History Of Methodist Reform, Volume I - Media Sabda Org

was, if the preachers unanimously choose me, I shall not act in the capacity I have heretofore done
by Mr. Wesley's appointment." It may be safely assumed that in that Sabbath afternoon private
interview Coke showed Asbury the plan, or the "little sketch," his credentials as a superintendent,
conveying authority to set him apart for the same position, and the circular letter to be printed and
circulated among the societies. A crisis had arrived and Asbury was quick to perceive it, hence his
demurrer. A joint superintendent with Coke. It did not accord with his purposes. Did Coke inform
him how solemnly Wesley had charged him that the title of bishop as synonymous with
superintendent should not be assumed, as Coke had given him reason to suspect would be the case?
Under Asbury's cross-examination it may be concluded that nothing was kept back. He finds Asbury
a pronounced hierarchist and a believer in apostolical succession, views most in accord with his own.
A joint superintendent with Coke. He was to be watched and reported to Wesley by one equal in
authority. Had he not been the paternal head of the American Methodists for thirteen years? Was he
still to be under "tutors and governors," the chief three thousand miles distant? There were
reasonable and honest objections to it, and it will be found that a few years after, when Wesley more
fully appreciated what was done at the Christmas Conference and remonstrated with Asbury for his
apparent insubordination, he frankly uncovered. Wesley writes, 1759, "I received some letters from
[3]
Mr. Asbury affirming that no person in Europe knew how to direct those in America." Prior to this
he had written to Brackenbury, as Coke relates in his famous letter to Wesley, urging his own
ordination, "he saw a letter in London from Mr. Asbury, in which he observed that he would not
receive any person deputed by you to take any part of the superintendency of the work invested in
him, or words evidently implying so much." In the introductory chapter the position is taken for this
stage of the History that "a tripartite contention will be disclosed as the key to the mystery of
otherwise unaccountable transactions of these three in dealing with each other." The beginning of
it is disclosed. It shall be developed step by step, and the conclusion then reached vindicated.
In the hours of the Sabbath afternoon in a private interview Coke and Asbury arrived at an
understanding. What it was will be unfolded at the Christmas Conference. Other details were talked
about, for Coke says, "he and I have agreed to use our joint endeavors to establish a school or
college." It is the sequel to suggestions which had been made by John Dickins, who had the English
Kingswood school in mind, some time before. Just forty days would elapse before Christmas. An
immense amount of work had to be done meantime. Garrettson to notify all the eighty-three
preachers widely scattered, and mail facilities almost nugatory for such hasty business. Asbury
generalled the campaign. Coke says farther of the Barratt meeting: "Mr. Asbury had also drawn up
for me a route of about a thousand miles in the meantime. He has also given me his black man
(Harry by name) and borrowed an excellent horse for me. I exceedingly reverence Mr. Asbury; he
has so much wisdom and consideration, so much meekness and love; and, under all this, though
hardly to be perceived, so much command and authority." It is a pen-picture indeed. He was already
under the spell of that magnetic presence.
The route mapped out by Asbury carried Coke over much of the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
"Black Harry was small in stature and perfectly black, but had eyes of remarkable brilliancy and
keenness, and singular readiness and aptness of speech." He traveled extensively with Asbury, Coke,
Whatcoat, and Garrettson. He was as popular with the white as with the colored congregations.
Indeed, he acceptably took the place of those with whom he traveled. Flattery and hospitality led him
to the use of wine, and he fell from grace. He recovered, however, was reinstated in confidence,