Afterthought
Sir: I must commiserate with John Wells (28 July) on his narrow failure to trace Mr Harold Wilson's political lineage back to Zaphnath- Paaneah, but it serves him right for coercing Brigadier-General Frost into writing most of his column for him. He does a service, however, by drawing attention to an aspect of the Christian religion which very often is patronisingly con- sidered the preserve of cranks.
The writings of the less responsible students of Biblical prophecy may seem fair game to some, especially those whose minds are 'uncannily gripped' (I wonder why this grip?). Jesus Christ has promised to return personally to earth, this time in triumph. We cannot know just when, but it seems to me preferable to be over-enthusiastic in the interpretation of current events than to consign His commandment 'Watch' to oblivion. It might be tomorrow.
Whatever attempts may have been made in the past to recognise in certain events or persons ful- filments of prophecy, surely the existence of the state of Israel and more recently the occupation of Jerusalem on the one hand, and the destruc- tive power of hydrogen bombs on the other, are unprecedented in significance? Angus Maude's question 'Growth for what?' (21 July) may refer to less objective criteria, but I certainly share his mis- givings about the values and aims of contemporary
society. We may not be unique nowadays, but we take some beating. I hope and pray that events don't unfold too rapidly for Mr Wells.
R. S. McElhinney 6 Saval Park Road, Dalkey, Co. Dublin
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