The Henson Journals

[20]

3rd Sunday after the Epiphany, January 21st, 1906.

A wet cold morning ushering in a day, sunless, chilly, & with frequent showers. I celebrated at 8 a.m: there were 28 commts. At 10 a.m. the Bishop of London preached in the Abbey: and I ascribed to this cause the absenteeism of many familiar faces from my congregation in S. Margaret's. However a congregation of a sort assembled, and I preached rather over their heads from S. Matt: xii.48–50. The Offertory was just under £11.

The day grew worse as it drew towards night–fall: and at Evensong it was wet enough to spoil the congregation. I preached on Romans xii. 9–10 "Let love be without hypocrisy &c.". After Church, who should be awaiting me but Dick Hedger and his wife? They had attended the service, & seemed happy & hopeful.

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