The Henson Journals

[51]

Thursday, January 5th, 1928.

Ella with her party returned from Raby at 4.25 a.m. I spent the morning in writing letters, among which was one to Will Spens in answer to a suggestion that he might have an interview in order to discuss with me some proposals which Streeter, Storr, Rawlinson, and he have drafted with a view to finding a way out of the impasse on Prayer Book Revision. I replied amiably but pointed out that we could hardly make fresh proposals without appearing to accept the situation created by the House of Commons.

In the afternoon I walked with the Park–keeper who showed me a new coal–stealing boring–place. We visited the usual "mine", and captured two men, who were actually getting coal. One of them had served in the Gordon Highlanders as Sergeant Major. I said that for that reason, he should be let off.

I have read through Dick Shepphard's book – The Impatience of a Parson – a second time, and my ill impression of it is confirmed. There is in it nothing of value, and much that is extremely mischievous. What a light it casts on the quality of modern preaching that flimsy extravagances of this kind should be hailed with enthusiasm as 'prophecy'!