The Henson Journals

[681]

Sexagesima, February 27th, 1916.

573rd day

I preached on 'The Fall of Man' to the troops, taking for my text the pregnant sentence of St John: "Sin is lawlessness". The men were very attentive, especially, perhaps, because I read as a lesson the narrative of the Expulsion from Eden, and discussed it frankly. I attended Mattins & listened to another sermon from Lillingston. Then I celebrated the Holy Communion. After lunch Charles Abbey accompanied me to Tanfield, where I preached to a large congregation in the parish church, at a special service of "Thanksgiving for mercies received during the War". I made a speech, rather than delivered a sermon, proposing 4 special subjects for Thanksgiving: 1. Because we were led to a right decision in August 1914: 2. Because the Empire had proved its loyalty so magnificently. 3. Because our soldiers and sailors had carried themselves so nobly. 4. Because the nation had been so united. These were the pegs of my discourse, which I brought to an end with some earnest words of self–criticism. The people listened very closely, & were, I hope, usefully impressed. We got back to the Deanery about 5.30 p.m. Youd drove the car admirably. There was much snow in the higher reaches of the country.

The Precentor came in to see me after dinner to 'ask my advice'. This meant that he was casting eyes of coveting on the organist's position at St Paul's Cathedral left vacant by the death of Sir George Martin. He wanted me to write to the Dean on his behalf: and this I could not but promise to do, though, indeed, I have little doubt that the Dean & Chapter have long since made up their minds as to the matter. The mere notion of Cully's [Culley's] departure alarms me. If he were to go, & Hughes take the living of Norham which will be vacant after Easter, I should truly be faced by a difficult situation.

---