The Henson Journals

[152]

Friday, March 7th, 1930.

"Ethics must either perfect themselves in religion, or disintegrate themselves in Hedonism."

Martineau.

Francis Leslie Race of 12 Croft Avenue, Crook, came to see me. He was sent by Mr Sargent, the Chaplain of Barnard Castle School. He wants to become a clergyman, but, as he is but 18 years old, his desire must not be over–valued. He seemed a decent, well–mannered youth, but nowise impressive. I told him to write to Maish.

I walked in the Park. Four of the caddies informed me that they were going to be confirmed, & had just started the class at Coundon. All of them have left school, none of them have any work. They are moving into manhood without an employment & without discipline. What is before them but rapid degeneration of character, & loss of civic value? And they are but representative of many thousands of English boys. It is a degrading and heart–piercing spectacle. And the Bishop must see the whole tragedy proceeding under his eyes, and do nothing!

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