30 JULY 1988, Page 24

Sir: Can it be that Peregrine Worsthorne (Diary, 16 July)

does not know the ancient limerick:

The rationalist, A. J. Ayer, Has answered the atheist's prayer: A Hell you can't verify Surely can't terrify Until you confirm that it's there.

If Professor Ayer, having shuffled off this mortal coil and then shuffled it back on, has confirmed Hell is not there, that is the most important news for nearly two millennia. Or was this the Ayrian heresy? Kenneth Carrdus

Neighbours, Wisborough Green, West Sussex