Sir, - The parallel between the rampant outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease that is sweeping across the UK and the plagues in the Book of Exodus, brought out in such a graphic way by J. C. Ryle's sermon of 1865 (Thinking Anew, March 24th) perhaps requires further consideration than that given to it in John Sharkey's letter of March 30th. Your correspondent shoots the messenger without paying sufficient regard to the message.
The contemporary nature of the sins listed should not cause us to rile at the conclusion - namely, that this is a wake-up call from God - but to marvel at His patience for so long. Kevin Myers put his finger on it when he suggested that the disinfectant mats recommended by scientists were largely cosmetic and that our best course of action lay in prayer.
Might I suggest to your correspondent that this is a case where we would do well not to look for justice, in case we may get it, but for mercy that we might be spared the fate of others. - Yours, etc.,
George Morrison, Kill, Co Kildare.