The Henson Journals

[345]

4th Sunday after Epiphany, January 30th, 1927.

I celebrated the Holy Communion in the Chapel at 8 a.m. There were 7 communicants. Lionel and I motored to Washington, where the local Freemasons were holding a Church Parade. There was a full church, an attentive congregation, a hearty service, and a well–behaved choir of men and boys. On the whole, I was well–pleased. After lunching with Lomax and his mother in the fine old Rectory which has been sold in order to be replaced by a smaller house, we returned to Auckland.

I wrote to George Nimmins, & sent him "The Bishoprick". Copies were also sent to the following: –

Lord Darling.	6.	The Bishop of Armagh.
Lord Daryngton.	7.	The Provost of Trinity.
Bishop Talbot.	8.	Arthur
President Murray Butler.	9.	Frank Pember.
Bishop Lawrence.	10.	The Provost of Oriel.

I wrote to congratulate Jack Wynne–Willson, on the announcement of his engagement. He is an undergraduate at Trinity College, Oxford, & is just 21! But we are in the 20th century! Were the Papists right after all in making celibacy a rule for the clergy? The scandals have been terrible, but freedom to marry does not guarantee the Church against all scandal, and the practical conveniences of celibacy are beyond all question very great. Sex is too absorbing to be allowed a rivalry with Ministry. But dare we risk it?

[346]

The following lines are attributed to the pen of the Revd Thomas Spedding on the sign of the "Horse and Lamb" over the gateway to the Temple: –

As by the Templar's Holds you go

The Horse and Lamb displayed

In emblematic figures show

The merits of their trade.

Their clients may infer from these

How just is their profession

The Lamb – sets forth their innocence

The Horse – their expedition.

"Oh! happy people – happy Isle"

May neighbouring nations say

Where you get Justice without guile

And Law without delay.

The Answer

Deluded men, these Holds forego

Nor trust these cunning elves

These artful emblems serve to show

The Clients, not themselves.

'Tis ah! a trick, 'tis ah! a sham

By which they mean to cheat you

You'll find yourselves the harmless Lamb

And they – the Wolves that eat you.

Nor let the dream of no delay

To these dark courts misguide you

You are the Showy Horse – and they

The Jockeys that will ride you.

Spedding, the dentist, showed me this satire of his ancestor. He had a biting wit.

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