The Henson Journals

Sun 30 July 1905 to Fri 4 August 1905

Volume 15, Pages 440 to 441

[440]

6th Sunday after Trinity, July 30th, 1905.

The sun shines gloriously after a hot might, and there is a slight breeze. I read Harnack's new volume for awhile before getting up. In the Abbey there was a very large congregation. It was Election Sunday, and the School attended in force, and received the Holy Communion. Strong of Ch. Ch. preached a pleasant sermon. My Godson, Alfred, came to see me. Herbert Gritten also came to tea & supper. I preached to a very large congregation in the Abbey at 3 p.m., & again to a moderate assembly at 7 p.m. in S. Margaret's. This is the last occasion on which the present aspect of the East End will be apparent.

[441]

On Friday August 4th 1905 I dined with Lady Frances Balfour at 32 Addison Road. The party consisted of Mr Arthur Balfour, Mr Asquith, the Attorney General, Lord Hugh Cecil, and mine host & hostess. It was an ideal dinner party, & we talked hard. It was odd to see the political antagonists at what is a bitter crisis affectionately familiar. It was ‘Arthur' and ‘Henry'. We had a great religious argument. Afterwards the P.M. carried me home in his motor. He was fascinating.