The Henson Journals

[147]

23rd Sunday after Trinity, November 18th, 1906.

A bright deceiving day break introducing a wet Sunday. There were 32 communicants at the early Celebration. Smart having forgotten to bring the key of the organ key–board we had to break the protecting glass. This untoward incident began a service which was strangely wearisome. The atmosphere of the Church seemed to be asphyxiating, and I felt myself half asleep as I preached! My text was the Gospel for the day – the episode of Christ's decision as to paying tribute to Caesar. In the afternoon I left cards (since the ladies were out) on the young lady who wrote to me asking to make my acquaintance.

Mrs Glasgow Bell came in to tea after the Abbey service. There was a large congregation at Evensong, when I preached on S. John VI.15 'The Temptation of Prosperity'. After service, George Mackarness came in to supper. He is lodging at 36 St James's Square, Notting Hill Gate W: and is a nephew of the Bishop of Oxford, by whom I was ordained. He is scarcely 22 years old, and has racketted about more than most men. He is now on the stage.

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