History Of Methodist Reform, Volume I - Media Sabda Org

METHODIST REFORM
Edward J. Drinkhouse, M.D., D.D.
Volume I
CHAPTER 31
Full text of Dr. Coke's letter to Bishop White; proofs that it was written before his knowledge of
Wesley's death; curious facts about it; and a full analysis of its contents; Dr. Kewley's connection
with its publication; how it came into public knowledge, and how Asbury came into possession of
Bishop White's answer before Dr. Coke — Dr. Coke maneuvering with the preachers and O'Kelly
to outwit Asbury; Asbury in turn makes overtures to Coke — Bangs' futile effort to show kindly
relations between them at this time; proof to the contrary — Did Asbury know of the White letter
when he bid adieu to Coke at New Castle? surmises make it probable that he did, and the finesse
between them; Asbury humbles Coke, and in 1792 they act together against O'Kelly.
The letter of Dr. Coke to Bishop White, which was largely the subject of the last chapter, is so
important, and has cost Dr. Emory and other apologists so much labor in futile efforts to minify it
or explain it away, that it is deemed best to corporate it in the running text of this History. It is as
follows, the 'italics' (single quotes) being those found in Bishop White's attested copy:
Right Reverend Sir, — Permit me to intrude a little upon your time, upon a subject of great
importance.
You, I believe, are conscious that I was brought up in the Church of England, and have been
ordained a presbyter of that church. For many years I was prejudiced, even I think to bigotry, in favor
of it; but through a variety of causes and incidents, to mention which would be tedious and useless,
my mind was exceedingly biased on the other side of the question. In consequence of this, I am not
sure but I went further 'in the separation of our church' in America than Mr. Wesley, from whom
I had received my commission, did intend. He did indeed solemnly invest me, as far as he had a right
so to do, with episcopal authority, but did not intend, I think, that our entire separation should take
place. He being pressed by our friends on this side the water for ministers to administer the
sacraments to them, (there being very few clergy of the Church of England in the states,) went
farther, I am sure than he would have gone, if he had foreseen some events which followed. And this
I am certain of — that he is now sorry for the separation.
But what can be done for a reunion, which I wish for, and to accomplish which, Mr. Wesley, I
have no doubt, would use his influence to the utmost? The affection of a very considerable number
of the preachers and most of the people, is very strong toward him, notwithstanding 'the excessive
ill usage he received from a few'. My interest also is not small and both his and mine would readily,
and to the utmost, be used to accomplish that (to us) very desirable object; if a readiness were shown
by the bishops of the Protestant Episcopal Church to reunite.
It is even to your church an object of great importance. We have now above 60,000 adults in our
society in these states; and about 250 traveling ministers and preachers; besides a great number of
local preachers, far exceeding the number of traveling preachers, and some of these local preachers