15 JULY 1911, Page 16

[To TUE EDITOR OF ERR "SPECTATOR."}

Sui,—Does not the sense determine whether a plural or singular verb shall follow a collective noun.? We have in the " Te Deum" :—

"The glorious company of the Apostles: praise Thee The goodly fellowship of the Prophets : praise Thee.

Thenoble army of Martyrs : praise Thee.

The Holy Church throughout all the world : cloth acknowledge Thee."

In the first three sentences, I take it, stress is laid upon the great number of apostles, prophets, and martyrs ; in the last on the unity of the Church.-1 am, Sir, Ste., Flower Lane, Mill TllomAs GAFFE'S.