A Short History Of The Methodists... - Media Sabda Org

All who are thus minded, and more especially our own friends who form our congregations, have
an opportunity now of showing their love to the gospel. Now promote, as far as in you lies, one of
the noblest charities in the world. Now forward, as you are able, one of the most excellent designs
that ever was set on foot in this country. Do what you can to comfort the parents, who give up their
all for you, and to give their children cause to bless you. You will be no poorer for what you do on
such an occasion. God is a good pay-master. And you know, in doing this you lend unto the Lord:
in due time he shall repay you.
THOMAS COKE.
FRANCIS ASBURY.
Baltimore, January 3, 1785.
We have already been favored with subscriptions, amounting to £1057 17 s. sterling."
Dr. Coke then went to Abingdon, and made some engagements for the land as a site for the
college, and for materials for the building; and the work was begun without delay; and many of our
friends gladly assisted, by giving liberally toward the support of the institution.
The college was built on an eminence in Abingdon, and was of the following dimensions, 108 feet
in length from east to west, and 40 feet in breadth, from north to south; and stood on the summit and
center of six acres of land.
The house was divided into rooms as follows, at the west end there were two rooms on the lower
floor, each 25 by 20. The second and third stories the same. The rooms in the east end were of the
same size with those in the west.
In the middle of the lower floor was the college hall, 40 feet square, and over that on the second
floor, two school rooms; and on the third floor two bed chambers. At the ends of the hall were places
for four sets of stair cases, two at each end, with proper doors opening on the stair cases.
The college was built of brick, and from the top of it there was an extensive prospect, both of the
bay, and of the adjacent country. As soon as the house was in order for the school to begin, even
before any of the rooms were finished, a few scholars were collected, and a master provided to teach
them; but the college was to be opened in form at a future day.
On the 8th, 9th, and 10th days of December 1787, the college was opened, and Mr. Asbury
preached each day; the dedication sermon on Sunday from 2 Kings, 4, 40. "O thou man of God, there
is death in the pot."
The two superintendents called the college after their own names, Cokesbury College.
When the college was built, it was well understood, that the whole management of it was to be
under the direction of the conference. But after some years Mr. Asbury consented for it to be