The Henson Journals

[407]

Tuesday, March 26th, 1912

I travelled to Manchester by the train leaving St Pancras at 10.5 a.m. It arrived at 3.40 p.m. having made several stoppages to meet other trains. The Strike has compelled many re–arrangements perplexing to the traveller. I preached in the Congregational Church House to a considerable congregation, mainly men of the city–type. The train left at 5.50 p.m. & was grossly overcrowded as far as Derby. Everybody talking excitedly about the Coal Strike. However we reached S. Pancras in good time, about 10.5 p.m.

[408]

I finished my last Puritan lecture with much difficulty, and with no satisfaction to myself, for I seemed to miss saying just what I designed mainly to say! I delivered the poor thing on Friday afternoon to a congregation which was certainly the largest I have had at these lectures. The attention of the public was just beginning to be aroused.

The inspector from Scotland Yard called to tell me that the Bow Street magistrate had sentenced Ward to three months imprisonment. The sentence is severe, but perhaps not too severe: for truly, I think the man has been stealing for a long while past.

Olaf Caröe came to see me, & we had quite a long talk together over Thompson's position. He confesses to a secret inclination to take Orders.

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