The Henson Journals

[240]

21st Sunday after Trinity, November 12th, 1916.

832nd day

I celebrated the Holy Communion at 8 a.m. There were not many communicants, but very varied. A wounded soldier, a boy (George), four students, a score of women, & two or three elderly men, besides the five clergy – these cover by representation a considerable range of life. I doubt, however, whether the vast artisan class was represented, though the soldier may have belonged to it. At Mattins there was a considerable congregation. The Judge (Sir Fredk Low) attended in state. I preached on "The didactic function of Law"; taking as my text Gal: III. 24. "So that the law hath been our tutor to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith". We entertained the Judge & High Sheriff at lunch. Lady Londonderry (the dowager) brought two friends from Wynyard: & we made up with other guests a party of seventeen. Then to Evensong came the Mayor & Corporation escorted by a great body of the citizens. I preached on "High Motive & Commonplace Duties", taking for text two passages, S. Matt.vi.33. "Seek ye first His kingdom, & His righteousness", and Rom. Xii. 16. "Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly". The singing of the National Anthem (all three verses unexpurgated) was memorable. In the course of my sermon I took up my parable against the hoardings with their squalid advertisements which spoil the noble prospect of the cathedral from the Railway station. I offered it as an illustration of those "lowly things" to which in the exercise of their municipal functions they might "condescend". There came to tea Captn Apperly [Apperley], his son, & his two ^married^ daughters, Mrs Warre and Mrs Bell. Also Major & Mrs Low, and Mrs Cruickshank with a friend. The weather has been fine & so far favourable, but the unseasonable warmth made effort irksome.

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