The Henson Journals

[117]

Tuesday, December 16th, 1924.

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"The critic is the liberal pioneer, whose privilege it is occasionally to be rash, provided he does not dogmatise: the theologian remains the Conservative make–weight, and sets his remnant of antiquated positions against the critic's overflow of evanescent novelties".

Wilfred Ward 1899.

Between the "antiquated positions" and the "evanescent novelties" where does the truth come in, or religion find a sure footing?

A Wesleyan Minister writes to say that he has become disgusted with his present situation, and is looking towards the Anglican Ministry.

'The position of the Sacraments in our Church is not in harmony with my conscience. The Methodist Union Scheme definitely allows unordained people to administer Holy Communion'. It is hard to see any prospect of union with Nonconformists, if while the Church of England grows ever more 'Roman', the 'Free Churches' become increasingly anarchic. I wrote to him rather discouragingly for discontent is not an adequate ground for repudiating one Church, and joining another.

Clayton and I motored to Sunderland, where, first, I dedicated some new buildings at the Orphan Asylum, and, next, instituted Wright to the vicarage of St Mary Magdalene, in place of Prideaux. After the service, we motored back to Auckland.

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