The Henson Journals

[152]

19th Sunday after Trinity, October 23rd, 1927.

I celebrated the Holy Communion at 8 a.m. in the Chapel. We numbered but 6 communicants. Before getting up I read through again. Archbishop D'Arcy's "Science & Creation: the Christian Interpretation". It is excellent & contrasts in tone & quality with Barnes's pronouncement: but, of course, the Irish Primate is a considerable philosopher, and the English Bishop is no Philosopher at all. I wrote to Lord Londonderry, and also to Robin.

After lunch we all motored to Durham, where I showed Miss Haldane the Chapter Library, the Galilee & the Nine Altars before Evensong, after which we visited the Deanery, & had tea with Mrs Knight. Then I walked to the Vicarage of St Oswald's, & had some talk with Morris before the service at Evensong. I preached wearily in a stifling atmosphere. After service we returned to Auckland.

The "Observer" prints very prominently an article headed, "Future of the Primacy: Notes of the Bishops". It discusses the Archbishop of York, the Bishop of London, & the Bishop of Durham. It cannot be said to flatter the last, named gentleman. This modern fashion of writing about living persons is very objectionable, & lends itself but too easily to abuse. There is no real reason why the Archbishop of Canterbury should resign, & very little probability that he will. Miss Haldane, who knows him well, thinks that he won't.