The Henson Journals

[217]

Advent Sunday, November 27th, 1927.

I celebrated the Holy Communion in the Chapel at 8a.m. After breakfast Ella and I motored to the Cathedral in Newcastle. We took 50 minutes in traversing the 25 miles. I preached at Mattins in aid of the Princess Mary Maternity Hospital. There was by no means a large congregation. After service we walked to 7 Elliston Place, and lunched with Sir Thomas Oliver and his daughter. On our way home we called at the Vicarage in Birtley, in order to inquire as to the Vicar's health. The old fat man seemed fairly cheerful.

On arriving at the Castle, I walked in the park for half an hour: then wrote to William and George.

Ingram's letter in response to my inquiry as to the truth of the allegation, that he had promised Mackay of All Saints, Margaret Street to allow the use of the Litany before the Reserved Sacrament, is hardly satisfactory, and it is marked by an evident irritation which itself suggests an uncomfortable conscience, "The reason the report must have got about is that I have said possibly to some people, in trying to pacify them, 'today can't you be satisfied with the Litany which can be said in every church whether the Sacrament is reserved, or not?"

He is constitutionally incompetent to enforce disciplines, and he is fast bound by his lawless past!