The Henson Journals
Sun 4 February 1912 to Thu 8 February 1912
Volume 17, Pages 382 to 383
[382]
Septuagesima, February 4th, 1912.
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Yesterday the newspapers reported 22° of frost, & today the cold seems even more intense. The effect on the congregations was what might have been expected. Yet there were more in S. Margaret's at 11 a.m. than I expected. I preached from the lessons for the day, & introduced into my sermon an allusion to the death of the Duke of Fife. Also I celebrated Holy Communion. There were 62 communicants.
In the afternoon I preached in the Abbey to a small & very noisy congregation. At the Dean's request I spoke about Dickens, whose centenary is being kept. My text was Romans xii.16, "Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly". Asquith occupied the stall next the Dean.
The Bishop of Southampton came to tea after service. The morning preacher in the Abbey was the Rev Cyril Emmet who has been taking up the cudgels for Thompson in the "XIXth Century".
[383] [symbol]
On Monday, the 5th Feb., we had a special service of Thanksgiving for the King's Return.
On Tuesday, the 6th Feb. the King & Queen drove to S. Paul's & attended a Thanksgiving Service in the Abbey.
The Committee of the Athenaeum elected me under Rule 2, as 'a person of distinguished eminence in science, literature, or the arts, or for public services'. Sir Henry Craik ran round to tell me. It was kind of him, & I am pleased with the compliment but I feel more imposturous than ever!
On Wednesday, the 7th Feb, I dined with the Leathersellers' Company, and sate next Sir Robert Morant, who proposed the health of the City Corporation &c in a very windy & wandering speech.
On Thursday, the 8th Feb, we went with the Caröes to the 'Miracle'. It is a fine spectacle but not otherwise impressive.