r
 
 THE LIFE 
 
 REV. THOMAS COKE, LL.D. 
 
 INCLUDING IN DETAIL 
 
 HIS VARIOUS TRAVELS 
 
 AND 
 
 EXTRAORDINARY MISSIONARY EXERTIONS, 
 
 IN 
 
 ENGLAND, IRELAND, AMERICA, AND THE WEST INDIES : 
 
 WITH 
 
 AN ACCOUNT OP HIS DEATH, 
 
 MAY 3, 1814, WHILE ON A MISSIONARY VOYAGE TO THE ISLAND OF 
 CEYLON, IN THE EAST INDIES. 
 
 INTERSPERSED WITH NUMEROUS REFLECTIONS ; 
 
 AND CONCLUDING WITH 
 
 AN ABSTRACT OF HIS WRITINGS AND CHARACTER. 
 
 BY SAMUEL DREW, 
 
 OF ST. AUSTELL, CORNWALL. 
 
 So Lycidas sunk low, but mounted high, 
 
 Through the dear might of Him who walk'd the waves. 
 
 Milton's Lycidas. 
 
 NEW-YORK : 
 
 PUBLISHED BY T. MASON AND O. LANE, 
 
 FOB THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, AT THE CONFERENCE OFFICE, 
 200 MULBERRY-STREET. 
 
 J. Collord, Printer. 
 1837. 

 
 CONTENTS TO LIFE OF DR. COKE. 
 
 Dedication Page 7 
 
 Preface 9 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Design of biography Birth, family, and early education of Dr. Coke 
 Divine providence, both general and particular, asserted Removes to 
 Oxford Profligacy of the collegians Becomes an infidel Reflections on 
 the influence of infidelity in colleges General behaviour Influence of 
 conscience Base conduct of a clergyman Effects of reading Sherlock's 
 Discourses, and Witherspoon on Regeneration Chosen common council- 
 man, and chief magistrate of Brecon Deluded with promises of church 
 preferment Graduates, and procures his diploma First preaching State 
 of his mind, and tenderness of conscience 13-25 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Obtains a curacy at South Petherton Builds a gallery Becomes ac- 
 quainted with Mr. Maxfield Seriously affected by " Alleine's Alarm" 
 Reads his sermons Becomes evangelical in his preaching Church fre- 
 quented by Dissenters Interview with Mr. Hull Becomes acquainted 
 with an old Methodist Preaches in some dwelling houses in hisparish 
 Finds the pardoning love of God Begins to preach extempore Effects of 
 this preaching Persecution Excluded from the pulpit Chimed out of 
 the church Encouraged by Mr. Maxfield Preaches twice near the church 
 door Finds an asylum in the family of Edmonds . . . 25-38 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 First interview with Mr. Wesley at Taunton Joins the Methodists 
 Appointed to London Popular among the people Visits the societies 
 Contends with difficulties Bears an active part in procuring the deed of 
 declaration Testimony of Mr. Wesley and Dr. Coke respecting the deed 
 of declaration Presides in the first Irish conference Testimonies of 
 approbation in favour of Dr. Coke State of religion in Ireland . 38-54 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Mr. Wesley's early visit to America Origin of Methodism in America 
 Mr. Embury i Mr. Strawbridge, and Captain Webb visit the continent 
 First preaching house built in 1768 Mr. Boardman and Mr. Pilmoor re- 
 
 n' to America Mr. Asbury goes thither in 1771 Mr. Wright, Mr. Shad- 
 , and Mr. Rankin, in 1773 State of Methodism at the commencement 
 of the war Various occurrences during the unhappy conflict . 54-67 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Effects of the war on the Methodist societies in America Review of 
 the causes which led to the establishment of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church Preparatory steps taken in order to Dr. Coke's ordination Copy 
 of letters of ordination Letter of Mr. Wesley to Dr. Coke and Mr. As- 
 bury, stating the ground on which he acted Principles on which Mr. 
 Wesley acted, stated and vindicated Apostolical succession not to be 
 proved, either from the church of Alexandria, Antioch, or Rome . 67-92
 
 4 CONTENTS TO LIFE OF DR. COKE. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Dr. Coke sails to America Prominent particulars of the voyage -man 
 ner in which he employed his time Favourable reception on his arrival 
 First interview with Mr. Asbury Vicissitudes in traversing the states 
 Transactions at the first conference at Baltimore Sermon at the con- 
 ference noticed Observations on some strictures made on it Conduct 
 of Dr. Coke vindicated respecting his sermon Occasion of an address to 
 General Washington This address closely connected with the welfare of 
 Methodism in the United States Necessity of the measure General 
 Washington's reply Page 92-114 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Analysis of the episcopal form of church government established in 
 America Progress of Methodism in the United States Dr. Coke's ser- 
 mon on the goohead of Christ Missionaries sent to Nova Scotia through 
 Dr. Coke's exertions History of Cokesbury College Rules of the insti- 
 tution Destruction by fire Church and college at Baltimore Flourishing 
 condition Both consumed by fire Aggregate loss estimated at 10,000 
 Dr. Coke in imminent danger of being drowned Observations on slavery 
 in America Efforts to procure its abolition Visits General Washington 
 Exposed to dangers in forests Returns to England . . 114-147 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Meets with an unpleasant reception from Mr. Wesley at the conference 
 Causes developed, and his conduct vindicated Entertains thoughts of 
 separating from the Establishment Opens a missionary correspondence 
 with a gentleman in India Visits the Norman Isles First introduction 
 of Methodism into the islands Resolute perseverance of Dr. Adam Clarke 
 amid persecution Dr. Coke sails a second time for America Prominent 
 disasters of their voyage Manner of employing his time on board Super- 
 stitious brutality of the captain Tranquil state of Dr. Coke's mind-- 
 Driven to Antigua ....*.... 147-165 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Primary introduction of Methodism into the West Indies by Mr. Gilbert 
 Succeeaed by Mr. Baxter, whom Dr. Coke found in Antigua Visits 
 Dominica, St. Vincent's, St. Christopher's, Nevis, and St. Eustatius 
 History of black Harry State of religion, and pleasing prospects of esta- 
 blishing missions in these islands Sails to the continent State of religion 
 in South Carolina Preaching in the forests Suspends his public testi- 
 mony against slavery Escape from persecution State of religion 
 throughout Virginia Reasons why the rule against slavery was suspended 
 Returns to Ireland In danger of being lost between Ireland and Eng- 
 land Observations on providence Engages to beg from door to door for 
 the missions In danger of being lost in sailing to the Norman Isles 
 Reflections on the general progress of religion . . . 165-193 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Dr. Coke sails for Barbadoes Proceedings on his arrival Establish- 
 ment of a mission Repairs to St. Vincent's Visits the Caribbs Reflec- 
 tions on savage life Repairs to Dominica The work prospers in Antigua 
 and in St. Christopher's Remarks on a persecuting edict, passed in St. Eus- 
 tatius Driven from this island Forbidden to establish a mission in Saba 
 Visit* Tortola and Santa Cruz Pleasing prospects in these islands 
 Delivered from imminent danger in a boat Promising appearances of 
 missionary success in Jamaica Revisits the continent Difficulties of 
 travelling Picturesque scenery Nocturnal firee Progress of religion in
 
 CONTENTS TO LIFE OF DR. COKE. 5 
 
 Georgia Resolution to build Wesley College Prosperous state of reli- 
 gion in South Carolina In North Carolina In Virginia In Maryland 
 In Pennsylvania and Delaware And in New-York Total increase of 
 the societies Returns to England Reflections on the condition of the 
 heathen world Page 193-216 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Dr. Coke solicits assistance for the establishment of missions among 
 the negroes Reflections on the nature of his employment Sails again for 
 the West Indies Persecution in Barbadoes Visits Grenada, and esta- 
 blishes a mission there Disturbance in Antigua Finds the door still shut 
 in St. Eustatius Religion flourishes in Nevis Montego Bay, in Jamaica, 
 affords no very flattering prospect Negligence of the clergy Persecution 
 in Kingston Effects of violence Chapel injured at St. Vincent's 
 Anecdote of an African prince and his sister Sails for the continent 
 Dangers of the voyage Visits the Catawba Indians Description of their 
 dress and habitations Happy effects of distributing tracts General in- 
 crease of religion Receives tidings of Mr. Wesley's death Returns to 
 England 216-232 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Dr. Coke hurt at the ungenerous treatment received on his arrival 
 Consoled by a letter from Mr. Asbury Affairs at the conference succeed- 
 ing Mr. Wesley's death conducted in peace Difficulties about writing 
 Mr. Wesley's Life Narrative of this affair Dr. Coke visits France 
 Observations on the productions of the country and morals of the inha- 
 bitants Mission proves unsuccessful Desired by the conference to 
 undertake his commentary Sails again for America General state of 
 religion there Revisits the West Indies Door still shut in St. Eustatius 
 Persecuting edict in St. Vincent's Affecting anecdotes of some negro 
 children in Grenada and Nevis Degraded state of morals in Hispaniola 
 Prospect in Jamaica still gloomy Awful judgment on a scoffer at 
 vital religion Returns to England Narrowly escapes a French pri- 
 vateer 232-252 
 
 t CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Observations on the persecuting edict of St. Vincent's, and conduct of 
 Mr. Lumb Dr. Coke applies to his majesty in council for a repeal of the 
 law Government inquires into the character of the West India mission- 
 aries Satisfactory replies given by the governors of the islands Edict 
 disallowed in council Dr. Coke supports innovations on the old plan of 
 Methodist discipline Proceeds with his commentary Repairs to Holland 
 respecting the affairs of St. Eustatius Character of the Methodists, 
 given by the Right Honourable Henry Dundas Letter from Dr. Coke to 
 Dr. Maclaine at the Hague Application to the Dutch government proves 
 unsuccessful Reasons which induced Dr. Coke to undertake the Foulab. 
 mission Progress of his mission, and cause of its failure Reflections 
 on this unfortunate adventure 252-269 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Dr. Coke sails again for America Treated with brutality by the cap- 
 tain Account of a wreck found at sea State of religion on the continent 
 Entertains serious thoughts of settling in America Returns to Glasgow 
 Instance of superstition State of religion in Scotland Embarks for 
 Ireland Finds religion in a prosperous state there Difficulty of taking a 
 final leave of his Irish friends English conference use means to prevent 
 kis settling in America Sails again for the continent in 1797 Captured
 
 6 CONTENTS TO LIFE OF DR. COKE. 
 
 by a French privateer Mr. Asbury's letter relative to Dr. Coke's return 
 Returns to England Projects and procures the establishment of mis- 
 sions among the Irish Proposes a union of the Methodists with the 
 Church of England Letter to the bishop of London Bishop's reply 
 Scheme proves abortive Protection procured by Dr. Coke for the Me- 
 thodists during the Irish rebellion Instances of loyalty among the Method- 
 ists in Ireland during this commotion, and among the Methodist negroes 
 in the West Indies in seasons of danger Approbation of government 
 Persecuting law in Jersey Dr. Coke procures its repeal Embarks again 
 for America Request of the English conference for his return to Europe 
 Reply Persecution in Bermuda Dr. Coke prevents the law from 
 receiving the royal sanction Mr. Collet's confessions respecting Mr. 
 Wesley Page 269-305 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Dr. Coke establishes the Welsh missions Publishes some parts of his 
 commentary Embarks on his ninth voyage to America Attempts to 
 establish a mission in Gibraltar Death of Mr. and Mrs. M'Mullin First 
 interview with Miss Penelope Goulding Smith Marries her Mode of 
 travelling Her death, character, and epitaph Finishes his commentary 
 Projects the History of the West Indies History of the Bible System 
 of philosophy compiled Publishes a Welsh translation of his commentary 
 Persecution in Jamaica Substance of the colonial edict Finally dis- 
 allowed by his majesty in council In danger of being lost in a voyage to 
 Ireland Publishes a reply to the Rev. Melville Home Alarm occasioned 
 by Lord Sidmouth's bill Cottager's Bible published in numbers Circular 
 letter to all the superintendents Weary of employing travellers to sell his 
 works Disposes of all his literary property to the conference . 305-326 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Introduction, progress, and final overthrow of Lord Sidmouth's bill 
 New interpretation given to the toleration act New toleration act Dr. 
 Coke takes a decided part in all Establishes a mission among the French 
 prisoners Sends missionaries to Sierra Leone, in Africa First introduc- 
 tion of Methodism into that colony State of the mission Marries Miss 
 Loxdalc Death and character of that lady Plans a mission to India Pre- 
 pares to embark Projects the missionary societies Sanctioned by con- 
 ference Provision made for himself and associates Designs to be mar- 
 ried a third time Connection broken off through the interference of his 
 friends Sails for India Death and funeral solemnities of Mrs. Ault 
 General account of the voyage Death of Dr. Coke Particulars relative 
 to this melancholy event Body committed to the deep Prosperous state 
 of the mission Reflections . ....'. . . . 326-360 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 The author's first particular acquaintance with Dr. Coke Compact 
 between them Character of Dr. Coke's commentary Account of his 
 Recent Occurrences of Europe History of the West Indies History of 
 the Bible Cottager's Bible Life of Christ Letters in reply to the Rev. 
 Mr. Home Duties of a minister Sermon on the death of Mr. Wesley 
 Life of Mr. Wesley Person of Dr. Coke Natural temper Understand- 
 ing Learning Talents as a preacher Ease in company Domestic 
 habits Rank among his brethren Influence in conference Defects 
 Zeal, activity, piety, usefulness, liberality Anecdotes of his attachment 
 to the welfare of the missions Farewell sermon Conclusion 36X>-381
 
 DEDICATION. 
 
 TO ROBERT CARR BRACKENBURY. OP RAITHBY-HALL, LINCOLN- 
 SHIRE ; THOMAS ROBERTS, KING-STREET, BATH ; AND JOHN HOL- 
 LOWAY, CITY-ROAD, LONDON, ESQUIRES J EXECUTORS IN TRUST 
 OF THE LATE REVEREND THOMAS COKE, LL.D. 
 
 GENTLEMEN, I dedicate to you this volume, from a full per- 
 suasion that, as intimate friends of the late Rev. Dr. Coke, and 
 guardians of his property, you must feel an interest in his repu- 
 tation. 
 
 When our mutual but now deceased friend sailed for India, and 
 consigned to your care the management of his temporal concerns, 
 he committed to mine the delineation of his character. You were 
 acquainted with this fact. And it has been to me no small source 
 of consolation, while prosecuting the task of high responsibility 
 which his unexpected death has now assigned me, to learn that 
 his appointment of a biographer has received the sanction of your 
 approbation. For my work, which is now presented through you 
 to the world, I hesitate to entertain correspondent hopes. 
 
 If Dr. Coke had lived to reach the place of his ultimate desti- 
 nation, my undertaking would, in all probability, have been less 
 arduous than it is at present. It was nis intention to have fur- 
 nished me with documents, facts, and incidents in chronological 
 order; and to have transmitted them from India, that they might 
 have been arranged for his inspection, in case he had lived to 
 return, or for publication if he had visited Europe no more. This 
 was a point wnich he kept in view while on his voyage, and his 
 last letter to me, which was written off Madeira, chiefly turned on 
 this topic. 
 
 But the overruling providence of God, which permitted this 
 plan to be formed, has mysteriously interposed to prevent the exe- 
 cution of it. And, how paradoxical soever it may appear, the 
 same awful stroke that has partially taken from me the means of 
 fulfilling his wishes, has laid me under an additional obligation 
 to comply with his request. 
 
 From the difficulties of this situation you have happily afforded 
 me some relief, by giving me access to all his papers that were in 
 your possession, and by readily answering such questions as I 
 found it necessary to propose. Furnished with these materials, 
 in addition to my own resources, I have endeavoured to draw the 
 outline of a faithful picture, without introducing an exuberance
 
 8 DEDICATION TO LIFE OF DR. COKE. 
 
 either of light or shade : in this state the work now approaches 
 you ; and I cheerfully consign it to your protection and rare. 
 
 That the pages of my volume are free from error and imper- 
 fection, I have no more the presumption to suppose, than I have 
 the vanity to imagine that their defects can escape your pene- 
 tration. Your long and intimate acquaintance with the deceased 
 must have deeply impressed upon your minds those varied fea- 
 tures of his character, through which your judgments of him are 
 formed and matured. This circumstance will preserve me from 
 the imputation of flattery, although it may be at the expense of my 
 labours. 
 
 It is to this maturity of judgment, however, that I the more 
 readily appeal, from a full conviction that, because it is matured, 
 it must be equally free from the influence of local prejudice and 
 the delusion of visionary expectations. From you I have there- 
 fore a right to expect a decision that will blend accuracy with 
 candour, without furnishing me with an occasion to complain of 
 severity, or make me a debtor to compassion. 
 
 Should this work be so fortunate as thus favourably to pass the 
 ordeal of your examination, my confidence in your ability and 
 fidelity will shield me from illiberal criticisms which may arise 
 from other quarters. Many may censure, and some may approve : 
 but none can be more competent to form an accurate estimate of 
 what I have written than yourselves. 
 
 There is, however, one department in which I expect you will 
 find many rivals, and that is among Dr. Coke's numerous friends, 
 who, like you, will be solicitous to cherish a strong affection for 
 his name and memory. Yet even here I can scarcely suppose 
 you will have any superiors, when I dare not make an exception 
 even in favour of, gentlemen, 
 
 Your sincere friend and humble servant, 
 
 SAMUEL DREW. 
 
 St. Austell, May 17, 1817.
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 IN sending the following biographical sketch into the world, 
 the writer of this volume has no design either to flatter the un- 
 reasonable admirers of the deceased, or to gratify his enemies. 
 He has therefore not drawn an artificial picture; but he has fol- 
 lowed him through life, and noticed the most distinguishing fea- 
 tures in his character, without having an eye to either party, and 
 without always adverting to the opinions which the facts he 
 records might induce the reader to entertain. 
 
 Writing under these impressions, he is not conscious of having 
 passed over in silence any material incident in Dr. Coke's life 
 which could reasonably find a place in these memoirs, without 
 descending to trifles which can have no necessary connection with 
 a fair delineation of his character. On the same principle, he has 
 neither emblazoned his virtues nor amplified his faults ; and it is 
 not improbable that, on this account, he has written in a manner 
 that will give offence to all those whom nothing can please but 
 panegyric or defamation. 
 
 " The struggling pangs of conscious truth to hide, 
 To quench the blushes of ingenuous shame," 
 
 are feelings to which the author, on the present occasion, is a total 
 stranger. He might have expatiated on a train of favourable 
 coincidences, and have exalted accident into a virtue ; or he 
 might have given shades to infirmities which would have sprinkled 
 them with the appearance of vice, without deviating from the 
 rigid dictates of truth ; but impartiality demanded from him a 
 statement of naked facts, which should leave the judgment of the 
 reader free from prepossession. To the candid and dispassionate, 
 who are willing to make all reasonable allowances for the frail- 
 ties of human nature, and who must estimate these allowances by 
 the various situations in which the deceased was placed, such a 
 faithful delineation as the author thus proposes cannot fail to 
 afford satisfaction. But after all, the accomplishment of his pur- 
 pose may fall short both of his wishes and hopes, and for this he 
 must crave their indulgence. 
 
 That a man whose life has been spent in propagating Chris- 
 tianity in carrying the light of the gospel among heathen nations 
 in cultivating and spreading the active and passive virtues 
 which adorn social life and finally, in directing sinners to the 
 Saviour of the world, should find himself exposed to enemies, 
 
 1*
 
 10 PREFACE TO LIFE OF DR. COKE. 
 
 mav seem exceedingly strange. But history and observation unite 
 to inform us that this has been the lot of almost every public cha- 
 racter. " Censure is a tax which every man must pay the public 
 for being eminent ;" and we well know that this fine has been con- 
 stantly exacted from the greatest benefactors of mankind. Both 
 Wesley and Whitefield were exposed to the charges of pride, 
 ambition, and enthusiasm ; and even Mr. Fletcher could not escape 
 the tongue of slander. 
 
 To the shafts of unmerited censure, Dr. Coke was also exposed ; 
 and his name, as well as the names of his illustrious contempora- 
 ries and predecessors, was doomed to bear the base insinuations of 
 invidious tongues. But reproachful epithets merit no reply. It 
 was sufficient for Dr. Coke, by the sanctions of his own con- 
 science, to know that his motives were pure in the sight of God ; 
 and, for his numerous friends on each side of the Atlantic, it must 
 be pleasing to learn that he was beloved and revered in every 
 country which had enjoyed the benefits of his labours. Of this 
 fact the following respectable testimonies furnish the most indu- 
 bitable evidence : 
 
 " MY VERY DEAR FRIEND, DR. COKE, When I consider the 
 solemn offer you made of yourself -to the general conference, and 
 their free and deliberate acceptance of you as their episcopos, I 
 must view you as most assuredly bound to this branch of the Me- 
 thodist Episcopal Church in the United States of America. You 
 cannot, you dare not but consider yourself as a servant of the 
 church, and a citizen of the continent of America. And although 
 you may be called to Europe to fulfil some prior engagements, and 
 wind up your temporal affairs, nothing ought to prevent your 
 hasty return to the continent, to live and die in America. I shall 
 look upon you as violating your most solemn obligations, if you 
 delay your return. If you are a man of a large mind, you will 
 give up a few islands for a vast continent not less than 1400 miles 
 in length and 1,000 miles in breadth. We have sixteen United 
 States for ingress and regress, rising, not like little settlements, but 
 like large nations and kingdoms. I conclude, that I consider you 
 are no longer a citizen of Wales or England, but of the United 
 States of America. I am, with great respect, 
 
 " Your ever dear brother, 
 
 " FRANCIS ASBURY. 
 
 " Charleston, February 8, 1797. 
 
 " P. S. I give you this to remind you, lest you should forget 
 what you have done, and what the general conference expects 
 from you." 
 
 On the import and design of the preceding letter no comment 
 can be necessary. It expresses in terms of imperious solicitude 
 the wishes of Mr. Asbury and of the general conference, for Dr. 
 Coke's return to the continent. 
 
 Nor can the early date of the preceding letter be justly urged 
 against the continuance of the solicitude which it expresses. In 
 the year 1800, the same sentiments were transmitted from the con- 
 ference at Baltimore to that of this country, in reply to an ardent 
 wish that the English conference had expressed for Dr. Coke's 
 return to Europe. In this reply, which is inserted in the fourteenth
 
 PREFACE TO LIFE OF DR. COKE. 11 
 
 chapter of this vohune, they only consented to lend Dr. Coke for a 
 season, reserving to themselves the right of recalling him, as soon 
 as they thought proper, in consequence of the promise which he 
 had previously made to them. 
 
 In the year 1808, when the American preachers were about to 
 recall him to the continent, a renewed address from the English 
 conference was written, to request them to relinquish their claims ; 
 and it was only in compliance with this earnest solicitation that 
 the conference in America were induced to suspend their demands. 
 In their reply they say, " In compliance wilh your request, a vote 
 has passed that he may continue with you until he may be called 
 to us by all the annual conferences respectively, or the general 
 conference. We are, however, not insensible of his value, not 
 ungrateful for his past labours of love." This reply is inserted at 
 large in the minutes of the English conference for the year 1809. 
 
 Neither do his friends appear to have been weary of him in Ire- 
 land ; nor does their primitive attachment to him seem to have 
 abated. In the year 1807, the language of the Irish conference 
 respecting his return runs as follows : " From the fulness of our 
 hearts, dear fathers and brethren, we again repeat our request for 
 the return of our greatly beloved and esteemed friend, Dr. Coke, 
 to be president for the ensuing year. We are deeply conscious 
 what a blessing he is to us, though we cannot fully tell how much 
 we are indebted to him." And in the year 1809, they again say, 
 " We thank you for sending, with such readiness, our old much 
 beloved friend, the Rev. Dr. Coke, as our president, year after 
 year ; and with one accord we earnestly request that you will send 
 him to preside among us the ensuing year." 
 
 Nor was the tone of their language less affectionate in the year 
 1813, only a few months before he bade adieu to Europe. Ad- 
 dressing the English conference, they say, " We need hardly 
 assure you that we received the appointment of our dearly beloved 
 brother and president, Dr. Coke, with the best affections of our 
 hearts ; and that his visit has been profitable and comfortable to 
 our souls." - The English conference, in reply to this address, 
 express themselves in language which breathes the same spirit of 
 affection : " We have," say they, " a prospect of sending the 
 word of life to the east. Our beloved brother Dr. Coke, burning 
 with zeal for God, is about to visit that country, accompanied by 
 seven missionaries, so that we hope pure Christianity, as taught 
 by us from the beginning, will soon extend its influence through 
 those populous and extensive regions." 
 
 Sucn is the language of the American, the Irish, and the English 
 conferences, respecting this highly favoured servant of God. 
 
 To record in this preface the obligations which those who were 
 intimately acquainted with Dr. Coke would have laid on the 
 author, by communicating such incidents in his life as might tend 
 to illustrate his character, would afford him much pleasure. But 
 for these favours his acknowledgments must be confined within a 
 narrow compass. To the friendly communications of Mr. John 
 de CLueteville, of Guernsey, he is indebted for the particulars of 
 Dr. Coke's visit to Paris in the year 1791 ; and also to another 
 gentleman for the account he has inserted respecting the Norman
 
 12 PREFACE TO LIFE OF DR. COKE. 
 
 Isles. To these favours he is not conscious of having received 
 any addition. Benevolence has therefore fixed the boundaries 
 of gratitude, and here both must terminate. 
 
 From the papers to which he has had access, through the kind- 
 ness of Dr. Coke's executors, the author might easily have aug- 
 mented the number of pages now presented to the public ; but as 
 these papers could only be interesting to the writers, being chiefly 
 confined to local events, they contain nothing that could justify 
 their insertion. From his own private papers, and from the letters, 
 amounting to nearly two hundred, which he has in the handwriting 
 of Dr. Coke, now in his possession, he might also have made nu- 
 merous extracts. These would have furnished pleasing specimens 
 of his easy, familiar, and perspicuous manner of expressing his 
 thoughts in his epistolary correspondence : but to this collection 
 he has omitted, except in two or three instances, to have any 
 recourse, from a full conviction that the history of his life by no 
 means requires a minute developement of his private concerns. 
 
 In his public actions, in his writings, and in the happy effects 
 which have resulted from his missionary zeal, he still continues 
 to speak, and to instruct his survivors, both by his example and 
 his precepts. And the fruits of his active exertions, which con- 
 tinue to acquire magnitude and importance from the accumulation 
 of years, promise to perpetuate his name, and to adorn it with un- 
 fading laurels when those periods shall have passed away in which 
 men of no common renown shall be consigned to oblivion. 
 
 But these considerations, though of the first importance to the 
 man who only aims at reputation in a region of " mortal immor- 
 tality," are of a remote and secondary nature with the ministers 
 of Jesus Christ. To them, the enlargement of the Redeemer's 
 kingdom, and the salvation of immortal souls, are their glory, and 
 the crown of their rejoicing. Their characters are recorded in 
 heaven, and their recompense will be at the resurrection of the 
 just. By this principle, the writer of this volume sincerely be- 
 lieves that Dr. Coke was primarily actuated ; and as they that are 
 thus wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they 
 that " turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever," 
 he must conclude that Dr. Coke will appear as an orb of superior 
 magnitude and brilliancy in the regions of eternity.
 
 THE LIFE 
 
 REV. THOMAS COKE, LL. D. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Design of biography Birth, family, and early education of Dr. 
 Coke Divine providence, both general and particular, asserted 
 Removes to Oxford Profligacy of the collegians Becomes an 
 infidel Reflections on the influence of infidelity in colleges 
 General behaviour Influence of conscience Base conduct of a 
 clergyman Effects of reading Sherlock's Discourses, and Wither- 
 spoon on Regeneration Chosen common councilman, and chief 
 magistrate of Brecon Deluded with promises of Church prefer- 
 ment Graduates, and procures his diploma First preaching 
 State of his mind, and tenderness of conscience. 
 
 THE design of biography is to instruct the living by 
 such a narrative of personal facts as will raise a monu- 
 ment to virtue, by embalming the memory of the dead. 
 The character, therefore, which can be estimated as 
 deservedly claiming this species of writing ought to 
 appear, on- a dispassionate review, to have been so con- 
 spicuous as to excite attentive admiration ; to have 
 been so beneficial as to demand a tribute of gratitude ; 
 and so excellent, when due allowances are made for 
 human infirmities, as to be worthy of public imitation. 
 
 It is not always, however, that the purity of these 
 principles can escape violation. The united influence 
 of wealth and power will sometimes supplant the claims 
 of justice, and fascinate the deluded world with splendid 
 talents, though unadorned by virtue ; ignobly demand- 
 ing the trumpet of fame for a train of successful ex- 
 ploits that are tarnished with crimes of the deepest die. 
 Hence it unfortunately and frequently happens, that 
 
 "What better far to oblivion were consign'd, 
 Is hung on high, to poison half mankind."-
 
 14 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 The statesman, the poet, the historian, the philoso- 
 pher, and the divine have without doubt a claim upon 
 public attention ; and in proportion as an individual in 
 any of those departments has promoted the welfare of 
 mankind, we reflect with pleasure on his deeds ; and, 
 by cherishing the fond remembrance of his amiable 
 virtues, transmit to posterity the lustre of his name, 
 when his spirit has taken its flight to the regions of 
 immortality, and his tongue is silent in the repositories 
 of death. 
 
 Nor is it to characters of this description alone that 
 biography should be confined. The arms of science 
 encircle in their wide embrace the sons of genius, of 
 utility, and of virtue in every form which diversity can 
 assume ; and the records of literature have preserved a 
 list of names, to swell the catalogue of the common 
 benefactors of the human race. 
 
 But no individual, in any condition of life, can ever 
 hope to attain such an eminence as to claim universal 
 regard. The pursuits of men are too various, and their 
 habits of reflection too complicated, to justify such an 
 expectation. Distinct characters shine in different 
 spheres ; but if conducted aright, every vocation in life 
 is highly advantageous to the inhabitants of the world. 
 
 The statesman may inspire us with a love for our 
 country ; the poet may charm us with the magic of his 
 numbers, and aid the cause of virtue by the decorations 
 which he teaches her to wear ; the historian may lead 
 us back through departed ages, and introduce us to the 
 manners of the mighty dead ; and the philosopher may 
 assist us in exploring the hidden recesses of nature, in 
 leading us from visible effects to invisible causes, and he 
 may finally conduct us to the primitive agent, that must 
 necessarily be both infinite and eternal: These charac- 
 ters chiefly confine our views to the present state of 
 existence ; but the divine unfolds before us the interest- 
 ing science of religion and morals ; and, by the light of 
 revelation, conducting us across that awful gulf which 
 divides time from eternity, teaches us the important 
 secret of making the felicities of both worlds our own. 
 
 "There is perhaps no species of writing more enter- 
 taining than that of biographical narrative ; but its
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 15 
 
 utility must in no small degree depend upon the charac- 
 ter of him who becomes the subject of historical rela- 
 tion. This must always form the criterion when the 
 writer presents to the world a faithful delineation. An 
 individual who has been renowned for probity and vir- 
 tue may become an example to thousands, who may 
 view him as a pattern worthy of imitation ; and his his- 
 tory may diffuse virtues through various walks of life, 
 to which our calculations can never reach."* 
 
 Little did Dr. COKE think, when publishing the pre- 
 ceding paragraph, that these sentences would ever be 
 transplanted into a biographical account of himself. 
 But the fact serves to illustrate the principle which they 
 contain, as well as to propagate the important and in- 
 structive lesson which they inculcate. And under the 
 impression of this lesson the author now proceeds to 
 delineate the history and character of this highly useful 
 minister in the Church of God. 
 
 The Rev. THOMAS COKE, LL. D., was born at Brecon, 
 in South Wales, on the 9th of September, 1747; and 
 was baptized on the 5th of the following month. His 
 father's name was Bartholomew Coke. This gentle- 
 man was an eminent surgeon in Brecon. He was of 
 high respectability, and several times filled the office of 
 chief magistrate of the town, with much credit to him- 
 self and family, and with an equal degree of satisfaction 
 to the public. His mother's name was Ann Phillips. 
 This lady -was the daughter of Thomas Phillips, Esq., 
 and after him his grandson was called Thomas. Of the 
 family of Coke there are some respectable branches 
 still resident at Brecon, but they are not the descendants 
 of Bartholomew. 
 
 Thomas being their only child, his affectionate pa- 
 rents watched over his infant days with more than com- 
 mon solicitude, and devised the most liberal plans foi 
 his education. 
 
 But before any of these schemes could be carried into 
 execution, his father was summoned away by the call 
 of death, so that the education of his darling child de- 
 volved on the widowed mother who survived her hus- 
 
 * Coke's Preface to the Life of Christ, p. 16.
 
 16 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 band many years. Mrs. Coke lived to see his connection 
 with the Rev. John Wesley ; and after embracing and 
 adorning by her piety the doctrines which he taught, 
 died a member of the Methodist society in Bristol, in 
 which city she had long resided. 
 
