22 NOVEMBER 1913, Page 18

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "spre5srou."1

SIR,—" Grace before meat" implies asking a blessing ; "Grace after meat," giving thanks. I have heard the former thus expressed by Archbishop Trench: "God bless His gifts to our use, and tut to His service, through Jesus Christ our Lord." The latter I remember bearing Bishop Wilberforce (of Oxford) render thus: "God be praised for all His gifts, through Jesus Christ our Lord." Perhaps these models may meet the want of your correspondent. The short academic form, " Benedictus benedicat," and (after meat) "Benedicto benedicatur, per Iesum. Christum Dominum nostrum," is said at the high table at Christ Church in place of the longer Latin grace said in Hall during term time. But whatever is said, let it be said audibly and reverently, not mumbled as if one were ashamed of it.—