The Henson Journals

[189]

[symbol]

Friday November 8th, 1912. Cambridge, Mass.

'So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.’

Shew Thou me the way that I should walk in for I lift up my soul unto Thee.

'History is often made by energetic men, steadfastly following ideas, mostly wrong, that determine events.’

Lord Acton l.c. 70.

It is my Birthday. 49 years have slipped away since I was granted an individual existence on this planet. My various activities my actual situation today are suggestive of many experiences conflicts. I start by taking prayers giving an address in an undenominational university chapel. Then I preach in the episcopal cathedral. In the afternoon, I lecture in a congregational Seminary. I start the day as the guest with a congregational minister: I end it as the guest of the local Bishop! This Birthday belongs to the series of critical times in my life (v. p. 162). Will it be the starting point of some genuine service? or is it the first page of another chapter of failure? Assuredly as one grows older, knows more of one's self the world, one does not become more hopeful, or more self–confident.

[190]

There was a budget of letters at breakfast, including one from Dr Tait, dated Oct. 30th, and written in much consternation after seeing the announcement of my appointment in the 'Times'.

I conducted prayers in Appleton Chapel, taking as the subject of my little address the answer of the Three Youths to Nebuchadnezzar. My vigil in Wadsworth House was much disturbed by visitors. First, came Mr D. Howard Fletcher who wished to express his sense of the courtesies shown to him in a recent visit to England! Next, came Professor F. Peabody who wished to arrange a luncheon party, stayed to discuss my lecture at Andover, which he had heard. He expressed his vehement disapproval of the 'Eschatological' interpretation of Christ adopted by Burkitt. Then, came a very pleasant young fellow, James P. Gifford, who wanted to talk over the taking of Orders. He was followed by Eldon Griffen (1683 Cambridge St. Cambridge Mass. His home address is 418 West Park Avenue, Enid, Oklahoma), who talked in general: at last came Charles Hoffman, who discussed theology. These visitors hindered me from doing any work on my lecture, which was in consequence more than commonly unfinished.

Meanwhile Ella had been packing our possessions. She went with them to 122 Commonwealth Avenue in the Bishop's car: while I made my way by the tube to the Cathedral, there preached on 'Incommunicable [191] [symbol] responsibility'. There was a good attendance. After service Watts–Ditchfield came into the vestry to see me. Mrs Lawrence picked me up, carried me home. Here I met at lunch a vivacious clergyman, Leighton Park, Lady Barran's father.

After lunch we all (the Bishop, Park, myself) motored to the Divinity School Chapel at Cambridge, and there attended the funeral of the late Professor Nash. The chapel was quite full: the service very impressive.

Then I took refuge in Appleton Lawrence's house (5 Fuller Road, Cambridge Mass.) there read over the MS of my lecture. The Bishop walked round with me to Andover Seminary, attended my 3rd Lecture. The subject was "The problem of moral discipline". There was again a good attendance.

The company at dinner included Dr Worcester, the founder of the "Immanuel Movement". He is a large, fresh–coloured man, with a curious suggestion of Curzon in his manner aspect. Bp. Lawrence tells me that when Boyd–Carpenter gave the 'Noble' lectures some years ago there was difficulty in finding a room big enough to contain the audiences.

---