The Henson Journals

[398]

2nd Sunday after Epiphany, January 15th, 1905.

A bitter but beautiful morning: the sky was everywhere flecked and streaked with rosy clouds, fit symbols of troubles, yes and of failures & even sins, transfigured and yoked to the bright purposes of Heaven by the rising Sun of Faith.

There were 24 communicants at 8 a.m., all women save the clergy, the Commodore, Albert, and Harold. At Mattins the congregation appeared large, but the Offertory (£10.19.9 ) suggested that it was but small. I preached wearily the old sermon which I preached in Liverpool on Advent Sunday. There were 42 commts at the midday Celebration. At Evensong the congregation was visibly affected by the cold. I preached a sermon patched of old & new. In the course of it I quoted Faber's fine poem "The Old Labourer", and nearly broke down at the last line, "God hath some grand employment for His Son".

Then we returned to the Rectory: Albert, Ellison, & Campbell came in to supper.

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Issues and controversies: stillborn son; grief