These two customs, since that time, have come regularly down to the
present day. Every person helps his family and his friends at his own
table. But as Christians can make no sacrifices to heathen deities, we
usually find them substituting thanksgiving for oblation, and giving to
the Creator of the universe instead of an offering of the first fruits
from their tables, an offering of gratitude from their hearts.
This oblation, which is now usually denominated grace, consists of a
form of words, which, being expressive either of praise or thankfulness
to God for the blessings of food, with which he continues to supply
them, is repeated by the master of the family, or by a minister of the
gospel if present, before any one partakes of the victuals, that are set
before him. These forms, however, differ, as used by Christians. They
differ in length, in ideas, in expression. One Christian uses one form,
another uses another. It may however be observed, that the same
Christian generally uses the same form of words, or the same grace, on
the same occasion.
The Quakers, as a religious body, agree in the propriety of grace before
their meals, that is in the propriety of giving thanks to the author of
every good gift for this particular bounty of his providence as to the
articles of their daily subsistence, but they differ as to the manner
and seasonableness of it on such occasions.
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