 Of his juvenile years and pursuits we have not much 
 knowledge, as some of his papers which referred to his 
 early days were taken with him to India, and it is to 
 be feared that these are irrecoverably lost. After pass- 
 ing through the preparatory steps of education during 
 his childhood, he was placed at a proper age under the 
 tuition of the Rev. Mr. Griffiths, master of the college 
 school at Brecon, with whom he continued several 
 years. Under the care of this gentleman he received 
 the first rudiments of learning ; and so well satisfied 
 was he, as he advanced in life, of the obligations he 
 was under to him, that he always remembered his name 
 with gratitude, and spoke of him in terms of respectful 
 approbation. 
 
 While these years passed by, his character was 
 marked with the frivolities incident to youth. He was 
 attached to the prevailing amusements, and was particu- 
 larly fond of dancing. This attachment, toward the 
 period of his removal from Brecon, exposed him to 
 much company ; and as he was peculiarly handsome, 
 he became an object of admiration among the thought- 
 less and the gay, and was a singular favourite among 
 his female associates, to whose charms his heart was by 
 no means insensible. 
 
 He was not, however, even in these years of indis- 
 cretion, wholly destitute of the fear of God, nor igno- 
 rant of his superintending providence. To this he 
 ascribed his preservation when exposed to danger in 
 crossing a river ; and from the apprehended effects of 
 a sixpence which he once accidentally swallowed. A 
 general providence seems to be commonly admitted, 
 even by those who are disposed to object to that which 
 is particular. These, however, must stand or fall to- 
 gether. . He who superintends the whole, must neces- 
 sarily superintend all the parts of which that whole is 
 composed. Without this, we may suppose it possible 
 for the whole to remain, while some of its parts may
 
 LIFE OF TttE REV. DR. COKE. 17 
 
 be destroyed, which is an absurdity not less palpable, 
 than to conceive that the body may remain vmmutilated, 
 although many of its essential parts are actually anni- 
 hilated. Of this connection between a general and a 
 particular providence, our young Tyro appeared sensible 
 at an early age ; however incompetent he might then 
 have been to mark their diversity and relation with 
 specific distinction and exactness. 
 
 At the age of sixteen he was removed from Brecon 
 to Oxford ; and in the Lent term of his seventeenth 
 year was entered a gentleman commoner at Jesus Col- 
 lege, in that university. On leaving the town of his 
 nativity and the seat of comparative innocence and tran- 
 quillity, he soon found himself introduced to companions 
 who bore little or no resemblance to those with whom 
 he had been accustomed to associate. In this seminary 
 of learning he soon discovered a licentiousness of man- 
 ners to which he had hitherto been a stranger. And to 
 complete his astonishment, and excite his detestation, 
 he unhappily found that, instead of apologizing for the 
 enormity of their conduct, some of his fellow students 
 had contrived to discard with contempt those moral 
 principles which he had been taught to consider as 
 sacred, and to shelter themselves under the sorceries of 
 argument, from the pangs of an upbraiding conscience. 
 Between their practice and their principles he soon dis- 
 covered a melancholy agreement. Infidelity had taken 
 possession of their hearts, and its effects were fully un- 
 folded in their lives. 
 
 Unfortunately, although he had been brought up in 
 the general belief that revelation came from God, and 
 that the doctrines which it taught, and the precepts 
 which it inculcated, were calculated to make men wise 
 unto salvation, his belief was of the hereditary kind ; 
 so that the arguments which proved revelation to be 
 genuine, were totally neglected from an implicit convic- 
 tion of its being true. On finding revelation assailed 
 by sophisms which he had never heard before, and 
 those principles attacked which he had never been in- 
 structed to defend, silence succeeded to astonishment at 
 first ; but the poison was working its way through u- 
 guarded avenues to his heart ; so that by slow and im-
 
 18 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 perceptible degrees he became a captive to those snares 
 of infidelity which he had at first surveyed with detest- 
 ation and horror. This unhappy circumstance formed 
 a memorable epoch in his life. The impression which 
 it made upon his memory was too deep to be effaced. 
 In public and in private he has frequently taken occasion 
 to introduce it, accompanied with terms of compassion- 
 ate indignation against those who cherish the viper by 
 which he was stung, and to reckon his deliverance from 
 this dreadful hydra as a most singular interposition of 
 the providence of God. 
 
 It must not, however^ be supposed, because our young 
 student found himself in the vortex of infidelity, that 
 therefore all within the college walls were tainted with 
 this mental pestilence. In both our universities many 
 characters are always to be found whose principles and 
 conduct are an honour to their profession. And to 
 these sources of learning we stand indebted for some of 
 the most splendid ornaments of our nation, of Europe, 
 and of the world, both in science and divinity. 
 
 The principles of our young student, being thus 
 tainted, soon communicated their fatal influence to his 
 practice. But the restraints imposed by conscience still 
 remained, and preserved him from those excesses into 
 which he would in all probability have been otherwise 
 hurried. The company into which, alas, he was thrown, 
 sometimes led him to scenes of dissipation ; and he was 
 called to witness those deeds of darkness from which, 
 even in moments of lawless riot, the moral feelings of 
 his heart revolted. To these scenes of midnight abomi- 
 nation he has frequently turned his thoughts with indig- 
 nant horror in his riper years ; and has always accom- 
 panied the recollection with ascriptions of gratitude to 
 God, for preserving him from participating in the vices 
 which he beheld, even at a time when he more than half 
 doubted the Divine existence. Such secret interposi- 
 tions of Divine agency clearly manifest the supera- 
 bounding grace of God, and place its efficacy in a light 
 that is at once commanding and amiable. 
 
 But although he was thus preserved from the actual 
 commission of the more abominable crimes, he fell an 
 <easy prey to the fashionable follies which reputed virtue
 
 MFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 19 
 
 does not blush to own. To cards he was much inclined ; 
 and whist and quadrille were his favourite amusements. 
 The bottle accompanied the diversion, and midnight 
 occasionally concealed both under her sable mantle. 
 But his success in gaming was never sufficient to induce 
 him either to risk his own fortune, or to tempt him to 
 think that he should ever acquire that of another from 
 among his rival companions. To liquor, his attachment 
 was never excessive. The love of companions in plea- 
 sure, the dread of being singular, and irresolution to 
 resist temptation, were more powerful with him than 
 any inherent inclination to deviate from the path of his 
 primitive simplicity. And. perhaps to these, and to 
 similar causes, may be ascribed no inconsiderable share 
 of those gayeties which, in the general estimation of 
 the world, never cease to be amiable until they become 
 excessive. 
 
 But amid this career of dissipation and folly, the hap- 
 piness which he sought invariably eluded his grasp. No 
 noise was sufficient to silence the voice of conscience ; 
 no torrent of excess could drown her secret whispers ; 
 and no amusement could either extinguish remorse, or 
 compensate for that anguish which involuntary reflection 
 always occasioned. Miserable in the midst of gay com- 
 panions, and haunted by the apparition of disregarded 
 virtue, his. life was wretched without any visible cala- 
 mity ; and he sometimes sighed in solitude even while 
 he partook of the stupifying opiates which his associates 
 recommended by their pernicious example. 
 
 It was in this state of sorrowful indecision, having 
 abandoned his old creed, without finding his new one 
 to correspond with the dictates of his conscience, how 
 much soever it might accord with the wishes he had 
 cherished, that he paid a visit to a clergyman of Wales, 
 whose name at that time had excited some degree of 
 attention and respect. On the arrival of Sunday, this 
 reverend gentleman, willing, in all probability, to please 
 his Oxonian guest, selected a sermon, written in a mas- 
 terly manner, on some of the most important doctrines 
 of the Gospel. This he read with more than common 
 animation ; and appeared, by the manner in which he- 
 delivered it, to declare the sentiments of his heart
 
 20 LIFE Of THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 Young Coke listened to the declaimer with all that 
 attention and interest which the solemnity and import- 
 ance of the occasion required ; and felt his attachment 
 to those principles which he had hitherto endeavoured 
 in vain to forget, once more begin to revive in his bosom. 
 The effects of infidelity now appeared in an inauspicious 
 light ; and serious suspicions were entertained by him 
 of the validity of those arguments by which he had 
 been proselyted to adopt his fashionable creed. 
 
 On returning from church, the visiter took occasion 
 to express his opinion of the sermon which he had just 
 heard, in terms of unqualified approbation. To this he 
 added some hints on the state of his mind ; and some 
 remarks on the impression which the discourse had made ; 
 expecting, no doubt, to receive more ample informa- 
 tion on those momentous subjects from a minister who 
 had so ably advocated the cause of Christianity in the 
 pulpit. But, strange as it may appear, this unhappy 
 man, instead of endeavouring to remove the objections, 
 which were only formidable to youth and inexperience, 
 archly smiled at the simplicity of his young friend, and 
 frankly told him that he did not believe any of the 
 doctrines he had been defending ! 
 
 Disgusted at the conduct he had witnessed, without 
 being induced by the clergyman's example to think 
 more favourably of infidelity, which could thus sanction 
 perfidy, and cover an avowal of it with smiles of con- 
 scious superiority, he returned once more to Oxford, 
 with a fixed resolution to take some decisive measures, 
 that should finally confirm him in open infidelity, or 
 bring him back to the principles of Christianity. This, 
 in all probability, was one of the most momentous pe- 
 riods of his life ; since, on the step he was about to 
 take, without any visible guide or director to confirm or 
 correct his judgment, depended, in no small degree, his 
 destiny through life, and his happiness both in time and 
 eternity. 
 
 It providentially happened that, just at this eventful 
 crisis, the discourses and dissertations of Bishop Sher- 
 lock fell into his hands. These he read with more than 
 common attention and interest; and being a sincere 
 seeker after truth, God was pleased to accompany them
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 2t 
 
 with his blessing. From this moment his mind decided 
 in favour of Christianity, and all his deistical reasonings 
 and objections disappeared. In this, also, he always 
 found occasion to glorify the riches of Divine grace in 
 secretly disposing him thus earnestly to search after 
 truth, and in leading him to a treatise that should effec- 
 tually cure the mental malady under which he had so 
 long suffered. 
 
 The reasonings of Sherlock, however, only made him 
 a Christian in theory. He was still a stranger to the 
 religion of the heart, and knew nothing of the necessity 
 of being born again. But an important point was 
 gained ; it had brought him within the precincts of 
 revelation, and even laid him under an obligation to 
 examine, with deep attention, the various doctrines of 
 that system which he had thus embraced. The effect 
 followed which might naturally be expected. From a 
 treatise on regeneration, by Dr. Witherspoon, he ob- 
 tained a considerable knowledge of the nature and the 
 necessity of it ; but it was not until some time afterward 
 that he was put in actual possession of that genuine faith 
 which unites the contrite soul to the Lord Jesus. 
 
 Having thus taken a decided part in favour of Chris- 
 tianity, he soon found occasion to leave his infidel com- 
 panions, and with them the practice into which they had 
 initiated him. His attention was now wholly engrossed 
 by his studies ; and his time was spent in the acquire- 
 ment*of such knowledge as he conceived to be necessary 
 for that holy calling to which he now seriously turned 
 his thoughts. On his former associates he looked with 
 the sincerest pity ; and on their practice with abhorrence. 
 And, from that moment to the latest period of his life, 
 he always spoke of his residence at Oxford with sorrow, 
 and of the vices which were practised, and even sanc- 
 tioned, among the dissolute students, in terms of detesta- 
 tion. 
 
 At the age of twenty-one, he was chosen common 
 councilman for the borough of Brecon, which station 
 his father had held when living ; and, at the age of 
 twenty-five, he was elected chief magistrate ; which im- 
 portant office he filled with more than common reputa- 
 tion. The whole corporation were highly satisfied with
 
 22 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 the rectitude of his conduct during the time that he pre- 
 sided among them ; and the good order of the town was 
 much promoted by his unwearied exertions to advance 
 the public benefit. 
 
 As it was his full intention to enter into holy orders, 
 the authority which his office gave him in Brecon, pro- 
 cured him many flattering prospects of rapid advance- 
 ment in the Church. But preferment, through political 
 interest, is a path in which disappointment frequently 
 smiles at the simplicity of hope. 
 
 The member of parliament for Brecon, to express his 
 gratitude for the assistance in his election received from 
 the family of Coke, promised to the young candidate 
 for holy orders something that might gratify his wishes ; 
 and taught him to expect a prebend in the cathedral of 
 Worcester. By another gentleman still more exalted 
 in rank, and therefore it was presumed of more influ- 
 ence and authority, his expectations were flattered with 
 the same delusions. These contrived to keep alive his 
 hopes through a series of years, and it was not till age 
 and experience had taught him the folly of relying 
 upon empty promises that he was awakened from that 
 dream in which thousands have been entranced through 
 life. 
 
 Deluded with the prospects of sudden elevation in the 
 Church, the visionary phantom continued to dance be- 
 fore him till his serious impressions began to fade, and 
 the necessity of being born of God assumed a le*ss im- 
 perious aspect. To prepare himself for that shower 
 of golden honours which he fully expected every mo- 
 ment to fall upon him, 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 intima- 
 tions had been given that brought on the ambitious de- 
 lirium with which he was still enslaved. On this 
 account he sought no regular employment, and made no 
 permanent engagement. His hopes had indeed become 
 less ardent through repeated disappointments ; but this 
 circumstance was not sufficient to induce him to abandon 
 them. His fallacious friend having procured a seat in 
 parliament, had rewarded him with promises which he
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 23 
 
 was now furnishing him with leisure to interpret. From 
 his more noble friend he had even still less to expect 
 than from the member ; but " In folly's cup still laugh'd 
 the bubble joy," till, being properly qualified, he took 
 out his degree of Doctor of Civil Laws on the 17th of 
 June, 1775. 
 
 During those intermediate years in which Dr. Coke, 
 as we shall henceforth call him, waited upon earthly 
 promises, he made no great proficiency in seeking the 
 accomplishment of those that are heavenly. The world 
 and its allurements nearly engrossed his whole soul ; 
 so that although he was a Christian by profession, he 
 was destitute of experimental godliness ; and preserv- 
 ing a moral demeanour he looked no farther. As to the 
 impressions which the treatise of Dr. Witherspoon had 
 made on his mind, they were refined into abstract 
 truths, and as such he was satisfied to retain them. But 
 the necessity of experiencing the love of God actually 
 shed abroad in his heart by the Holy Ghost given unto 
 him, and bringing with it an internal evidence of the 
 knowledge of salvation by the remission of sins, he was 
 content to leave for future consideration. 
 
 Convinced that the sanguine expectations which he 
 had long cherished with inordinate fondness were likely 
 to terminate in ultimate disappointment, Dr. Coke began 
 seriously to think of forming some plan for life in which 
 he might be useful to his fellow creatures. And although 
 a stranger to vital religion, his aim was to preach the 
 Gospel ; for in no other department had he entertained 
 any thought of exercising his talents. Beyond the pale 
 of the Established Church he had neither inclination nor 
 inducement to pass ; and in the Church he could scarcely 
 hope for any thing above a curacy, unless he should risk 
 his fortune to give effect to promises which had hitherto 
 fed both his vanity and his hopes. He might, indeed, 
 have purchased a living, but to do this he felt much re- 
 luctance from the doubts he entertained whether such 
 transactions were morally just. From the dictates of 
 conscience HP was never willing to deviate ; and he was 
 warned by this monitor to avoid making any approaches 
 toward the conduct of Simon Magus, whose money 
 was doomed to perish with him that offered it.
 
 24 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 Few as the steps were which he had hitherto taken in 
 life, we may perceive in them a tenderness in adhering 
 to the admonitions of conscience even while his heart 
 was unrenewed by Divine grace. Among his infidel 
 companions he was never able to throw off its restraints ; 
 and by these means he was preserved from those ex- 
 cesses of vice into which he saw others plunge without 
 remorse. At the time of his ordination he had many 
 scruples which caused him to hesitate and waver in a 
 state of indecision. 
 
 But these scruples did not arise from any doubts on 
 the moral propriety of his ordination ; but from a laud- 
 able apprehension lest he should solemnly undertake a 
 task without being able to accomplish it, and thus in- 
 volve himself in an awful responsibility that might im- 
 bitter his life and plant his dying pillow with thorns. 
 The same principle prevailed, when ambition would 
 have tempted him to purchase a living ; and its influence 
 finally deterred him from forming engagements, the 
 duties of which those very scruples prove he was better 
 qualified to perform than many who are totally strangers 
 to consideration, hesitation, and remorse.
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 25 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Obtains a curacy at South Petherton Builds a gallery Becomes 
 acquainted with Mr. Maxfield Seriously affected by " Alleine's 
 Alarm" Reads his sermons Becomes evangelical in his preach- 
 ingChurch frequented by Dissenters Interview with Mr. Huli 
 Becomes acquainted with an old Methodist Preaches in some 
 dwelling houses in his parish Finds the pardoning love of God 
 Begins to preach extempore Effects of this preaching Perse- 
 cution Excluded from the pulpit Chimed out of the church 
 Encouraged by Mr. Maxfield Preaches twice near the church 
 door Finds an asylum in the family of Edmonds. 
 
 Dr. COKE, having now exhausted his patience in wait- 
 ing on those proficients in artificial friendship " who 
 squeeze my hand, and beg me come to-morrow," began 
 seriously to look around him for some respectable 
 curacy that would promise to be permanent. It was not 
 long before one of this description offered itself at South 
 Petherton, in Somersetshire. This he readily embraced, 
 as it afforded him an ample field for the exercise of his 
 talents, of his zeal, and above all, of his earnest desire 
 to be useful, which, from his earliest recollection, had 
 always been predominant in his heart. 
 
 On his arrival at Petherton, though a stranger to vital 
 godliness, he selected for the subjects of his discourses 
 some of the most momentous truths of the Gospel ; and 
 delivering these with a degree of animation to which 
 his auditors had not been accustomed, he soon attracted 
 more than ordinary congregations. To enforce the doc- 
 trines which he taught in a manner best calculated to 
 recommend them to his hearers, he endeavoured to form 
 his sermons upon the best models of the age, that- by 
 the blessing of God, they might enlighten the under- 
 standings, affect the hearts and reform the lives of those 
 who were committed to his care. And having a stronger 
 confidence in the abilities of some celebrated divines 
 than in his own talents, he frequently through diffidence 
 introduced their compositions into his pulpit ; especially 
 when he found that the language in which they inculca- 
 ted the doctrines which he was solicitous to teach, was 
 more perspicuous than his own. 
 
 2
 
 36 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 But amid these solicitudes, inquiries, and cares, 
 which frequently engaged his midnight hours ; instead 
 of growing confident in his own attainments, every day 
 furnished him with some new evidence of his ignorance. 
 The prospects which opened before him appeared 
 boundless ; and in deep humility of soul, he saw the 
 necessity of obtaining more light than he had hitherto 
 acquired, upon many important truths ; and of realizing 
 the influence of Divine grace in his heart, more power- 
 fully than he had hitherto experienced it. Prayer to 
 God for Divine assistance now mingled with his private 
 studies and his public ministrations. All his former, 
 but Ion? neglected impressions again returned; and he 
 once more perceived, with unquestionable clearness, the 
 necessity of being born of God. 
 
 The ardent desires of his heart soon became visible 
 in his conversation, and in his preaching ; and the re- 
 port of his fervour and earnestness soon drew to his 
 church the serious part of the neighbourhood ; among 
 whom were many who had already found that invalu- 
 able blessing which Dr. Coke was now evidently seek- 
 ing. To the truths which he thus delivered in great 
 sincerity, he added a degree of eloquence which fre- 
 quently so affected his congregation, that many faces 
 were suffused with tears. It was not long that his church 
 could contain the vast numbers who assembled to hear. 
 He therefore applied to the parish vestry for a gallery 
 to be erected at the public expense. Caution, however, 
 was more predominant than zeal, with those to whom 
 he made his appeal ; and the consequence was, that his 
 application was refused. But this refusal was insuffi- 
 cient either to damp his ardour, or to make him relin- 
 quish an undertaking which he thought necessary in it- 
 self, and likely to be attended with the most beneficial 
 consequences. He, therefore, without any farther con- 
 sultation, employed tradesmen, and actually built a gal- 
 lery at his own private expense. 
 
 By this unexampled effort and display of liberality, 
 he gave to the astonished farmers of his parish such a 
 proof of his sincerity and disinterestedness, that the 
 more crafty ones began to suspect their new minister 
 was somewhat tainted with Methodism. From these
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 27 
 
 sagacious discoverers it was whispered to others ; and 
 all watched him " with sly circumspection." At length 
 the suspicions appearing strongly against him, the re- 
 port became general ; and, in a tone of expression that 
 at once partook of indignity and jest, the parson, with- 
 out farther ceremony, was pronounced guilty, and con- 
 sequently loaded with the opprobrious appellation. 
 
 Happily, however, this report did not terminate either 
 in indignity or jest ; but it soon led to consequences 
 which its propagators had not taken into their calcula- 
 tion. 
 
 Among the early lay preachers whom the Rev. Mr, 
 Wesley had been instrumental in raising up, was Mr. 
 Thomas Maxfield. This pious man was afterward or- 
 dained by the bishop of Londonderry, who resided some 
 time at Bath for the benefit of his health. On receiving 
 Mr. Maxfield, at Mr. Wesley's particular recommenda- 
 tion, the bishop used the following remarkable words : 
 *' Sir, I ordain you to assist that good man, that he may 
 network himself to death." Some years after this cir- 
 cumstance, Mr. Maxfield quitted Mr. Wesley; and in 
 the revolution of events, about the time of which we 
 speak, he had taken up his abode not far from South 
 Petherton, where Dr. Coke resided. This minister, on 
 hearing the tale which popular report had circulated, 
 began to entertain an opinion of the Petherton curate 
 very different from that which had floated on the breeze 
 of fame. And feeling a desire to render all the assist- 
 ance in his power to an amiable young man, who im- 
 proved all the light he had, and who was anxious to 
 procure more, he sought his acquaintance, and was in- 
 troduced as a pious friend. During the first interview, 
 their conversation turned on the nature and necessity 
 of conversion ; on experimental religion, as the genuine 
 source of practical godliness ; and on the inward wit- 
 ness of the Spirit, which it is the privilege of all believ- 
 ers to enjoy. This conversation was of considerably 
 service to the doctor, who was only yet able to " see 
 men as trees walking." But from the repetition of these 
 visits, his mind became gradually opened to see more 
 clearly the things of God ; many of his doubts were re- 
 moved ; and the whole plan of salvation by faith in the
 
 38 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 merits of the Saviour, unfolded its beauties to his sus- 
 ceptible understanding and ravished heart, in a manner 
 he had never seen before. 
 
 But it was not to the conversation of this pious cler- 
 gyman alone, that Dr. Coke had to acknowledge his 
 obligations. Nearly about the same time " Alleine's 
 Alarm to the Unconverted" fell into his hands ; and the 
 forcible manner in which the author applies the language 
 of Scripture, to confirm the salutary truths which his 
 little book contains, riveted upon his heart the informa- 
 tion he had received through the medium of conversation 
 and of fervent prayer. "Sherlock's Discourses had 
 produced a revolution in his opinions ; but Alleine's 
 Alarm now produced a revolution in his heart;" and 
 from this time he became an earnest seeker of salvation 
 until he experienced a clear manifestation of the love of 
 God. 
 
 But although he was an earnest seeker of salvation, 
 he had not embraced any particular system, nor even 
 yet begun to inquire into the ultimate tendency of the 
 various tenets which courted his approbation. His final 
 decision in the choice of doctrines, and in favour of 
 those taught by Mr. Wesley, was however soon effected 
 by the following circumstance. Among the pious cler- 
 gymen who occasionally visited the doctor, was the 
 Rev. Mr. Brown, rector of Portishead, and vicar of 
 Kingston, near Taunton. This gentleman, finding the 
 state of indecision in which the doctor's mind at that 
 time oscillated, put into his hands Mr. Fletcher's Ap- 
 peal, and Checks to Antinomianism. These consider- 
 ably assisted him in his religious progress, and were, as 
 he has since declared, " the blessed means of bringing 
 him among that despised people called Methodists, with 
 whom," he adds, " God being my helper, I am deter- 
 mined to live and die." 
 
 It was nearly about the same time, that the Rev. Mr. 
 Hull, a dissenting minister, who had been induced to 
 hear the doctor preach, addressed to him a letter, which 
 tended to encourage him in the good way. To this let- 
 ter he replied ; and after a correspondence of some con- 
 tinuance, and of no small degree of advantage to him, 
 an interview was proposed by Mr. Hull. To this the
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 529 
 
 doctor had no personal objection, but so high were his 
 prejudices in favour of the Establishment, that he choose 
 rather to decline the friendly offer, than to contaminate 
 himself by going to the house of a man who was an 
 avowed dissenter ; and the same prejudices prevented him 
 from receiving Mr. Hull at Petherton, A compromise, 
 however, took place, and they agreed to meet at a farm 
 house, as a neutral spot, to which they might resort 
 without polluting each other. In this interview the doc- 
 tor soon discovered that his heart disowned the preju- 
 dices by which his head had been guided ; and that it 
 was possible for piety and knowledge to exist without 
 the pale of the Established Church. 
 
 With a man labouring under prejudices so strong as 
 those which at this time held Dr. Coke in captivity, few 
 could be found more suitable to converse, than Mr. 
 Hull. He had embraced the Cavinistic creed, but he 
 was no bigot. Reasonable, communicative, and inge- 
 nuous, he was as willing to hear as to speak, and was 
 more inclined to support his creed by argument than by 
 dogma. This fact the following characteristic anecdote 
 tends to illustrate. 
 
 One day it is said that he promised his congregation 
 to preach on the ensuing Sunday from Acts x, 34, " Of 
 a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons," 
 and to point out the harmony which subsisted between 
 this passage and the system of Calvin. When the day 
 arrived, his congregation was unusually large, and ex- 
 pectation stood on tiptoe. He, however, had scarcely 
 begun, before he discovered that he had roused a lion 
 which he was unprepared to meet. But as his credit 
 was at stake, he resolved to make a formidable effort, 
 and he proceeded accordingly. He had not, however, 
 advanced far, before he perceived such a discord be- 
 tween the system which he had undertaken to defend, 
 and all the passages of Scripture which he could recol- 
 lect, that after several ineffectual attempts he was ob- 
 liged to desist, to dismiss the congregation, and to 
 sit down overwhelmed with agitation and silent reflec- 
 tion. During the ensuing week he reviewed his creed 
 with impartial scrutiny, and the result was, that he re- 
 solved, if God should spare him to see another Sabbath,
 
 30 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 he would preach his love to all mankind. This resolu- 
 tion he is said to have carried into effect; and, to en- 
 courage him to perseverance, God was pleased to crown 
 his labours with more abundant success.* 
 
 Among the happy effects which resulted to Dr. Cote 
 from his conversation with Mr. Hull, the blow which 
 had been given to his prejudices was not the least ad- 
 vantageous, since this prepared him to receive instruc- 
 tion from those who, in humble life, had experienced the 
 pardoning love of God ; of which an opportunity very 
 shortly occurred. 
 
 It happened, while he was thus earnestly seeking the 
 salvation of his own soul, and strongly recommending 
 the Saviour of mankind to others, that he had an occa- 
 sion to visit a respectable family in Devonshire. Among 
 the labourers belonging to this family there was a poor 
 man who had for some considerable time been a mem- 
 ber of the Methodist society, and who superintended a 
 small class. This man was soon found out by the doc- 
 tor, who quickly entered into conversation with him on 
 things which belong to our everlasting peace. The 
 poor man, though destitute of worldly knowledge, had 
 extensively explored the unfathomable mines of Divine 
 love, and had large possessions of the unsearchable 
 riches of Christ. On the nature of pardon the evi- 
 dence which accompanies it the witness of the Spirit 
 the necessity of obtaining these inestimable blessings 
 and the manner in which we must come to God, they 
 discoursed largely, and mutually opened their hearts to 
 each other. From conversation they joined in prayer, 
 and were so united in spirit that the doctor became soli- 
 citous to know something more concerning the Method- 
 ists, of whose doctrines and character he had heard 
 many strange reports. To all his inquiries the old 
 Christian gave him satisfactory replies, which induced 
 him to think that he had been blinded by delusive re- 
 presentations, and he resolved to be the dupe of preju- 
 dice and imposition no longer. It was to the pious and 
 communicative simplicity of this hnppy rustic, that Dr. 
 Coke declared he owed greater obligations with respect 
 
 * See the History of the Wesleyan Methodists, p. 405.
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 31 
 
 to finding peace with God and internal tranquillity of 
 soul than to any other person. 
 
 On returning to his parish, he soon discovered that 
 the discourses which he had been accustomed to de- 
 liver were not altogether so evangelical as he could 
 wish that the necessity of pardon was not sufficiently 
 enforced that the evidence accompanying it was not 
 satisfactorily explained and above all, that a present 
 salvation had not been so much insisted on as he now 
 thought necessary. Under these impressions he pro- 
 ceeded to interline some of his discourses ; to intro- 
 duce paragraphs of an evangelical tendency, and to in- 
 fuse that ardent, spirit, by which he was actuated, into 
 all his addresses from the pulpit. On these sincere en- 
 deavours of his servant God was pleased to command 
 his blessing ; so that he had the happiness of perceiv- 
 ing some fruit of his labour, even while he was desti- 
 tute of that inward evidence of his adoption which he 
 so successfully recommended to others. 
 
 But his pious exertions were not confined within the 
 walls of his church. On taking a survey of his parish 
 he found it very extensive ; and although his church 
 was crowded with hearers, he perceived with sorrow 
 that great numbers among the aged and infirm were un- 
 able to attend. To prevent these from remaining de- 
 stitute of the word of life, which he considered it his 
 indispensable duty to hold forth to all, he appointed 
 meetings on week-day evenings, at the houses of his 
 friends, at which he delivered lectures to those whose 
 presence he solicited. It was thus, like a faithful shep- 
 herd, he sought the infirm and wandering sheep of his 
 flock, and visited even the highways and the hedges to 
 compel sinners to turn to God. In this laborious man- 
 ner he spent a considerable portion of his time, going 
 about doing good, and finding in the faithful discharge 
 of his duty the approbation of his own conscience, even 
 without enjoying the assurance of faith. 
 
 Three years had now elapsed since he had taken 
 upon him the charge of his parish, during which time 
 his views had been gradually becoming more evangeli- 
 cal, his soul had experienced more Divine light, and the 
 great plan of redemption had been unfolding to his
 
 32 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 increasing faith. In the more early part of this period 
 he walked in darkness; and in the latter, the glimmer- 
 ings of twilight had not given place to the approaching 
 day. The morning had indeed begun to dawn, but the 
 Sun of righteousness had not yet arisen with healing 
 in his wings. But the happy and long expected mo- 
 ment was near at hand. 
 
 One evening, as he walked into the country to preach 
 to his little flock, his heart was in a particular manner 
 lifted up to God in prayer for that blessing which he 
 had sought so earnestly and so long. He did not then 
 receive any immediate answer to his petition. But 
 while he engaged in his public duty, and was unfolding 
 the greatness of redeeming love, it pleased God to speak 
 peace to his soul, to dispel all his fears, and to fill his 
 heart with a joy unspeakable and full of glory. 
 
 Transported with the enjoyment of this blessing he 
 returned home, glorifying the Author of all his mercies, 
 and tenderly concerned for his fellow creatures, who 
 were either seeking the same inestimable gem, or living 
 without hope and without God in the world. He soon 
 announced from the pulpit the blessing he had experi- 
 enced ; and his language partook of the fervour of his 
 spirit. His manuscript became too feeble either to con- 
 vey the rapid energy of his thoughts, or to contain the 
 sacred fire which glowed in his breast. He had already, 
 on peculiar seasons, ventured to make excursions be- 
 yond its confines ; but from the lesson which experience 
 had lately taught him, that out of the abundance of the 
 heart the mouth speaketh, he found but little occasion 
 for written discourses. His crutches were therefore 
 thrown aside ; and, under the teachings of the Holy 
 Spirit, he began to walk boldly onward as a master of 
 Israel. In this step also God waft pleased to acknow- 
 ledge his servant ; a peculiar unction attended his 
 word ; and under his first extempore sermon three 
 souls were awakened by his ministry. 
 
 But it was not to be expected that the idle, the 
 thoughtless, the ignorant, the self-righteous, and the 
 profane, throughout the extensive parish of South Pe- 
 therton, would quietly suffer all these changes and inno- 
 vations. In all ages, and in all places, the carnal mind
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 33 
 
 is enmity against God. This truth Dr. Coke was al- 
 most instantly called to witness. His preaching with- 
 out a book, the earnestness of his exhortations, the 
 plainness of his language, and his establishing even- 
 ing lectures in the villages, all conspired to give offence, 
 and to create a general ferment in the parish and neigh- 
 bourhood. The clergymen in his vicinity were dis- 
 pleased at his violation of accustomed order, and be- 
 cause his preaching drew away many of their regular 
 hearers. The genteel part of his own parish were 
 offended at his uncommon zeal ; the profane at his 
 severe reproof of sin ; and the moral at his enforcing 
 the necessity of an experimental acquaintance with God. 
 Above all, as he had introdnced the singing of hymns 
 into the church, the singers were much disgusted, and 
 all parties joined in the general clamour. 
 
