“A LETTER TO THE PARISH”
By Revd. John Courtney
While carrying out research at the British Library, we came across one from John Courtney while he was rector at Sanderstead. The exact date is unknown but we do know that it was addressed to the Parishes of Sanderstead, Warlingham and Chelsham.
In resent month’s, members of the Parish wrote a letter to the Parish giving their feelings and prayers for the future. This however, was not the first “letter to the Parish” from Sanderstead Parish. Revd. John Courtney was Rector at “Parish Church of Sanderstead”. There is no mention of the “All Saints” name being used. It is also within a number of other published sermons that have been written by John Courtney that this wording is used.
“Fellow Christians, you would be offended probably were I not thus to address you” Mr. Courtney starts. His letter gets to the point from the start asking members if they are Jews, Turks or Heretis - because “ with better knowledge, you refuse to join in the praises of your maker, preserver and redeemer.” He continues to say “That you are continually occupied by worldly matters - forgetful that God might in a moment deprive you of all - even your existence.
”He continues to describe the wrongs of the members and how God sees everything. “He is constantly in your presence - not only your actions but your feelings as well. He sees your cold formality you attend on his service!” After continuing putting the ways of wrong doing, he finishes this section with “There is no thought of God in your ways”.
Mr. Courtney then continues discussing the reasons behind this. He examines what the readers will feel on their death. “How can you answer in the strict account of which shall that day be required from you” “You will wish the mountains to fall on you to hide you from his presence.” He then changes his tune slightly and writes about his faults in not warning of the dangers “Let me avhart you before it is to late. To frequent the temple of the Lord - To set an example of every good word and words. He apologizes for his harsh words “But your souls will be required at my hands and I must give account of my ministry - Let me cry out with you - Lord be merciful to me a sinner” He continues to discuss his work within the ministry and how it is not the salary he collects that he works for but for the work of the Lord.
He completes his letter “I am the more zealous to convert the sinner from his ways, and seriously devoted to the church.
The above extracts can be seen in full at the British Library.
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