History Of Methodist Reform, Volume I - Media Sabda Org

esorted to in order to satisfy it. Watson's "Life," through deficiency of information in part, is the
apologist of Coke. Moore's "Life of Wesley" is severely partisan, as a leader of the Coke clique in
the Wesleyan Conference, and bitterly prejudiced against Whitehead and his views. Bangs' and
Stevens' Histories are under the constraint of preconceived theories and conferential prejudices, and,
as such, see Coke in the most favorable light only. Lastly, Tyerman's "Life," the most exhaustive,
impartial, and latest of the group, is honest and fair-minded. A strong Conference man, he yet tells
all he knows of both Wesley and Coke. The telling excluded his work from republication by the
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Methodist Episcopal Book Concern, though ever ready to furnish a market for Methodist literature
of transatlantic origin. The reprint is by the Harper Brothers, New York, 1872, and even this
independent firm did not venture to issue it without, for business policy, adding an Appendix:
Stevens' defense of Wesley's ordination of Dr. Coke and of his participation in the organization of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, which differs so widely from Tyerman's account, and, as the writer
believes, the truth of history.
A prayerful determination to avoid, if possible, extremes, and to strike the golden mean of this
bewildering maze of facts and opinions, shall control the writer, as Thomas Coke will hereafter be
brought so frequently under review in these pages. Suffice it at present for his introduction, to say
that he was born at Brecon, Wales, September 9, 1747. His father was an eminent and wealthy
surgeon, and Thomas was an only child. He was frivolous in his youth, and inclined to infidelity. At
sixteen he was removed to Oxford, and entered at Jesus College in that University. Through reading
Sherlock he was made a nominal Christian. At the age of twenty-one he was chosen councilman for
Brecon, and soon after elected chief magistrate. As his full intention was to enter holy orders, his
secular offices secured him flattering prospects of rapid advancement in the National Church. The
prebend of the cathedral at Worcester was his objective. "Deluded with the prospects of sudden
elevation in the Church, the visionary phantom continued to dance before him till his serious
impressions began to fade . . . he hastened to obtain episcopal orders that no impediment might
obstruct his course or intercept the bounty of his friends. Several years had now elapsed since the
first intimations had been given him that brought on the ambitious delirium with which he was still
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enslaved." These are the words of Drew, his biographer, and furnish a key to the weak side of his
character. It was the one frailty of his nature, and was the hidden human spring to the activities of
a marvelously consecrated life. He took out his degree of Doctor of Civil Laws on the 17th of June,
1775. "His understanding, though naturally good, was not to be ranked among the higher orders of
human intellect. It was comprehensive, but not profound, and was better calculated to produce
respect than to excite amusement." "Dr. Coke was low in stature, and as he advanced in age was
inclined to corpulency; but he was finely proportioned, and exhibited a pleasing figure. His skin was
remarkably fair; his eyes were dark, lively, and piercing . . . His face was particularly handsome. A
peculiar freshness, through every stage of life, distinguished his countenance, which was generally
animated with an engaging smile; his voice was soft, engaging, and melodious . . . to his enthusiastic
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admirers he seemed to want nothing but wings to become an angel." Disappointment of his
aspirations led him to a more serious frame of mind, and, on hearing Thomas Maxwell, already
mentioned in these pages, preach, he was aroused to his spiritual need, and this and other
instrumentalities finally led him to an experience of saving grace. He had accepted the curacy of
South Petherton, and now began to preach a zealous Arminian doctrine, receiving therefor the
admonition of the Bishop of Bath; he was dismissed by his rector, and threatened by the mob. Finally
he was driven out of Petherton, the bells were rung, and cider distributed for free drinks over their