“After the Lord had given thanks”

The Bread of Life.

(The Gospel History, Section 64)

Howbeit there came boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they ate the bread after the Lord had given thanks.

“After the Lord had given thanks”

(The Saviour of the World, Vol IV, Book I, Poem IX)

No word hath he whom the Lord loved to spare
For wonder of desert feeding, when Christ took
The handful of poor meat, and, with one look,
One word of thanks to God, made ample fare
For all the multitude assembled there:
What skill had the Evangelist to perceive
The meaning of the miracle,—to leave
All marvelling, and note Christ’s thanking prayer!

Behold, the Eagle of the Faith fixed eye
Undazzled on the point of blinding light
Where Son and Father met,—that instant high
When men might see the Powers of Heaven unite!
For what great end? To give poor folk their bread:—
God makes it His concern that men be fed.

St. John vi. 23.