p. 136 | Untitled article by Dudley Marvin Canright

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · February 11, 1868

ASKING THE BLESSING AT THE TABLE.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

THAT this was practiced by our Lord and his apostles, is manifest: Thus we read of Jesus: “And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples,” &c. John vi, 11. Also at other times it is mentioned the same. Of Paul, we read: “And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it, he began to eat.” Acts xxvii, 35.

By this we see that it was customary for them to give thanks to God before partaking of food. How reasonable this is. Here we are seated at the table filled with food of which we are about to partake. Who gave this to us? God. Ought we to be thankful to him for this? Certainly. Then how appropriate for the father, in the presence of his wife and children, to bow his head and offer a few words of thanks to God for these blessings. How could he better say to all that he trusts in God, that he believes that all his blessings come from God? How better teach his family the fear and reverence of God?

Fathers, think of this. These remarks are called forth by the fact that I know of some professed Christians who do not do this. Brethren, show your religion in little, as well as in big things.

D. M. CANRIGHT.