The Henson Journals

[38]

3rd Sunday in Lent, March 18th, 1906.

Eternal and All–Pitying Saviour, Who knowest the secrets of all hearts, and the shadows of all lives, have compassion on me, the worst and weakest of Thy Servants, whom yet in Thy mysterious Wisdom Thou hast called to the Ministry of Thy Gospel. Cleanse my conscience from dead works; purge the vision of my spirit; order my steps in the way of Thy commandments. Remember not, O dread Master, my old sins, and visit me not with Thine indignation. Look with mercy upon Thy flock, who seek at my hands the food of Thy Message. Suffer them not to perish through my sin, or go astray through my evil example. Show Thou me the way that I should walk in, for I lift up my soul unto Thee.

Amen

Thomas Collins Walters entered on his duties as Curate, & read his declaration of assent at Mattins.

[39]

I celebrated at 8 a.m. There were 44 communicants. At Mattins I was pleased to see in his place the Speaker and his family. Mr Lough & Sir Henry Graham were also present, & a number of strange men in the Members' seats whom I must assume to be Members. At Evensong there was a large congregation. I preached an old sermon on the famous Petrine text, "Tu es Petrus", but my treatment of it was not "controversial". There remained to the devotional service a considerable number of the people, & many appeared to come into the church specifically for that service.

At supper were Alec Beeching, Chart – who came to say "Goodbye" on going into Cornwall, Geordie & Ethel, Sherwood, Walters, & Harold.

I wrote to Carissima the last letter that I shall address to her at Horley.

[40]

After the "Golden" Lecture on Tuesday, March 20th, I was taken off to lunch by the Haberdashers. We drank champagne out of tumblers in the middle of the day!!

My 4th Address on "Fundamental Xity" was duly delivered in S. Margaret's on Saturday afternoon (March 24th). In spite of the weather which was very wet & bitterly cold, a considerable company assembled. I spoke on "Un–dogmatic Christianity". After the address, I was thanked by one of my hearers, who said he was a nephew of that most genial of bigots – Dean Burgon.

On Tuesday evening I attended the annual meeting of the Wesleyan London Mission in Wesley's Chapel, City Road. It was a pouring wet night; but notwithstanding rain & mud, the Hall was completely filled. The extempore prayer was most trying; and there was much partisan politics in the chairman's speech. As usual the people seemed greatly preferable to their ministers. W. Crooks M.P. made a speech. He is a born comedian. I was received with great enthusiasm.

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