16 FEBRUARY 1985, Page 23

Uncharitableness

Sir: I read with pain the contemptuous comment by your contributor Geoffrey Wheatcroft (Books, 9 February) on the Order of Priests, of which I have been a member for over 25 years. I would only say in reply that the spirituality of both the Book of Common Prayer and the Alterna- tive Service Book teaches me to accept with meekness the fiery assaults of the Evil One and that I ask for delivery from God from what the Litany terms hatred, malice and all uncharitableness.

The Revd Vincent Girling CR

Community of the Resurrection, Mirfield, West Yorkshire