Sermons upon the Book of Job

So then we see that some inconvenience happeneth in feasts, notwithstanding that they be made for a good cause, and that the intent as well of him that biddeth his friends, as of those that come to keep him company, be good. For hardly can it be escaped, but that there shall be some fault, whereof the very doer himself shall not be privy. ⟨p. 9⟩And furthermore, when a man is there, what a deal of vain and fond talk shall he have to hold him withal? Where a man ought to eat as in the presence of God, and to be merry as it were with the Angels: there shall be store of vanities, which shall carry men in such wise, as many of them (yea even of the good men themselves) shall think that they make no good cheer, except they disguise themselves I can not tell how: There are yet many other evil inconveniences, whereby we see that God is offended divers ways, according as men find in themselves afterward.§10 So then, let us mark well, that Job did not without cause mistrust and doubt least his children had sinned against God, seeing they made feasts in such wise, notwithstanding that they were of the faithful sort, as I have said afore. Now if it so be, that where feasts and banquets are best ruled, yet there is some fault that God misliketh: how is it with them that drive God out of their company, & from their table, as men are commonly wont to do? For if we shall speak of feasting: whereat do men begin? At calling upon the name of God? Nay, that would be thought §20too sad a matter. Therefore the name of God must be buried. Hath a man well sufficed his appetite? then is it no time to say grace. For it behoveth them to remember the good cheer that they have made, that is to say, that they be swine. For if a man make mention of God, it will be thought, that all the pleasure which they have taken in their feasting, is turned into sorrow. And afterward all must run riot, in such sort as there shall be no talk, but of ribaldry and wantonness, or rather of treachery and malice, so as there shall be none other news, but of backbiting §30their neighbour, and of practising devises against this man and that man. See what banqueting breedeth. Now then sith that men are so inclined to vice, it is not possible but there must be some fault, notwithstanding that they give not themselves the bridle in all points.