The Henson Journals

[458]

9th Sunday after Trinity, August 4th, 1912.

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~~"As we desire to be accepted of God, to receive comfort to our souls by the things we do, and thereby to do good to others, let us be well–informed in the duties that by virtue of own proper function belong unto us, & therein be faithful & diligent. Much pains may be taken, & diligence used in other men's matters, & little thanks gotten for all that pains & diligence. Yea, we may bring by such pains & diligence much trouble to ourselves, & yet no comfort in all that trouble. Wherefore St Peter exhorteth Christians from suffering 'as busy–bodies in other men's matters'. And it is remarkable, that he reckoneth their sufferings among the sufferings of malefactors. 'Study therefore to do your own business'. Let magistrates, let minsters, let husbands, let wives, let all sorts so do."~~

Gouge. 'God's Three Arrows' p. 40.

[A.D. 1631.]

This sober counsel of the excellent Puritan may seem to rebuke the venture on which I proceed today – preaching 'with the gloves off' about the Putumayo atrocities! But I suppose, there may be exceptions even to the rule of [459] [symbol] pastoral duty. And is it not fairly maintained that this is one?

There was a very large congregation at Mattins. My sermon on the Putumayo Blue–book took over 45 minutes to deliver, and was listened to with close attention. I celebrated the Holy Communion. There 118 communicants including the Swedish Professor, Söderblom.

In the afternoon I preached again to a very large congregation. My text was, "Who is my neighbour?["] The Offertory for the Children's Country Holiday Fund exceeded £32.

I attended the evening service, when once more the Abbey Church had a great congregation. Northcote preached a characteristic sermon of the conventional parochial type: & £15 more was collected for the C.C.H. Fund, making a total for the day of £89.

I gave a verbal promise to Prof. Söderblom that I would proceed to Upsala in September 1914, and give a course of 8 lectures on some subject connected with the history & literature of the English church.

We had a large party at luncheon including a Canadian professor of philosophy, William Caldwell, and an American clergyman, named Mercer Johnston. Also Kirshbaum, who had preached in St Margaret's.

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