The Henson Journals

[317]

5th Sunday after Trinity, July 3rd, 1904.

A dark & thunderous day which began with a deluge. I celebrated in much physical discomfort, being nearly voiceless & my head aching badly, at 8 a.m. There were 27 commts. I preached with husky fervour to a congregation by no means large. Principal Rainy was sitting under my pulpit. During the Celebration (at which were 90 commts) there was a tremendous downpour.

At Evensong I preached again with a voice like a raven.

[318]

On Tuesday & Wednesday the Convocation of Canterbury held sessions, & I wasted in attending them those days. Beyond a short speech in favour of vesting Glebes in the Eccll Commn, I took no part in the proceedings. On Thursday & Friday were the meetings of what called itself the "Representative Church Council". Here also I showed up & wasted two days, but took no part in the business.

The members, so far as I could judge, regarded me with kindness. There was no Disinclination to receive my hospitality, (21 members lunched here) and no reluctance to acknowledge acquaintance. Archdeacon Watkins of Durham volunteered to thank me for my book: & several members were very complimentary on my speech. Moreover the fanaticks were either absent, or silent, and wore a sulky & baffled aspect, as men who dimly saw that they were disapproved.

Friday's Literary Supplement of the 'Times' had more than a column on "Canon Henson's Answer": & there were 3 columns of hostile "review" in the "Church Times" of the same date.

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