 To put an end, if possible, to these wild irregulari- 
 ties, as they jvere thought, a charge was made out 
 against him, and presented to Bishop Ross; but this 
 did not produce the effect that was expected. The pur- 
 port of his reply was that the utmost he could do 
 would be to suspend him from his ministerial functions 
 for three months ; and that if this were done it would 
 produce a clamour on the opposite side, particularly 
 among those who were inclined to favour Methodism ; 
 and furnish them with a fair pretence for saying that he 
 had been persecuted for righteousness' sake. And, per- 
 haps, he was not without his fears that the doctor, if 
 suspended, would quit the Church for ever, in which 
 such active zeal was so much wanted, and join himself 
 to the Methodists, whose rising power and accumulat- 
 ing numbers he viewed with a jealous eye. This was 
 the only redress they could obtain from Bishop Ross, 
 who thought it best to let the affair remain in silence, 
 for to Dr. Coke he said nothing. 
 
 The cause was, however, somewhat different with the 
 bishop of Bath and Wells, for to his ears the fame of 
 the doctor's preaching had also reached. But his mea- 
 sures were rather admonitory than authoritative. A 
 letter was sent to the doctor from him, to which a reply 
 was given immediately ; but as nothing more was heard 
 from this quarter, the fair presumption is, either that 
 2*
 
 34 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 the bishop was satisfied with his conduct, or that he 
 viewed him as incorrigible, and prudently ceased to ad- 
 monish, as soon as he perceived there was n-o hope of 
 reformation. 
 
 But these disappointments were not sufficient to damp 
 the ardo-ur of opposition. The refusal of the bishops 
 to interfere, induced the doctor's enemies to apply to 
 the rector of the parish ; who, to gratify their wishes, 
 became one of the party, and promised to dismiss his 
 curate, who had rendered himself obnoxious, in propor- 
 tion as he was become faithful and earnest in seeking 
 the salvation of souls. The scheme was soon concerted ; 
 and on an appointed day, without giving the doctor any 
 opportunity of delivering his own soul in a farewell 
 address to his congregation, he was abruptly 'dismissed, 
 on a Sunday, before the people, from that church where 
 he had preached upward of three years. And, in the 
 estimation of his enemies, to complete his disgrace, to- 
 gratify their vengeance, and consummate their triumph, 
 they actually caused the parish bells to chime him out 
 of the doors. 
 
 Being thus dismissed with honourable infamy, the 
 doctor's friends gathered around him to administer con- 
 solation, and to cheer his drooping spirit. The disgrace 
 attending his expulsion created little uneasiness ; but he 
 felt severely from the precipitancy of the measures that 
 had not allowed him time to preach a farewell sermon 
 to a people whom he never expected to address again. 
 His friends perceived his distress ; and on learning the 
 genuine cause from whence it sprang, recommended an 
 expedient which was soon adopted. 
 
 A.S the removal of the doctor from his curacy, though 
 sudden and unexpected to him, was the result of delibe- 
 rate calculation among his enemies, another curate had 
 been provided to supply his place. This gentleman, 
 who stepped immediately into the vacant pulpit, per- 
 fectly understood the part he was to act. He accordingly 
 introduced himself to the notice of his congregation by 
 preaching against the doctor, and by attempting to 
 counteract those heresies which he had of late propa- 
 gated. This fact the doctor has recorded in his concise 
 memoranda ; but to his honour it ought to be mentioned
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 35 
 
 that charity has left a blank where resentment would 
 have inserted his opponent's name. 
 
 Harassed in his mind with his uncomfortable situa- 
 tion, and traduced, both in public and in private, by men 
 who could only vindicate their own conduct by vilifying 
 his, he resolved, if possible, to deliver a farewell ad- 
 dress to the people, before he quitted the parish for 
 ever. And he was incited to do this by the encourage- 
 ment of several friends, but more particularly so by 
 Mr. Maxfield, whose name has been already mentioned, 
 and who never forsook him during all his vicissitudes 
 in Petherton. 
 
 Banished from the citadel of consecration, it was re- 
 solved that, on the two ensuing Sundays, he should 
 stand near the church, and begin to preach just as the 
 people left it, since he could no longer address them 
 from the pulpit within. This was, perhaps, the only 
 expedient, under present circumstances, which he could 
 possibly adopt, to vindicate his character; to satisfy 
 the dictates of his conscience ; and to gratify the earnest 
 wishes of his sincere adherents. 
 
 When the day arrived, he took his stand and began 
 his discourse, and found himself surrounded by a pro- 
 miscuous crowd of enemies and friends. There is a 
 something in the exercise of arbitrary power that awak- 
 ens the revolting principles of human nature, and stimu- 
 lates to resistance. It was plain to all, that the doctor 
 had been crushed by an act of local authority, which, 
 without appealing to justice, had sheltered itself under 
 the sanction of law. Many, therefore, who disapproved 
 of his preaching, viewed him now as an object of op- 
 pression, and espoused his cause more, perhaps, from 
 enmity to his oppressors, than from any real attachment 
 to him ; and several among them determined to defend 
 the injured man, whom they thought they had a right to 
 ridicule, and even to traduce, on other occasions. 
 
 Thus circumstanced, between the jarring opinions of 
 his avowed enemies, of many who had taken no de- 
 cided part, of his transient supporters, and of his 
 permanent friends, the doctor proceeded, and was per- 
 mitted to conclude his first sermon in peace. His ene- 
 mies, however, on finding that he intended preaching
 
 36 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 again, on the ensuing Sunday, became quite exasperated ; 
 and, without any hesitation, threatened to stone him, in 
 case he made his second appearance. But he was nei- 
 ther to be frightened nor deterred, though many of his 
 friends began to think seriously of the consequences that 
 might ensue, if he persisted ; especially as hostile pre- 
 parations were actually making, in the face of open day. 
 The doctor alone appeared without solicitude ; and his 
 tranquillity arose from a full conviction that he was 
 under the immediate inspection and care of an omniscient 
 and omnipresent Being, in whom he had learned to put 
 his trust. 
 
 There resided, at this time, not far from Petherton, 
 an amiable family of dissenters, named Edmonds. This 
 family, which was of no small respectability, consisted 
 of the gentleman and his lady, and a son and daughter, 
 both grown to maturity. The son and daughter, though 
 bred up as dissenters, on hearing the report of the doc- 
 tor's preaching, in times past, had determined to attend 
 the church. This they did ; and conceiving an attach- 
 ment for him, they became his regular hearers. On the 
 morning of the second Sunday after his expulsion, when 
 the parents proceeded to their own meeting house, they 
 cautioned their children against going to the church on 
 that day ; well knowing the plans that had been con- 
 certed, and their strong attachment to the doctor. Pru- 
 dence, therefore, directed them to give these admonitions, 
 from an apprehension that their children might be in- 
 volved in troubles, which they could neither remedy nor 
 prevent. 
 
 Scarcely, however, had the cautious parents left their 
 home, before their courageous son and daughter began 
 to reflect on the perilous situation of their friend ; and, 
 thinking it mean to desert him in time of need, their 
 affection prevailed over parental admonitions ; they 
 therefore took their horses, and rode immediately to 
 Petherton. Among the preparations that were made to 
 annoy the congregation, and to drive the doctor from 
 the field, a large quantity of stones had been collected 
 and placed in some hampers, near the spot on which he 
 was expected to stand. But these hostile appearances 
 were insufficient to divert the Edmondses from their
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 37 
 
 purpose. They accordingly placed themselves, when 
 the doctor began, one on the right hand and the other 
 on the left, to wait the impending event. To these were 
 joined a great number of other real friends, who had 
 rallied around him in this moment of danger ; and with 
 these, associated the enemies of persecution, so that only 
 an inconsiderable party was found to patronize the ham- 
 pers, and discharge their contents ; and these were from 
 the common rabble, which every town and parish can 
 produce. 
 
 Why men, whose deeds are evil, should prefer dark- 
 ness to light, requires no great degree of penetration to 
 discover. It was now open daylight ; and the persons 
 of all were well known to many, who, from the counte- 
 nance which, by their present attitude, they seemed to 
 give the doctor, tacitly declared that they intended to 
 espouse his cause against every attempt of illegal vio- 
 lence. Under these circumstances, it became a matter 
 of prudent calculation with every one, to avoid casting 
 the first stone. The event was, that the doctor proceeded 
 in his discourse, and finally concluded, before the ham- 
 pered proselytes could resolve how to carry their pre- 
 meditated threats and designs into execution. .The 
 service thus concluding without any act of hostility, the 
 young Edmondses took the doctor with them to their 
 habitation, where he was kindly received by the parents ; 
 and from this period he always made this house his 
 home during all his future visits to Petherton. 
 
 Being now dismissed from his curacy, and having 
 taken an affectionate leave of the congregation, it be- 
 came a subject of serious consideration with Dr. Coke, 
 to know what course he should take in passing through 
 life. As to Church preferment, his hopes were far from 
 being sanguine, although, even to the present hour, the 
 promises of his friends had been calculated to keep alive 
 his expectations. To another curacy he could without 
 much difficulty have access. But from what he had 
 already experienced, he had reason to fear that his way 
 would be strewed with briers ; and that the general use- 
 fulness at which he aimed, would be prevented by ob- 
 stacles which it would be useless to encounter, while 
 they were sanctioned by superiors, who were more dis-
 
 38 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 posed to countenance a mob, than to support him against 
 their outrages. 
 
 Placed in circumstances of comparative affluence, he 
 was under no necessity of seeking employment for 
 bread. He therefore resolved to pause for a season, till 
 those clouds should dissipate, which, at present, gathered 
 around him, on every side, and completely shut the ave- 
 nues of reasonable hope. An inward sense of the Di- 
 vine favour, a consciousness of his own rectitude of 
 intention, and the consolations of a few friends, were 
 his only solace. Hence in the midst of darkness he was 
 enabled to confide in God, although he could form no 
 conception of those approaching dispensations which 
 have conspired to render his name immortal. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 First interview with Mr. Wesley at Taunton Joins the Method- 
 ists Appointed to London Popular among the people Visits 
 the societies Contends with difficulties Bears an active part in 
 procuring the deed of declaration Testimony of Mr. Wesley and 
 Dr. Coke respecting the deed of declaration Presides in the first 
 Irish conference Testimonies of approbation in favour of Dr. 
 Coke State of religion in Ireland. 
 
 IT has sometimes been observed in the natural world, 
 that excessive darkness is but a prelude to approaching 
 day ; and in the moral world we frequently discover in 
 the economy of God, that " behind a frowning provi- 
 dence he hides a smiling face." Dr. Coke had thus far 
 experienced the darkness and the frown, but these were 
 to be succeeded by daylight and smiles. 
 
 While affairs were in a state of agitation atPetherton, 
 he had accidentally learned that Mr. Wesley was to 
 preach at Taunton on a given day, and was to sleep the 
 ensuing night at the house of the Rev. Mr. Brown, in 
 Kingston. As this was the gentleman from whom Dr. 
 Coke had received the works of Mr. Fletcher, an inti- 
 macy had taken place between them. The doctor, 
 therefore, thought this a favourable opportunity for an
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 39 
 
 interview with Mr. Wesley, from whose conversation he 
 hoped to reap much spiritual advantage. He accord- 
 ingly took his horse, and rode that day to Kingston, 
 that he might enjoy the company of this venerable serv- 
 ant of Jesus Christ in the evening, after he returned 
 from preaching at Taunton. 
 
 He would not, however, presume to hear Mr. Wesley 
 preach in any place beside the church, although he had 
 travelled twenty miles to enjoy his company and conver- 
 sation. Nothing at this time could be more repugnant 
 to his feelings and judgment, than the thoughts of sepa- 
 rating from the Establishment, within the pale of which 
 he had resolved to live and die. Of his conversation 
 with Mr. Wesley and Mr. Brown we have no memorial. 
 But from the manner in which Mr. Wesley has recorded 
 the interview, we may be fully satisfied it was highly 
 pleasing to both parties. 
 
 "I preached," says Mr. Wesley, in his journal of 
 August 18, 1776, "at Taunton, and afterward went with 
 Mr. Brown to Kingston. Here I found a clergyman, 
 Dr. Coke, late a gentleman commoner of Jesus col- 
 lege, in Oxford, who came twenty miles on purpose to 
 meet me : I had much conversation with him, and a 
 union then began which I trust shall never end." This 
 appears to have been their first interview ; and although 
 the language might not have been prophetic, the event 
 proved perfe'ctly consonant to his expectations in time, 
 and who can doubt that it has been renewed with in- 
 creasing ardour* since they have met in the world of 
 spirits ! 
 
 But this union of spirit was not yet matured to a 
 unity of action. However, as Mr. Wesley, during this 
 interview, unfolded to him his plans, and communicated 
 his designs, he was furnished with an opportunity of 
 reflecting upon what he had heard, and of deliberately 
 sitting down to count the cost, if he had any latent in- 
 tention of finally joining him in the work in which he 
 was engaged. 
 
 At what particular time Dr. Coke was dismissed from 
 his curacy is rather uncertain ; but this uncertainty is 
 confined within a very narrow compass. And conse- 
 quently, as his removal from Petherton finally deter-
 
 40 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 mined him to join Mr. Wesley, the event of this union 
 is involved in the same degree of uncertainty. It is 
 plain, however, that this removal, and this union, must 
 have taken place between August, 1776, and August, 
 1777, since in the former date we behold their first in- 
 terview, and in the latter we perceive that union formed 
 which had been virtually anticipated. 
 
 Mr. Wesley, in his journal of the 19th of August, 
 1777, wrote as follows : " I went forward to Taunton 
 with Dr. Coke, who, being dismissed from his curacy, 
 has bidden adieu to his honourable name, and is deter- 
 mined to cast in his lot with us." The Methodist con- 
 ference was this year held in Bristol, and Dr. Coke at- 
 tended ; but for some reasons which are not known, his 
 name made no appearance in the minutes until the ensu- 
 ing year, when he was appointed to labour in London. 
 
 If conjecture may be permitted to supply the place 
 of evidence in this instance, ft seems not unreasonable 
 to suppose that Mr. Wesley, highly pleased with the ac- 
 quisition of a pious, active clergyman, might have 
 chosen to take him in his own company, while he paid 
 a visit to the societies, in order to furnish him with an 
 opportunity of making his observations to introduce 
 kim to the people and to confirm him in those princi- 
 ples which he had already embraced, as well as accus- 
 tom him to that discipline which he had thus far esta- 
 blished. As the doctor had many friends in exalted sta- 
 tions who had continued almost to the very last to flatter 
 his hopes, Mr. Wesley, who was well acquainted with 
 human nature, might not be without his fears that some- 
 thing very tempting might be held out to recall him, 
 when the step he had taken came to be fully known. 
 Prudence might therefore have conspired to keep him 
 immediately under his own eye, till the day of tempta- 
 tion was past, and his former friends had placed him 
 among the incorrigibles. 
 
 We are warranted in drawing these conclusions from 
 the conduct of Lord , who had for some consider- 
 able time honoured the doctor with his friendship and 
 professed patronage. And not many months before he 
 was dismissed from his curacy, and had joined Mr. Wes- 
 ley, his lordship sent him a letter in his own handwriting,
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 41 
 
 renewing his promise that he would recommend him to 
 his majesty for some preferment at the disposal of the 
 crown. Nothing, however, was either done or promised 
 after he had taken his decisive step. And perhaps his 
 noble patron was not displeased to find that ultimate 
 disappointment had been so nicely concealed in the 
 garb of promise, as to escape detection under so favour- 
 able a pretext. 
 
 The doctor, having advanced so far as to be above the 
 desire and beyond the opportunity of retracting with 
 any hope of preferment, entered on his new vocation 
 with that zeal and energy which invariably distinguished 
 all his actions. To Mr. Wesley's advice and direction 
 he was ever ready to submit ; and he was generally em- 
 ployed on those occasions where clerical assistance was 
 thought to be expedient ; for to this order our late vene- 
 rable father still retained an invincible attachment. 
 
 The report of Dr. Coke's conversion, of his energetic 
 manner of preaching, of his ill treatment at South Pe- 
 therton, of his being dismissed from his curacy, and 
 of his having joined Mr. Wesley, was soon circulated 
 throughout the Methodist connection. It had reached 
 London long before his appointment for the metropolis, 
 and had excited strong prepossessions in his favour. 
 His congregations were therefore exceedingly large, 
 and frequently the houses were insufficient to contain 
 the people. This induced him to preach abroad when- 
 ever the weather permitted, and the congregation ren- 
 dered it necessary ; and God was pleased on these 
 occasions to add many seals to his ministry. The ground 
 on which Tavistock-square now stands, was at that time 
 laid out in fields. In these he frequently collected large 
 assemblies, and much good was there done through his 
 instrumentality. 
 
 Nor was this popularity of a transient nature. His 
 earnestness, his activity, his piety, his zeal for God, and, 
 above all, his unconquerable desire to do good, which 
 was always evinced by his warm addresses to the hearts 
 of his hearers, ensured him a cordial reception on all 
 occasions, even when more splendid talents and more 
 commanding eloquence were compelled to plead in vain. 
 To this ascendency in the affections of the people, the
 
 42 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 harmony of his voice, the engaging smile which hia 
 countenance displayed, and the clerical character which 
 he sustained, no doubt, in part contributed. But these 
 inferior circumstances must be allowed to dwindle into 
 their own insignificance when compared with that pe- 
 culiar unction with which God was pleased to attend his 
 word. 
 
 Dr. Coke, having made himself fully acquainted with 
 the doctrines, discipline, and rules of the Methodists, 
 through his intimacy with Mr. Wesley, arid his daily 
 observations, was appointed, in the year 1780, to super- 
 intend the affairs of the London circuit. Nothing, how- 
 ever, of particular moment occurred while he held this 
 office. His zeal, his activity, his usefulness, and his 
 popularity continued without diminution. He was con- 
 sidered by the people as an invaluable acquisition to the 
 cause of Methodism; and Mr. Wesley's confidence in 
 him, which was nearly unbounded, was most judiciously 
 placed with regard to the execution of his plans. 
 
 His faithfulness, however, in fully discharging what 
 he conceived to be his duty, under the direction of Mr. 
 Wesley, was not always without its difficulties ; nor was 
 his situation, at all times, of the most comfortable nature. 
 But to all these inconveniences he had resolved to sub- 
 mit, from a full conviction that he was in the path of 
 duty, and that trials and sufferings are the lot of all who 
 will live godly in Christ Jesus. 
 
 During many years, before Dr. Coke joined him, it 
 had been an established custom with Mr. Wesley to 
 visit the societies which God had made him instrumental 
 in raising up, so often as his other avocations would 
 allow. But so much had these societies increased in 
 number, both in England and Ireland, about the year 
 1780, that to many his personal visits had been restricted 
 to every second year. On the acquisition of Dr. Coke, 
 Mr. Wesley, however, determined that in Ireland he 
 should visit the societies alternately with himself, thus 
 making between them in that kingdom an annual visit ; 
 and in England, that he should take such journeys as 
 prudence might direct, arid circumstances allow. Dr. 
 Coke accordingly entered on this arduous work about 
 the year 1780, and, under various modifications, con-
 
 LIFH OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 43 
 
 tinued travelling almost incessantly either by land or 
 water, until death put a period to his mortal career. 
 
 Among the members of the societies he was generally 
 received as an inhabitant of the celestial regions, who, 
 out of compassion to common mortals, had condescended 
 to visit the abodes of men. His manner of preaching 
 always left a favourable impression on the minds of the 
 people at large ; his word was frequently attended with 
 the Divine blessing; and the regret they felt at parting 
 with him was equal to the joy they manifested on his 
 arrival. As a clergyman of the Church, he frequently 
 found the doors of the Establishment open for his recep- 
 tion ; and his character and dress procured for him a 
 number of friends, who commanded respect in many 
 places, where, without a gown or cassock, a preacher 
 of the Gospel durst not appear with safety. 
 
 In the course of these journeyings, it came to the 
 doctor's lot to revisit South Pethertoa, the place of his 
 former residence, from the church of which he had been 
 dismissed. But time had wrought a considerable change 
 in the dispositions of the people, and procured for him 
 a reception which an able writer, animadverting on the 
 consequences of his removal, thus describes: 
 
 " Meanwhile the doctor's opponents had no great 
 comfort of their triumph. The worth of certain cha- 
 racters is not appreciated till we feel their loss. In 
 walking the "street, they everywhere met a mournful 
 countenance. The poor had lost their benefactor, the 
 people their pastor, the sick their comforter, and the 
 wicked the only person that kept them in awe. But on 
 the doctor's future visit, sober reason having regained 
 the sovereignty, these same opponents were the foremost 
 to chastise their own folly. 'Well,' said they, -'we 
 chimed him out, and now we will atone for our error, 
 by ringing him in.' Such are the issues of bearing ad- 
 versity with a becoming temper of mind."* 
 
 As the doctor, in his occasional visits, sometimes 
 acted as Mr. Wesley's more immediate representative, 
 it was not unfrequently his lot to introduce regulations 
 into the societies with which many were dissatisfied. 
 
 * History of the Wesleyan Methodists, p. 410,
 
 44 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 His power was rather discretionary than precisely defi- 
 nite : and, in several instances, he has been accused of 
 proceeding beyond the bounds of delegated authority. 
 How far such a charge may be considered as just, it is 
 impossible to say. The warmth and energy of his na- 
 tural disposition, his eagerness to accomplish his pur- 
 poses, and his promptitude of action, will tend to sanction 
 the accusation. But it is well known when projected 
 schemes miscarry, that the views of men undergo a con- 
 siderable alteration, and those efforts are frequently 
 rewarded with censure for which success would have 
 insured applause. With difficulties of this nature the 
 doctor was sometimes compelled to contend ; while the 
 part which he actually bore in the dubious transactions 
 rendered his means of defence more perplexing than the 
 charges were serious which he undertook to obviate ; 
 and this ultimately exposed his conduct to suspicions 
 which it was not easy for him to repel. An affair of 
 this kind occurred much about this time respecting the 
 settlement of the Methodist chapels. 
 
 It is well known that the itinerant plan of preaching 
 has always been considered as a fundamental principle 
 in the economy of Methodism. It has been owned and 
 blessed of God in a roost remarkable manner. Origin- 
 ating with Christ and his apostles, it has been proved to 
 be the most efficacious means for propagating the Gos- 
 pel that, under God, have ever blessed the world from 
 the commencement of the Christian era to the present 
 hour. To preserve this plan from violation, it is obvi- 
 ous that the stationing of the preachers must ultimately 
 rest with the preachers themselves. For if the people 
 have a right to dictate or appoint, all will choose men 
 of superior talents; all will reject those of weak ones: 
 contending parties will -instantly be formed, and the 
 whole connection will degenerate into factions. But if, 
 to preserve the itinerant plan, the appointment of the 
 preachers must rest with the conference, the security of 
 the pulpits throughout the kingdom must be necessary, 
 to give that plan and this appointment their proper 
 effect. 
 
 In providing for these consequences, two difficulties 
 of considerable magnitude occurred to Mr. Wesley; one
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 45 
 
 was in annexing some definite idea to the term confer- 
 ence ; and the other was, how to secure the use of the 
 pulpits, without including in that security the property 
 of the chapels. To compass these points, Mr. Wesley 
 made what is generally called " The Deed of Declara- 
 tion," which he caused to be enrolled in chancery. In 
 this deed he made provision for the settlement of the 
 chapels in his connection, and restricted the term con- 
 ference to one hundred of the preachers, who were spe- 
 cified by name ; pointing out, at the same time, how 
 those deficiencies should be supplied which might be 
 occasioned by death, or by other causes. This Deed 
 of Declaration may be seen at large in Dr. Whitehead's 
 Life of Mr. Wesley, vol. ii, p. 384, Dublin edition. It 
 is dated Feb. 28, 1784. 
 
 The publication of this deed created a transient stir 
 throughout the connection ; particularly among a few 
 of those preachers who were not included in the hun- 
 dred that were expressly named. And what added to 
 the momentary uneasiness was, that some who were 
 omitted had been of long standing, and were of con- 
 siderable influence, while others who were included, 
 had little or nothing to recommend them that could be 
 discovered by such as complained because they were 
 not mentioned. As the name of Dr. Coke was included 
 in the hundred, the charge of limiting the number fell 
 chiefly on him ; and as he was known to have taken an 
 active part in the business, the imputation seemed to 
 be founded on something more than mere suspicion. 
 Those, therefore, who conceived themselves to be 
 slighted by the omission of their names, could easily 
 perceive artifice and design in his conduct, and even 
 discover his latent intention to assume over them an 
 unauthorized degree of dominion immediately after Mr. 
 Wesley's decease ; and these steps were thought to be 
 preparatory to the measure. 
 
 But how loud soever the clamour raised against him 
 might have been on this account, and by how many 
 voices soever it might have been echoed, it does not 
 appear that the charge was ever supported by any real 
 evidence, either directly or indirectly. On his conduct 
 on this occasion the joint testimony of Mr. Wesley and
 
 46 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 himself positively declares the contrary, in language 
 too unequivocal to be misunderstood. 
 
 "My first thought," says Mr. Wesley, "was to 
 name a few, suppose ten or twelve persons. Count 
 Zinzendorff named only six who were to preside over 
 the community of Moravians after his decease. But, 
 on second thoughts, I believed there would be more 
 safety in a greater number of counsellors, and therefore 
 named a hundred, as many as I judged could meet with- 
 out too great an expense, and without leaving any circuit 
 naked of preachers while the conference was assem- 
 bled. 
 
 ** In naming these preachers, as / had no adviser, so 
 I had no respect of persons ; but I simply set down 
 those that, according to the best of my judgment, were 
 most proper. But I am not infallible. I might mis- 
 take, and think better of some of them than they de- 
 served. However, I did my best, and if I did wrong, 
 it was not the error of my will, but of my judgment. 
 
 " But what need was there for any deed at all ? 
 There was the utmost need of it. Without some authen- 
 tic deed, fixing the meaning of the term, the moment I 
 died, the conference had been nothing. Therefore any 
 of the proprietors of land, on which our preaching 
 houses were built, might have seized them for their own 
 use ; and there would have been none to hinder them, 
 for the conference would have been nobody, a mere 
 empty name. 
 
 " You see, then, in all the pains I have taken about 
 this absolutely necessary Deed I have been labouring 
 not for myself, (for I have no interest therein,) but for 
 the whole body of the Methodists, in order to fix them 
 on such a foundation as is likely to stand as long as the 
 sun and moon endure : that is, if they continue to walk 
 by faith, and to show forth their faith by their works: 
 otherwise I pray God to root out the memorial of them 
 from the earth. JOHN WESLEY."* 
 
 Of the part which Dr. Coke bore in the procuring 
 and completing of the Deed of Declaration, he gives the 
 following account, in "An Address to the Methodist 
 
 * Coke's and Moore's Life of Wesley, p. 356.
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 47 
 
 Society in Great Britain and Ireland on the settlement 
 of the preaching houses." 
 
 " Mv DEAREST BRETHREN, It has long been the 
 grief of my mind, that any thing should exist among us 
 which gives uneasiness to many of you, and will, if it 
 be suffered to continue among us, be a ground for per- 
 petual dissatisfaction, to the great hinderance of the 
 work of God ; I mean the power given to the confer- 
 ence by the present mode of settling our preaching 
 houses. 
 
 " I have opened my sorrowful mind at large to seve- 
 ral of the most judicious of our preachers ; men who 
 have borne the heat and burden of the day, men of re- 
 nown in our Israel, and they have, with one voice, ad- 
 vised me to lay before you the present plan of recon- 
 ciliation. For this purpose I shall in the first place 
 relate to you the several steps by which the Deed, 
 which was enrolled in chancery by our dear honoured 
 father in the Gospel, Mr. Wesley, was set on foot, and 
 afterward completed. 
 
 "In the conference held in the year 1782, several 
 complaints were made, in respect to the danger in which 
 we were situated, from the want of specifying, in dis- 
 tinct and legal terms, what was meant by the term, 
 ' The conference of the people called Methodists.' In- 
 deed, the preachers seemed universally alarmed, and 
 many expressed their fears that divisions would take 
 place among us after the death of Mr. Wesley on this 
 account ; and the whole body of preachers present 
 seemed to wish that some methods might be taken to 
 remove this danger, which appeared to be pregnant 
 with evils of the first magnitude. 
 
 " In consequence of this (the subject lying heavy on 
 my heart) I desired Mr. Clulow, of Chancery-lane, Lon- 
 don, to draw up such a case as I judged sufficient for 
 the purpose, and then to present it to that very eminent 
 counsellor, Mr. Maddox, for his opinion. This was 
 accordingly done, and Mr. Maddox informed us, in his 
 answer, that the deeds of our preaching houses were in 
 the situation we dreaded ; that the law would not re- 
 cognize the conference in the state in which it stood at 
 that time, and, consequently, that there was no central
 
 48 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 point which might preserve the connection from split- 
 ting into a thousand pieces after the death of Mr. Wes- 
 ley. To prevent this, he observed that Mr. Wesley- 
 should enrol a deed in chancery, which deed should 
 specify the persons by name who composed the confer- 
 ence, together with the mode of succession for its per- 
 petuity ; and at the same time such regulations be 
 established by the deed as Mr. Wesley would wish the 
 conference should be governed by after his death. 
 
 " This opinion of Mr. Maddox I read in the confer- 
 ence held in the year 1783. The whole conference 
 seemed grateful to me for procuring the opinion, and 
 expressed their wishes that such a deed might be drawn 
 up and executed by Mr. Wesley as should agree with 
 the advice of that great lawyer, as soon as possible. 
 
 " Soon after the conference was ended, Mr. Wesley 
 authorized me to draw up, with the assistance of Mr. 
 Clulow, all the leading parts of a deed which should 
 answer the above mentioned purposes. This we did 
 with much care, and as to myself I can truly say with 
 fear and trembling, receiving Mr. Maddox's advice in 
 respect to every step we took, and laying the whole 
 ultimately at Mr. Wesley's feet for his approbation ; 
 there remained now nothing but to insert the names of 
 those who 'were to conscitute the conference. Mr. 
 Wesley then declared that he would limit the number 
 to one hundred. This was indeed contrary to my very 
 humble opinion, which was, that every preacher, in full 
 connection, should be a member of the conference ; and 
 that admission into full connection should be looked 
 upon as admission into membership with the confer- 
 ence ; and I still believe it will be most for the glory 
 of God, and the peace of our Zym, that the members 
 of the conference admit the other preachers who are in 
 full connection, and are present at the conference from 
 time to time, to a full vote on all occasions. However, 
 of course, I submitted to the superior judgment and 
 authority of Mr. Wesley. But I do publicly avow that 
 I was not concerned in the limitation of the number, or 
 the selection of the hundred preachers who were nomi- 
 nated the members of the conference. 
 
 " All things necessary being completed in the court
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 49 
 
 of chancery according to law, I thought it my duty to 
 send copies of the Deed to all assistants of circuits 
 throughout Great Britain ; and I afterward carried co- 
 pies of it to Ireland." 
 
 However full and explicit these declarations are, both 
 from Mr. Wesley and Dr. Coke, they were insufficient 
 at that time to silence the clamour that discontent had 
 raised, or to stay the ferment which the Deed of Decla- 
 ration occasioned. Mr. Wesley had as positively de- 
 clared that in naming the hundred he had no adviser, 
 and was not actuated by any respect of persons, as Dr. 
 Coke had, that the limitation to this number was con- 
 trary to his judgment, and that he had no concern what- 
 ever either in the restriction or the nomination. But 
 the irritation which these measures occasioned, has long 
 since subsided ; and the dangers which were anticipated 
 have been found to be the phantoms of imagination. 
 The Deed of Declaration is now uniformly acknow- 
 ledged as a blessing to the connection, of which the 
 happy consequences will probably be felt by generations 
 yet unborn. The part, therefore, which Dr. Coke took 
 in procuring it has already obtained for him the appro- 
 bation of the present age, and we cannot doubt that it 
 will ensure the gratitude of posterity. 
 
 But how much soever Dr. Coke might have been buf- 
 feted by these conflicting storms, he continued gradually 
 to rise in the .estimation of Mr. Wesley, and in that of 
 most others who placed confidence in his judgment. Of 
 this fact his subsequent appointments to fill the most 
 arduous situations which the connection at that time 
 afforded, bear the most unquestionable testimony. And 
 the manner in which he acquitted himself in the dis- 
 charge of his duties may be gathered from the glorious 
 effects which have resulted from his exertions ; and 
 from that respect and veneration with which his name is 
 remembered by the pious in the sister kingdom, and in 
 all other places which have witnessed his extensive la- 
 bours. 
 
 In the year 1782 he was directed by Mr. Wesley to 
 convene together the Irish preachers, and to hold, for 
 the first time, a conference in Dublin, upon the same 
 principles that the conferences in England had been 
 
 3
 
 50 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 conducted, Methodism, prior to this time, had obtained 
 a considerable footing in Ireland, notwithstanding the 
 rage of persecution which the advocates of the Gospel 
 had been compelled to endure. Both Mr. Wesley and 
 his brother had visited this country ; and an account of 
 the treatment they received from mobs, instigated and 
 supported by men in authority, may be seen at large in 
 the Life of Mr. Wesley by Dr. Coke and Mr. Moore, 
 and also in that of Dr. Whitehead. During these visits 
 Mr. John Wesley had collected together several of the 
 Irish preachers, and had consulted with them on the re- 
 ligious affairs of Ireland ; but these occasional conven- 
 tions had never yet assumed the form of conferences. 
 All the concerns of Ireland, that were deemed of im- 
 portance, had been transacted in England, where the 
 appointment of all the preacherrthroughoirt the connec- 
 tion took place. But from the increase of the societies, 
 and the accumulation of business, a separate conference 
 was found necessary; and in the year 1782 Dr. Coke 
 for the first time presided in that assembly, which ha 
 been continued annually ever since. 
 
