The Henson Journals

[368]

Sexagesima, February 20th, 1927.

A mild calm morning stirring dreams of domesticity in the rooks. But I had a restless night, and carried into the following day a great weight of more or less formulated worry. "Why art thou so heavy, O my soul? and, why art thou so disquieted within me? I will put my trust in God, for he is the help of my countenance, and my God."

I celebrated the Holy Communion in the Chapel at 8 a.m. We numbered but six communicants including James. After breakfast I wrote to William. Beyond that I did nothing useful, and then walked in the Park with Ella for an hour after she had returned from church. Our conversation was more animated than amicable! I became morally dishevelled, a state in which to preach acceptably is not in the power of man. However, "time and tide wait for no man", and preach I must, though my Christian profession hang upon me in tatters!

For my sermon I chose one which, perhaps, more than any other, was fitted to provide the materials for melancholy self–criticism. Its subject was the light cast on the true meaning of Christianity by the names which the followers of Christ came to bear in the world: and the text was formed from the two passages: S. John xv.15 and Acts xi.26. The first records that the Lord called the Twelve his "friends": & the last tells us that the "disciples" were first called "Christians" at Antioch. The sermon seemed to be fitting as an introduction to the Season of Lent, when the practical aspects of the Christian profession are emphasized.

I motored to Evenwood for Evensong at 6 p.m. The church was not much more than half filled, but it was explained to me that the parish was enduring a very severe visitation of influenza. The parson, Richardson, had but recently been vaccinated, & was feeling the effects. This circumstance added to an attack of influenza reduced him to an unhappy condition. However he read the prayers, and I read the lesson, and preached. He told me that he was going through the Composite book with his people, and liked it much. I think the main body of the parish clergy will be well contented, but the conflicting extremes are in revolt. The question is, how far do they have a following in the country. In the Assembly they are vocal enough.

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