The Henson Journals

[219]

1st Sunday after Trinity, June 2nd, 1907.

A wet thunderous day, dark to live under, difficult to live through. Blackmore celebrated at 8 a.m., and I assisted. There were 32 cts, among whom old Mr Talbot, Mr Geddes, two strange clergymen & five other males.

At Mattins there was by no means a large congregation. I preached from the Gospel for the day – Dives & Lazarus – but wearily. Also I celebrated the Holy Communion: there were 69 cts.

Mrs Murray & Buff came to lunch. Also Mrs Griffith–Jones.

At Evensong I preached a second time on Dives & Lazarus. There was a large, but not a crowded congregation.

Murray and Signorina came to supper.

[220]

The following letter to Barnett will serve to throw light on the proceedings of a somewhat stormy chapter:–

June 3rd, 1907

My dear Barnett,

I think I owe you an explanation. When I said that you were not 'straight', I did not mean to convey any imputation on your personal rectitude, but that you did not 'play the game' as a member of our body politic. It would be the merest affectation for me to pretend that on this point I have changed my opinion, but I should be sincerely sorry if you thought that I designed any reflection on your honour. That was not, and is not, in my thought: but I feel that the language I used might give you another impression, and, therefore, I beg to withdraw what I said, and to ask your pardon for saying it.

Believe me,

v. faithfully yours,

H. Hensley Henson

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