 On his first official visit to Ireland, though unac- 
 quainted in a great degree with the habits and prevailing 
 propensities of the people, he soon discovered great im- 
 proprieties, that had principally sprung up through 
 neglect of discipline. Against these he delivered his 
 testimony in pointed language, and thus gave to the 
 preachers and people a fair specimen of what they might 
 expect, so long as he had the honour of presiding in 
 their conferences. But this faithfulness in the discharge 
 of his duty presented no obstacle to his subsequent ap- 
 pointments. He was an avowed enemy to sin, and his 
 friends were actuated by the same principle. 
 
 As the Irish were so well satisfied with his conduct, 
 as president of their conference, that they were anxious 
 for his reappointment, he took occasion, in several suc- 
 ceeding years, to travel over as many circuits as time 
 would permit him to visit, in order to make himself fully 
 acquainted with the state of religion throughout the 
 kingdom. This previous knowledge, thus acquired, 
 enabled him to fill his station in the ensuing assembly 
 with more confidence in himself, and with an increasing
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 51 
 
 approbation from the people. And from this year, 
 1782, until he prepared to visit India, Dr. Coke almost 
 invariably presided in the Irish conference ; thus filling 
 the presidential chair with honour, approbation, and 
 great utility, for nearly thirty years. 
 
 Nor was this popularity the mere offspring of a mo- 
 mentary impulse. It continued to follow him through 
 all the variations which thirty years can hardly fail to 
 produce ; and in their public assembly, toward the close 
 of his mortal career, they expressed their sentiments in 
 terms of decided approbation. And I transcribe their 
 testimony with additional pleasure, from finding it re- 
 corded by an annotator in the work of Dr. Whitehead, 
 his rival biographer of Mr. Wesley's life. 
 
 " Dr. Coke continued to visit the societies in different 
 parts during Mr. Wesley's life. He has presided at 
 conferences in Ireland when it was judged inexpedient 
 for that man of God to cross the water. And that he 
 fully answered the opinion formed of him by Mr. Wes- 
 ley, must appear obvious even to those enemies whose 
 puny efforts, so strenuously engaged to tarnish his cha- 
 racter, have but tended to strengthen the Methodist so- 
 cieties and all liberal minds in that opinion. So prepos- 
 sessed are the members of the Irish conference in favour 
 of Dr. Coke, that, since Mr. Wesley's death, they have 
 made it a constant request, that the English conference 
 would indulge them by granting that their affectionate 
 friend should" preside at their annual meeting at which 
 he has, for the most part, accordingly presided, and 
 under God has proved a great blessing. The following 
 extracts from the English and Irish conferences in 1805, 
 prove the latter assertion : 
 
 " 'Your readiness of mind to comply with our request, 
 so often made, for our greatly respected friend and bro- 
 ther, Dr. Coke, convinces us still more and more of 
 your affection toward us. We do, therefore, with con- 
 fidence, unanimously request that he may be appointed 
 our president the ensuing year. It will, we believe, 
 afford you much pleasure to be informed that our lore 
 and respect for him increase every year ; so that we 
 were ready to look upon ourselves as orphans when 
 contrary winds delayed his coming so long ; but w
 
 52 OFE OF THE RET. DK. COKEV 
 
 made prayer to God for him, and our gracious Lord 
 sent him to us (in Dublin) the evening before our con- 
 ference began.' 
 
 " To this solicitation the following reply was re- 
 turned : 
 
 " ' In compliance with your request, we appoint the 
 Rev. Dr. Coke to be the president of the next Irish con- 
 ference, to be held in Dublin on the first Friday in July, 
 1806. He has long been to us a greatly beloved friend 
 and brother ; aad we pray that he may meet you in all 
 the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of peace.'"* 
 
 If we turn from the affectionate approbation with 
 which his labours were received in Ireland, to the bene- 
 fits which resulted from them, his importance as an in- 
 strument in the Church of Christ will not appear in a 
 less advantageous light. On making a comparative es- 
 timate between the state of Methodism in 1782, when 
 he first presided in the first conference, and that which 
 was exhibited in 1813, the last conference which he ever 
 attended in Ireland, just before his departure for India, 
 and the last in which his voice shall be ever heard, the 
 result will be too striking to require any comment. 
 
 In the year 1782 there were in Ireland no more than 
 fifteen circuits, thirty-four preachers, and about six thou- 
 sand members in society, with but few preaching houses, 
 and scanty congregations. Bnt in the year 1813 the 
 circuits, including eight missionary ones, which may be* 
 considered as exclusively of his establishment, amounted 
 to fifty-six. The preachers, including the missionaries, 
 and those who had grown infirm by their continued la- 
 bours in the work of the ministry, were augmented to 
 one hundred and twenty-one ; and the members of soci- 
 ety had increased to twenty-eight thousand, seven hun- 
 dred, and seventy, of which number nine hundred and 
 forty-seven had joined the society during the preceding 
 year. From that period to the present, the work in that 
 kingdom has continued to spread in a rapid manner ; 
 and although the missionary preachers have been occa- 
 sionally exposed to persecution, their labours have been 
 
 See Whitehead's Life of Mr. Wesley, vol. ii, p. 403, Dublin 
 edition.
 
 LIFE OF THE RET. DR. COKE. 5$ 
 
 blessed to thousands, who continue to grow in grace, 
 and in the knowledge and love of God. 
 
 As Dr. Coke, toward the latter period of his life, was 
 chiefly engaged in the promoting of missions, his name 
 stood at the head of the missionary department, in the 
 appointments of the preachers. And as superintendent 
 of the missions he regularly published, during the last 
 seven years or more of his life, an annual report, in 
 which he traced the rapid 4?r progressive advancement 
 of the work of God in various parts of the world. 
 Among these it is pleasing to review the manner in 
 which it has prospered in Ireland, and to trace the kind 
 hand of Providence in preserving his ministers and 
 faithful people in the midst of surrounding discourage- 
 ments and dangers. 
 
 Since his removal from Europe, and ultimately from 
 this terrestrial abode, the annual report has been pub- 
 lished by th secretaries for the foreign and home mis- 
 sions. And from their statement, in the report for 1814, 
 we may easily gather that the work, so happily begun, 
 is still proceeding under the divine blessing in various 
 parts of Ireland. "Knowledge," they observe, '.'in the 
 estimation of all wise and good men, is the way to holi- 
 ness and happiness. We have long lamented the gross 
 ignorance, deep depravity, and extreme wretchedness of 
 the great mass of Irish Catholics ; and have used various 
 means to enlighten their judgments, and turn them from 
 Satan to Go3. Considerable success has crowned our 
 past labours, whereby we are encouraged still to proceed 
 in this labour of love. Our missionaries in Ireland are 
 men of deep piety and steady zeal. Their labours are 
 abundant, and their sufferings and privations great ; but 
 amid all they proceed in their work like primitive apos- 
 tles. Much good has been done by their instrumentality 
 this year ; and pleasing prospects of future success con- 
 tinually open to their view. One of them, speaking of 
 a very dark part of the country, says, * The Lord has 
 caused the wilderness and solitary places to be glad, and 
 the desert to rejoice and blossom as the rose !' In many 
 places where the Bible had not been seen, it is now read 
 with seriousness, attention, and prayer; and several 
 have committed select passages to memory, and repeated
 
 54 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 them to the preachers in a mannei highly gratifying."* 
 These observations almost exclusively refer to the state 
 of the missions in Ireland, which, under God, owe their 
 existence and establishment to the indefatigable exer- 
 tions of Dr. Coke. 
 
 It is pleasing thus to reflect how the little one has 
 become a thousand ; how the borders of Zion are gra- 
 dually enlarged ; and how multitudes flock to the stand- 
 ard of the gospel, and embrace the truth as it is in Jesus. 
 And although, whether a Paul shall plant or an Apollos 
 shall water, it is only God who can give the increase ; 
 yet we cannot forget the favoured instrument which the 
 Head of the church has been pleased to employ in the 
 accomplishment of his own work. Those who have 
 received distinguished honours from God have a strong 
 claim to respect from their fellow creatures, and parti- 
 cularly from their fellow Christians. To neglect the 
 instrument is to treat the almighty Agent with con- 
 tempt ; and to do this, is to be guilty of ingratitude to- 
 ward both. 
 
 * Annual Report of the State of the Missions for 1814. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Mr. Wesley's early visit to America Origin of Methodism in 
 America Mr. Embury, Mr. Strawbridge, and captain Webb, 
 visit the continent FMrst preaching house built in 1768 Mr. 
 Boardman and Mr. Pilmoor repair to America Mr. Asbury goes 
 thither in 1771 Mr. Wright, Mr. Shadford, and Mr. Rankin, in 
 1773 State of Methodism at the commencement of the war 
 Various occurrences during the unhappy conflict. 
 
 AT an early period of Mr. Wesley's life, when zeal 
 and a sense of duty began to direct his actions, he visit- 
 ed the continent of America in that ministerial character 
 which he had not long assumed. He sailed from Eng- 
 land the latter end of October, 1735, and returned 
 again the first of February, 1738. Of the purity of his 
 intentions, and his wishes to do good, no doubt what-
 
 LIFE OF THE REV, DR. COKE. 55 
 
 ever can be entertained. But the trials to which he was 
 exposed, and the train of difficulties which he was 
 obliged to encounter, during the short period of his 
 residence abroad, rendered his situation exceedingly un- 
 comfortable ; so that he found himself rather in a school 
 of discipline, than in a field of ministerial labour. But 
 this expedition was not undertaken in vain. As to him- 
 self, he procured much spiritual light from the compa- 
 nions of his voyage ; much knowledge of the state of 
 religion in some parts of the continent ; and realized an 
 early specimen of those persecutions and storms which 
 it was his lot to encounter through a considerable por- 
 tion of his life. In the behalf of others whom Provi- 
 dence afterward raised him up to direct, he was enabled 
 to make due allowance for injurious reports ; to antici- 
 pate some of those obstacles which they were almost 
 sure to meet ; and lastly to arrange his future plans for 
 the benefit of mankind, according to the genius of the 
 people, and the manners which prevailed among them, 
 in the ample field through which his future labours ex- 
 tended. 
 
 It was not long after his return from America, that 
 God was pleased to reveal himself spiritually to his 
 soul; and, through a train of providences which no 
 mortal could anticipate, and to which his natural feelings 
 were repugnant, to thrust him out into the world to call 
 sinners to repentance. The divine approbation accom- 
 panied his exertions. Many were converted to God ; 
 and of these, several began in a local sphere to assist 
 him in his labours. 
 
 Among these local preachers there was one whose 
 name was Philip Embury. This man was a native of 
 Ireland, and he had for some time raised his voice for 
 God ; but through some of those vicissitudes attendant 
 on human life, but which have no connection with the 
 present occasion, he had embarked for the western con- 
 tinent, and taken up his residence in the city of New- 
 York. On his arrival he found the standard of morals 
 to be exceedingly low. The city was not only given to 
 spiritual idolatry, but the inhabitants were addicted to 
 almost every vice. His spirit, therefore, like that of 
 SL Paul when he visited Athens, was stirred within
 
 56 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 him, and he began to preach salvation through faith in 
 Jesus Christ. 
 
 Having no chapel, he began by instructing his little 
 congregation in his own dwelling house. At first, those 
 who assembled consisted of his own countrymen, who, 
 like himself, had emigrated from their native land. The 
 report of his preaching, however, soon drew others to 
 hear ; and their numbers still increasing, his dwelling 
 house became insufficient to contain the Irish emigrants, 
 the native citizens, and the English residents, that com- 
 posed his groupe of hearers. To remedy this defect, 
 a large room was instantly rented, and the expense was 
 paid by their voluntary contributions. In this state 
 things continued for some time. Mr. Embury was 
 faithful and conscientious in the discharge of his duty ; 
 the people grew attentive, many became serious, and 
 several found peace with God. And as the present 
 preaching of Mr. Embury had no connection with that 
 of Mr. Wesley, when he visited the continent about 
 thirty years before, we may view this as the first dawn- 
 ing of Methodism on the vast continent of America : 
 and its period may be fixed about the year 1767. 
 
 But it is not solely to the active exertions of Mr. 
 Embury that America stands indebted for the introduc- 
 tion of Methodism. Several other pious Methodists 
 emigrated nearly about the same time, and scattered 
 seed in various parts. Among these was Mr. Straw- 
 bridge, who was also a native of Ireland. This pious 
 man, having no connection with Mr. Embury, and per- 
 haps at first scarcely any knowledge of him, landed in 
 the state of Maryland, and took up his residence in 
 Frederic county, where he began to erect the standard 
 of the gospel, and to call sinners to repentance. His 
 word also was attended with a divine blessing to the 
 souls of many, who were led to call upon the name of 
 the Lord, and to find that he had still power upon earth 
 to forgive sins. 
 
 But although these pious men continued to labour, 
 and to see the fruits of their exertions in the conversion 
 of many, and the reformation of multitudes, no regular 
 consistency was given to their endeavours until the 
 spirited efforts of captain Webb drew the attention of
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 57 
 
 Mr. Wesley and his conference to the state of religion 
 on the western continent, then considered as a political 
 part of Britain, though separated from our shores by 
 the Atlantic Ocean. 
 
 About the year 1765, Mr. Webb, who was a military 
 officer, had attended Mr. Wesley's preaching in Bristol, 
 and God had rendered the word a blessing to his soul. 
 Being a man of strong sensibilities and lively feelings, 
 his zeal for the cause of God triumphed over the con- 
 sideration of his military character, and he began pub- 
 licly to recommend to others that grace which maketh 
 wise unto salvation. At this time he was a lieutenant 
 in the army ; but being afterward advanced to the rank 
 of captain, he has been generally distinguished by the 
 name of captain Webb. This officer was in the battle 
 of Quebec, where he received a wound in his arm, and 
 lost the use of his right eye, on that memorable occa- 
 sion which deprived general Wolfe of his life. 
 
 The first place in which captain Webb appeared in 
 public as a preacher was Bath, at a time when, through 
 some accident, the preacher who had been expected did 
 not arrive. His zeal recommended him to the notice 
 of his hearers, and much good attended his ministry. 
 Having some time afterward received the appointment 
 of barrack master at Albany, in America, he proceeded 
 thither, carrying with him that strong zeal for the cause 
 of God for which he was afterward distinguished 
 through life. - It does not appear that captain Webb, 
 on his arrival in America, had any personal knowledge 
 either of Mr. Embury at New-York, or of Mr. Straw- 
 bridge in Frederic county. He, however, soon found 
 them out ; and they were rendered instrumental in 
 assisting each other, and in promoting, on a more en- 
 larged plan, the work of their heavenly Father. 
 
 Captain Webb, on his arrival at Albany, began by 
 establishing family prayer in his own house. This was 
 soon circulated as a singular circumstance ; and from 
 his being an officer, the notice which his conduct ex- 
 cited soon grew to astonishment. Several desired to 
 join his family in prayer ; and all who made the request 
 were readily admitted. The neighbourhood soon flock- 
 ed to his house, and, as occasion offered, he warned 
 
 3*
 
 68 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 them to flee from the wrath to come, and recommended 
 the Saviour of mankind. The success which crowned 
 these domestic efforts soon induced him to extend his 
 labours ; and under this impression he paid a visit to 
 Mr. Embury at New-York. 
 
 On being invited to preach, he appeared before his 
 congregation in his military dress ; the novelty of which 
 so attracted the attention of the people that the room 
 which had been rented was soon found insufficient to 
 contain the congregations ; and to hire one that was 
 sufficiently large was a task of no common difficulty. 
 A room, however, sixty feet long, and eighteen feet 
 wide, was at length procured ; but as this was also 
 shortly found equally as inconvenient as the former 
 had been, through the increase of hearers, the building 
 of a preaching house was taken into serious considera- 
 tion. This was undertaken and accomplished in the 
 year 1768, being the first Methodist preaching house 
 that ever presented itself to view in the western world. 
 
 From New-York captain Webb proceeded to Long 
 Island to visit some of his relations who resided there. 
 In this place he also preached, and formed an infant 
 society. The city of Philadelphia likewise witnessed 
 his labours, and several of his hearers derived much 
 benefit from his ministry. But it was in New-York 
 that the gospel seemed principally to nourish. In this 
 city a permanent congregation was established, and a 
 considerable society formed ; and from the general 
 spirit which seemed to be manifested by all, the fields 
 appeared white unto harvest. 
 
 Under these views and considerations, captain Webb, 
 in conjunction with his associates, wrote to Mr. Wesley 
 in England, giving him a plain statement of facts, and 
 requesting him at the ensuing onference to appoint 
 some preachers to come over, and prosecute the work 
 that was so happily and providentially begun. Being 
 always ready to embrace every opening of divine Pro- 
 vidence, Mr. Wesley, at the conference of 1769, intro- 
 duced the case of America in so favourable a light, that 
 two of his preachers, Mr. Richard Boardman and Mr. 
 Joseph Pilmoor, volunteered their services to cross the 
 Atlantic, and make au effort to introduce the itinerant
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 59 
 
 plan in America. Their offers were accepted; and as 
 the preaching house in New- York had involved the in- 
 fent society in some pecuniary embarrassments, " We 
 determined (says Mr. Wesley) to send them fifty pounds, 
 as a token of our brotherly love." Mr. Boardman and Mr. 
 Pilmoor sailed accordingly ; and, reaching the place of 
 their destination in safety, began their itinerant labours, 
 and thus became the first regular Methodist missionaries 
 who ever visited the western continent. 
 
 A few days after their landing, Mr. Pilmoor wrote 
 a letter to Mr. Wesley, of which the following is an 
 extract; it is dated Philadelphia, October 31st, 1769 : 
 
 " REV. SIR, By the blessing of God we are safely 
 arrived here, after a tedious passage of nine weeks. 
 
 " We were not a little surprised to find captain Webb 
 in town, and a society of about a hundred members, who 
 desire to be in close connection with you. This is the 
 Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes. 
 
 " I have preached several times, and the people flock 
 to hear in multitudes. Sunday evening I went out upon 
 the common. I had the stage appointed for the horse 
 race for my pulpit, and I think between four and five 
 thousand hearers, who heard with attention still as 
 night. Blessed be God for field preaching. When I 
 began to talk of preaching at five o'clock in the morn- 
 ing, the people thought it would not answer in America : 
 however, I resolved to try, and had a very good con- 
 gregation. 
 
 " Here seems to be a great and effectual door open- 
 ing in this country, and I hope many souls will be 
 gathered in. The people in general like to hear the 
 word, and seem to have some ideas of salvation by 
 grace." 
 
 From Philadelphia Mr. Pilmoor proceeded to Mary- 
 land, visiting this state, together with those of Virginia 
 and North Carolina. In all these states he preached 
 with considerable success; forming societies in various 
 parts, and witnessing the happy effects resulting from 
 the mission in which he was engaged. Throughout the 
 whole he discovered the teachable disposition of the 
 people and their willingness to hear ; and thus, as an 
 instrument in the hand of God, laid an extensive founda-
 
 60 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 tion for that amazing work which has since been carried 
 on with such unexampled success. 
 
 Mr. Boardman, who sailed with Mr. Pilmoor in the 
 same ship, and with him landed at Philadelphia, imme- 
 diately took his leave, and hastened to New-York, in 
 which city the preaching house had been erected. On 
 his arrival he found the prospect before him equally as 
 pleasing as it had been represented by captain Webb ; 
 and, under the mingled sensations of gratitude and 
 hope, entered on his ministerial work. Determined, 
 however, to make some trial before he transmitted a 
 report across the Atlantic, he waited till the 24th of 
 April, 1770, on which day he wrote the following ac- 
 count : 
 
 " Our house contains about seventeen hundred hear- 
 ers. About a third part of those who attend the preach- 
 ing get in ; the rest are glad to hear without. There 
 appears such a willingness in the Americans to hear the 
 word as I never saw before. They have no preaching 
 in some parts of the back settlements. I doubt not but 
 an effectual door will be opened among them. O may 
 the Most High now give his Son the heathen for his 
 inheritance ! The number of blacks that attend the 
 preaching affects me much." 
 
 As the prospects of these preachers continued to be 
 inviting, and the work to increase in their hands, they 
 transmitted to Mr. Wesley such pleasing accounts of 
 their success that, at the conference of 1771, he appointed 
 Mr. Francis Asbury and Mr. Richard Wright to repair 
 to the continent to assist their brethren already esta- 
 blished there. They proceeded thither accordingly, 
 and joined in the common employment. Mr. Wright, 
 however, soon returned, and desisted from travelling. 
 But Mr. Asbury remained firmly at his post ; outrode all 
 the storms to which the American revolution gave rise : 
 and continued a hoary veteran in the cause of God, to 
 witness the changes which have taken place in favour 
 of Christianity through the long lapse of forty-four years. 
 This truly apostolie man has lately been called to his 
 eternal reward. 
 
 Mr. Asbury, on his arrival, soon perceived that the 
 work which had been so happily begun, was confined
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 61 
 
 chiefly to the larger towns ; but that, under proper regu- 
 lations, it was susceptible of a much greater extension, 
 if carried into the villages and secluded plantations that 
 were scattered throughout the country. To these de- 
 partments he therefore devoted his time and talents ; 
 and, in the blessing which attended his ministry, and the 
 great success which he found in the formation of socie- 
 ties, he thought himself amply rewarded for all the 
 inconveniences with which his solitary excursions were 
 attended. But while he was thus engaged in visiting 
 the plantations and villages, an undue eagerness to ex- 
 tend the work in the towns had unhappily led to a com- 
 parative neglect of discipline. Some apprehensions of 
 this seem to have been anticipated in England ; for, in 
 1773, Mr. Wesley appointed Mr. Thomas Rankin and 
 Mr. George Shadford to America, investing them with 
 powers which none of their predecessors had ever pre- 
 sumed to exercise. 
 
 On their arrival, they soon discovered the evil which 
 Mr. Wesley had sent them to remedy ; and, like faithful 
 servants, they began their necessary though painful duty. 
 The loss of the superfluous and unfruitful branches did 
 not, however, hinder the growth of the spiritual tree. 
 The wounds which were made, soon healed, and it be- 
 came more vigorous and fruitful than it had been before. 
 It is to be regretted that any occasions should exist to 
 require the exercise of such external discipline ; but ex- 
 perience teathes many important lessons, which mere 
 abstract reasoning finds it difficult to learn. Every skil- 
 ful gardener knows that the pruning knife, when applied 
 to the branches, is not less necessary to the perfection 
 of his vine than the rich manure which supports its 
 roots. 
 
 Mr. Rankin and Mr. Shadford continued on the con- 
 tinent about five years. During this time they travelled 
 through North Carolina and New- York, and through all 
 the other states which lie between these provinces. In 
 many places their preaching was attended with particu- 
 lar success ; and the discipline which they had every- 
 where enforced, rendered their characters truly venerable, 
 the societies which they formed more exemplary, and the 
 old ones more pure. But on the approach of that un-
 
 69 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 happy war which shortly afterward broke out between 
 the mother country and the American colonies, and 
 which finally terminated in the dismemberment of the 
 empire, and the independence of the United States, a 
 period was put to their usefulness, and to their residence 
 on the continent. 
 
 On the general state of Methodism in the colonies, at 
 the commencement of hostilities, Mr. Rankin observes 
 as follows : " At our little conference in Philadelphia, 
 in July, 1773, we had about a tho'usand in the different 
 societies, and six or seven preachers : and in May, 1777, 
 we had forty preachers in the different circuits, and 
 about seven thousand members in the societies ; beside 
 many hundreds of negroes, who were convinced of sin, 
 and many of them happy in the love of God. Were it 
 not for the civil war, I have reason to believe the work 
 of God would have nourished in a more abundant man- 
 ner, as both rich and poor gladly embraced the truths 
 of the gospel, and received the preachers with open 
 arms." 
 
 On the great question respecting the justice or injus- 
 tice of the American war, it is well known that opposite 
 opinions have been entertained. It is not for us to 
 censure or applaud either party, or to take a retrospec- 
 tive survey of the political transactions of departed 
 years. It is, however, well known that Mr. Wesley, on 
 this agitated question, took a decided part ; and, in his 
 " Calm Address to the Colonists," reprobated their con- 
 duct in terms not less pointed than were those in which 
 he attempted to justify the conduct of the mother coun- 
 try. It was providential that some circumstances- oc- 
 curred to prevent this Calm Address from raising a 
 tempest, which, in all probability, would in this critical 
 moment have swept Methodism from the continent at a 
 stroke, and perhaps have banished it for ever. 
 
 The opinion of Mr. Wesley, respecting the conduct 
 of the Americans, in resisting the demands of Britain, 
 was soon echoed by many of his preachers, and parti- 
 cularly by Mr. Rankin and his associate ministers esta- 
 blished to itinerate in America. In England these 
 sentiments might be expressed with safety ; but in the 
 colonies the subject was seen with very different eyes.
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 63 
 
 The consequence was, that the preachers on the con- 
 tinent in connection with Mr. Wesley were everywhere 
 viewed as enemies to the cause of liberty, as the secret 
 instruments of despotic power, and as men unworthy 
 of being cherished in the bosom of a country whose 
 sons had taken up arms in support of their indepen- 
 dence. 
 
 As the clamour became general, and the tide of pub- 
 lic opinion was too strong to be resisted, all the preach- 
 ers who had gone from England, with the exception of 
 Mr. Asbury, were obliged to withdraw from the colonies, 
 to escape the effects of popular vengeance. From this 
 period, therefore, the work was at a stand ; and the 
 friends of Methodism were exposed to those vicissitudes 
 which are always generated in a country which is the 
 seat of war ; and to the mortification of being viewed as 
 suspicious characters. It was through considerable 
 difficulties that the preachers effected their escape, and 
 reached in safety their native land. 
 
 Supported by the rectitude of his own intentions to 
 have no concern with political questions, and conscious 
 of having said nothing that could offend either party, 
 on the subject of the impending war, Mr. Asbury deter- 
 mined to remain at the post of duty, and wait the event 
 of the approaching storm. It was a happy circumstance 
 that he was inspired with this holy resolution, since it is 
 owing to him, under the superintending care of God, 
 that Methodism was enabled to survive the shock which 
 convulsed Europe and the western world. How far 
 those preachers who set Mr. Asbury an example which 
 he disdained to follow, acted consistently with the spirit 
 of their profession, may furnish room for opposite opi- 
 nions. But we have no right to decide upon the pro- 
 priety or impropriety of their conduct, unless we make 
 ourselves intimately acquainted with all the local cir- 
 cumstances of their situation. Of this momentous crisis 
 Dr. Coke has delivered his sentiments in the following 
 words : 
 
 " The war, which at this time had broken out between 
 the mother country and her colonies, impeded the work 
 in a considerable manner, and for some time shut up 
 nearly all communication between them. The distresses
 
 64 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 to which both the societies and preachers were exposed, 
 were very terrible. The clergy abandoned their flocks ; 
 and in many instances the British missionaries, following 
 their example, forsook their spheres of action. Mr. 
 Asbury alone, unterrified by the threatening sword, 
 remained in his station. 
 
 " Surrounded by dangers on every side, his vigour 
 increased as his colleagues declined the work ; and, un- 
 der the blessing of Providence, it was by his unwearied 
 exertions that the flame of religion was kept alive, 
 while thousands both of its friends and enemies fell in 
 the conflict. But whatever impediments the work of 
 God might have experienced, the societies increased 
 amid the partial desertions of their friends and the hor- 
 rors of war."* 
 
 But although Mr. Asbury remained faithful to his 
 post, he was not always permitted to exercise the func- 
 tions of his office. As an individual, his conduct was 
 placed beyond the reach of censure ; but the general 
 suspicions under which the preachers and the societies 
 laboured, were transferred to him as an official and 
 public character ; in consequence of which he became 
 an object of popular reproach. To avoid the effects 
 of this unmerited indignation he was obliged to retire 
 from public view. But it pleased God to raise him up 
 friends, who provided an asylum in which he was shel- 
 tered two years, while the tempest raged in all its vio- 
 lence. During this time the place of his retreat was at 
 the house of Mr. White, in the county of Kent, in the 
 state of Delaware. In the house of this gentleman, 
 who was a justice of the peace, and a member of the 
 Methodist society, Mr. Asbury twice convened some 
 native American preachers, and held two diminutive 
 conferences. He was, however, at length happily re- 
 leased from his confinement, through the kind interpo- 
 sition of John Dickenson, Esq., the predecessor of the 
 celebrated Dr. Franklin in the government of Pennsyl- 
 vania. From Mr. Dickenson he received such letters of 
 recommendation as enabled him to appear in public, and 
 finally to travel through the states without molestation. 
 
 * Coke's History of the West Indies, vol. i, p. 212.
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 65 
 
 But although it was against the preachers from Eng- 
 land that the popular odium was principally directed, 
 even those who were natives were not wholly exempted 
 from trouble. To break off all connection with Eng- 
 land, and to annihilate all acknowledgment of her do- 
 minion, a law was enacted which required an oath of 
 allegiance to the United States to be taken by all. 
 This was a measure to which many hesitated to sub- 
 mit ; and the consequence was, that fines and imprison- 
 ment followed. Among the Methodists several suffered 
 severely on this account. It is, however, a tribute due 
 to justice to acknowledge that the rights of conscience 
 were generally treated with tenderness, even by those 
 who were appointed to carry the laws into execution. 
 But above all, the hand of God appeared conspicuously 
 in providing various ways for the deliverance of those 
 who were imprisoned, and that not unfrequently through 
 the interposition of men who were strangers to genuine 
 religion. 
 
 From what principle this liberality of conduct arose 
 it is difficult with certainty to determine. Their politi- 
 cal creed included universal toleration ; but their laws 
 militated against the principles of their constitution. It 
 is easy to speculate upon the sources of human opinions 
 and actions ; but on the present occasion we cannot 
 avoid resolving all into the overruling providence of 
 God, who thus defended his faithful servants. In no 
 instance, perhaps, was this faithfulness more apparent 
 than when the preachers were brought before the tribu- 
 nals of justice. Here, in reply to interrogations, they 
 bore such a strong testimony against sin, resisted every 
 charge that could involve them in the political ques- 
 tions which were agitated, and pleaded the cause of the 
 gospel with so much eloquence, that their judges were 
 ready to say, " Almost ye persuade us to be Chris- 
 tians." On one of these occasions, a preacher of Balti- 
 more, whose name was Moore, delivered such a defen- 
 sive testimony at the bar as filled the judges and the 
 whole court with admiration at the elegance of his dic- 
 tion, the comprehensiveness of his expressions, and the 
 energy of his arguments. But the effect of this faith- 
 fulness is still more strikingly exemplified in the fol-
 
 DO LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 lowing anecdote, which occurred in the state of Mary- 
 land. 
 
 In the midst of these commotions, it happened that 
 Mr. Chew, one of the preachers, was brought before 
 Mr. Downs, then sheriff of the county in which the 
 trial took place, and afterward a member of the general 
 assembly of the state. On Mr. Chew's appearance, the 
 sheriff demanded of the prisoner, if he were a minister 
 of the gospel? On receiving from Mr. Chew an an- 
 swer in the affirmative, he required him to take the 
 oath of allegiance to the United States. Mr. Chew re- 
 plied that he had scruples on his. mind, and therefore 
 could not consent at present. Mr. Downs then inform- 
 ed him that he was bound on oath to execute the laws, 
 and must in that case commit him to prison. Mr. Chew 
 replied with great calmness that he by no means wished 
 to be the cause of perjury, and therefore was perfectly 
 resigned to suffer the penalty incurred. "You are a 
 strange man," cried the sheriff, " and I cannot bear to 
 punish you. I will therefore make my own house your 
 prison." He accordingly committed him under his 
 hand and seal to his own house, in which place he kept 
 him for three months, during which time the sheriff 
 was awakened, and his lady converted to God. They 
 soon afterward joined the society ; and Mr. Downs, 
 with the assistance of some neighbouring gentlemen, 
 built a preaching house for the society at Tuckaho, the 
 place where he lived. 
 
 Satisfied, however, that the preachers who refused to 
 take the oath of allegiance to the states were not act- 
 uated by any principles of hostility to the cause of Ame- 
 rica, their case was shortly afterward taken into serious 
 consideration by the assembly of Maryland. And in 
 order to preserve them from suffering for conscience' 
 sake, and to prevent the magistrates and judges from 
 having the trouble of attending to such cases, when 
 others of more magnitude and importance demanded all 
 their attention, an act was passed by the legislative 
 body expressly to allow the Methodist preachers to 
 exercise their ministerial duty, without taking the oath 
 of allegiance. This act produced the desired effect. In 
 this state their restrictions were at an end ; the preach-
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 67 
 
 ing was re-established ; and, in the midst of public war, 
 they continued to enjoy domestic peace until the inde- 
 pendence of the United States was acknowledged 
 throughout Europe, and a communication was reopened 
 between Great Britain and this part of the western con- 
 tinent. 
 
