The Henson Journals

[2]

Friday, March 16th, 1917.

956th day

A revolution is reported from Russia. The Czar has abdicated, and his brother has been proclaimed Regent during the minority of the new Czar, a boy of 13. Bonar Law's statement in the House last night was as optimistic as possible, but optimism is difficult in the circumstances. There is no account yet of the attitude of the Russian Church, a factor of cardinal importance, & in the long run probably decisive. The "Times" has a continuous narrative of the Revolution. I observe that there are references to "drunken" mobs, which hardly suggests the prohibition of vodhka; and the gaol–birds, having been liberated, proceeded to make repeated efforts to burn down the Law–courts! This certainly is revolution.

I finished the sermon for All Fools' Day (!) taking as my subject "The Failure of Lutheranism, not a disproof of the Reformation". It is designed as an appendix to the City Temple Sermons: & adds a measure of completeness to them. Then George came, & cleared up my room. I gave him "The Fair Maid of Perth": & he stayed to lunch. I attended Evensong, and then went through Houghall Wood with Cruickshank. On our way, we stopped to talk to the Vergers who were getting to work on the meadow by the white gate.

Philip le Mesurier came to say Goodbye. He thinks he has arranged his removal from S. Chad's. The afternoon post brought me a kind letter from old Prof. Bonney, to whom I had sent a copy of my little correspondence with the Bishop of London. He approves my action. The 'Record' has a note commenting on my preaching in S. Sepulchre's on the Sunday following my appearance at the 'City Temple'. I shall be devoutly thankful when the whole performance is over. Anyway another fortnight will practically see me through it.

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