LAST evening we visited a friend. He invited us to supper. Just a casual meal, he said. I should have known better, for he's a marvellous cook.

First a gin and tonic, then prawns and avocado, then lamb and the trimmings, lastly lemon pavlova! And all accompanied by the odd glass of wine. A feast rather than a casual supper. And much enlivening conversation to go with it.

Well, I paid for my over-indulgence when I went to bed. Some of you will recognise that heaviness of the middle region; some of you will keep handy for just such a time an indigestion tablet or two. But any palliative takes its time and worse, much worse, it's my own fault and I know it! Even as I was enjoying such a super meal, I knew that I would have to pay for it.

Why do we do it to ourselves? Over eating is not the worst thing, I guess; but there's smoking and drugs and infidelity and much else, and everyone who's into them knows full well that they'll have to pay the price.

It isn't that God or Society condemns us, makes us suffer for it; we do that for ourselves. But it is really possible for a godly society to give us the context in which any over indulgence and selfishness is supplanted by love.

REV PETER HAMMERSLEY, The Rectory, Tarrington, Hereford.