The Henson Journals

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Sexagesima, February 15th, 1914.

A dubious morning of clouds & intermittent sunshine followed a stormy night. Some letters arrived by the Sunday post including one from the Bishop of Winchester which acknowledged receipt of the Oxford Sermon, and protested with some vigour against the text – "Let love be without hypocrisy". He seems to interpret it as a suggestion that he & the other Zanzibaris are themselves hypocrites!

Tomorrow I am pledged to speak to a clerical company on 'Reunion'. It is difficult to know what to say:

1. The urgency of the matter at home & abroad.
2. Two conceptions of Xity bequeathed by History, emphasizing respectively a. the ideas b. the institutions of Christ's Gospel.
3. The Reformation disclosed the difference, & divided Christians inevitably.
4. Union of the Future cannot return to the older system which has already broken down.
5. The Position of the C. of E. – in what sense the 'via media' is to be understood = 'the glory & crown of the Reformation'
6. The choice must be made. There is no place for a tertium quid

[116]

There was a large congregation at Mattins, when I preached on Acts xi. 26. "The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch". The collection amounted to over £525, which appeared to give much satisfaction to everybody.

I spent the afternoon in my room, partly resting, & partly revising my evening sermon. The gentlemen of the choir came in to tea after the service at 3 p.m.

There was a great crowd at Evensong. I preached about the Church of England, taking as my text the words of the proverb quoted in Isaiah 65: "Destroy it not for a blessing is in it". As the sermon was ending a man in the congregation fell into an epileptic fit, & was removed with some commotion. A celebration of Holy Communion followed Evensong. All the first part of the service was omitted. There were 78 communicants mostly young girls. I remained & communicated.

At supper a number of clergy – curates & ex–curates – came together, & appeared to enjoy themselves. They sang the verse "Praise God from Whom all blessings flow" before separating.

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Issues and controversies: Kikuyu