The Henson Journals

[4]

Friday, March 4th, 1927.

I slept badly, and in the course of the night read most of the history of Louis XVth 's calamitous reign in "The Eighteenth Century" by Casimir Stryienski.

I walked to Downing Street, had breakfast with the Prime Minister. He wanted to talk to me about the appointment to Newcastle. I said that it would be unfortunate if either an Anglo–Catholick or a Socialist were sent there, he assured me that he would see that my wish in that respect was fulfilled. We had a good deal of interesting conversation, and again he impressed as a sincere and simple–minded man. I went back to Lambeth, and sate in session with my Brethren from 10.30 a.m. to 7 p.m. with intervals for lunch tea. We shall make very small concessions to the Convocations. An attempt was made to extend the use of the Reserved Sacrament to others beside the Sick. The Bishops of Chester, Truro, Southwark, St Alban's, Chichester, and some others, in all (I think) nine, voted for this extension, which I opposed strongly, going so far as to say that, if it were adopted, I should find it difficult to defend the revised book. Its rejection by a large majority gave me great relief and satisfaction.

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