The Henson Journals

[212]

Easter Day, March 31st, 1918.

1336th day

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Rain was falling rather heavily when I went across to the cathedral at 8 a.m. Mattins was still proceeding, & it was a quarter after the hour when the celebration began. I was myself the celebrant. Lilley, Bannister, and a minor canon were present. There were about 70 comts, among whom I noticed several of the cathedral school boys, whom I confirmed on the 23rd. The service was solemn, and consolatory. I preached in S. Peter's Church to a very large congregation, and afterwards lunched with the Vicar, Revd A. C. Moore. This is a Simeon's Trustees living, but there was a surpliced choir. I wrote to Elizabeth Smith and to Mrs Darwin. The weather was very unpleasant as Evensong came on, but, in spite of rain showers & sudden squalls, there was a considerable congregation. I preached from Romans X. 9. "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord, & shalt believe in thy heart that God raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved". Bannister carried the crozier: & I wore my red robes. Before the Benediction the Choir sang the Hallelujah Chorus. As I walked from the Altar in much state, I could not help reflecting on the contrast between the apparent respect with which I was treated, and the obloquy with which I was assailed in this city but a few weeks since. Of course I do not suppose that the enemy has done with me yet: but certainly they have had a heavy fall. When my list of chaplains is made public the "Catholicks" will be restive: and when I am reported to have again preached in Non–Anglican Churches, they will probably find their voices again. However, as the Blessed Paul said, "none of these things move me".

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