The Henson Journals

[176]

Wednesday, January 21st, 1925.

What took place in the Asclepieia of Greece may be readily and safely conjectured from what takes place at Lourdes today. The names are changed and the place, but the underlying process is the same, the agency is the same, and the whole transaction starts from the same springs in our composite human nature. Enthusiasm is endemic, and a common faith grows in crowds whenever an adequate suggestion is forthcoming. The traditional piety of the people, stimulated by the apparitions and intensified by "mass–suggestion" is sufficient explanation of the cures that are effected.

Cobb. "Spiritual Healing". P.209.

I finished one of the Manchester sermons, & began to plan the other. After lunch Clayton and I went in to Durham, and had an interview with Lomax about the proposed division of his parish. He is a queer blend of the saint and the attorney.

Captain Apperley died this morning after a short illness. I shall miss his cheerful, humourous personality. Miss Rose Headlam came to make a short visit. The weather became foggy & very cold.

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