 In the other states the legal restrictions continued in 
 force during the war ; but toward the period of its ter- 
 mination the rigour of the laws was much relaxed. 
 And although the societies, during these commotions, 
 received a great acquisition of members, the effects of 
 the war were awfully conspicuous in the neglect of 
 those ordinances which followed the overthrow of the 
 Establishment. It was a survey of these calamitous 
 effects which induced Mr. Wesley to have recourse to 
 a certain measure, and to introduce a form of church 
 government, which will be described in the ensuing 
 chapter. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Effects of the war on the Methodist societies in America Re- 
 view of the causes which led to the establishment of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Churctf Preparatory steps taken in order to Dr. Coke's 
 ordination Copy of letters of ordination Letter of Mr. Wesley 
 to Dr. Coke and Mr. Asbury, stating the ground on which he 
 acted Principles on which Mr. Wesley acted, stated and vindi- 
 cated Apostolical succession not to be proved, either from the 
 church oi Alexandria, Antioch, or Rome. 
 
 IT is easy to perceive that, while the church is con- 
 nected with the state, if calamities overtake the latter, 
 the former cannot wholly escape. In the American co- 
 lonies both were united ; and the revolution which ter- 
 minated in political independence, led to the subversion 
 of the ecclesiastical hierarchy. The church, being con- 
 sidered as an instrument in the hands of the British 
 senate, became the first object of attack at the com- 
 mencement of the revolution. We have already seen 
 that " the clergy abandoned their flocks" on the ap-
 
 68 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 proach of danger ; and we learn from the event that the 
 Americans were not forward either to supply their vacant 
 pulpits, or to fill their empty churches. 
 
 Among men who are destitute of the power of godli- 
 ness, the loss of its form was viewed with indifference ; 
 but with those who enjoyed the former, the privation of 
 the latter appeared in a very serious light. When the 
 clergy of the Church of England had forsaken the coun- 
 try, and secured themselves by flight, the members of 
 the Methodist societies found themselves totally de- 
 prived of the sacraments, which they had been accus- 
 tomed to receive from them ; and for their children they 
 could obtain no baptism. For the administration of 
 these ordinances, they applied to the Presbyterians, to 
 the Independents, and to the Baptists. But they were 
 refused by all, unless they would renounce their con- 
 nection with Mr. Wesley, and join the societies of those 
 to whom they successively appealed. 
 
 Being unwilling to purchase baptism and the Lord's 
 supper at so exorbitant a price, and yet dissatisfied to 
 remain destitute of those privileges which they had been 
 accustomed to enjoy, the societies appealed to the 
 preachers ; and, after stating their complaints, prevailed 
 upon many of them to introduce their case to Mr. As- 
 bury, who was now considered as the principal person 
 among the Methodists in America. This the preachers 
 promised to do; and, accordingly, in the year 1778, 
 they requested him to adopt some measures for a speedy 
 compliance with their reasonable demands. 
 
 Mr. Asbury, on hearing their statement and request, 
 found himself in an unpleasant situation. From prin- 
 ciple he was strongly attached to the episcopacy which 
 had been abolished ; and he dreaded to countenance any 
 mode of conduct that might seem to interfere with its 
 formerly acknowledged authority. And yet, at the same 
 time, the statement given in, respecting the situation of 
 the people, and the reasonableness of their requests, ap- 
 peared almost too powerful to be resisted. Thus cir- 
 cumstanced, he scarcely knew how to act ; being alike 
 apprehensive of unpleasant consequences which would 
 result from his refusal, and from his compliance. In 
 order, therefore, to preserve peace, he endeavoured to
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR, COKE. 69 
 
 postpone the subject for some future consideration, con- 
 ceiving that, as affairs were yet in an unsettled state, the 
 period might arrive when things would return into their 
 former channel. And, finally, that if the people could 
 be prevailed upon to suffer their present privations with 
 patience until the tempest had subsided, the whole body 
 of Methodists in America would escape the reproach 
 of deviating from Mr. Wesley's avowed and primitive 
 plan. 
 
 . Affairs had, however, now reached a crisis, in which 
 indecision was not calculated to give satisfaction. The 
 preachers who had imbibed the spirit of the people, 
 though satisfied with the purity of Mr. Asbury's inten- 
 tion, were far from being pleased with the result of his 
 reasonings. They had already waited till exhausted 
 patience could continue no longer, and they were deter- 
 mined to bring the question to an immediate issue. Mr. 
 Asbury, finding that he was brought to a crisis, finally 
 determined in favour of his own attachments, and abso- 
 lutely refused to give either preachers or people any 
 redress. 
 
 On hearing his refusal, a train of consequences which 
 he had scarcely anticipated, began immediately to ap- 
 pear. A majority of the preachers, less scrupulous than 
 himself as to the propriety of administering the rite of 
 baptism and the Lord's supper, instantly withdrew from 
 him, and through him from all connection with Mr. 
 Wesley. In this state of separation they selected from 
 among their own body three of their senior and more 
 respectable brethren, appointing them to ordain o-thers 
 by the imposition of hands. These, therefore, went 
 forth in the name of God, and administered the sacra- 
 ments to all whom they judged proper to receive them. 
 The clamour of the people immediately subsided ; all 
 were satisfied with the enjoyment of their returning pri- 
 vileges ; and prosperity became the companion of 
 peace. 
 
 Mr. Asbury, in the meanwhile, who had not yet 
 shaken off the rusty fetters of " apostolical succession," 
 found himself comparatively deserted by those whose 
 respect for him still remained undiminished. Against 
 the illegality of their proceedings he bore a public tea-
 
 TO LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 limony, denying the authority by which the preachers 
 acted, and declaring the ordination to which they had 
 given existence invalid. With individuals his argu- 
 ments had weight, and many hesitated to follow the 
 measures they had adopted. In this manner he pro- 
 ceeded until he had proselyted some, had silenced others, 
 and had shaken the faith of all ; so that at a subsequent 
 conference he found means to procure a vote, which de- 
 clared the former ordination unscriptural. The breach 
 was soon healed ; a general reconciliation took place ; 
 and Mr. Asbury once more resumed the full exercise of 
 that authority of which he had, for a season, been par- 
 tially deprived. 
 
 But the night of a long, an expensive, and unsuccess- 
 ful war to Britain was drawing toward a close ; and the 
 dawn of returning peace, which gave independence to 
 America, was just beginning to appear when the pre- 
 ceding accommodation took place. Mr. Asbury had 
 been very successful in spreading the gospel in several 
 parts of the back settlements. He therefore wanted 
 more assistance than the United States could afford ; and 
 as soon as a communication was opened between Eng- 
 land and America, he wrote to Mr. Wesley for a supply 
 of preachers to hasten to the continent with all possible 
 despatch. At the same time he informed Mr. Wesley 
 of the various events which had taken place respecting 
 the Methodists, during the war, and pointed out the 
 condition the people were in, being equally destitute of 
 baptism for their children, and of the Lord's supper for 
 themselves. These cases were earnestly recommended 
 to Mr. Wesley's serious consideration. And as it was 
 soon discovered that a national establishment was to 
 rear its head in the United States no more, the subject 
 was of too much importance to be neglected, and the 
 question of too much magnitude to be hastily decided. 
 
 Mr. Wesley was now far advanced in years, and hav- 
 ing made provision for the government of the societies 
 in England, after his decease, he thought this a provi- 
 dential call for something of a similar nature to be done 
 for America. Having therefore weighed with much de- 
 liberation the various circumstances in which his trans- 
 atlantic followers were placed, he was perfectly satis-
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 71 
 
 fiea that the form of government which he had provided 
 for England was by no means adapted for America. 
 And, finally, it was obvious to him that no form of go- 
 vernment could be acceptable, unless it included a satis- 
 factory authority vested in the preachers to administer 
 baptism and the Lord's supper. And nothing of this 
 kind coxild possibly be permanent, unless some general 
 superintendent should be appointed, in the first instance, 
 from hence, to transmit that authority to posterity, by 
 what name soever he might be distinguished. 
 
 To accomplish these purposes, after revolving all the 
 possible forms of church government in his mind, he 
 could find none so well adapted to the exigencies of 
 their condition as that which is episcopal. On this 
 therefore he finally fixed his eye, and proceeded to 
 take measures for executing his resolution. This reso- 
 lution was, however, not the result of a momentary 
 impulse. More than a year had elapsed since he had 
 begun to revolve it in his mind ; during which time he 
 had communicated his thoughts to several persons. But 
 how formidable soever the objections were which any 
 one could raise, he found none equal in magnitude to 
 the evil that his plan was designed to remedy ; and he 
 could learn from none a better form than that which he 
 was about to adopt. 
 
 The zeal, the activity, and the piety which Dr. Coke 
 had for several years manifested, both in England and 
 Ireland, in conjunction with his being a regularly or- 
 dained minister of the Church of England, all combined 
 to point him out to Mr. Wesley as the most suitable 
 person in the connection to engage in this arduous work, 
 and to assume that character with which he was about 
 to invest him. Accordingly, in the month of February, 
 1784, he called Dr. Coke into his private chamber, and 
 after some preparatory observations introduced the 
 important subject to him in nearly the following man- 
 ner : 
 
 "That, as the revolution in America had separated 
 the United States from the mother country for ever, and 
 the Episcopal Establishment was utterly abolished, the 
 societies had been represented to him in a most deplor- 
 able condition. That an appeal had also been made te
 
 72 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 him through Mr. Asbury, in which he was requested to 
 provide for them some mode of church government, 
 suited to their exigencies ; and that having long and 
 seriously revolved the subject in his thoughts, he intended 
 to adopt the plan which he was now about to unfold. 
 That as he had invariably endeavoured, in every step 
 he had taken, to keep as closely to the Bible as possible, 
 so, on the present occasion, he hoped he was not about 
 to deviate from it. That, keeping his eye upon the 
 conduct of the primitive churches in the ages of un- 
 adulterated Christianity, he had much admired the mode 
 of ordaining bishops which the church of Alexandria 
 had practised. That, to preserve its purity, that church 
 would never suffer the interference of a foreign bishop 
 in any of their ordinations ; but that' the presbyters of 
 that venerable apostolic church, on the death of a bish- 
 op, exercised the right of ordaining another from their 
 own body, by the laying on of their own hands ; and 
 that this practice continued among them for two hundred 
 years, till the days of Dionysius. And finally, that, 
 being himself a presbyter, he wished Dr. Coke to accept 
 ordination from his hands, and to proceed in that cha- 
 racter to the continent of America, to superintend the 
 societies in the United States." 
 
 Dr. Coke was at first startled at a measure so unpre- 
 cedented in modern days ; and he expressed some doubts 
 as to the validity of Mr. Wesley's authority to constitute 
 so important an appointment. But the arguments of 
 lord King, which had proselyted Mr. Wesley, were re- 
 commended to his attention, and time was allowed him 
 to deliberate on the result. Two months, however, had 
 scarcely elapsed, before he wrote to Mr. Wesley, inform- 
 ing him that his objections were silenced, and that he 
 was ready to co-operate with him in any way that was 
 calculated to promote the glory of God and the good 
 of souls. 
 
 At the ensuing conference, which was held in Leeds, 
 1784, Mr. Wesley stated his intention to the preachers 
 present ; and from that period he considered the ap- 
 pointment as actually made, although the ratification 
 did not take place until a few days afterward. At this 
 conference Mr. Whatcoat and Mr. Vasey offered their
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 73 
 
 services to accompany Dr. Coke in the character of 
 missionaries ; and being accepted, they became his com- 
 panions in his first voyage to America. It is to this 
 measure that Mr. Wesley alludes in the following obser- 
 vations, which he has inserted in page 71 of his twentieth 
 journal. 
 
 " On Wednesday, September 1st, being now clear in 
 my own mind, I took a step which I had long weighed, 
 and appointed three of our brethren to go and serve the 
 desolate sheep in America, which I verily believe will 
 be much to the glory of God." And that he did not, on 
 calm deliberation, reflect with sorrow on the step he had 
 now taken, may be gathered from his own language, 
 inserted in the minutes of conference for the year 1786. 
 
 " Judging," says he, " this (namely, the peculiar con- 
 dition of the societies in America after the war) to be a 
 case of necessity, I took a &tep which, for peace and 
 quietness I had refrained from taking many years ; I 
 exercised that power which I am fully persuaded the 
 great Shepherd and Bishop of the Church has given me. 
 I appointed three of our labourers to go and help them, 
 by not only preaching the word of God, but likewise 
 administering the Lord's supper, and baptizing their 
 children throughout that vast tract of land." 
 
 When the conference at Leeds, in 1784, ended, Mr. 
 Wesley repaired to Bristol, and Dr. Coke to London, to 
 make arrangements for his departure. He had not, 
 however, beeti long in London, before he received a 
 letter from Mr. Wesley, requesting him to repair imme- 
 diately to Bristol, to receive fuller powers ; and to bring 
 with him the Rev. Mr. Creighton, a regularly ordainea 
 minister, who had long officiated in Mr. Wesley's cha- 
 pels in London, and assisted him in various branches of 
 his ministerial duties. " The doctor and Mr. Creighton 
 accordingly met him in Bristol, when, with their assist- 
 ance, he ordained Mr. Richard Whatcoat and Mr. Tho- 
 mas Vasey, presbyters for America ; and being peculiarly 
 attached to every rite of the Church of England, did 
 afterward ordain Dr. Coke a superintendent, giving him 
 letters of ordination under his hand and seal."* Of 
 
 * Coke's and Moore's Life of Mr. Wesley, p. 459. 
 4
 
 74 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 these letters of ordination the following is a faithful 
 copy, carefully transcribed from the original in Mr. 
 Wesley's own handwriting, preserved among the papers 
 of the late Dr. Coke : 
 
 " To all to whom these presents shall come, John 
 Wesley, late fellow of Lincoln College, in Oxford, pres- 
 byter of the Church of England, sendeth greeting : 
 
 " Whereas many of the people in the southern pro- 
 vinces of North America, who desire to continue under 
 my care, and still adhere to the doctrine and discipline 
 of the Church of England, are greatly distressed for 
 want of ministers to administer the sacraments of bap- 
 tism and the Lord's supper, according to the usage of 
 the same church : and whereas there does not appear 
 to be any other way of supplying them with ministers 
 
 " Know all men, that I, John Wesley, think myself 
 to be providentially called at this time to set apart some 
 persons for the work of the ministry in America. And 
 therefore, under the protection of almighty God, and 
 with a single eye to his glory, I have this day set apart, 
 as a superintendent, by the imposition of my hands, 
 and prayer, (being assisted by other ordained ministers,) 
 Thomas Coke, doctor of civil law, a presbyter of the 
 Church of England, and a man whom I judge to be well 
 qualified for that great work. And I do hereby recom- 
 mend him to all whom it may concern, as a fit person to 
 preside over the flock of Christ. In testimony whereof, 
 I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this second day 
 of 8eptember, in the year of our Lord one thousand 
 seven hundred and eighty-four. 
 
 " JOHN WESLEY." 
 
 Dr. Coke continued in Bristol nearly three weeks, 
 from the date of the preceding document, making pre- 
 paration for his departure, and waiting for the sailing 
 of some vessel in which he and his companions might 
 procure a passage. It was during this interval that 
 Mr. Wesley wrote the following letter, which Dr. Coke 
 was directed to print and circulate among the societies 
 on his arrival in America :
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 75 
 
 "Bristol, September 10, 1784. 
 
 "To Dr. Coke, Mr. Asbury, and our brethren in North 
 America : 
 
 " By a very uncommon train of providences many of 
 the provinces of North America are totally disjoined 
 from the mother country, and erected into independent 
 states. The English government has no authority over 
 them, either civil or ecclesiastical, any more than over 
 the states of Holland. A civil authority is exercised 
 over them, partly by the congress, partly by the pro- 
 vincial assemblies. But no one either exercises or claims 
 any ecclesiastical authority at all. In this peculiar situ- 
 ation some thousands of the inhabitants of these states 
 desire my advice, and in compliance with their desire I 
 have drawn up a little sketch. 
 
 " Lord King's account of the primitive church con- 
 vinced me many years ago, that bishops and presbyters 
 are the same order, and consequently have the same right 
 to ordain. For many years I have been importuned, 
 from time to time, to exercise this right, by ordaining 
 part of our travelling preachers. But I have still re- 
 fused ; not only for peace sake, but because I was deter- 
 mined, as little as possible, to violate the established 
 order of the national Church, to which I belonged. 
 
 " But the case is widely different between England and 
 North America. Here there are bishops who have a 
 legal jurisdiction. In America there are none, neither 
 any parish minister ; so that for some hundreds of 
 miles together, there is none either to baptize or admin- 
 ister the Lord's supper. Here, therefore, my scruples 
 are at an end ; and I conceive myself at full liberty, as 
 I violate no order, and invade no man's right, by ap- 
 pointing and sending labourers into the harvest. 
 
 " I have accordingly appointed Dr. Coke and Mr. 
 Francis Asbury to be joint superintendents over our 
 brethren in North America ; as also Richard Whatcoat 
 and Thomas Vasey to act as elders among them, by 
 baptizing and administering the Lord's supper. And I 
 have prepared a liturgy? little differing from that of the 
 Church of England, (I think the best constituted national 
 church in the world,) which I advise all the travelling 
 preachers to use on the Lord's day in all the congrega-
 
 76 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 lions, reading the litany only on Wednesdays and Fri- 
 days, and praying extempore on all other days. I also 
 advise the elders to administer the supper of the Lord 
 on every Lord's day. 
 
 " If any one will point out a more rational and scrip- 
 tural way of feeding and guiding these poor sheep in 
 the wilderness, I will gladly embrace it. At present I 
 cannot see any better method than that I have taken. 
 
 " It has indeed been proposed to des'ire the English 
 bishops to ordain part of our preachers for America, 
 But to this I object, 1. I desired the bishop of London 
 to ordain one, but could not prevail. 2. If they con- 
 sented, we know the slowness of their proceedings ; 
 but the matter admits of no delay. 3. If they would 
 ordain them now, they would expect to govern them. 
 And how grievously would this entangle us ! 4. As 
 our American brethren are now totally disentangled, 
 both from the state and the English hierarchy we dare 
 not entangle them again, either with the one or the 
 other. They are now at full liberty, simply to follow 
 the Scriptures and the primitive church. And we judge 
 it best that they should stand fast in that liberty where- 
 with God has so strangely made them free. 
 
 ** JOHN WESLEY." 
 
 *It is hardly to be expected that steps so extraordi- 
 nary as those which Mr. Wesley and Dr. Coke had thus 
 
 * As it was the lot of Dr. Coke, in a subsequent period of his 
 life, to turn his attention to the question now under consideration, 
 though in another form, it may not be amiss in this place to state 
 the occasion and manner of it. 
 
 Sometime in the year 1802 the Rev. George Frederick Nott, B, 
 D., published a volume of sermons, which he entitled, " Religious 
 Enthusiasm considered, in eight sermons preached before the Uni- 
 versity of Oxford, at the Lecture founded by John Bampton, A. M." 
 In these sermons he introduced the personal characters of the Rev. 
 John Wesley and the Rev. George Whitefield; and throughout the 
 H'hole volume endeavoured by artifices, from which neither truth 
 nor charity has received any considerable acquisition, to make 
 them appear odions. And whoever views these venerable men 
 only through Mr. Nott's discolocred medium, can hardly avoid 
 concluding that they deserve to be ranked among the most flagi- 
 tious, the most ridiculous, and the most contemptible of the human 
 race. Perhaps h was an act of charity in Mr. Nott to allow then* 
 the honour ol ranking among the human species 1
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 77 
 
 taken, would be suffered to pass in silence, especially 
 by those who watched their conduct with critical male- 
 volence. In no branch of their public labours, in no 
 part of their ministerial career, has their character been 
 so severely reprehended as on the present occasion. 
 These reprehensions, however, have in general been 
 made by men who were more eager to contend for apos- 
 tolical succession, than for that faith once delivered to 
 the saints. 
 
 But to what reproach soever their characters might 
 
 In the course of these sermons Mr. Nott proves himself a sturdy 
 stickler for episcopal ordination, and a furious advocate for apos- 
 tolical succession. He, therefore, becomes the opponent of every 
 one who questions the infallibility of ministerial authority ; and 
 brandishes the ecclesiastical whip over every man who presumes 
 to doubt the certainty and the purity of divine rights. 
 
 It was not until January 18, 1806, that Dr. Coke obtained a sight 
 of this volume ; when, after perusing its pages, it was his intention 
 to publish a specific reply to the invectives and arguments which, 
 it contained. The plan which he intended to pursue was that of 
 a series of letters addressed to the author ; in which he meant to 
 controvert Mr. Nott's principles, to contradict his monstrous mis- 
 representations, and to vindicate the character of his deceased 
 friends. Upon this plan the reply proceeded, and the manuscripts 
 were prepared for the press. But on a second review of the sub- 
 ject, he was decidedly of opinion that Mr. Nott's strictures were 
 too severe to make converts, and too monstrous even to gain credit 
 with thinking people. And more especially, as several years had 
 elapsed since the sermons first appeared, and as they were com- 
 paratively but little known, while the characters of Messrs. Wes- 
 ley and Whitefield were too firmly established to be injured by 
 calumny and caricature, he relinquished his design, and consigned 
 the manuscript to silence and the events of future years. 
 
 From these papers, as the question before us is agitated, and the 
 principle investigated upon which Mr. Wesley acted in his ordi- 
 nation of Dr. Coke, and in writing the letter with which he fur- 
 nished him on his departure to America, it may not be amiss to 
 call some of the more appropriate arguments into light. As, 
 therefore, the work is unpublished, I take the liberty of transcrib- 
 ing from their original sources, and of applying, in his own de- 
 fence on the present occasion, the evidences adduced in behalf of 
 his departed friends. In these evidences we may perceive his 
 own views of the validity of his ordination by the hands of Mr. 
 Wesley, after a lapse of more than twenty years. We may also 
 perceive the sandy foundation on which the guarded fort of apos- 
 tolical succession rests, and on what grounds the conduct of Mr. 
 Wesley and Dr. Coke may be rationally and scripturally defended 
 in the present case, even independently of that justification which 
 the necessities of the Methodists in America gave to the measure.
 
 78 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 have been exposed, nothing can be more evident, from 
 the particular situation in which the members of the 
 Methodist societies in America were placed at the con- 
 clusion of the war, than that they were under the neces- 
 sity of receiving baptism and the Lord's supper from the 
 Methodist preachers, or of remaining destitute of these 
 ordinances altogether. Now it is admitted, even by 
 those who have argued against Mr. Wesley and Dr. 
 Coke with the greatest degree of violence, that these 
 ordinances were necessary ; and by consequence they 
 virtually allow, under existing circumstances, those very 
 measures which they openly condemn. 
 
 If the ordinances are necessary, the administration of 
 them must be necessary also, and this will involve the 
 necessity of administrators. Now where there can be 
 only one description of men to assume this character, 
 there can be no room for alternative or choice ; and 
 where the possibility of alternative and choice is exclud- 
 ed, there can be no justifiable ground for censure or re- 
 proach. This was precisely the situation in which Mr. 
 Wesley, Dr. Coke, and the preachers stood, in relation 
 to the societies in America. Now, if it was a duty in- 
 cumbent on them to administer the ordinances, it was 
 equally their duty to procure all the qualifications they 
 could acquire, agreeably to the oracles of God. If, 
 therefore, it should finally appear that Mr. Wesley had 
 no right to ordain Dr. Coke, and that Dr. Coke had no 
 right to ordain Mr. Asbury, the invalidity of these ordi- 
 nations cannot affect their previous and independent 
 qualifications as ministers of the gospel ; for even on 
 this ground their obligations to comply with the requests 
 of the people cannot be denied. The circumstances of 
 their situation, even admitting the invalidity of the ordi- 
 nation, will therefore place them on a rock from which 
 no argument can easily dislodge them, whatever irregu- 
 larity may appear in their proceedings. 
 
 But although the peculiarity of their case will thus 
 furnish arguments in their favour, the ground upon 
 which Mr. Wesley stood is far from being so defence- 
 less as to render such an apology necessary. There 
 was a period when the Protestants were pressed by the 
 Papists with arguments precisely similar to those that
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 79 
 
 were urged against Mr. Wesley and Dr. Coke on the 
 present occasion. And these were triumphantly repelled 
 with weapons which the predecessors of their present 
 antagonists had instructed them to wield. The Act of 
 Uniformity had again called them from their arsenal ; 
 and the controversies that followed had imparted to them 
 a polish which had even given them a keener edge. 
 The right, therefore, which Mr. Wesley exercised in 
 the ordination of Dr. Coke, was ably defended by Dr. 
 Calamy in his reply to Bishop Hoadly ; and, with some 
 trifling variations, the accumulated force of all his argu- 
 ments may be brought to bear in favour of the delegated 
 power which Dr. Coke exercised on his arrival in 
 America. 
 
 " That our ordination by presbyters, of which Mr. 
 Hoadly takes the liberty to speak so contemptibly, is to 
 all intents and purposes (except that of gaining church 
 preferment) valid, I prove by four arguments. 
 
 " First, I argue from the identity of bishops and pres- 
 byters. This argument has been often teased and wor- 
 ried, and yet it is far from being breathless. But I will 
 put it in the words of the learned Dr. Whitaker, who 
 was the celebrated King's professor of divinity in the 
 university of Cambridge. Duraeus, challenging him to 
 declare how the ministers among the reformed came by 
 their call to that sacred office, bids him tell him, if he 
 could, who called forth Luther, and Calvin, and Beza, 
 and the rest ? Dr. Whitaker answers him, That as for 
 Luther, and Zuinglius, and Bucer, and Oecolompadius, 
 and many others of them, they were authorized presby- 
 ters and teachers in the Church of Rome, ordained, and 
 universally owned among them ; and that therefore they 
 being presbyters, and presbyters being by divine right 
 the same as bishops, they might warrantably set other 
 presbyters over the churches."* 
 
 To those who ask on what principle Mr. Wesley or- 
 dained Dr. Coke to preside over the Methodist societies 
 in America, we might urge this same reply. He was a 
 regular presbyter, ordained in the Church of England, 
 and, therefore, " presbyters being by divine right the 
 
 * Calamy's Defence of Moderate Nonconformity, vol. i, p. 70.
 
 80 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 same as bishops, he might warrantably ordain other 
 presbyters, and set them over other churches" on the 
 western continent ; especially as the bishop of London 
 had refused to ordain one, as stated in Mr. Wesley's 
 letter to Dr. Coke and Mr. Asbury. Perhaps it may be 
 said that, admitting Mr. Wesley had a right to ordain 
 presbyters, this would not justify him in ordaining a 
 bishop. To this objection the author just quoted has 
 furnished a clear and explicit answer, which I will give 
 in nearly his own words. 
 
 " That presbyters are by divine right the same as 
 bishops appears from hence, that such as were solemnly 
 set apart for the sacreu ministry, and intrusted with the 
 keys of the kingdom of heaven, and authorized to ad- 
 minister all ordinances in the church to the faithful com- 
 mitted to their care, and in Scripture styled bishops and 
 elders, or presbyters, without any mark of distinction. 
 To be convinced of this, a man need but turn to the se- 
 veral passages where they are mentioned. 
 
 " St. Paul, writing to the Philippians, directs his 
 epistle to all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, with 
 the bishops and deacons. He mentions bishops and 
 deacons, but no presbyters. Had there been any pres- 
 byters distinct from bishops, it is hard to give a reason 
 why they should be passed over in silence. It is more 
 rational to apprehend these bishops were no other than 
 the presbyters of the church. And this sentiment is 
 confirmed by the Syriac, one of the most ancient ver- 
 sions of the New Testament, which reads it ' presbyters 
 and deacons.' There could not have been several 
 bishops at Philippi, in the sense the Church of England 
 gives to that word. There could not be several pastors 
 of many churches in one such little place as that. They 
 must be therefore proper presbyters belonging to that 
 flock. We need not wonder to hear of many such in a 
 church ; for we are told that Paul and Barnabas ordain- 
 ed elders in every church, Acts xiv, 23. 
 
 " The same apostle, in his Epistle to Timothy, lays 
 down the duties of bishops and deacons, and the qualifi- 
 cations necessary for both, without saying a word of 
 presbyters ; of whom it is hard to suppose he should, 
 upou such an occasion, have been altogether silent, had
 
 LIFB OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 81 
 
 they not been the same persons whom he meant by 
 bishops. Theodoret, in his notes on Acts xi, 30, says 
 that the bishop or elder whom St. Paul characterizes, 
 was a presbyter, who was then indifferently called either 
 bishop or presbyter; while at the same time those who 
 were afterward called bishops, were then usually styled 
 apostles."* 
 
 In his epistle to Titus, St. Paul again introduces the 
 subject. And after appointing him to ordain elders in 
 every city, that the things which were wanting might 
 be set in order, he adds, " For a bishop must be blame- 
 less as the steward of God," Titus i, 7. It is plain 
 from hence that, in the view of the apostle, bishops and 
 elders, or presbyters, must have been considered as of 
 the same order ; otherwise instead of saying a bishop 
 must be blameless, he would undoubtedly have said an 
 elder or presbyter must be blameless, for in the preced- 
 ing verses he had been speaking of the ordination of 
 elders, and not of bishops. If, therefore, we suppose 
 bishops to have been an order of men superior to pres- 
 byters, it will not be easy to reconcile his language to 
 the dictates of common sense. If elders and bishops 
 are a distinct order of men, I shall not admire the rea- 
 soning powers of that man who would argue in the fol- 
 lowing manner : " Ordain elders in every city, as I had 
 appointed thee, if any be blameless, &c. ; for a bishop 
 must be blameless." Here all connection is broken off 
 between the premises and the conclusion. And yet in 
 this way we must suppose the Apostle Paul to have 
 argued in the first chapter of his Epistle to Titus. But 
 if, on the contrary, we allow bishops and elders to be 
 of the same order, then all the parts of his argument are 
 harmonious and consistent. 
 
 But, above all, the following passage, given by St. 
 Paul in charge to Timothy, seems to place this point 
 beyond all reasonable dispute: "Neglect not the gift 
 that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with 
 the laying on of the hands of the presbytery," 1 Tim. 
 iv, 14. " This place," says Mr. Whitaker against Bel- 
 larmine, " serves our purpose mightily ; for from hence 
 
 *Ibid. p. 75. 
 4*
 
 82 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 we understand that Timothy had hands laid upon him 
 by presbyters, who at that time governed the church by 
 a common council. Whereupon he falls upon Bellar- 
 mine, and the Romanists, for denying the authority of 
 ordaining to presbyters, and confining it to bishops." 
 Thus much is plain, that whether they were apostles, 
 evangelists, or bishops, who were concerned in the or- 
 dination of Timothy, they all assumed the character of 
 presbyters, and acted accordingly. And although some 
 who, in modern days, think themselves of a more ex- 
 alted order, may be unwilling to allow the propriety of 
 any inference drawn from the ordination of Timothy, in 
 favour of the authority of presbyters, such reluctance, 
 instead of arguing the weakness of these inferences, 
 gives an additional brilliancy to the features of truth. 
 And it can scarcely be deemed a breach of charity to 
 assert that, if the apostle had said " with the laying on 
 of the hands of the episcopate," instead of " the pres- 
 bytery," the authority of his office and the weight of his 
 argument would have been combined in all their force, 
 and a triumphant conclusion would have been drawn 
 from the passage, for appropriating the right of ordina- 
 tion exclusively to the bishops. 
 
 Regardless of these arguments, of which only a small 
 specimen is given, to prove that the order and authority 
 of presbyters and bishops was primarily the same, a 
 pious prelate of this country assumed an opposite posi- 
 tion. And in reference to the ordination of Dr. Coke 
 by Mr. Wesley, he observes that, " if a presbyter can 
 ordain a bishop, then the greater is blessed of the less ;" 
 thus evidently assuming, as a fact, the very point that 
 requires proof; namely, that a bishop is of an order 
 superior to a presbyter. And no doubt, if this fact 
 could be substantiated, that the argument would be con- 
 clusive against the ordination in question. But until 
 this be done, the argument can amount to nothing. Mr. 
 Wesley's biographers, therefore, justly remark that the 
 prelate should have overturned Mr. Wesley's position, 
 namely, that " bishops and presbyters are of the same 
 order," to have established his own. 
 
 But setting wholly aside all the arguments which 
 both reason and revelation supply, and granting, as a
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. CORK. 83 
 
 consequence of this concession, that bishops are of a 
 distinct order from presbyters, and superior to them, 
 \ve must then allow that their authority must have been 
 transmitted through a distinct medium, although it was 
 derived from one common source. But no distinct 
 medium can possibly be supposed to be adequate, un- 
 less it be superior to the order of presbyters : and none 
 above these can be conceived to be possible, unless it 
 be an uninterrupted line of bishops, extending back to 
 the days of the apostles. A denial, therefore, of the 
 validity of ordination by presbyters, involves the neces- 
 sity of apostolical succession, and of this we can find 
 but a very poor account. 
 
