The Henson Journals

[197]

21st Sunday after Trinity, October 20th, 1918.

1539th day

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A damp, rather languid & depressing day, difficult to work in & demoralizing. It is the anniversary of our wedding day, so Ella and I went together to the Holy Communion at All Saints, where I celebrated. Treherne was there, & ministered the chalice. A little red–cassocked serving boy assisted me, & he was rather perplexed at my unusual ways! He said he was 13 years old, and had already been confirmed 4 years! There were many communicants.

After breakfast I revised my sermon, and then Ella & I walked to the Eignbrook Congregational Church, and there I preached to a crowded congregation. On the whole I was pleased with the service. It was hearty and reverent, though an inevitable interlude of compliment, and the extempore prayers tried me not a little. I think no harm could have been done, & possibly some good.

We motored to Tenbury, and there I preached to a large congregation in the parish church. But my sermon was a failure for I was speaking from notes, and the atmosphere was heavily charged with escaping gas. After writing my discourses, & reading them ^for 31 years^, I am greatly embarrassed when I attempt extemporaneous, or semi–extemporaneous preaching. Nor can I doubt that even for the simplest congregations I should preach best from MS: but the hustle & bustle of my life makes the composition of written sermons impossible.

My new chauffeur, Vincent Longstaff, drives with more confidence than William, & we were home in good time. William goes to his military career on Tuesday.

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