocese by levying a voluntary rate on those whose names are on the Electoral Rolls. We did not get to much practical result, but I think some impression was made. Gouldsmith raised the question of a Memorial to Bishop Moule. Opinion was much divided on the subject. At dinner it interested me to notice that of the whole company, numbering 18, only 3 viz: Macdonald, Boutflower, and I, took wine. Total abstinence is becoming the habit of the clergy. Is this a fact to be rejoiced over, or lamented? The organist of St Anne's came to Evensong, & played the organ.

Today William completes three years in my service. He has certainly done his chauffeur's duty well, and has grown into a considerable intimacy of personal friendship. We are so constantly together, and I depend on him so much, that in any case we must have become something more than master and man: but the spiritual relation between us created by his receiving Baptism and Confirmation from my hands has hallowed & ennobled our union.

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