The Henson Journals

[13]

Sunday, December 8th, 1918.

I preached twice in the Cathedral – at Mattins & at the Evening Service. There were very large congregations on both occasions. The Bishop of Manchester was present at Mattins, an unusual proceeding. He received the Holy Sacrament afterwards, though he had already celebrated in his own chapel. But he preferred to repeat his communion rather than set, or seem to set, an example of non–communicating attendance – a nice point of casuistry. The abominable malady from which I suffered in the summer has now returned, & in abominably inconvenient form. I was in discomfort yesterday: in pain this morning: in agony tonight. A seat in the chancel, supplied with cushions, was arranged for me in the evening, but the preaching was difficult, & I was very glad when it was over. The new Dean, Swayne, was present. He is a tall, good–looking man, who may do well. He is said to smoke a pipe in the streets, and to attend meetings in a short coat! These are, perhaps, the natural marks of a dignitary who espouses "Life & Liberty", as Swayne is supposed to do. As soon as possible after my return to the house, I went to bed in much physical misery!

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