 Eusebius, who to us is the first spring of ecclesias- 
 tical history, after the Acts of the Apostles, tells us, in 
 the very beginning of his narrative, that one thing he 
 primarily had in his eye was to give us an account of 
 the apostolical succession. But, lest we should raise 
 our expectations too high, he very fairly informs us 
 that this was a new work, where he could trace no foot- 
 steps of others going before him, except in a few par- 
 ticular narratives. This was honest. And if, after this 
 fair warning, we place an implicit confidence in the 
 accounts which he gives from the reports of others, we 
 have more reason to accuse ourselves with being self- 
 deceivers than to charge him with imposition. 
 
 As to the apostles, he informs us that all the accounts 
 he can procure, say that they went about the world 
 publishing the Christian faith. He adds that it was 
 reported by his predecessors that Thomas had Parthia ; 
 that Andrew had Scythia ; that John had Asia ; that it 
 was likely that Peter preached to the Jews dispersed in 
 Pontus, Galatia, Bithynia, and Cappadocia ; and that 
 Paul preached from Jerusalem around about unto Illyri- 
 cum. This account is certainly very far from being 
 satisfactory. He does not even pretend to tell us where 
 they preached, nor even to know the methods which 
 they adopted to settle the various churches which they 
 planted. Bishop Stillingfleet assigns some weighty 
 reasons to induce a belief that their actions, in these 
 respects, were far from being uniform, but that they 
 varied their methods according to the manners and cir-
 
 84 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 cumstances of the people to whoni they preached. 
 What room, then, was there" for the triumphant con- 
 tempt which was poured upon Mr. Wesley and Dr. 
 Coke, respecting the ordination of the latter by the 
 former, when, according to Eusebius, our only guide, 
 we know scarcely any thing more concerning the tra- 
 vels and manners of the apostles themselves than we 
 gather from the sacred records. 
 
 But for this deficiency it may, perhaps, be expected 
 that the historian will make an ample compensation 
 when he proceeds to give us an account of their imme- 
 diate successors and followers. But in this instance 
 also, as well as in many others, disappointment travels 
 in the rear of hope, and even damps our expectation 
 by its shadow. " Who they were," says Eusebius, 
 " that, imitating these apostles, (meaning Peter and 
 Paul,) were by them thought worthy to govern the 
 churches which they planted, is no easy thing to tell, 
 excepting such as may be collected from St. Paul's 
 own words."* 
 
 On this remarkable passage bishop Stillingfleet makes 
 the following observations : " If the successors of the 
 apostles, by the confession of Eusebius, are not cer* 
 tainly to be discovered, then what becomes of that un- 
 questionable line of succession of the bishops of several 
 churches, and the large diagrams made of the apostoli- 
 cal churches, with every one's name set down in his 
 order, as if the writer had been Clarencieux to the 
 apostles themselves ? Are all the great outcries of 
 apostolical tradition, of personal succession, of unques- 
 tionable records, resolved at last into the Scripture 
 itself, by him from whom all these long pedigrees are 
 fetched ? Then let succession know its place ; and 
 learn to vaile Bonnet to the Scriptures ; and, withal, 
 let men take heed of overreaching themselves when 
 they would bring down so large a catalogue of single 
 bishops from the first and purest times of the church, 
 for it will be hard for others to believe them when 
 Eusebius professeth it is so hard to find them."t 
 
 " Would it not," says Calamy, " tempt a man to 
 
 * Euseb. Eccl. Hist., lib. iii, cap. 4. 
 t Stillingfleet's Irenic. p., 297.
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 85 
 
 wonder, after all this, to find such a stir made about 
 the tables of succession in the several churches from 
 the time of the apostles as a proof that diocesan episco- 
 pacy had its rise from them ? Alas ! the head of the 
 Nile is not more obscure than the first part of these 
 tables."* 
 
 " To show," the same author adds in another place, 
 "how little ground there is to depend upon them in 
 the present case, I will give a brief view from the re- 
 presentation of the ancients of the strange confusion of 
 the first part of the tables of the three most celebrated 
 churches of Alexandria, Antioch, and Rome." 
 
 The church of Alexandria has been generally repre- 
 sented as founded by St. Mark ; and yet Eusebius 
 speaks of it but as an uncertain report. " They say it 
 was so," but he does not tell us who said so, nor upon 
 what grounds. However, upon this slender authority 
 of " they say so," many others after him have ventured 
 to affirm it was an indisputable fact, that St. Mark was 
 actually the founder of this church. However, even in 
 this there is no perfect agreement. Some contend that 
 he was there with St. Peter ; others that he was there 
 alone, being sent by St. Peter; others that he was 
 there only once ; and others that he returned again 
 after his first visit. As to the time of his" arrival, the 
 period of his ministry, and the year in which this 
 church was first founded, all its records are totally 
 silent ; and the famous Clement, from whom we might 
 expect some information, throws not a single ray of 
 light upon this subject. 
 
 But even supposing St. Mark, under all these disad- 
 vantages, to have been seated in this church on his 
 throne of polished ivory, as the fabulous legends report, 
 and that he wrote his gospel in it, the difficulties will 
 increase when we proceed to his successors. His im- 
 mediate follower on " the throne of ivory" has several 
 names given to him, and as to those who come after, 
 the representations and accounts are too various and 
 conflicting to be credited as records of a fact. 
 
 The line of succession which proceeds from Antioch, 
 
 * Calamy, vol. i, p. 162.
 
 66 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 is involved in equal, if not still greater difficulties than 
 that of Alexandria. Eusebius, St. Chrysostom, St. Je- 
 rome, pope Leo, Innocent, Gelasius, and Gregory the 
 Great, all tell us that this church was founded by St. 
 Peter. But we learn from superior authority that " they 
 which were scattered abroad upon the persecution of 
 Stephen travelled as far as Antioch, preaching the word to 
 the Jews only," Acts xi, 19. This seems to have been 
 the occasion of introducing Christianity into Antioch. 
 After this, as the converts needed some one to confirm 
 them in the faith which they had newly embraced, the 
 church at Jerusalem sent forth Barnabas, not Peter, 
 that he should go as far as Antioch. And when Barna- 
 bas found that he needed some farther assistance, in- 
 stead of applying to Peter, he " departed to Tarsus to 
 seek Saul ; and when he had found him he brought 
 him to Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole 
 year they assembled themselves with the church, and 
 taught much people. And the disciples were called 
 Christians first at Antioch," Acts xi, 25, 26. In all 
 these transactions we have not one word about Peter ; 
 but, on the contrary, the intimations appear strongly in 
 favour of Paul, as the first founder of the church in this 
 place. 
 
 We read, indeed, in another place, that St. Peter was 
 at Antioch, but the circumstance is not mentioned to 
 his honour. For St. Paul, observing the offence he had 
 given by his dissimulation, withstood him to the face, 
 which we can hardly suppose he would have done, if 
 Peter had been the founder of the church, and if he now 
 stood at the head of his own diocess. 
 
 Baronius, indeed, aware of these difficulties, is very 
 willing that St. Peter should resign his bishopric at An- 
 tioch, upon condition that St. Paul, acting as his vicar, 
 be allowed to have erected one there by his authority. 
 But even this will not do ; neither can the supposition 
 be reconciled with the positive declarations of those 
 who assert that he was a long time bishop there. 
 
 If we turn from the apostles to their successors in 
 this church, we shall find ourselves equally destitute of 
 firm footing. Baronius assures us that the apostles left 
 two bishops behind them in this place, one for the Jews,
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 87 
 
 and the other for the Gentiles. These were Ignatius 
 and Euodius. Eusebius says expressly, that Euodius 
 was the first bishop of Antioch, and that Ignatius suc- 
 ceeded him. But, on the contrary, St. Chrysostom, 
 Theodoret, and the author of the Constitutions declare, 
 with equal assurance, that St. Peter and St. Paul both 
 laid their hands on Ignatius ; but unfortunately it ap- 
 pears that St. Peter was dead before Ignatius was bish- 
 op in this place. 
 
 The settlement of the Church of Rome, and its much 
 extolled apostolical succession of bishops, is involved, 
 if possible, in still greater perplexity, confusion, and 
 disorder. According to some, this church was founded 
 by St. Peter ; others say it was by St. Paul ; some intro- 
 duce both, and others assert it was neither. Of this 
 latter opinion were the learned Salmasius and others. 
 But let us allow that St. Peter actually was at Rome, 
 of what advantage will this be to the succession of 
 bishops ? If Peter was there, it is equally certain that 
 St. Paul was there also ; and under these circumstances 
 it will be hard to determine who was bishop. St. Paul 
 was there first, and on this account he is preferred by 
 many of the ancients to St. Peter ; and in the seal of 
 that church the former is placed on the right hand, and 
 the latter on the left. But still this does not determine 
 who was bishop. To accommodate this business, they 
 have agreed to make them both bishops ; and this un- 
 happily destroys the unity of the episcopate by placing 
 two supremes at the same time in the same church. 
 
 But whatever uncertainty may accompany the question 
 as to the first bishop, those who succeed him are known 
 with even less assurance. On this point the ancients 
 and the moderns are strongly divided. Some will have 
 Cletus expunged out of the table, as being the same 
 with Anacletus ; and thus, fixing Linus at the head of 
 the succession, cause him to be followed by Anacletus 
 and Clemens. In this manner Irenseus represents the 
 case. Others will have Cletus and Anacletus to be both 
 retained as distinct bishops, having Linus standing be- 
 tween them. At the same time in some of the ancient 
 catalogues Anacletus is excluded ; and what is remark- 
 able, he is not to be found at this day in the canon of
 
 88 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 the mass. And yet, in the Roman Martyrology, both 
 Cletus and Anacletus are distinctly mentioned, and a 
 different account is given of the birth, pontificate, and 
 martyrdom of each. 
 
 In the catalogue of Epiphanius, the early bishops of 
 Rome are placed in the following order : Peter and 
 Paul, Linus, Cletus, Clemens, and Euaristus. But in 
 the catalogue of Bucher they stand according to the fol- 
 lowing arrangement : Linus, Cletus, Clemens, and 
 Euaristus ; and three names are entirely omitted ; name- 
 ly, Anicetus, Eleutherius, and Zephyrinus. And what 
 shall we do with the famous Clement? Does he style 
 himself bishop of Rome? Or how came he to forget 
 his title ? 
 
 It has been said by some that after he had been St. 
 Paul's companion, and was chosen by Peter to be bishop 
 of Rome, he gave place to Linus. But others assert, 
 with equal confidence, and perhaps with equal authority, 
 that Linus and Clemens, and others, that Linus and 
 Cletus, were bishops at the same time. Tertullian, 
 Rutlitms, and some others place Clement next to St. 
 Peter ; but Irenaeus and Eusebius set Anacletus before 
 him ; and Optatus makes both Anacletus and Cletus to 
 precede him. And, finally, as though these strenuous 
 defenders of apostolical succession were destined to 
 render it ridiculous by the various methods they have 
 adopted to defend this tender string, Austin, Damasus, 
 and others will not allow him to grace the list until the 
 names of Anacletus, Cletus, and Linus, have appeared. 
 Such is the foundation of apostolical succession in the 
 church of Rome ! Surely it can be no breach of charity 
 to assert that 
 
 ' The bold impostor 
 Looks not more silly when the cheat's found out.' 
 
 It was not, therefore, without reason that Bishop Stil- 
 lingfleet observed, " The succession here is as muddy 
 as the Tiber itself; and if the line fails us here, we have 
 little cause to pin our faith upon it, as to the certainty 
 of any particular form of church government, which can 
 be drawn from the help of the records of the primitive
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 89 
 
 church."* It cannot, therefore, but be evident to every 
 unprejudiced mind that, since such confusion and dis- 
 order appear in the front of these tables of succession, 
 where we might most naturally expect the greatest regu- 
 larity and certainty, no dependence can be placed on 
 their authority. 
 
 That the pretences to apostolical succession and apos- 
 tolical tradition, which the great defenders of episcopal 
 authority make, are very bold and high-sounding, can- 
 not be easily denied. And when they come forward, 
 supported by a long list of succession that is too sacred 
 to be touched by vulgar hands, because the line pro- 
 fessedly reaches to the venerable churches of Alexandria, 
 Antioch, and Rome, the mind is dazzled with the glar- 
 ing meteor. But when the civil power withdraws its 
 coercive support, and, as in this country, exposes the 
 question to a free investigation, the imaginary rock sinks 
 under us, and the chain crumbles into dust. 
 
 Placing these tables of succession in the most favour- 
 able light, it cannot be denied that Eusebius is the prin- 
 cipal, and almost the only author, on whom their credit 
 depends : and from him we have already seen the sandy 
 foundation on which the edifice is raised. In his account 
 of the succession in the several churches, the whole ap- 
 pears to be made up chiefly from conjectures at a distance 
 of three hundred years from the apostolical times, and 
 even these conjectures are founded on very dubious au- 
 thority. The veracity of Eusebius is not to be questioned, 
 so far as he was able to procure information. Of this 
 fact he has given to the world a convincing testimony 
 by leaving vacancies even in his conjectural lists when 
 he had no light to guide him through the gloomy laby- 
 rinth during the first ages of the church. His successors, 
 however, have certainly been either more bold or more 
 successful in their labours. For certain it is, that Nice- 
 phorus, Callistus, and Simeon the Metaphrast, and other 
 puch "historical tinkers," as Bishop Stillingfleet plea- 
 santly calls them, have taken great care to fill all the 
 vacancies which Eusebius had left, so that the tables are 
 now presented to the world as quite complete. 
 
 It therefore finally appears, from the whole of this 
 * Irenic., p. 312.
 
 00 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 apparent digression, that he who from the confused, 
 mutilated, and mended tables of succession which have 
 been transmitted to us in the records of antiquity, can 
 infer the necessity of episcopal ordination, and the inva- 
 lidity of all besides, must either have a great share of 
 credulity, or a predominant fancy.* 
 
 Among the advocates for apostolical succession which 
 this country boasts in modern times, Bishop Hoadly 
 may be considered as standing in the foremost rank. 
 But although an avowed enemy to nonconformity, he 
 had too much magnanimity, candour, and good under- 
 standing to take his stand on this delusive and defence- 
 less ground. He allows the truth of St. Jerome's state- 
 ment, that the presbyters of Alexandria elected their 
 own bishops for two hundred years, which was from the 
 supposed days of St. Mark to those of Dionysius. He 
 argues, indeed, that from the days of the apostles it was 
 the universal custon of the church to establish a superior 
 officer, and to invest him with extraordinary power, to 
 whom the term bishop was applied by way of eminence. 
 But he nowhere considers these as an order of men ab- 
 stractedly independent of those from whom they derived 
 their authority. On the contrary, he hesitates not to 
 make this public declaration : " I think not an unin- 
 terrupted line of succession of regularly ordained bishops 
 necessary."f This is a concession which many of his 
 colleagues would feel some delicacy in making; but 
 from so able a reasoner what less would be expected ? 
 If the uninterrupted succession were asserted to be ne- 
 cessary, it must then be incumbent on its advocates to 
 make it out ; and then, to fail in this, would be to aban- 
 don the cause altogether. But, from the view we have 
 already taken of this subject, we may perceive that this 
 must be a work of no common difficulty ; and all who 
 have undertaken it have failed in the attempt, and by 
 their failure have discovered, with additional evidence, 
 
 * SeeCalamy's Defence of moderate Nonconformity, vol. i, pp. 
 163174. See also, Dr. Cave's Lives of the Fathers, and his Pri- 
 mitive Christianity, chap, viii, together with the various authorities 
 to which they respectively refer. 
 
 t Hoadly's Treatise on Conformity and Episcopacy, p. 489.
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 91 
 
 the extent and danger of those quicksands in which so 
 many have been overwhelmed. It appears, therefore, 
 even from the concession of Bishop Hoadly, which both 
 candour and prudence compelled him to make, that the 
 conduct of Mr. Wesley in the ordination of Dr. Coke 
 was rather a deviation from long established usage and 
 modern practice, than from the manners of the primitive 
 churches. And we cannot but remain astonished when 
 we reflect on that spirit by which those opposers were 
 actuated while pouring upon them that torrent of exe- 
 cration which now adds a freshness to the laurels which 
 they wear. 
 
 But how fatal soever the preceding arguments, autho- 
 rities, and concessions may appear to the infallibility of 
 apostolical succession, it was not from these, either ex- 
 clusively or primarily, that Mr. Wesley derived his sup- 
 port in the measures which he pursued. In every step 
 he invariably endeavoured to take the conduct of the 
 primitive churches for his guide. This is a fact which 
 all his friends are ready to admit, and which none of his 
 foes are prepared to disapprove. It was upon this prin- 
 ciple that he endeavoured to establish his societies, to 
 provide for their internal government, and to regulate 
 the proceedings of those preachers who acted in con- 
 junction with him. His knowledge of ancient ecclesi- 
 astical history was extensive ; this, therefore, enabled 
 him to draw from the fountain head ; and it was only 
 from discovering in the writings of Lord King, a faithful 
 condensation of the manners of the ancient Christians 
 for the first three hundred years, founded upon an ac- 
 curate knowledge and a comprehensive survey of their 
 proceedings, that he confessed his obligations to that 
 writer. 
 
 From a dispassionate survey of all the preceding ac- 
 counts it plainly appears that, in the various steps which 
 Mr. Wesley took in the formation of his societies, and 
 in his laying hands on Dr. Coke, he uniformly imitated 
 the conduct of the primitive Christian churches, so far 
 as the circumstances in which he was placed would 
 allow. And in such cases as he deviated from this rule 
 he was driven by an alternative, either of acting as he
 
 92 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 acted, or of omitting altogether the adoption of mea- 
 sures which God has been pleased to bless in a most un- 
 exampled manner.* 
 
 CHAPTER VL 
 
 Dr. Coke sails to America Prominent particulars bf the voy- 
 age manner in which he employed his time Favourable recep- 
 tion on his arrival First interview with Mr. Asbury Vicissi- 
 tudes in traversing the states Transactions at the first conference 
 at Baltimore Sermon at the conference noticed Observations on 
 some strictures made on it Conduct of Dr. Coke vindicated re- 
 specting his sermon Occasion of an address to General Wash- 
 ington This address closely connected with the welfare of Me- 
 thodism in the United States Necessity of the measure General 
 Washington's reply. 
 
 DR. COKE, being strongly fortified with the arguments 
 and authorities which we have transiently surveyed, 
 remained in Bristol until the vessel was ready in which 
 himself and his colleagues were prepared to sail. Every 
 thing being in order, he went on board, in company 
 with Mr. Whatcoat and Mr. Vasey, amid the prayers 
 and ardent wishes of the societies, that God would give 
 them a safe and speedy voyage, and ultimately crown 
 their undertaking with his blessing. 
 
 The vessel on board of which they embarked was 
 bound for New-York, and neither the company nor the 
 accommodations were disagreeable. A favourable breeze 
 springing up, they weighed anchor on Saturday, the 18th 
 of September, 1784, and began their voyage with a 
 strong confidence in the protecting care of that God who 
 can direct the elements, and make both winds and seas 
 subservient to his own purposes. 
 
 * It is but just to the general body of European Methodists to 
 state explicitly that the measures which Mr. Wesley adopted on 
 this occasion were limited in their operation to America. On the 
 plan which was formed for the Methodists in the western conti- 
 nent, the English Methodists have never acted j they are therefore 
 not responsible for the arguments by which its propriety in a for- 
 eign country has been defended, under a train of peculiar circum- 
 stances, in the preceding pages.
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 03 
 
 On Sunday, the 19th, it was their intention to deliver 
 two sermons to the sailors and company on board ; but 
 being unaccustomed to the sea, the motion of the ship 
 created such a degree of sickness that the only duty 
 they found themselves able to perform was that of cast- 
 ing their care upon God. 
 
 On Monday, the 20th, the wind and tide had so far 
 operated in their favour, that they had proceeded nearly 
 one hundred leagues from Bristol, although they had 
 not advanced altogether so far toward the port of their 
 destination. 
 
 On the three following days they were obliged to con- 
 tend with adverse gales, which blew with such violence 
 as to require the constant exertion of nearly all the sea- 
 men, and finally to bring them much nearer to Bristol 
 when the storm subsided on Thursday evening, than 
 they were on the preceding Monday. 
 
 On Friday, the 24th, both the tempest and their sick- 
 ness abated. The wind also became favourable, and 
 their appetites returned ; and, in a state of external and 
 internal tranquillity, they found themselves gently 
 wafted toward America, at the rate of four or five miles 
 an hour. 
 
 On Saturday, the 25th, they had accomplished one 
 hundred and fifty leagues of their voyage ; but hitherto, 
 through sickness and tempestuous weather, they had 
 been prevented from bearing any public testimony for 
 God. A favourable opportunity, however, soon pre- 
 sented itself, as one of the sailors was dangerously ill, 
 and confined to his bed in the steerage. On visiting this 
 man they took occasion to describe the nature of sin, to 
 enforce the necessity of conversion, and to direct him to 
 behold the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the 
 world. And although nothing was said to any of the 
 other sailors in a direct manner, they listened with much 
 attention, and behaved with the greatest propriety. 
 And it is not improbable that they felt themselves more 
 deeply interested in the truths which they heard on this 
 solemn occasion, while the evidences of mortality ap- 
 peared so conspicuously before them in one of their 
 afflicted companions, than they would have been by any 
 direct address that could have been delivered to them.
 
 04 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 Against swearing and drunkenness, the prevailing vices 
 of sailors, the captain had decidedly set his face, both 
 by his example and his precepts ; but these were insuf- 
 ficient to produce the desired effect. Such, however, 
 was the respect which they entertained for Dr. Coke 
 and his associates, that, from the time they began to 
 visit their sick companion, scarcely an oath was ever 
 afterward uttered in their presence while they were on 
 board. 
 
 These favourable circumstances, which occurred on 
 Saturday, prepared the way for them to introduce 
 preaching on Sunday 26th. Dr. Coke accordingly 
 preached in the morning ; but a French ship appearing 
 with her colours hoisted, and expecting from them the 
 same compliment, greatly interrupted their service. 
 But in the afternoon, having no impediments, both cap- 
 tain and sailors gave deep attention, and conducted 
 themselves with the utmost decorum. 
 
 On Monday 27th, the winds were contrary, but not 
 violent ; so that although their progress was retarded, 
 their peace was not interrupted. The exercise of pa- 
 tience was indeed necessary, and they experienced a 
 calm resignation to the will of God. 
 
 On Tuesday 28th, the weather continued much the 
 same as on the preceding day ; and although they had 
 scarcely advanced a league toward their port during this 
 and the two preceding days, they still found themselves 
 about two hundred and fifty leagues from Bristol. And 
 ns they were now so accustomed to the motion of the 
 ship, that their sickness was gone, and a regular mode 
 of living was established, they set apart a given hour 
 every morning for social prayer. To these prayer 
 meetings the sailors regularly resorted, and, unless pre- 
 vented by the duties of the ship, they persevered in this 
 practice during the remaining part of the voyage. 
 
 On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, nothing re- 
 markable occurred. The winds had been rather unfa- 
 vourable, but the weather was fine, and with patience 
 and resignation their time passed pleasantly away. 
 
 On Saturday, October 2d, a brisk gale set in from the 
 east, and carried them onward with more than common 
 rapidity, so that on the whole they found themselves
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 95 
 
 about three hundred and fifty leagues from Bristol, un- 
 der an auspicious gale that wafted them in a direct line 
 toward their desired haven. 
 
 On Sunday 3d, divine service was again performed 
 both in the morning and in the afternoon ; and the same 
 degree of attention was paid by the sailors that had 
 marked their former conduct. 
 
 On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, nothing re- 
 markable happened. The gale became less flattering, 
 but still it continued to propel them forward, although 
 the weather was now grown variable. 
 
 On Thursday 7th, as the morning brought with it a 
 perfect calm, the captain directed all the sails to be set. 
 This was done accordingly ; and, during the whole fore- 
 noon, without any anticipation of approaching danger, 
 they waited for an auspicious breeze. But about noon 
 a sudden squall attacked the vessel with all her canvass 
 spread, in consequence of which she was laid down, and 
 it was with the utmost difficulty they could prevent the 
 mainmast from being snapped in two. During these 
 moments of alarm and danger all was hurry and confu- 
 sion ; but so far had the minds of the sailors been im- 
 pressed with the solemnities of religion, that the mate 
 observed to Dr. Coke, " not an oath was to be heard 
 among the sailors during the squall and the bustle to 
 which it immediately led." 
 
 Several days succeeded to this, without bringing any 
 remarkable occurrence. To morning and evening 
 prayer the sailors were induced to attend, and their be- 
 haviour was uniformly decent. Every Sunday their 
 seasons of public worship were regular, and the means 
 of grace were also diligently attended. But although 
 an outward reformation was visible in the language of 
 the sailors, there was but little reason to believe that 
 divine grace had made any deep impression on any of 
 their hearts. 
 
 They had now made so considerable a progress in 
 their voyage, that instead of calculating the distance they 
 had sailed from Bristol, they began to anticipate their 
 approximation to the continent. In the expectation of 
 their speedy arrival in sight of land, they were confirm- 
 ed on Friday 22d, by a sparrow which paid them a
 
 96 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 visit. The intimation which it gave was not delusive, 
 although they were not permitted to reach the shore so 
 early as they expected. Among the sailors they now 
 thought that one was given to them as a seal to their 
 ministry ; but as they were about to remove, they had 
 no opportunity of observing that infallible characteris- 
 tic of the Christian, " By their fruits ye shall know 
 them." 
 
 On Sunday 24th, expecting it would be the last time 
 of public worship, they preached their farewell ser- 
 mons, and gave their final admonitions. To these the 
 seamen listened with apparently more attention than 
 they had ever manifested before; and none among them 
 seemed displeased with the simple truths which were 
 delivered without any disguise. Another week, how- 
 ever, elapsed before they could get on shore ; so that, 
 on the following Sunday, they were enabled once more 
 to warn the sailors to flee from the wrath to come. On 
 this occasion all behaved with the utmost decorum, and 
 appeared like men who began to believe they had an 
 interest in eternity. But beyond this it is difficult to 
 say what effect the word preached had upon their minds. 
 It is, however, the duty of gospel ministers to be instant 
 in season, and out of season ; and, having used with 
 conscious sincerity the means which God has appointed, 
 to leave the event to him. It was upon this principle 
 that Dr. Coke and his companions acted during their 
 voyage, which terminated on the 3d of November, on 
 which day they landed at New-York. 
 
 The leisure portions of time which this passage across 
 the Atlantic afforded, were employed by Dr. Coke 
 chiefly in perusing such books as related to his present 
 undertaking, and to the important occasion for which 
 he had left his native land. In the lives of Francis 
 Xavier and David Brainerd, he beheld an employment 
 similar almost to this in which he was personally enga- 
 ged ; and the breathings of his soul appear to have been 
 for a spirit which, like the spirits of those holy men, 
 should be filled with humility, with self-denial, with 
 patience, with perseverance, and with an inextinguish- 
 able zeal for the glory of God. In prayer, and in the 
 meditations of St. Austin, he found many spiritual bless-
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 97 
 
 ings, and much consolation. Bishop Hoadly's Trea- 
 tises on Conformity and Episcopacy, though consisting 
 of five hundred and sixty-six pages, passed also under 
 his review ; but, although he admits that the bishop is 
 a fair and powerful reasoner, the perusal tended on the 
 whole to confirm him in that line of duty which he 
 was about to pursue on the western continent. In mo- 
 ments of relaxation, to relieve his mind from the fatigue 
 of severer studies, the Arcadian scenes of Virgil's pen 
 unfolded their beauties to his imagination. And even 
 while nothing but sea, and sky, and winds was present 
 to the senses, the magic wand of the poet introduced 
 him to verdant meadows, to blooming groves, to bub- 
 bling fountains, to purling brooks, and to meandering 
 streams. But even in this region of poetic fancy his 
 soul was bent toward God : and the license taken by 
 Virgil was cherished to illustrate the sublime expres- 
 sions of David. 
 
 Arriving at New-York in perfect health, the first care 
 of Dr. Coke, after having taken an affectionate leave of 
 the captain and his companions on board, was to find 
 out the Methodist preaching house. In this inquiry he 
 was assisted by a gentleman, who, although he had no 
 connection with the Methodists, conducted him to the 
 house of a Mr. Sands, where he took up his abode, 
 and found himself in a region of hospitality and friend- 
 ship. The intelligence of his arrival soon brought to 
 the house the travelling preacher stationed in that city. 
 To him Dr. Coke unfolded the plan which Mr. Wesley 
 had adopted for the regulation and government of his 
 societies in America. And it was no small consolation 
 to him to learn that the plan met his entire approbation ; 
 and so confident was he of Mr. Asbury's concurrence, 
 that he advised him immediately to make it public 
 throughout all the societies, being fully assured that the 
 name of Mr. Wesley would impart a degree of sanction 
 to the measure which would disarm resistance, even if 
 any were to be apprehended. But that nothing might 
 be done precipitately, Dr. Coke declined carrying the 
 advice into execution, until he had seen Mr. Asbury, to 
 whom he had a particular message, although they were 
 personally unknown to each other, that they might act 
 
 5
 
 88 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 in concert, and take no step that should not be the re- 
 sult of calm deliberation. 
 
 Having taken this prudent resolution, Dr. Coke, after 
 preaching a few times in New-York and its vicinity, 
 took his leave of a friendly and affectionate people, and 
 directed his course toward Philadelphia ; this being the 
 quarter in which he expected to find Mr. Asbury. He 
 reached that city on Saturday, the 6th of November, 
 and was kindly entertained at the house of a Mr. Baker. 
 On the ensuing day he preached in one of the churches, 
 at the particular desire of a clergyman, who, in com- 
 pany with Dr. White, another clergyman, paid him a 
 friendly visit, when the latter offered him the use of his 
 church the Sunday following. In the course of this 
 week, he waited on the governor, and was received 
 both by him and his lady with the utmost politeness. 
 Of this gentleman Dr. Coke speaks in his journals in 
 terms of the warmest approbation, as a genuine friend 
 to literature, to toleration, and to vital Christianity. 
 
 On Friday, the 12th, Dr. Coke preached at the Cross 
 Roads, in the state of Delaware, to a pleasing and an 
 attentive congregation. And as a proof that the people 
 on the continent were ready to receive the gospel, he 
 observes that, on his journey to this place, he was en- 
 tertained at an inn in a most sumptuous manner, for 
 which entertainment the proprietor absolutely refused 
 to receive the smallest remuneration, esteeming it an 
 honour to receive an ambassador for Jesus into his 
 house. The day following furnished an evidence not 
 less striking in the conduct of a Mr. Basset, one of the 
 executive council for the state of Delaware. This gen- 
 tleman, at whose house Dr. Coke was kindly enter- 
 tained, though not a member of the Methodist connec- 
 tion, was at that time erecting a large chapel at his 
 own expense for the accommodation of the preachers, 
 the congregation, and the society. At this place Dr. 
 Coke had his first interview with Mr. Freeborn Gar- 
 retson, of whose life an interesting memoir is published 
 in the Methodist Magazine for the year 1794. He was 
 at this time a young man, and Dr. Coke describes him 
 as full of meekness, activity, and love ; and as seizing 
 every moment to redeem the time, and to render him-
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 99 
 
 self useful in the church of God ; and even as setting an 
 example to those who were farther advanced in years. 
 
 Hitherto Dr. Coke had not seen Mr. Asbury, with 
 whom he was solicitous to become acquainted ; but the 
 moment was at hand that should introduce them to 
 each other. On Sunday, the 14th, the doctor proceeded 
 from the house of Mr. Basset to a chapel built in the 
 midst of a vast forest, in which an unexpected con- 
 course of people assembled from every quarter. To 
 this congregation he preached, and afterward adminis- 
 tered the sacrament to between five and six hundred 
 communicants. Scarcely, however, had he finished his 
 sermon, before he perceived a plainly dressed, robust, 
 but venerable looking man moving through the congre- 
 gation, and making his way toward him. On ascend- 
 ing the pulpit, he clasped the doctor in his arms ; and, 
 without making himself known by words, accosted him 
 with the holy salutation of primitive Christianity. This 
 venerable man was Mr. Asbury ; and their joy at meet- 
 ing soon became mutual, while the scene was at once 
 interesting and affecting to the congregation. 
 
 On leaving the chapel they repaired together to the 
 house of a hospitable friend who had anticipated their 
 interview on their arrival. Here they took into con- 
 sideration the plan which Mr. Wesley had devised for 
 the government and discipline of the societies in Ame- 
 rica, and concerted measures for carrying his designs 
 more fully into execution ; especially as the measures 
 to be adopted met the full approbation of Mr. Asbury, 
 and therefore ensured their mutual co-operation. 
 
 Previous to this day, Mr. Asbury had received some 
 intimations of Dr. Coke's arrival ; and expecting to find 
 him at the chapel in the forest, he had informed several 
 preachers of the circumstance, desiring them to repair 
 to the neighbourhood, that they might be in readiness 
 to attend, in case Dr. Coke should have any thing of 
 importance to communicate from England. The con- 
 tents of his mission being thought both highly import- 
 ant and deeply interesting, the preachers detained in 
 the vicinity, by Mr. Asbury, were immediately called ; 
 and on being convened in a kind of council, they were 
 made acquainted with the authority with which Dr. Coke
 
 100 LIFE OF THE RET. DR. COKE, 
 
 was empowered, and with the outlines of the plan 
 with which he was intrusted. In this council it became 
 a question, whether it would not be prudent to appoint 
 a conference, as soon as the preachers could be inform- 
 ed of their intention, and collected together from the 
 various states. In favour of this step their voices were 
 unanimous ; and nothing remained but to appoint the 
 time, and give publicity to the notice, suspending all 
 farther consultations' until the period should arrive. It 
 was now the 15th of November, and the day fixed for 
 the opening of their conference was the ensuing Christ- 
 mas-eve. Messengers were accordingly despatched in 
 every direction, and every method was- adopted that 
 prudence could suggest, to circulate among the preach- 
 ers a knowledge of the day on which they were expect- 
 ed to assemble. 
 
