The Henson Journals

[5]

3d Sunday after Trinity, June 20th, 1926.

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With much reluctance I kept my bed instead of going to the Holy Communion for yet another Sunday. But prudence prohibits any running of risks, though, Heaven knows, I am weary of these secularised festivals! The weather was bright & hot, though uncomfortable by reason of a warm wind, which came from all quarters at once, mainly from the west.

After breakfast I wrote in bed a letter to the Times, headed 'Perverted Trade–Unionism – a Plea for Legal Reform'. If the Editor publishes it, my popularity in the diocese will not be increased! This is said to be "Civic Sunday", and accordingly there has been much noise of band–playing in the streets. Democracy & Band–playing appear to be inseparable. I loathe both!

In the afternoon I sate in the Garden, & read Trevelyan's History. On returning to my study, I wrote to my brother, Gilbert.

One result of the many–sided activity of the modern church, (which multiplies its organisations as it loses hold of the people,) is the existence of many companies, more or less disciplined, of children & adolescents, who "parade" at the Church on every occasion of importance, with the result that the preacher, who is generally selected & as considerable a personage as possible, has for his congregation a gathering largely composed of fidgetting youngsters, excited by their exertions & bored stark by their compulsory inactivity. In such circumstances, serious preaching is out of the question, &, indeed, is now rarely attempted. All things tend to the degradation of the modern pulpit.

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