The Trial and Conviction of John Church / The Preacher of the Surrey Tabernacle, Borough Road, at the Surrey Assizes, at Croydon, on Saturday, the 16th of August, 1817, for an Assault With Intent to Commit an Unnatural Crime.

by Anonymous

AND MAY BE HAD OF W. WRIGHT, MARSH-GATE, LAMBETH, AND ALL
BOOKSELLERS IN TOWN AND COUNTRY.

1817.

Price Two Shillings.

TO THE PUBLIC.

In presenting to you the following account of the Trial of John Church, for an attempt to commit one of the foulest crimes recognized by the law of nature, the Publishers have no wish to echo the triumphs of a party—they are actuated only with a desire to hold up the abominable wretch to general observation, that innocent youths may not unguardedly become the victims of his brutal passion—the occasion calls for sorrow rather than joy; and the Christian Philanthropist will feel more inclined to shed the silent tear, than indulge in exultation, while he peruses this record of human degradation.

In some cases, it appears desirable not to suffer trials of a criminal nature to appear in print, particularly when the facts are too indecent, lest the tender feelings of any should be injured, or that information given which had better be withheld; but when the subject of conviction is a creature, who pretends to be the guide of hundreds in the paths of our Holy Religion, and under its sacred name, is not only ruining the bodies, but the souls of many of his hearers, than silence becomes a crime, and a full exposure an imperative duty.

We regret, that among the followers of this wretch are to be found many young men, who not only countenance his cause by their presence, but advocate it with their talents;—that charity, which covereth a multitude of sins, leads us to indulge the hope, that hitherto they have acted conscientiously and from principle—that they have believed their leader was the object of cruel persecution—that he suffered for righteousness sake—and under this impression, we pity rather than condemn them; but can they be of the same opinion now? We request their attentive perusal of the following pages; we beg of them to notice the evidence produced for the prosecution, particularly the copy of a letter to Mrs. Hunter, the original of which was artfully suppressed, and the admission of Church himself, and then say, whether this conviction does not “confirm ancient reports?” Let them read the contradictory evidence of Thomas, and the observations made thereon by the learned Judge who tried the prisoner; let those who were present remember his agitated appearance in Court, and the manner in which he unwillingly confirmed the evidence of the prosecutor’s master, and then say on which side the truth appears to preponderate. If the hearers of Church do not wilfully close their eyes, and pervert their judgments, they can have but one opinion, viz. that the verdict of the jury is the verdict of every one who values the cause of religion, morality, and virtue.

If however, the hearers of this creature still continue to frequent this “Tabernacle of Iniquity,” every person will naturally believe, that other motives, and not a desire to be edified by the ministrations of their convicted pastor, actuate them—they will ever be looked upon with a suspicious eye, and their character, and every thing that is dear to them in this life, will be sacrificed for ever, in the opinion of every good man.

It may be expected that something should be said of the conduct of those females who have so long patronized this deceiver of their souls. How can they longer listen to a wretch who must detest them in his heart, and nothing but his love of gain makes him court their friendship? Can they now, in the presence of a disgusted public, enter the doors of his “den of thieves?”—If they can, friends must blush for the inconsistency of their conduct: most sincerely do we hope that all who respect their reputation will never approach “the Surrey Tabernacle” until the present occupier and all his associates have left the place.

Much praise is due to those who have at last brought John Church to justice: every thing that could be done by bribery and persuasion were resorted to by his friends; but they found the Prosecutor, in this respect, invulnerable. The youth has acted nobly; and the praises of the Public are due to him for his resistance to the wishes of that wretch, who would have gloried in being the murderer of his peace for ever!