The Henson Journals

[424]

4th Sunday after Epithany, January 31st, 1909.

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A fine but bitterly cold morning. I celebrated in St Margt's at 8 a.m. when there were but 14 commts. My wife was in Cambridge week–ending with Kitty Inge. Harold & I had immense conversations. That young man promises to 'make history' in rather a surprising fashion.

At Mattins there was a larger congregation than I had expected, & it was more virile than usual. Especially noticeable were the white & grey heads. What does this signify? Is my teaching obsolete, & therefore attractive to the old? Most commonly the presence of young men is said to be the mark of a great or successful preacher. Campbell's congregation at the City Temple is mainly youths & young men. Is that really a satisfactory indication of the character of his preaching? I am disposed to explain the influx of ancients into S. Margaret's by the breaking–up of two congregations – Ainger's at the Temple, & Page–Roberts's at Vere Street. In neither case has the new preacher been equal to his place. The Offertory slightly exceeded £12.

At Evensong there was a fair congregation. I preached on 'Spiritual Relationship to Christ'. The offertory: £5.12.0.

Linetta, May, Hine–Haycock, Alfred Reynolds, Gilbert, and Harold came to supper.

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