Such praise or
thanksgiving in him is considered as a devotional act, and as the Quaker
grace. But if, after having waited in silence for some time, he feels no
such religious disposition, he utters no religious expression. The
Quakers hold it better to say no grace, than to say that, which is not
accompanied by the devotion of the heart. In this case he resumes his
natural position, breaks the silence by means of natural discourse, and
begins to carve for his family or his friends.
This is the ordinary way of proceeding in Quaker families, when alone,
or in ordinary company. But if a minister happens to be at the table,
the master of the family, conceiving such a man to be more in the habit
of religious impressions than himself, or any ordinary person, looks up
as it were to him, as to a channel, from whence it is possible, that
such religious exercise may come. If the minister, during the solemn,
silent pause, is impressed, he gives utterance as before: if not, he
relieves himself from his grave and thoughtful position, and breaks the
silence of the company by engaging in natural discourse. After this the
company proceed to their meals.
If I were to be asked whether the graces of the Quakers were frequent, I
should reply in the negative.
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