In addition to the confession made to Mrs. Hunter, the following
confessional letter from Church, was sent to the great surprise of the
Rev. Mr. L—, two days after the offence had been committed. It appears
that Church was but very slightly known to the above gentleman, in
consequence of some money transactions having passed between them:—
DEAR SIR—Surely upon the reception of this short note you will say,
ah, _Church_ is like all the rest of the parsons, promise much and do
little, yea nothing: to your note I can only with a pained heart
reply _I cannot indeed_—I can scarcely write this note, my soul is
too deeply pierced. About eight or nine years ago Dr. Draper left
the church in the Borough and God opened Chapel-court for me, many
attended and have been blest, now a singular providence, but a most
distressing one, has occurred to take me shortly from my dear, dear
family and beloved congregation. But God has sent Mr. L— to preach
all the truth to my poor dispersed flock, at least so it appears to
me, and I would do all the good to promote the success of Mr. L— that
my poor people might not be starved till I return to them in peace,
which may be many months. My heart is broken, my enemies have ruined
me at last, and I shall never, never surmount it, an unpleasant
affair happening at Vauxall, is added too, and I must take the
consequences: no arm can help, relieve, or deliver, but the Lord’s,
and I feel persuaded the Lord will _not_: judge my feelings if you
can. I shall secretly come and hear you, to get all the good I can
to a heart deprest, disconsolate, and full of woe. Oh, the joy of my
enemies! Oh the distress of my friends! Oh, my poor heart! Let a
sigh go up to God for me when you can.
Your’s, in the utmost distress,