 Dr. Coke, during this interim, following the advice 
 of Mr. Asbury, who was now well acquainted with the 
 manners and dispositions of the people, and much better 
 with the local geography of the country than himself, 
 set out on a tour to visit the societies, and preach to the 
 congregations which might assemble to hear. His 
 route, thus laid out, included nearly a thousand miles. 
 To conduct him through the pathless forests of the con- 
 tinent, Mr. Asbury furnished him with his black servant, 
 whose name was Harry. This man had experienced 
 the influence of divine grace on his heart; and had given 
 evidence of its abiding efficacy by the humility and 
 amiable deportment of his life. From experiencing the 
 grace of God in his own soul, he had been led to warn 
 his sable brethren to flee from the wrath to come ; and 
 by addressing them in their own familiar dialect, he 
 had been made instrumental of much good among them. 
 During this tour Dr. Coke heard him preach several 
 times ; and from that peculiar power which attended 
 his word, he thought him, in this department, one of 
 the best preachers that the world could furnish. 
 
 In prosecuting this journey, Dr. Coke found himself 
 exposed to the storms and sunshine which diversify the 
 natural and the moral world. In some places he was 
 received as an angel of God, and was caressed and fol- 
 lowed by the rich and powerful, and occasionally salu-
 
 LIFE OF THE REV, BR. COKE. 101 
 
 led with the hosannas of the multitude. But on other 
 occasions the case was totally reversed. Arriving at 
 the town of Cambridge on Sunday, the 5th of Decem- 
 ber, a place that had been notorious for persecution, a 
 question arose among the inhabitants whether Dr. Coke, 
 who was admitted to be a clergyman, should be allowed 
 to preach in their church or wot. The question was 
 finally decided against him, and the church doors were 
 shut It is worthy of remark, that in this church no 
 service had been performed for several years ; and, 
 prior to Dr. Coke's arrival, it had been thrown open for 
 the reception of cattle and hogs, although they would 
 not suffer it to be profaned by the preaching of the gos- 
 peL But a vast concourse of people assembled at the 
 door of a cottage, and to these he preached without in- 
 terruption. At Kent Island, on the following Thursday, 
 he was again compelled to preach in the open air, 
 through a cause somewhat similar to the preceding. In 
 the church of this place notice had been published on 
 the preceding Snuday, that Dr. Coke would preach there. 
 But when the moment came, the same individual who had 
 announced his coming to preach in the church, through 
 that instability which marks the weakness of human 
 nature, ordered the doors to be shut against him. The 
 issue here was different from what he in all probability 
 expected. A large congregation assembled, and heard 
 attentively; and even those who had been no previous 
 friends to Methodism espoused its cause on the present 
 occasion, through the indignant feelings which the treat- 
 ment of Dr. Coke had excited. In passing from Cam- 
 bridge to this place he was exposed to imminent danger 
 in crossing a ferry. From the violence of the weather, 
 Harry, who was at once his companion and his guide, 
 had anticipated the danger that awaited them ; and 
 through his persuasion Dr. Coke was prevailed upon to 
 leave the horses to be brought forward on the ensuing 
 day, as the river which they had to pass was scarcely 
 fordable. This was done ; and it was with the utmost 
 difficulty that the boat, into which they entered on an- 
 other part of the same stream, could reach the opposite 
 shore. To this advice, under the superintending care of 
 Ged, they wereindebteil for the preservation of their lives.
 
 102 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKI, 
 
 As no doubt had been entertained that the plan re- 
 commended by Mr. Wesley would be fully adopted at 
 the ensuing conference, Dr. Coke and Mr. Asbury had 
 anticipated the erection of a school or college for the 
 education of youth so soon as circumstances should 
 concur to render the accomplishment of the plan ad- 
 visable. In humble confidence of success, they had, 
 therefore, previous to their separation, agreed to make 
 their intention public in the course of their respective 
 journeys, and solicit such assistance as their benevolent 
 friends were disposed to afford. In prosecuting this 
 plan, they found a spirit of liberality which far exceed- 
 ed their most sanguine expectations. On the 14th of 
 December they again met near Chesapeake bay ; and, 
 on comparing their sums together, discovered that they 
 had already collected about one thousand pounds ster- 
 ling ; and, on the Friday following, one gentleman pre- 
 sented Dr. Coke with thirty guineas, furnishing both 
 him and Mr. Asbury with elegant apartments, and every 
 accommodation which they could wish to prepare their 
 plans for the approaching conference. 
 
 On Christmas-eve the preachers met in the city of 
 Baltimore, according to previous appointment, to begin 
 their conference, at which nearly sixty were present ; 
 but the whole number at that time in the connection 
 on the continent amounted to eighty-one. In this as- 
 sembly the plans devised by Mr. Wesley, and now com- 
 mitted to their care for execution, were fully unfolded ; 
 and, under existing circumstances, their general princi- 
 ples received unanimous approbation. On the 27th of 
 December, Dr. Coke, agreeably to the letter he had re- 
 ceived from Mr. Wesley prior to his departure from 
 Bristol, proceeded to impart to Mr. Asbury that branch 
 of the office to which he was designated. The season 
 was awful and impressive ; a solemn sense of the divine 
 presence evidently resting upon all. Mr. Asbury being 
 thus ordained, in conjunction with Dr. Coke, superin- 
 tendent of the Methodist Episcopal Church in America, 
 proceeded with him to elect a number of elders and 
 deacons, according to the directions previously received 
 from Mr. Wesley. To the office of deacon every other 
 preacher in full connection was chosen ; and in the
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 103 
 
 choice of presbyters or elders all partiality seemed to 
 give place to superior considerations ; namely, to quali- 
 fication and character, such as might tend to promote 
 the glory of God, and the welfare of immortal souls. 
 
 But how rigorously soever they adhered to the prin- 
 ciple of impartiality, it was not in their power to give 
 universal satisfaction. Many who were omitted in this 
 list of honour felt themselves hurt, and suspected that 
 others less qualified for the office were unduly prefer- 
 red before them. But for such surmisings due allow- 
 ance must always be made. They flow from the selfish 
 principles of human nature ; and, in a greater or less 
 degree, find place in almost every breast. The discon- 
 tent, however, was of a transient nature ; reason soon 
 resumed her dominion ; the clouds quickly dispersed ; 
 and all was again clear and tranquil. 
 
 As the establishment of this mode of discipline and 
 government among the Methodists in America was to- 
 tally unprecedented, it became necessary to state to the 
 assembled multitudes the foundation on which the inno- 
 vation stood. This was a task which naturally devolved 
 on Dr. Coke ; and to this subject he directed the atten- 
 tion of his audience, in a sermon which he delivered at 
 Baltimore, immediately after the ordination of Mr. As- 
 bury, and the appointment of presbyters and deacons 
 for the churches. In the course of this sermon he ad- 
 verted to the arguments which we have already given 
 in detail in the preceding chapter ; and, independently 
 of argument and reasoning, he defended the measure on 
 the ground of necessity ; and vindicated his conduct, 
 and the conduct of his associates, from the charge of 
 inconsistency, by making his appeal to the indepen- 
 dence which the United States had recently acquired. 
 
 But unfortunately, in these statements, vindications, 
 and appeals, he was less careful than could have been 
 wished, in preserving those marks of discrimination to 
 which all should rigidly adhere on disputable occasions. 
 In describing the character of the clergy of America, he 
 seemed to have forgotten that he was still an English- 
 man ; and he introduced his observations in a manner 
 that would seem, from his omitting, in the ardour of his 
 zeal, the restrictive application, to imply a universal
 
 104 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 characteristic. On the subject of an episcopal establish- 
 ment, under the immediate auspices of the state, he was 
 equally negligent in marking the peculiar situations of 
 Great Britain and the United States ; and he seemed 
 hardly to be aware of the difficulty of vindicating the 
 appendages of monarchy upon republican ground, or of 
 expatiating upon the rights of independence on the con- 
 tinent without interfering with the regulations esta- 
 blished in his native land. In relation to the distinct 
 bodies of preachers on each side of the Atlantic, the 
 same inattention was discoverable in his animadver- 
 sions. And hence it was, that the language which, un- 
 der restrictive epithets, and exclusive appropriation, 
 was strictly just and proper, became liable to suspicions 
 in other connections, and, by exposing a vulnerable 
 front, invited assailants to an attack. 
 
 It is a fact, which the truth of personal biography, as 
 well as that of general history, directs us to offer on the 
 altar of impartiality, that Mr. Charles Wesley was never 
 pleased with the powers of ordaining which he thought 
 his brother John had unwarrantably assumed. His face 
 was set against this branch of his conduct from the be- 
 ginning ; and even to the last, the only ground which, 
 in his view, supported the propriety of the measure was 
 the utility resulting from it. But as in all these trans- 
 actions Dr. Coke had taken an active part, the situation 
 which he sustained, and the character he had assumed, 
 rendered him, in the estimation of Mr. Charles Wesley, 
 a fair object of attack. Against him, therefore, he could 
 direct all the point of his observations ; and by so doing 
 indirectly show his disapprobation, by a peculiar species 
 of well contrived accident that should teach the javelin 
 to fly beyond its appointed mark. 
 
 Availing himself of the favourable opportunity which 
 certain unguarded expressions in Dr. Coke's sermon 
 afforded, an anonymous author, on the arrival of some 
 copies in England, published strictures upon it. Of 
 these strictures Mr. Charles Wesley is generally sup- 
 posed to have been the author ; yet, for reasons which 
 are concealed, the writer could never be induced pub- 
 licly to avow his name. But from whose pen soever 
 they proceeded, they certainly contained much point,
 
 LItE OF TftE REV. DH. COKE. 105 
 
 and furnished evidence that the author was well ac- 
 quainted with his subject, and capable of taking a com- 
 prehensive survey of all its parts. Connecting the Me- 
 thodism of England with that of America the clergy at 
 home with the clergy abroad- and viewing Dr. Coke in 
 his complex character of a clergyman of the Church of 
 England, a Methodist preacher and a bishop in the 
 United States, he was presented to the public, dressed 
 in a coat of many colours. His reply to these strictures 
 soon followed their appearance ; and in this he intro- 
 duced those explanatory phrases, and local restrictions 
 to his meaning, which ought to have guarded the ex- 
 pressions of his sermon when it was delivered, and 
 which, if done, would have prevented the more pointed 
 parts of the strictures from falling upon him. 
 
 Among other charges of less magnitude and moment, 
 the anonymous author contends that, " As an English- 
 man, he condemns the constitution of his country, as a 
 clergyman, he vilifies his brethren with the opprobrious 
 names of hirelings and parasites, as a Methodist 
 preacher, he contradicts the uniform declarations of the 
 Rev. John and Charles Wesley, and that from the rea- 
 sons which he assigned for the adherence of the Me- 
 thodists in England to the Church, he indirectly charged 
 the preachers with acting upon principles of duplicity 
 and falsehood." 
 
 To the first of these charges Dr. Coke replies that, 
 instead of condemning the constitution of his country, 
 he is fully persuaded no form of civil government can be 
 equal to that of a mixed monarchy for the welfare of the 
 British empire. The constitution, he contends, is su- 
 perlatively excellent, although he readily allows that 
 some of its branches are liable to be abused. It was to 
 this abuse that he referred in his sermon ; and against 
 its effects and consequences, as they were experienced 
 in America, that he raised his voice ; and nothing be- 
 yond this, he argues, can be fairly inferred from his lan- 
 guage. 
 
 The expression used by Dr. Coke in his sermon, on 
 which the charge was founded, runs thus : "The Church 
 of England, of which the society of Methodists, in gene- 
 ral, have till lately professed themselves a part, did for 
 5*
 
 106 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 many years groan in America under grievances of the 
 heaviest kind. Subjected to a hierarchy which weighs 
 every thing in the scale of politics, its most important 
 interests were repeatedly sacrificed to the supposed ad- 
 vantages of England." That these observations were 
 intended by the author to be exclusively applied to the 
 churches in America, is demonstrable from the language 
 he has used. The abuses which existed, he invariably 
 condemned, both in England and in America ; especi- 
 ally as he perceived that principles were from these 
 abuses called into action which might ultimately prove 
 destructive to the very essence of Christianity. But 
 the manner in which po-wer was exercised in America, 
 he uniformly admitted to be widely different from that 
 which was discovered in England. Both in this country 
 and in America the hierarchy existed ; but it was only 
 on the western side of the Atlantic that he represents the 
 people as " groaning under grievances of the heaviest 
 kind." In both countries the hierarchy was liable to 
 abuse; but it was only in America that he describes i-t 
 as actually abused. In both countries every thing 
 might be " weighed in the scale of politics," but it was 
 only in the United States that he represented the "most 
 important interests of the people sacrificed to the sup- 
 posed advantages 6f England.'* On what ground, then, 
 it may be asked, does that charge rest, which accuses 
 Dr. Coke with " condemning the constitution of his 
 country ?" Combined in all its parts, it was an object 
 of his admiration ; but he perceived within its range a 
 principle which was liable to abuse ; and in a distant 
 appendage of the empire he saw that abuse actually ex- 
 isting in all its enormity. The fact itself has never been 
 denied. Against this abuse he lifted his voice, and em- 
 ployed his pen ; and therefore he stood charged with 
 condemning the constitution of his country ! 
 
 Against the second charge, that, " as a clergyman, 
 he vilifies his brethren with the opprobrious names of 
 hirelings and parasites," his vindication lies within a 
 narrow compass. Dr. Coke has said that " the churches 
 were in general filled with the parasites and bottle 
 companions of the rich and great ; and that the drunk- 
 ard, the fornicator, and the extortioner triumphed over
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 107 
 
 bleeding Zion, because they -vere faithful abetters of 
 the ruling powers." To prevent, if possible, any one 
 from thinking that he intended to apply these passages 
 so indiscriminately as to involve the English clergy, he 
 had subjoined a note at the foot of his page. But this 
 note was insufficient to protect him from a charge of 
 vilifying his brethren. In his vindication he utterly de- 
 nies that the American clergy were his brethren. That 
 they were, in general, as wretched a set of men as ever 
 disgraced the church of God, he boldly asserts ; although 
 he admits that several might be found among them at 
 whose feet he should think it an honour to sit. *But, on 
 the whole, he contends that the clergy of the Church of 
 England were incomparably to be preferred before the 
 clergy in America, adverted to in his sermon. It does 
 not appear that Dr. Coke on this occasion stands charged 
 with having uttered falsehoods, or with having given 
 even distorted features to truth. In what respect, then, 
 it may be asked, has he vilified his brethren ? His crime 
 must consist in having given publicity to vices which 
 previously existed, and with having had courage to drag 
 the traitors to light. 
 
 To the third charge, " that, as a Methodist preacher, 
 he contradicts the uniform declaration of J. and C. 
 Wesley, respecting their adherence to the church," he 
 replies that he did nothing but by a delegated power 
 which he received from Mr. Wesley. And for the truth 
 of this he refers to Mr. Wesley's letter addressed to 
 himself and to Mr. Asbury, which, he contends, is a 
 sufficient vindication for himself against the charge of 
 inconsistency as a Methodist. On this ground it can- 
 not be denied that his plea of delegated authority is 
 valid, Mr. Wesley and himself being identified together. 
 The foundation of this authority has been already ex- 
 amined. 
 
 Against the last charge, founded upon the reasons 
 which Dr. Coke had assigned for the adherence of the 
 Methodists in England to the Church, as being the only 
 alternative that could preserve the societies, and prevent 
 them from forming themselves into an independent body ; 
 his defence will arise from the distinct grounds on which 
 the English and the American Methodists respectively
 
 108 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 stood. In America they had no national establishment 
 after the war, to which they could possibly adhere ; and 
 consequently all arguments and reasonings, on what 
 principle soever they were founded, must be alike nu- 
 gatory, because totally inapplicable. Nor can the rea- 
 sons assigned by Dr. Coke for the adherence of the 
 Methodists in England to the Church, support the charge 
 brought against him in the strictures. If these reasons 
 had included all that could be urged in behalf of the 
 preachers, for exhorting the people to adhere to the 
 Church, the pretence for accusing him with insinuations 
 to their disadvantage would have been apparent. But 
 these were not the only reasons ; they were not the 
 principal ones ; they were only such as occurred on the 
 present occasion, and were unfortunately insufficient 
 for his purpose. He assigned some ; but he did not 
 assign all ; he did not assign the strongest ; nor was he 
 bound to enter into a detail of those arguments in Ame- 
 rica, which can only be of force on this side of the 
 water. His reasonings and arguments were therefore 
 defective rather than erroneous; and demanded com- 
 passion instead of blame, if more were necessary to be 
 said. If, indeed, the doctor had stated the reasons 
 assigned, as the only ones why the Methodists in Eng- 
 land were exhorted to adhere to the Church, he would 
 have merited the censures bestowed upon him in the 
 strictures ; and in addition to this, he would have ex- 
 posed himself to the charge of not keeping within the 
 pale of truth. But as the case really stood, the ground 
 on which he took his stand was strictly tenable ; and a 
 fair understanding of his meaning, taken in connection 
 with the object that he had in view, will strip him of that 
 coat of many colours in which the anonymous author 
 of the strictures was anxious to see him arrayed. 
 
 But it was not from any sentiment advanced, either in 
 his sermon, or in the strictures upon it, that Dr. Coke 
 found the most formidable difficulty he was doomed to 
 encounter, in consequence of his visit to America. The 
 official situation he filled, imposed upon him several 
 duties which it was incumbent on him to discharge ; but 
 which, as a subject of Great Britain, involved him in 
 much perplexity. Of this description was the address
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 100 
 
 presented by Mr. Asbury and himself to General Wash- 
 ington, the president of the United States. 
 
 In every department of life there are circumstances 
 which will sometimes occur, to place men in dilemmas 
 that they can discover with more ease than they can 
 avoid. As independent spectators, it is not difficult for 
 us to discern the whirlpool or the rocks which await an 
 actor in public life ; and in the same moment we may 
 insult him with the sighs of affected pity, and the smiles 
 of malignant joy. But it is not so easy to determine 
 how we should have acted, if in similar situations we 
 had been appointed to walk in an untrodden path. 
 
 It is well known, from the whole tenor of Mr. Wes- 
 ley's political observations, that in the unhappy contest 
 between Great Britain and America he very warmly es- 
 poused the cause of England, and reprobated the con- 
 duct of the colonists. This circumstance placed the 
 Methodists in a very unfavourable light in the eyes of 
 the Americans ; in consequence of which all the English 
 preachers, except Mr. Asbury, were obliged to flee as 
 soon as the war broke out. The contest was, indeed, 
 now brought to an issue, and the United States were 
 acknowledged by the powers of Europe as an independ- 
 ent empire. But although the tempest had subsided, 
 the agitation which it occasioned still continued, and the 
 waves were occasionally heard to beat upon the shore. 
 The suspicions, therefore, which the Methodists had 
 incurred, it was incumbent on them to wipe away. 
 
 Prior to this time the case of negro slavery had ex- 
 cited much attention in England ; and this unhappy race 
 of men had found many powerful friends among the wise 
 and good of every denomination. Mr. Wesley and most 
 of his preachers had lifted their voices in favour of the 
 oppressed ; and had inveighed in general terms against 
 the conduct of those traders 
 
 " Who drive a loathsome traffic, gauge and span, 
 And buy the muscles and the bones of man. 
 
 Their voices had been heard across the Atlantic ; and 
 the sentiments they entertained vibrated in discordant 
 notes on the ears of the American planters, who had 
 strangely learned to sign with one hand an act of
 
 110 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 independence in their own behalf, while, with the 
 other, they brandished the whip over their trembling 
 slaves. 
 
 The question on the justice or injustice of holding 
 slaves had no necessary connection with the mode of 
 civil government established in the colonies. Slave- 
 holding was tolerated and sanctioned ; but it was not 
 enforced. A man, therefore, might be attached to the 
 constitution in the abstract, and admire it on all other 
 occasions, and yet be a decided foe to that gross inhu- 
 manity which its strangely lenient principles tolerated. 
 This was precisely the ground on which multitudes of 
 the American Methodists stood. But the friends of 
 slavery, unable to defend the traffic, and unwilling to 
 see its enormity exposed, endeavoured to connect slave- 
 holding with the constitution of their country, and to 
 transfer the abhorrence which slavery had excited, to 
 the score of disaffection toward the government. This 
 was an artificial link which it was the duty of Dr. Coke 
 to expose and snap asunder. 
 
 As the revolution which had taken place formed an 
 entirely new era in the history of American transactions, 
 the citizens thought it their duty to rally around the 
 infant government, and to express their approbation of 
 the principles which had been adopted. Among these 
 citizens, as the principles established by government 
 preserved the rights of conscience free from violation, 
 the different religious sects presented their addresses 
 respectively to the amiable president, General Washing- 
 ton ; professing their readiness to yield obedience to the 
 system of government which had been recently esta- 
 blished, end declaring their abhorrence of every attempt 
 to effect its subversion. 
 
 Amid these examples, and under the peculiar circum- 
 stances in which the Methodists were placed, it was 
 scarcely possible for them to avoid making a similar 
 acknowledgment without incurring the vengeance of 
 their foes, who would triumphantly have construed their 
 silence into confirmed disloyalty. Under this reproach- 
 ful imputation they must have remained ; nor would it 
 have been in their power to remove the stigma, but by 
 having recourse hereafter to an address as a doubtful
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. Ill 
 
 remedy, which might now be presented as a sure 
 preventive. 
 
 Dr. Coke and Mr. Asbury, having assumed the cha- 
 racter of bishops, were, in the eyes of all, the acknow- 
 ledged head of the American Methodists ; and conse- 
 quently no address could be considered as official unless 
 it bore their signatures as the organ of the body. Thus 
 circumstanced, an address was drawn up, and signed by 
 Dr. Coke and Mr. Asbury in behalf of the American 
 Methodists, and presented to General Washington. In 
 this address they professed their loyalty and obedience, 
 and their readiness to support, on all lawful occasions, 
 the executive government now established ; and, as a 
 religious body, to present their prayers to almighty God 
 for his blessing on the country and its rulers. But al- 
 though this address contained nothing more than is 
 usually expressed on such occasions, it brought Dr. 
 Coke into some serious difficulties among his brethren 
 at home, on his return to England, as we shall hereafter 
 discover. 
 
 Whether Dr. Coke, when this address was drawn up, 
 signed, and presented to General Washington, had for- 
 gotten that he was a subject of Great Britain, (for it 
 was from this circumstance that his future difficulties 
 arose,) it is unnecessary to inquire. Even admitting 
 that he knew it, and that he felt the delicacy of his situ- 
 ation in all its force, as a friend to the cause of God, it 
 was not in his power to avoid the line of conduct which 
 he pursued. So far as the agency of secondary causes 
 is concerned, the final destiny of Methodism in America 
 seemed to rest on this address. And from his invincible 
 attachment to the interests of the gospel, no one who 
 knew his real character will doubt that, with the perfect 
 knowledge of all that censure and contempt which he 
 was doomed to endure on a future day, he would, if it 
 were possible, again prefer putting his signature to the 
 address, to the mean complacency which pride might 
 draw from the omission, in order to preserve a uni- 
 formity of action. 
 
 In the present disordered state of the world we fre- 
 quently perceive, both in nature and in providence, that 
 the claims of diminutive parts must be sometimes abaiv
 
 112 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 doned, in order to be made subservient to the perfection 
 of the whole. In the actions of human beings the same 
 principle occasionally operates ; arid the individual who 
 tenaciously adheres to the utmost local benefits of which 
 his exclusive condition renders him susceptible, deprives 
 the community of a greater good than he himself re- 
 tains by such an illiberal self-appropriation. 
 
 It was in one of these situations that Dr. Coke was 
 placed while about to sign the address in America. He 
 had both a private and a public consistency of charac- 
 ter to sustain. But no effort of human ingenuity could 
 make them mutually coincide. As a subject of Great 
 Britain, tenacious of the consistency of his personal 
 actions, prudence would have directed him not to sign. 
 But as a minister of Jesus Christ, as filling an official 
 station in the Methodist societies, and as a superintend- 
 ent in America, the welfare of the gospel commanded 
 him to promote its interests, and to leave all private 
 considerations, as unworthy of bearing the name of 
 rival. Between these alternatives he made a noble 
 choice, and acted upon an exalted principle, to which 
 none but superior spirits can aspire. He has taught us 
 by his magnanimous example that 
 
 " Private respects to public weal must yield," - 
 
 and that personal reputation was no longer his when 
 the interests of Christianity demanded the costly sacri- 
 fice. By walking on this vast and comprehensive cir- 
 cle, which the organs of some were too dim to discern, 
 he has encircled his name with wreaths of laurel, which 
 will continue to flourish when the sigh of smiling pity, 
 and of sneering condolence, can be no longer heard. 
 Those who still continue to censure his conduct on the 
 present occasion, now the mists of prejudice are done 
 away, and all the consequences of each alternative ap- 
 pear in their proper bearings, plainly tell us how they 
 would have acted under similar circumstances if, like 
 him, they had been called to feel the touch of Ithuriel's 
 spear. 
 
 But, whatever jealousies might have been entertained 
 at home respecting the political tendency of this ad- 
 dress, nothing can be more evident than that it was
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 113 
 
 viewed in its proper light in the United States. This 
 may be gathered from the answer which it procured 
 from General Washington ; and its public effects may 
 be inferred from the peace, the protection, the prosper- 
 ity, which, from that moment to the present, the Me- 
 thodist churches have continued to enjoy, under the 
 government thus addressed in the person of the presi- 
 dent. On the perusal of this address General Washing- 
 ton returned the following reply. 
 
 " To the Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United 
 States of America. , 
 
 " GENTLEMEN, I return to you individually, and 
 through you to your society collectively in the United 
 States, my thanks for the demonstrations of affection, 
 and the expressions of joy offered in their behalf, on my 
 late appointment. It shall be my endeavour to mani- 
 fest the purity of my inclinations for promoting the 
 happiness of mankind, as well as the sincerity of my 
 desires to contribute whatever may be in my power 
 toward the civil and religious liberties of the American 
 people. In pursuing this line of conduct, I hope, by 
 the assistance of divine Providence, not altogether to 
 disappoint the confidence which you have been pleased 
 to repose in me. 
 
 " It always affords me satisfaction when I find a con- 
 currence in sentiment and practice between all consci- 
 entious men, in acknowledgements of homage to the 
 great Governor of the universe, and in professions of 
 support to a just civil government. After mentioning 
 that I trust the people of every denomination, who de- 
 mean themselves as good citizens, will have occasion to 
 be convinced that I shall always strive to prove a faith- 
 ful and impartial patron of genuine vital religion I 
 must assure you, in particular, that I take in the kindest 
 part the promise you make of presenting your prayers 
 at the throne of grace for me, and that I likewise im- 
 plore the divine benediction on yourselves and your 
 religious community. G. WASHINGTON,"
 
 114 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Analysis of the Episcopal form of church government established 
 in America Progress of Methodism in the United States Dr. 
 Coke's sermon on the Godhead of Christ Missionaries sent to 
 Nova Scotia through Dr. Coke's exertions History of Cokesbury 
 college Rules of the institution Destruction by fire Church 
 and college at Baltimore Flourishing condition Both consumed 
 by fire Aggregate loss estimated at 10,000 Dr. Coke in immi- 
 nent danger of being drowned Observations on slavery in Ame- 
 rica Efforts to procure its abolition Visits General Washington 
 Exposed to dangers in forests Returns to England. 
 
 As the form of church government, and the manner 
 of worship to be established in America, originated pri- 
 marily with Mr. Wesley, he had abridged the form of 
 common prayer prior to Dr. Coke's departure from 
 Bristol, for the future use of the congregations on the 
 continent. Dr. Coke, also, in conjunction with Mr. 
 Asbury, published, during this visit, a small volume, 
 containing 187 pages, respecting the doctrines and dis- 
 cipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church in America, 
 with explanatory notes. This little volume is divided 
 into three chapters, the first of which includes twenty- 
 eight sections, the second ten sections, and the third six. 
 
 The first section in the first chapter contains a con- 
 densed account of the reason why the episcopal form 
 of church government was adopted, an account of bap- 
 tism, and the Lord's supper, and the foundations on 
 which their right of establishing it rested. The second 
 section contains the articles of religion, which are 
 twenty-five in number ; and, with some occasional vari- 
 ations, they very nearly coincide with those of the Es- 
 tablished Church. The third section relates to the 
 general and annual conferences ; and in these they dif- 
 fer from the conferences of England chiefly in the fol- 
 lowing particulars : That the time of holding the yearly 
 conferences, which shall be six in number, shall be 
 solely under the direction of the bishops : that the elders 
 shall be elected by the unanimous suffrages of the gene- 
 ral conference : and that the districts are to be formed 
 according to the judgment of the bishops. 
 
 The fourth section applies exclusively to the appoint-
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 115 
 
 ment, duties, and responsibility of the bishops. A bishop 
 is to be constituted such by the general conference, and 
 the laying on of the hands of two or three bishops ; and 
 in case of the death of all, he is to be elected by the 
 voice of conference, and ordained by three of the elders. 
 That it is the bishops' business to preside in the con- 
 ferences ; to fix the appointment of the preachers ; to 
 change, receive, or suspend preachers, during the inter- 
 vals between the conferences ; to travel throughout the 
 connection at large ; to inspect the temporal and spiri- 
 tual concerns of the societies ; and to ordain bishops, 
 elders, and deacons. 
 
 For their own conduct respecting themselves, and for 
 the exercise of that power which is thus reposed in 
 them, the bishops are responsible to the conference at 
 its general meeting. But if, during the interval of con- 
 ference, a bishop be charged with immorality, three 
 travelling elders are to call upon him, to whose exami- 
 nation he shall submit; and in case they think him guilty, 
 they shall call to their aid two presiding elders from two 
 districts in the neighbourhood, where the alleged crime 
 was committed, each of whom shall bring with him two 
 other elders, or one elder and a deacon. These nine 
 persons thus assembled shall form a conference ; and if, 
 on examination, tvo-thirds find him guilty, he shall be 
 suspended until the ensuing conference, when his fate 
 shall be finally determined. A bishop who ceases from 
 travelling without the consent of the general conference, 
 loses, on this account, his power to exercise all minis- 
 terial functions in the church. 
 
 The fifth section comprehends the duties of the pre- 
 siding elders. These are described as assistants to the 
 bishops ; to fill their places in case of their absence ; 
 and to be in a great degree under their direction. The 
 sixth section relates to the appointment and office of the 
 travelling elders. These are to be elected by a majo- 
 rity of the yearly conference, and by the laying on of 
 the hands of a bishop and of the elders that are present. 
 These are to administer baptism and the Lord's supper, 
 and to perform the office of marrying, together with all 
 the branches of divine worship. A deacon, as it is no- 
 ticed in the seventh section, is described nearly as an
 
 116 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 elder, only he is to act in subordination to him, and to 
 supply his place in case of his absence. He must fill 
 this office for two years, before he can be eligible to 
 that of an elder. The eighth section refers to the man- 
 ner of receiving preachers, and it describes their duties. 
 These are nearly the same as the English conferences 
 express. The salaries of the preachers are stipulated 
 in the ninth : and the duties of those who have the 
 charge of circuits in the tenth section. But neither 
 these, nor the manner in which the candidates for the 
 ministry are to be examined, which are included in the 
 eleventh section, contain any thing remarkable, that 
 deviates from the rules established in England. 
 
 The matter and manner of preaching are fully and 
 pointedly expressed in the twelfth section ; and the 
 duty of preachers to God, to themselves, and to one ano- 
 ther, is sketched with a masterly hand in the thirteenth ; 
 but the minutes of the British conferences lead the way, 
 and contain the essence of all. The fourteenth section 
 describes the causes which will justify the preachers in 
 abandoning any place in which preaching had been pre- 
 viously established. The fifteenth enforces the duty of 
 visiting the members of the society from house to 
 house ; the sixteenth that of instructing children ; the 
 seventeenth the necessity ministers are under to employ 
 their time profitably ; and the eighteenth urges the ne- 
 cessity of union among themselves. Under each of 
 these sections, the branches of the various duties incul- 
 cated are marked with much precision, and are suffi- 
 ciently comprehensive to ensure a discharge of the obli- 
 gations incumbent on every faithful minister of Jesus 
 Christ. But being founded upon the same principles 
 that support the minutes of the English conferences, and 
 embracing in the aggregate the same particulars, it will 
 be unnecessary to give them in detail. 
 
