The Sacrifice of Life Slain by the Twenty-nine Instruments of Death Being the Substance of a Sermon Preached on Sunday Morning, Nov. 28, 1813 at the Obelisk Chapel

"The Sacrifice of Life Slain by the Twenty-nine Instruments of Death" by J. Church is a sermon published in 1814, reflecting on profound theological themes within Christianity. This religious text utilizes vivid imagery and scriptural references to explore the concept of sacrifice, particularly focusing on the significance of Christ's crucifixion and the implications of sin as represented by the "twenty-nine instruments" mentioned in the title. The text likely resonates with readers interested in Christian doctrine and the historical context of religious sermons in the early 19th century. In this sermon, Church delves into the biblical narrative surrounding the sacrifices made for sins, drawing parallels between the sacrificial practices of the Old Testament and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He elaborates on the symbolism of various elements and instruments used in sacrifices, particularly discussing the metaphorical significance of knives as representations of the sins that led to Christ’s death. Church emphasizes the nature of sin, its inherent evil, and the necessity for redemption through faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice. By meticulously dissecting scriptural references, he illustrates how these ancient rituals foreshadowed the redemptive work of Christ, urging believers to recognize the gravity of their sins and the profound love of God demonstrated through Christ’s suffering. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

John Church was an Independent minister who was most famous for his involvement in the homosexual scandal of the Vere Street Coterie. He is claimed by some as the first openly ‘gay’ ordained Christian minister in England. Contemporary rumours about this are unproveable one way or the other, though circumstantial evidence may suggest that his "inordinate affections which led me into error" could be referring to homosexuality.