History Of Methodist Reform, Volume I - Media Sabda Org

it, in the face of this conspicuous instance of McCaine's honor. As Coke left no Journal of this his
last visit to America, and as Asbury makes no farther mention of him in his Journal from November,
1803, to May, 1804, it is impossible to trace Dr. Coke through these nine months. All that is known
leads to the conclusion that he did not follow Asbury's letter of instruction, but responded to
invitations for his services in any direction, and it would be unlike him if he did not keep himself in
close touch with all of Asbury's malcontents. He makes no mention of Coke in his brief lines upon
the General Conference of 1804, nor does he name him again until March, 1806. Is there a reason
for it? Do not bolt for it in the writings of Methodist Episcopal historians they are silent as the grave.
Why not be silent also? Because of the repeated asseveration by their apologists, notably Dr. John
Emory, that "the greatest harmony, union, and affection" subsisted between these brethren through
life. If true, then Methodist Reformers have defamed them and should be gibbeted in history. If not
true, then are their averments vindicated, and their smooth-tongued accusers should be historically
hung; the gallows built for Mordecai must be used for Haman.
If abundant evidence has not already been offered in their vindication, the following as a cap-sheaf
is presented in proof likewise of the endearing relations existing between Asbury and Alexander
McCaine. The latter furnishes from their correspondence, "a few extracts from letters in our
possession that have never seen the light" (1850). Extracts from Asbury's private letters to McCaine,
their use justified by the calumnies heaped upon him by Emory, Bond, and others: "I have no
correspondent in England. I should be afraid of committing myself. In compliance with my character
I answer all letters." (An aside by the writer: then Coke's complaint in September, 1791, shows more
glaringly than ever how Asbury repelled and resented Coke's conduct in the Bishop White business.)
"I cannot say but Dr. Coke will use policy to attach the British connection to him " (just as the writer
heretofore has asserted he did). "Some have thought that he only wished to get off from his
engagements to the Americans, and never would visit the continent again. But I should not wonder
if he should be upon the continent in less than a year. And I know not how soon death may put me
out of his way. Some are bold to say I am the only person in his way. .Perhaps the Doctor's letter
transpiring may not be so unpleasing. The British must know he pledged himself in a most solemn
manner" (McCaine here parenthesizes, and it shows his conscientious care in quoting) — "[the word
manner it is presumed was intended to have been written, but it is not in the original] — to the
Americans — this the conferences remind him of, and tell him he has changed his ground. . . . All
establishments — collegiate qualifications for the ministry must be done away. God is able to make
prophets and apostles out of fishermen, plowmen, or carpenters and tent-makers, as ever he was. F.
Asbury." McCaine then remarks, "There is no date to this letter; but it is received and labeled 'August
30, 1804.'" He adds: "In another letter which now lies before me, dated December 27, 1806, Mr.
Asbury says: 'I wonder exceedingly why the British connection should be so agitated with Dr. Coke
about his letter to us. They seem like bees, and all heads.' But had the Doctor only written his letter
to me, I would have handed it to every conference at his desire. Yea, if it had been an impeachment
of my own person. — I do not correspond with any as I do with you. Only look well to your soul;
to be holy is to be happy. Farewell in the Lord. Amen.'" Once more McCaine says: "In a Postscript
of another letter, dated April 24, 1808, Mr. Asbury says: 'I have been grieved in former times with
some little misunderstandings between the American connection; I now wish to guard against
anything that might make discord between us and the British connection through Dr. Coke. We
should all be pious, prudent, and pure, and entertain high and honorable thoughts of each other. . .