The terrors that had assailed me whenever Mrs. Joe had gone near the pantry, or out of the room, were only to be equalled by the remorse with which my mind dwelt on what my hands had done. Under the weight of my wicked secret, I pondered whether the Church would be powerful enough to shield me from the vengeance of the terrible young man, if I divulged to that establishment. I conceived the idea that the time when the banns were read and when the clergyman said, “Ye are now to declare it!” would be the time for me to rise and propose a private conference in the vestry.
– Charles Dickens
Great Expectations, Chapter 4. Pip’s terrible fears are personified as having “assailed” him, to emphasize his guilt and dread over stealing food and a file for an escaped convict. About to go to Christmas Day church service with Joe, he considers turning in the fugitive at the church to the clergyman. But he wonders if the institution would be strong enough to save him the convict’s vengeance.