History Of Methodist Reform, Volume I - Media Sabda Org

of that dear man of God, John Wesley." He pens some eulogistic sentences ending, "I conclude his
equal is not to be found among all the sons he hath brought up, nor his superior among all the sons
of Adam he may have left behind." He says Dr. Coke at once set out for Baltimore, to get the most
speedy passage to England. Asbury overtakes him at Colchester, and thence on with him to
Alexandria, Va., where they had "certain information of Wesley's death." On Sabbath Day, May 1,
Coke reached Baltimore, and preached on the occasion of Mr. Wesley's death, "and mentioned some
things which gave offense." It does not appear that Asbury was present, but he came on in time for
the Conference, which opened on the 5th of May, and held three days. What were the things that
"gave offense"? Coke was prevailed on to preach a funeral sermon for Wesley on that Sabbath night,
and among other outspoken and unqualified utterances of the hour, delivered in the heat of
excitement and in the absence of Asbury, whose presence generally exerted a subduing power over
him, he said: "The leaving of Mr. Wesley's name off the minutes was an almost diabolical thing. No
history furnishes any parallel to it — that a body of Christian ministers should treat an aged and
faithful minister, as Mr. Wesley undoubtedly was, with such disrespect." And farther on in the
sermon, "Two of these actors in Mr. Wesley's expulsion are dead and damned, and the others, with
[6]
their patron, will go to hell except they repent." Their patron was certainly Asbury. These remarks
were omitted when he came to reprint his sermon in London not long after. Drew, his biographer,
states that he took the coach for the North the next morning, May 2, hoping to reach the packet
advertised to sail for England from New York, but he was taken ill on the road and had to stop over
in Wilmington, Del. He was able, however, to sit up and write several letters. Under date of May 4
he wrote to Baltimore, and says: "I doubt much whether the cruel usage he received in Baltimore in
1787, when he was excommunicated (wonderful and unparalleled step), did not hasten his death.
Indeed, I little doubt it. For from the time he was informed of it, he began to hold down his head and
[7]
to think he had lived long enough." This has already been cited and corrected by Tyerman as an
impression sincerely entertained by Coke. He seems altogether oblivious of the fact, however, that
his own conduct in the American affairs had given Wesley quite as much disquiet as Asbury and the
Conference. Coke also wrote to James O'Kelly under the same date. The letter is as follows:
Wilmington, May 4, 1791. To Brother O'Kelly:
Dear Friend, — I have written a letter of a sheet and a half to you, but on consideration I believe
I shall not send it to you till I reach Europe then I shall probably write as much again to you. By this
time you probably have been informed of our great loss in the death of Mr. Wesley. I am hastening
to Europe in this important crisis. You may depend on my being with you, God willing, at the
General Conference. I think no step will be taken during my absence to prevent the General
Conference; it would be so gross an insult on truth, justice, mercy, and peace, that it will not be, I
think, attempted. If it be so, and successfully, we will call a congress.
I expect you to be faithful. But as Mordecai said to Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt
escape more than others; for if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time then shall there
enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house
shall be destroyed. Oh, be firm, be very firm, and very cautious, and very wise; and depend upon a
faithful friend in,
Thomas Coke. [8]