The nature of that crime raises in all those who hear me the greatest detestation and abhorrence—abhorrence indeed, when it is committed by a married man, and one in that sacred situation in which you have been (unfortunately for mankind) placed.
Your affidavit states, that, since the time of your conviction, there have been publications reflecting on your character. The Court does not approve of any misconduct in any one, and, however the natural indignation of the public may be called forth by the enormities which you have committed, the Court would of course apportion such punishment to any parties justly complained of, as the nature of the case, under all the circumstances, might demand. But that does not diminish your Guilt—your Guilt stands in a very high and prominent point of view, and it is necessary for the Court to pass on you a severe punishment.
If you have the feelings you ought to have, and if your life has not been a life of hypocrisy throughout, you will try to obtain forgiveness for this high offence, and reflect that it is fortunate you did not carry your offence to its completion.
The sentence of the Court upon you is, that you be imprisoned in his Majesty’s gaol at Newington for TWO YEARS; and at the expiration of that term, that you find surety for your good behaviour, yourself in the sum of 500l. and two sureties respectively in the sum of 100l. for the term of five years, and that you be further imprisoned until such securities are found.
During the passing of this sentence, as well as through the whole proceeding, the defendant was completely unmoved, though his lordship seemed deeply affected by the enormity of his crime. He was conducted out of Court in custody of the Marshal of the Marshalsea, for the present, amidst the groans and hisses of indignation that burst forth from the immense crowd.
The following is a perfect copy of Church’s letter to Mrs. Hunter, adverted to by Mr. Marryatt in his address to the Bench:
Oct. 6, 1816.
“Dear Mrs. Hunter—My heart is already too much affected. Your letter only added affliction to my bonds; but I forbear. I would hare called on you this morning, but I was too low in mind to speak to any friend but Jesus. There I am truly comfortable. Pardon me. But I make no remarks on what you have been told. I must bear it. Though I am able to contradict three things, I would rather not. Mr. and Mrs. Patrick have always dealt kindly to me. I am only grieved that dear Mrs. P. whom I really love, that she should try to injure me in the estimation of those who are real friends to my dear children. The thought affects me. Why hurt my poor family? But I am too much depressed to enlarge. I shall never forget their kindness. God will reward them, as he has many who have dealt well to me. But he will resent cruelty in those who have and are still trying to degrade me. Mrs. P. will live to see it. Dear Mrs. Hunter, I am grieved at heart. I cannot relieve your mind. I am truly sorry to lose you as an hearer because your soul has been blessed, and you know both the plague of the heart and the value of Jesus. May he be increasingly precious to you!—in his person, love and grace. Farewell, my dear kind friend. The Lord Jesus will reward you for your love to me and kindness to mine. God is not unrighteous to forget your work of faith and labour of love. With many tears I write this. May we meet in glory, when no enemy shall distress my mind, nor sin, nor death shall part us more. I need not remind my dear friend that I am a child of peculiar Providence: and that Heart of Eternal Love, and that Arm of Invincible Power, has protected me—has called me to himself—and for every act of straying, will correct me with his own hand; but will resent every other hand sooner or later.
“This you will live to see. Adieu, dear friend: accept the starting tear, and the best wishes of an heart sincere.
“Your’s truly,
“Till we shall meet above.”
A VERBATIM EDITION,
(Containing Seventy Pages of closely-printed Letter Press,)
PRICE ONE SHILLING,
OF
THE TRIAL AND CONVICTION OF JOHN CHURCH,