The Henson Journals

[188]

20th Sunday after Trinity, October 13th, 1918.

1532nd day

A fine day after the rain, bright but cold. I had breakfast in bed, and then got up & went to service in the Cathedral. The paper reports that the German Government has replied to President Wilson accepting his 14 conditions, & undertaking to withdraw from the invaded territories. This creates an interesting situation. I remained indoors during the afternoon, and even avoided the party of Canadian soldiers whom Ruth brought in to tea. At 6.30 p.m. there was a large congregation in the Cathedral. As I walked beside the Dean, I reflected on the strange fortune that had brought us together, & how but a few months ago he was publicly opposing my entrance into the see. I could wish that I were more adequate to my fortunes, & more able to discern & to utilise my opportunities. I preached on "Change & the Unchanging", using with little alteration the sermon I wrote for Leominster. The congregation was very attentive, but (though I think they could all hear) I found no comfort in my preaching! A general Bridgeford and his daughter were introduced to me as hailing from Hereford. It appears that they live near Pembridge, & that I met the young lady when I preached the Harvest Festival there. He is now stationed at Margate. At supper there came Lieutenant Duff and his wife, & a lady who said she was a niece of the late Archdeacon of Northumberland. Ruth's playing was an agreeable conclusion to a rather futile & miscellaneous Sunday, in which I did little, red little, thought little, and wrote nothing. What an account to render!

---