The Henson Journals

[235]

3rd Sunday after Trinity, July 2nd, 1911.

~~A veneration for antiquity is not the only thing that abuses and enslaves our mind; the charms of novelty have the same ascendant over us. And hence arise all the disputes amongst men, who charge each other either with sticking to the false impressions of their childhood, or with running at all adventures into every near hypothesis & fancy.~~

Pascal. "Thoughts" p.199.

A bright morning. Westlake celebrated at 8 a.m. I assisted. There were 27 comts.

At Mattins there was a large congregation. I preached on the words, "What God hath cleansed: make not thou common". Afterwards I celebrated. There were 97 comts.

Brooke, of St John's, Kennington, is reported to have died suddenly. As I was about to start for the Stockwell Training College, where I had promised to address the students, I received a telegram announcing the death of Miss Manley, the principal. I had to adapt my discourse to the situation. Ella went with me to the College.

The Bp. of Stepney preached at Evensong for C.E.T.S.: and afterwards came in to supper. A good & pleasant man but too ecstatic, verbose, and declamatory.

[236]

Convocation met on Tuesday, the 4th of July, and continued its session until Friday, the 7th. There was one more attempt on the part of Dean Wace in company with Canon Newbolt to obstruct Prayer book Revision: but they were easily defeated (55 to 29) almost without discussion. A report on Cremation signed by Bp. Gore proposed that service shd take place at the Crematorium. I carried an Amendment recommending that the service shd concern itself with the ashes.

We carried Prayer–book revision a few stages further by passing some part of the Revision Committee's proposals, including a revision of the opening exhortation of the marriage service. I made a speech on this subject which was well received by the House.

On Thursday, July 6th Miss Carr–Glyn, daughter of the Bp. of Peterboro, was married in St Margaret's to Commander Meade R.N. The Abp. of York tied the knot.

Ella & I dined at the Mansion House with the Abps. & Bps.

Watson & his wife stayed here on Thursday night.

Ernest came on Saturday afternoon, & helped me to clear up my study wh. had become anarchic beyond tolerance.

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Issues and controversies: prayer book revision