The Henson Journals

[147]

Friday. March 2nd, 1928.

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The 'Church Family Newspaper' has a leader by Ralph headed "Quantam matatus!" The Bishop of Durham's Volte face." Its personal references to me are expressed in a kindly fashion, but it accuses me of an "apparently total volte face' in the sphere of my 'deepest convictions'.

The substance of the article is a series of extracts from my books, exhibited in what purport to be contrasts. They do not seem to me particularly well–chosen for their purpose, and are all easily capable of reconciliation, but I doubt not that they will suffice for their purpose with the public to whom they are addressed. The Editor of the C.of E.N. wrote to offer me the front page for a reply: & I wasted the morning in writing something. I am sorry Ralph allowed his prejudices so completely to submerge his friendship as to make a public onslaught on me: but what would one have? The by–products of religious controversy are often very disagreeable, & even extremely painful.

Lionel & I motored to Blaydon, where I confirmed 78 persons. On the way, I called at Lambton, & saw Lord Durham, who has been ill. There was much fog at intervals, which made us 10 minutes late at Blaydon. We arrived back at the Castle at 9.50 p.m.