The Henson Journals

[55]

7th Sunday after Trinity, July 10th, 1921.

"For what, my small philosopher, is Hell?

'Tis nothing but full knowledge of the Truth

When Truth, resisted long, is sworn our foe"

And calls Eternity to do her right.

Young, 1684–1765

I celebrated the Holy Communion in the Chapel at 8 a.m. William was one of the 10 communicants. After breakfast I prepared an address for the Brancepeth cyclists, and wrote a long letter to George. The hill–side on the further side of the Gaunless started to burn about luncheon time, ignited probably by some carelessly thrown match, or possibly by the unassisted sun, which has blazed with a torrid fierceness.

I held a confirmation in the chapel at 2.30 p.m., when one male and nine females were confirmed. Some choir–boys from St Anne's attended, and Lady Thurlow played the organ. The service occupied about 35 minutes.

Ella and Clayton accompanied me to Brancepeth where an open–air service had been arranged in the courtyard of the Castle for cyclists. Odd–fellows, Buffaloes, Scouts et hoc omne genus [and all of this kind]. The heat was excessive, and many of the company fainted. I preached for nearly half–an–hour, and was attentively listened to. Then I took William into the parish church, and showed him Cosin's wood–work. We had tea in the Rectory, and then returned to Auckland Castle, dropping Clayton on the way home at Willington, where he had undertaken to preach.

Thomas, the railway men's leader, is holding a meeting tonight in Bishop Auckland.

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