The Henson Journals
Wed 12 June 1929
Volume 48, Pages 142 to 143
[142]
Wednesday, June 12th, 1929.
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Lionel came with me to Darlington, where I took the 8.55 a.m. express to King's Cross. I travelled very comfortably, having the compartment to myself after York. The Archbishop of York and Mr Forster, the late High Sheriff, came and talked to me. I was surprised to find that the latter was not greatly perturbed by the result of the General Election. He thought that Macdonald had formed as moderate a ministry as he could, & that he would not be able to do much harm. He was optimistic about the immediate future of the Durham mines. On arriving in London I drove to 21 Park Lane, & deposited my bags. Then I went to the Club, & washed. After a visit to the Hair–dresser, I drove to Lambeth and attended the meeting of the Bishops. Bell made his first appearance as Bishop of Chichester. Lang presided, and seemed to be in rude health and high spirits. He explained that the elaborate transformation of the Garden which is proceeding was being carried out by some anonymous [143] [symbol] friend who had undertaken to find the money. Barnes was present in a very ^militant (^ brazen^)^ mood. I think ^(^ his head is turned ^) he is not unsatisfied^ by the great publicity which his utterances secure, & the considerable popularity which he has gained with the non–religious public. I remonstrated with him for his Westminster Sermon, but I found him quite (^impenetrable^) inaccessible to argument on that topic!^ Let him heed the warning against those who 'love the praise of men, more than the praise of God'.
Several of the Bishops (e.g. London, Chester, Wakefield, Bath & Wells) thanked me for the charge: & Truro, who might have been offended at the references to himself, was quite appreciative. On the whole, I incline to think that it has served its purpose. The "Yorkshire Post" has a notice of it, more frigid than actually hostile.
I dined in the Athenaeum with the two brothers Pearce, & then, after writing to Ella and looking at the illustrated papers, walked back to Park Lane.
The weather has become very hot & sultry, and I shall be surprised if we traverse the night without a storm.