The Henson Journals

[173]

Tuesday, March 20th, 1923.

"He passed the greatest part of the five last following years of his life in contemplation and studies, and principally in the consolation of the Holy Scriptures; cheerful in solitude, & as well pleased to die in the shade as in the light."

v. Parentalia. p. 229.

Thus the last five years of Sir Christopher Wren are summed up. Yet the old man must have felt keenly the treatment he received, but he was cast in a large mould, & had more resources than men knew. And, after all, his work was done. None could see that so clearly as himself: and he was not only a great man, but a true Christian.

We (Clayton & I) motored to Escombe, where I confirmed 62 candidates. The baleful personality of the incumbent dominated everything, and I was glad to get away . Later, we motored to Tudhoe , & there I confirmed 167 candidates, amid much coughing. Here also the situation was distinctly uncomfortable. The parson seemed to fill one's vision, & he was not exactly helpful. The standing mystery of Christianity is the power for good and for ill of individuals. A good parson makes the whole parish throb with spiritual vitality: a dull, or cantankerous, or discreditable parson takes the life out of everything, & the parish church becomes what the Christians called the Serapeum, only a Sepulchre !

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