27 MARCH 1897, Page 16

FUTILE ASCETICISMS.

[To THE EDITOR OF THY "SPECTATOR:]

STR,—There is good authority for the views expressed in the article in the Spectator of March 20th under the above heading. The author of the book of Ecclesiasticus says : "A cheerful and good heart will have a care of his meat and diet."—I am, Sir, &c., 10 The Grove, Blackheath, S.E. W. G. HOWELL.