 The nineteenth section provides for the responsibility 
 of all the travelling preachers. If a charge be preferred 
 against any one near the time of conference, his case is 
 to be heard, examined, and determined on by the preach- 
 ers there assembled. But in case a charge, during the 
 intervals between the conferences, be brought, the pre- 
 tmling elder of the circuit shall call together as many
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 117 
 
 ministers as he may think convenient. And if, after 
 bringing the accuser and accused face to face, the 
 preachers thus assembled shall think him guilty, they 
 shall have power to suspend him from all official ser- 
 vices in the church until the ensuing conference, when 
 his case shall be re-examined, and the result shall be a 
 final decision. In case the accuser and the accused can- 
 not be brought face to face, the party absenting himself 
 shall be deemed guilty, and his sentence shall be accord- 
 ingly ; with this exception, that he may demand a hearing 
 at the next conference, which shall have power either to 
 confirm or annul the previous sentence. When a charge 
 brought against a preacher is for erroneous doctrine, the 
 person thus accused shall be treated the same as in cases 
 of immorality, unless, on receiving an admonition, he 
 solemnly engage in future neither to publish nor defend 
 such doctrine or sentiments, either in public or in pri- 
 vate. But under either circumstance his case shall be 
 re-examined at the next conference. 
 
 The twentieth section relates to the provision to be 
 made for supplying the circuits with preaching during 
 the time of conference. To accomplish this, so many 
 local preachers are to be engaged as may be thought 
 necessary, or as can be procured, who are to be paid for 
 their time, and provided for in the same proportion and 
 manner as the travelling preachers would, whose places 
 they fill. But where these will leave deficiencies, some 
 of Mr. Wesley's sermons are to be read, or prayer- 
 meetings are to be regularly introduced. 
 
 From the twenty-first section we learn that no local 
 preacher shall presume to preach until he has first ob- 
 tained the sanction of his own quarterly meeting ; nor 
 even then, unless he procure a certificate expressive of 
 their approbation. A local preacher cannot be eligible 
 to the office of deacon until he has officiated for four 
 years from the date of his certificate. In case a charge 
 be brought against any local preacher, deacon, or elder, 
 the preacher who has the care of the circuit shall sum- 
 mon three or four local preachers from the neighbour- 
 hood ; or, in case of their deficiency, so many leaders 
 or exhorters as shall fill their place, who shall hear a 
 statement of the affair. And if, on due examination,
 
 118 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 either the whole, or a majority, shall judge him to be 
 guilty either of immoral conduct, or of preaching false 
 doctrine, he shall be suspended from all offices in the 
 church until the ensuing quarterly meeting. The quar- 
 terly meeting, on hearing his affair, shall have power to 
 acquit, to censure, to suspend, or to expel him, and shall 
 pronounce its judgment accordingly. But in case the 
 person thus receiving his sentence shall think himself 
 unjustly treated, he may make his appeal to the ensuing 
 conference, provided he give notice of such intention to 
 the quarterly meeting, that the minutes of his trial may 
 be preserved, and presented at the conference to which 
 he appeals, and where he may make his personal appear- 
 ance. The decision of conference shall be final. 
 
 The rite of baptism, which is noticed in the twenty- 
 second section, leaves it at the option of every adult, 
 and of the parents of every child, whether it shall be ad- 
 ministered by sprinkling, by pouring, or by immersion. 
 But in no case is the preacher to receive either a fee or 
 a present for administering baptism, and the same pro- 
 hibition extends to the burial of the dead. 
 
 The Lord's supper, which is introduced in the twenty- 
 third section, may be administered to communicants, 
 either sitting or standing, if they have any scruples as 
 to the propriety of kneeling. Persons not belonging to 
 the society may be admitted, provided they procure a 
 recommendation from an elder or deacon. But in no 
 case is any person to be admitted who is guilty of prac- 
 tices for which, if a member, he would be excluded the 
 Methodist society. 
 
 In the exercise of public worship the twenty-fourth 
 section directs that the morning service on Sundays 
 shall consist of singing, of prayer, of reading one chap- 
 ter from the Old Testament, and another from the New, 
 and preaching. That the afternoon service shall be the 
 same, with the exception of having one chapter read 
 instead of two ; and in the evening service reading is to 
 be omitted altogether. On sacrament days reading is 
 to be wholly omitted in the morning. 
 
 The twenty-fifth section contains several observations 
 on the spirit and truth of singing ; and recommends the 
 practice to all the congregations, while it prohibits all
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 119 
 
 preachers from introducing hymns of their own compo- 
 sition. The twenty-sixth delineates a plan for raising a 
 fund for superannuated preachers, and for the widows 
 and children of such as are dead. The twenty-seventh 
 points out ways and means for raising money for the 
 propagation of the gospel ; and the twenty-eighth applies 
 to the chartered fund. But as these bear a strong re- 
 semblance to institutions established among the Method- 
 ists in this country, they require no explanation. 
 
 The second chapter, which contains ten sections, in- 
 cludes the rules of the Methodist societies ; of class 
 meeting ; of band meeting ; defines the privileges to be 
 granted to serious persons not in society ; treats of the 
 duties and qualifications of stewards ; of unlawful mar- 
 riages ; and of the manner of bringing to trial, finding 
 guilty, and reproving, suspending, or excluding impro- 
 per persons from society and church privileges. On 
 each of the preceding subjects the rules are nearly the 
 same as in England, excepting the last, which is more 
 comprehensive ; and it seems to have been regulated by 
 the local circumstances of the country. In all cases 
 when an accusation is brought against a member, the 
 accuser and the accused, if it be practicable, are to be 
 brought face to face, before the leading members of the 
 society to which the supposed offender belongs ; and 
 when this cannot be done, the best evidence that can be 
 procured, whether in society or not, shall be introduced. 
 And if, on a fair examination, the offence shall appear 
 of a gross and flagrant nature, the offending member 
 shall be expelled. But in cases of a less heinous kind 
 he is to be reproved. This method is to be adopted 
 twice ; but on the third offence the affair must be brought 
 before the society, and if no marks of contrition appear, 
 he must be excluded. In such cases, however, an appeal 
 may be made to the next quarterly meeting, when a 
 majority of the preachers, both travelling and local, to- 
 gether with the stewards and leaders present, shall 
 finally determine the case. 
 
 As there are no excise laws in the United States, 
 spirituous liquors are both cheap and plentiful, and the 
 trade, in any quantities, is open and free for all. But, 
 as a natural consequence, this liberty was frequently
 
 120 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 abused, to the great injury of public morals. It there- 
 fore became necessary to introduce a rule respecting 
 the sale and use of this article, so far as any member 
 of society was concerned in the traffic. This subject 
 is considered in the tenth section of this chapter, which 
 contains the following resolution : " If any member of 
 our society retail or give spirituous liquors, and any 
 thing disorderly be transacted under his roof on this ac- 
 count, the preacher who has the oversight of the circuit, 
 shall proceed against him as in the case of other immo- 
 ralities ; and the person accused shall be cleared, 
 censured, suspended, or excluded, according to his con- 
 duct, as on other charges of immorality." 
 
 The first section in the third chapter applies to the 
 building of churches, the manner of settling them, and 
 their internal regulations. But these regulations coin- 
 cide nearly with those that are established in England, 
 respecting the chapels belonging to the Methodist con- 
 nection, making due allowances for the variations which 
 local circumstances occasion. 
 
 The second section describes the manner in which 
 the printing business is to be conducted, and how the 
 profits arising from the books are to be applied to the 
 promoting of the work of God, as occasions may require. 
 But the principles of this plan are so much the same 
 with that followed in England, that no detail of parti- 
 culars can be thought necessary. 
 
 The third section developes a plan for the education 
 of youth, recommended to be adopted in the seminaries 
 of learning which, at this time, they intended to establish 
 in the colleges that were in contemplation, and which 
 were afterward erected. The same section also contains 
 twenty-nine rules for the internal regulation of the pupils 
 and masters, as to the employment of their time, and the 
 improvement of their minds. 
 
 In the fourth section the doctrine of Christian per- 
 fection is stated, and recommended both to the preachers 
 and the members of society. But for an explanation of 
 terms the nature of the doctrine and the foundation 
 on which it rests, the reader is recommended in a note 
 to Mr. Wesley's treatise on this subject; and through 
 this treatise to the oracles of God. In the last section
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 121 
 
 Antinomianism is introduced as a very appropriate con- 
 trast, and the cautions against this dangerous rock are 
 such as every one must be ready to embrace, who is 
 willing to live godly in Christ Jesus, and to seek after a 
 qualification for heaven. For arguments against this 
 delusive error the reader is judiciously recommended 
 to peruse Mr. Fletcher's dissertations on this subject. 
 
 To almost all these sections Dr. Coke and Mr. Asbury 
 have added copious notes, illustrating the import and 
 application of the various rules, and supporting them 
 by authority derived from reason, and the conduct of 
 the ancient churches ; and above all, by an appeal to 
 numerous passages of Scripture. To adduce these au- 
 thorities, to state these reasons, and to cite these passages, 
 would be to transcribe the book. Taken together, this 
 little volume may, perhaps with justice, be said to con- 
 tain one of the most complete bodies of ethics, that, 
 within the same compass, can be produced in the English 
 language. Of these ethics, the general principles are 
 of universal application ; and of these, the excellence is 
 conspicuous to all. But of such branches as are of a 
 local nature, it must be necessary that we obtain a know- 
 ledge of the particular circumstances from which they 
 derive their propriety : and while these are concealed 
 from us, prudence dictates that we should suspend our 
 judgment until we can trace the full connection between 
 causes and their effects, even in those particulars which 
 seem repugnant to our feelings. 
 
 It will be readily admitted that, prior to the introduc- 
 tion of Methodism in its episcopal form into the United 
 States, the work of God had assumed a prosperous 
 appearance. In several of the states some remarkable 
 revivals of genuine religion had taken place ; so that 
 the calamities of war appeared to have disposed the 
 people to receive with joy the kingdom of the Prince of 
 peace. The introduction of the episcopal form did 
 not, however, tend to check the progress of the gospel. 
 From this period, the societies and congregations 
 rapidly increased ; and, if the divine approbation may 
 be inferred from the success with which God has crowned 
 the efforts of his servants in these endeavours to promote 
 his glory and the good of souls, we cannot but conclude 
 
 6
 
 122 LIFfe OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 that this step has been sanctioned by him. This con* 
 elusion is supported by the following indubitable fact. 
 At the time of this first episcopal conference held in 
 Baltimore, at the termination of the year 1784, the mem- 
 bers of society throughout the United States amounted 
 to about fifteen thousand ; but so rapidly had they in- 
 creased during the six succeeding years that, at the time 
 of Mr. Wesley's death, they were augmented to near 
 seventy thousand souls. 
 
 It was at this conference that Dr. Coke delivered his 
 well known sermon on the godhead or divinity of 
 Christ. It was afterward published at New- York, in 
 the month of February, 1785, at the particular request 
 of those who heard it delivered. It has since received 
 a very extensive circulation both in America and in 
 England. 
 
 As an original composition Dr. Coke does not profess 
 to send it into the world. In his prefatory remarks, 
 he acknowledges his obligations to Mr. Hoole, to whose 
 industry he was indebted for several leading thoughts. 
 From mere rational argument he does not profess to 
 have derived much support. The importance of the 
 subject is, however, judiciously introduced ; and it can- 
 not be denied that the way is fully prepared for that 
 accumulation of Scripture evidence which, toward the 
 close, he has compendiously adduced, and rendered even 
 additionally interesting by the arrangements that appear. 
 But we must quit this subject, to survey some of the 
 effects which were immediately connected with the ter- 
 mination of the American war. 
 
 It is melancholy to reflect that, when nations are 
 grown weary of the enormities which they mutually 
 commit in times of war, and sink down into a state of 
 tranquillity, the return of public peace should become a 
 signal to awaken private vengeance. The sword of 
 war destroys its millions ; but it is scarcely sheathed, 
 before the axe of the executioner, in many instances, 
 becomes dyed with blood. The interests and views of 
 men are various in all the nations upon earth. And in 
 proportion as the human mind shakes off* the chains of 
 blind submission to the dictates of custom, and con- 
 templates the nature of equity and justice, it will acquire
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 123 
 
 a principle of independence that will raise it above the 
 prejudices of empires, and give a new tone to its deci- 
 sions and pursuits. This may occasionally involve 
 many in error, and expose others to serious calamities. 
 But it is not always we can either govern or conceal 
 our attachments and aversions, although we may antici- 
 pate the consequences to which they will inevitably 
 lead. 
 
 As the United States were originally an appendage 
 of the British empire, when the revolution began seve- 
 ral families were to be found that would not renounce 
 their attachment to the English cause. These were 
 known ; but they remained without molestation to 
 await the event of the war. The peace which acknow- 
 ledged the independence of the colonies was to them a 
 signal to remove. And to this measure they were urged 
 by the danger of remaining in their original settlements, 
 and allured by their attachment to the British cause, 
 which attachment still remained unsubdued. 
 
 The loyalists, who had borne arms against the Uni- 
 ted States during the war, being proscribed on the re- 
 turn of peace, repaired to Nova Scotia, in which place 
 the British government had provided an asylum for 
 them. To this territory many of the negroes also were 
 conducted, and declared to be free ; and to this place 
 many serious families likewise resorted, as soon as 
 they found it inconvenient and dangerous to remain 
 within the dominions of the American government ; 
 and to several of these certain portions of land were 
 assigned by the British, as a remuneration for their suf- 
 ferings and services. Among these associations of 
 refugees,- the more serious part became desirous of 
 having missionaries established in their new settlement ; 
 and from a survey of their situation their claims became 
 imperious. Dr. Coke was so deeply interested in their 
 behalf, that he resolved, if possible, to render them 
 assistance, both from England and America. 
 
 It was not, however, to the strenuous exertions of 
 Dr. Coke, in favour of these refugees, that the more 
 permanent inhabitants of Nova Scotia were primarily 
 indebted for the sound of the gospel. Prior to this 
 time, about the commencement of the war, Mr. William
 
 124 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 Black, a native of Yorkshire, had been converted (o 
 God, had gone thither, had become a preacher, and had 
 been made instrumental in lighting up the sacred flame 
 on this part of the continent, and also in New-Bruns- 
 wick, through which he occasionally travelled. On 
 finding the numerous, though scattered inhabitants, 
 willing to receive the gospel, Mr. Black had frequently 
 importuned Mr. Wesley to send him some assistance. 
 But although these countries belonged to England, Mr. 
 Wesley could not be persuaded to send any preacher 
 to the continent while the war continued. From a 
 train of circumstances, which was at once unforeseen 
 and unavoidable, the infant work devolved therefore on 
 him and a few others, whose exertions were united to 
 promote the interests of Jesus in these northern regions 
 of the western world. But it was not to be expected 
 that any considerable success should attend these al- 
 most solitary labours, in a country so vastly extensive 
 as Nova Scotia, and among a scattered people, to whom 
 Mr. Black's visits were transient, and not frequently 
 repeated. But as the sacred flame had been kept alive, 
 though discipline had been unavoidably neglected, the 
 situation of these northern societies seconded the claims 
 of the refugees, and after some time produced a partial 
 compliance with the necessities and requests of the 
 people. 
 
 Through the unabating exertions of Dr. Coke in their 
 favour, two preachers of the name of Mann were pre- 
 vailed upon to repair to Nova Scotia from the United 
 States ; and it was his full intention, after having re- 
 turned to England, and stated the situation of the refu- 
 gees and other inhabitants to Mr. Wesley, to visit them 
 in person. But, through an incomprehensible dispen- 
 sation of divine Providence, he was prevented ; being 
 driven by a storm to the West Indies, which led to the 
 introduction of the gospel into this vast archipelago, as 
 we shall hereafter notice. 
 
 In behalf of the Nova Scotians, Dr. Coke was not 
 only successful in sending two missionaries, but he was 
 equally so in procuring pecuniary assistance for their 
 support. In the city of Baltimore alone he collected 
 thirty pounds sterling in one afternoon, and in New-
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 125 
 
 York and Philadelphia he collected sixty pounds cur- 
 rency for the same benevolent purpose. In travelling 
 over the continent, he took every occasion to represent 
 the case of the Nova Scotians in a favourable light, and 
 through his unwearied exertions the public became in 
 no small degree interested in their favour. It was to 
 him, therefore, that these northern settlers owed their 
 obligations, under God, for that assistance which they 
 continued to receive in the missionaries that were sent 
 during their infancy, and in the means provided for 
 their support ; and which have ultimately led to the 
 permanent establishment of the gospel in these distant 
 and extensive regions. 
 
 Closely connected in his view with the missionaries 
 in Nova Scotia, and the spread of the gospel in the 
 United States, was his solicitude for the rising genera- 
 tion. The establishment of the college which he had 
 always kept in view from his first landing in America, 
 engrossed, therefore, no inconsiderable share of his 
 attention. By appealing to the liberality of the people, 
 in the course of his journeys throughout the different 
 states which he visited, he found many who were will- 
 ing to support his designs in making generous contri- 
 butions toward the building, Mr. Asbury, who acted 
 in concert with him. had also met with considerable 
 success ; and several of the preachers, in their respect- 
 ive circuits, had used their exertions to promote the 
 important undertaking. 
 
 From the sums thus collected, and from a full per- 
 suasion that the people would not suffer the work to 
 be abandoned for want of pecuniary assistance, Dr. 
 Coke, on the 5th of January, 1785, gave orders that the 
 materials should be procured for erecting the building. 
 The work was accordingly begun, and placed under the 
 direction of men deemed competent to the business, 
 who, in the two succeeding years, made a considerable 
 progress in the erection of this stately edifice. 
 
 The spot which had been selected for this seminary 
 of learning was on a rising ground, about twenty-five 
 miles from Baltimore. It contained about four acres of 
 land, and was purchased of a Mr. Dallam for sixty 
 pounds sterling. "The situation," says Dr. Coke,
 
 126 LIFE OF THE REV. PR. COKE. 
 
 when reviewing the ground and adjacent scenery, on a 
 future occasion, " delights me more than ever. There 
 is not, I believe, a point of it, from whence the eye has 
 not a view of at least twenty miles : and in some parts 
 the prospect extends even to fifty miles in length. The 
 water part forms one of the most beautiful views in the 
 United States ; the Chesapeake bay, in all its grandeur, 
 with a fine navigable river, the Susquehanna, which 
 empties itself into it, lying exposed to view through a 
 great extent of country."* 
 
 In erecting this college, he observes in another place, 
 " our object is, not to raise gospel ministers, but to serve 
 our pious friends, and our married preachers, in the pro- 
 per education of their sons."t In this college their 
 principal aim was to unite these two great ornaments 
 of human nature, genuine religion, and extensive 
 learning. 
 
 On a subsequent voyage to America, in 1787, Dr. 
 Coke visited this building on the 8th of May, in com- 
 pany with Mr. Asbury, and found it in such a state of 
 forwardness as to induce a hope that it would be ready 
 for opening, and for the reception of pupils by the ensu- 
 ing Christmas. But in these expectations they were 
 rather too sanguine. The work, however, proceeded 
 onward with regularity, so that before he had an oppor- 
 tunity of returning again to this spot, it had been so far 
 advanced as to admit students who had made some pro- 
 ficiency in their learning, although the building was yet 
 unfinished. 
 
 " On Friday, the 8th of May, 1789,'* says Dr. Coke, 
 when on a subsequent tour on the continent, "we set 
 off for our college. I was highly delighted with the 
 progress they had made toward the completing of the 
 building. During my stay at the college I had several 
 long conversations with Dr. Hall, our president, and I 
 am satisfied beyond a doubt that he is both the scholar, 
 the philosopher, and the gentleman. He truly fears 
 God, and pays a most exact and delicate attention to all 
 the rules of the institution. Our classic tutor is a very 
 promising person : he is not yet the polished scholar, 
 
 Dr. Coke's Journal, p. 110. t Dr. Coke's Journal, p. 72.
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 12? 
 
 like the president ; but his manifest strength of under- 
 standing and persevering diligence will soon, I doubt 
 not, perfect every thing that is wanting. And our Eng- 
 lish and mathematical master gives us considerable sa- 
 tisfaction." 
 
 To display the principles upon which this seminary 
 was established, nothing more will be necessary than to 
 insert the rules by which all were to be governed. 
 These rules are as follow : 
 
 1. The students shall rise at five o'clock in the morn- 
 ing, summer and winter, at the ringing of a bell. 
 
 2. All the students shall assemble together at six 
 o'clock for public prayer, except in cases of sickness ; 
 and on any omission shall be responsible to the master. 
 
 3. From morning prayer till seven, they shall be al- 
 lowed to recreate themselves, as hereafter directed. 
 
 4. At seven they shall breakfast. 
 
 5. From eight till twelve, they are to be closely kept 
 at their respective studies. 
 
 6. From twelve to three, they are to employ them- 
 selves in recreation and dining ; dinner to be ready at 
 one o'clock. 
 
 7. From three till six, they are again to be kept closely 
 to their studies. 
 
 8. At six they shall sup, 
 
 9. At seven there shall be public prayers. 
 
 10. From evening prayer till bedtime, they shall be 
 allowed recreation. 
 
 1 1 . They shall all be in bed at nine o'clock, without fail. 
 
 12. Their recreations shall be gardening, walking, 
 riding, atid bathing without doors ; and the carpenter's, 
 joiner's, cabinet-maker's, or turner's business within 
 doors. 
 
 13. A large plot of ground shall be appropriated for a 
 garden, and a person skilled in gardening shall be ap- 
 pointed to overlook the students employed in that recre- 
 ation. 
 
 14. A convenient bath shall be made for bathing. 
 
 15. A master, or some proper person by him ap- 
 pointed, shall be always present at the time of bathing. 
 Only one shall bathe at a time, and no one shall remain 
 in the water above a minute.
 
 128 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 16. No student shall be allowed to bathe in the river. 
 
 17. A place for working in wood shall be provided 
 on the premises, with all proper instruments and mate- 
 rials, and a skilful person be employed to overlook the 
 students at this recreation. 
 
 18. The students shall be indulged with nothing which 
 the world calls play. Let this rule be observed with 
 the strictest nicety ; for those who play when they are 
 young, will play when they are old. 
 
 19. Each student shall have a bed to himself where- 
 ever he boards. 
 
 20. The students shall lie on mattresses, not on fea- 
 ther beds ; because we believe the mattresses to be more 
 healthful. 
 
 21. The masters shall strictly examine, from time to 
 time, whether those who board the students (if they 
 board out of the seminary) comply with these rules, so 
 far as they concern them. 
 
 22. A skilful physician shall be engaged to attend the 
 students on every emergency, that the parents may be 
 fully assured that proper care shall be taken of the 
 health of their children. 
 
 23. The bishops shall examine by themselves, or their 
 delegates, into the progress of all the students in learn- 
 ing, every half year, or oftener if possible. 
 
 24. The elders, deacons, aud preachers, as often as 
 they visit the seminaries respectively, shall examine 
 the students concerning their knowledge of God and re- 
 ligion. 
 
 25. The students shall be divided into proper classes 
 for that purpose. 
 
 26. A pupil who has a total incapacity to attain learn- 
 ing shall, after a sufficient trial, be returned to his parents. 
 
 27. If a student be convicted of any open sin, he shall 
 for the first offence be reproved in private ; for the se- 
 cond offence he shall be reproved in public ; and for the 
 third oftence he shall be punished at the discretion of 
 the master. 
 
 28. Idleness or any other fault may be punished with 
 confinement, according to the discretion of the master. 
 
 29. A convenient room shall be set apart as a place 
 of confinement.
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 129 
 
 Such were the rules and regulations which, after hav- 
 ing been weighed and digested in the American confe- 
 rences, were introduced by Dr. Coke and Mr. Asbury, 
 conjointly, into the newly established seminary that was 
 denominated Cokesbury College ; this being a compound 
 of both their names. With respect to the principles on 
 which the preceding rules are founded, and the objects 
 which they had in view, they offer to the public the fol- 
 lowing observations. 
 
 " The first object we recommend is, to form the minds 
 of the youth, through divine aid, to wisdom and holi- 
 ne*ss ; instilling into their tender minds the principles of 
 true religion, speculative, experimental, and practical; 
 and training them in the ancient way, that they may be 
 rational, scriptural Christians. For this purpose we re- 
 commend that not only the masters, but also our elders, 
 deacons, and preachers embrace every opportunity of 
 instructing the students in the great branches of the Chris- 
 tian religion. 
 
 " It is also our particular desire that all who shall be 
 educated in Methodist seminaries, be kept at the utmost 
 distance, as from vice in general, so in particular from 
 softness and effeminacy of manners. 
 
 " The masters, therefore, should inflexibly insist on 
 their rising early in the morning ; and we are con- 
 vinced, by constant observation and experience, that 
 this is of vast importance both to body and mind. It is 
 of admirable use for preserving a good, or improving a 
 bad constitution. It is of peculiar service in all nervous 
 complaints, both in preventing and removing them. 
 And by thus strengthening the various organs of the 
 body, it enables the mind to put forth its utmost ener- 
 gies. 
 
 " On the same principle the masters should prohibit 
 play in the strongest terms ; and in this we have the 
 two greatest writers on the subject which perhaps any 
 age has produced, (Mr. Locke and Mr. Rousseau) in fa- 
 vour of our sentiments ; for though the latter was essen- 
 tially mistaken in his religious system, yet his wisdom 
 in other respects and extensive genius are indisputably 
 acknowledged. The employments which we would re- 
 commend for the recreation of the students, are such as
 
 130 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 are of the greatest public utility agriculture and archi- 
 tecture ; studies more especially necessary for a newly 
 settled country : arid of consequence the instructing of 
 youth in all the practical branches of these important 
 arts will be an effectual method of rendering them more 
 useful to their country. Agreeably to this idea, the 
 greatest statesmen that perhaps ever shone in the annals 
 of history, Peter, the Russian emperor, who was de- 
 servedly styled the Great, disdained not to stoop to the 
 employment of a ship carpenter. Nor was it rare during 
 the purest times of the Roman republic to see the con- 
 querors of nations, and deliverers of their country, re- 
 turn with all simplicity and cheerfulness to the exercise 
 of the plough. In conformity to thrs sentiment, one of 
 the completest poetic pieces of antiquity, the Georgics 
 of Virgil, is written on the subject of husbandry ; by 
 the perusal of which, and submission to the above regu- 
 lations, the students may delightfully unite the theory 
 and the practice together. We say delightfully, for we 
 are far from wishing that these employments should be 
 turned into drudgery or slavery, but into pleasing recre- 
 ations for the mind and body. 
 
 " In teaching the languages, care should be taken to 
 <ead those authors, and those only, who join together 
 the purity, the strength, and tire elegance of their several 
 tongues. And the utmost caution should be used that 
 nothing immodest should be found in any of their books. 
 
 "But this is not all. We should take care that the 
 books be not only inoffensive, but useful ; that they 
 contain as much strong sense and as much genuine mo- 
 rality as possible. As far, therefore, as is consistent 
 with the foregoing observations, a choice and universal 
 library should be provided for the use of the students 
 according to their finances. And on this plan we trust 
 that our seminaries of learning will in time send forth 
 men who will be blessings to their country iu every 
 laudable office and employment of life ; thereby uniting 
 the two greatest ornaments of intelligent beings, which 
 are too often separated, deep learning and genuine 
 religion.'** 
 
 * See Doctrine and Discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
 in America, pp. 180-184.
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 131 
 
 On the morning of Saturday, the 9th of May, 1789, 
 Dr. Coke personally examined all the classes in private, 
 and found that many of the students had made a con- 
 siderable proficiency in the various branches of learning. 
 And with their progress so well were he and Mr. Asbury 
 satisfied, that on the afternoon of the same day, they 
 had a public exhibition of their respective improvements 
 and talents. 
 
 " Two young men," he observes, " displayed great 
 strength of memory, and great propriety of pronunciation, 
 in the repetition of two chapters of Sheridan on Elocu- 
 tion, and were rewarded by Mr. Asbury, as a small 
 testimony of our approbation, with a dollar each. One 
 little boy, a son of Mr. Dallam, a neighbouring gentle- 
 man, delivered memoriter a fine speech out of Livy, 
 with such an heroic spirit, and with such graceful pro- 
 priety, that I presented him a little piece of gold. 
 Three other boys also so excelled in gardening, that 
 Mr. Asbury rewarded them with a dollar each. But 
 what is best of all, many of them are truly awakened. 
 However, we were obliged to undertake the painful 
 task, in the presence of the trustees, masters, and stu- 
 dents, of solemnly expelling a lad of fifteen years of age, 
 to whose learning we had no objection, but whose trifling, 
 irreligious conduct, and open ridicule among the students, 
 of experimental religion, we could not pass over, as we 
 were determined to have a college in which religion and 
 learning should go hand in hand together, or to have 
 none at all. But nothing relating to this institution, 
 perhaps, has given me greater pleasure than to find we 
 are already enabled to support four students fully, and 
 two in part, preachers' sons and orphans, on the cha- 
 ritable foundation."* 
 
 But neither the pure intention of its founders, the 
 admirable principles upon which its regulations were 
 established, nor the beneficial effects that were expected 
 to result from the institution, could preserve this college 
 from the common accidents which are attendant upon 
 all human affairs. We have seen its foundation laid ; 
 and, in the order of time, we have anticipated its com- 
 
 * Dr. Ccke's journal, p. 111.
 
 132 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 parative completion ; but before we retiun to the regular 
 narration of facts, as they occur in the life of Dr. Coke, 
 we must trace it to its grave. 
 
 In the year 1792, this college had acquired such a 
 degree of importance a. to admit upward of seventy 
 students within its walls. In addition to this, its repu- 
 tation had excited so much attention, that several yooing 
 gentlemen from the southern states repaired thither to 
 finish their education. To give it legalized respectabi- 
 lity, some principal persons in the state informed its 
 founders that the legislature were willing to grant an 
 act of incorporation, that should enable them, . under 
 certain limitations, to confer degrees on the deserving. 
 But for this authority no application was ever made ; 
 and consequently it remained on its primitive founda- 
 tion until the whole building was consumed by fire. 
 
 From what source this calamity arose could never be 
 ascertained. Dr. Coke supposes that it was done ma- 
 liciously ; but for this opinion no satisfactory reason has 
 been assigned ; so that the cause of its destruction re- 
 mains a secret to the present hour. In the devouring 
 conflagration not only the building, but the library and 
 all the philosophical apparatus were totally destroyed, 
 so that nothing remained but a desolated spot, to inform 
 spectators that here Cokesbury college once stood. To 
 discover, if possible, the perpetrators of this deed, the 
 governor of the state advertised a reward of one thou- 
 sand dollars ; but nothing could procure such infor- 
 mation as was necessary to bring the incendiaries to 
 justice. 
 
 Dispirited with this calamity, Mr. Asbury resolved to 
 have nothing more to do with colleges ; but Dr. Coke 
 was not to be intimidated, without making another effort. 
 The genteel inhabitants in the vicinity, who had been 
 much entertained with the philosophical lectures of Dr. 
 Hall, the president, sympathized with the sufferers, and 
 many among them expressed their wishes to have the 
 institution again renewed. Actuated by the same prin- 
 ciple, seventeen of Dr. Coke's principal friends in the 
 Baltimore society met together on the occasion ; and, 
 after some consultation, immediately subscribed 1020Z. 
 toward the erection of a new college.
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 133 
 
 It happened, however, that at this time a large build- 
 ing which had been erected for balls and assemblies, 
 was vacant in the city of Baltimore. They, therefore, 
 made application to the proprietor, and purchased the 
 whole premises, which were as handsome as any in the 
 city, for the sum of 5,300Z. 
 
 The ground and building thus purchased being too 
 extensive for the new college, it was resolved, that on 
 part of the premises a new church should be erected. 
 The society at Baltimore entered into the general view, 
 and subscribed among themselves 700L toward defray- 
 ing the expense ; and begging from house to house they 
 collected 600Z. more throughout the city. For the re- 
 maining sum the former seventeen friends became 
 responsible, and the college or academy and church 
 were accordingly fitted up for use. To this college 
 masters were soon appointed, and students sent; and 
 from that peculiar pleasure with which the respectable 
 inhabitants introduced their youth into this seminary, 
 it appeared they were interested in its welfare. This 
 academy soon flourished in a manner superior to what 
 Cokesbury college had ever done, but unhappily a simi- 
 lar fate awaited it. 
 
 In the beginning of the year 1797, when Dr. Coke 
 was at Charleston, in South Carolina, he received the 
 melancholy tidings that all their buildings of the church 
 and college in Baltimore were reduced to ashes, through 
 the imprudence of some boys who had been making a 
 bonfire with some shavings in an adjoining house. Un- 
 happily, the flame which these thoughtless lads lighted 
 up soon communicated to the house in which they were 
 assembled, which was instantly in a blaze. From this 
 house the church and college were immediately set on 
 fire, which, with several adjoining buildings and ware- 
 houses, were burned to the ground, notwithstanding all 
 the efforts which were made to extinguish the flames. 
 The total loss sustained by the Methodists in the burn- 
 ing of this church and college, together with that 
 occasioned by the burning of Cokesbury, was estimated 
 at 10,OOOZ. sterling. 
 
 Dr. Coke was now convinced, as Mr. Asbury had 
 been before, that it was not the will of God for them to
 
 134 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 undertake such expensive buildings, nor to attempt such 
 popular establishments ; that it was their duty to preach 
 the gospel, and to apply such resources as were in their 
 power to the more immediate means of calling sinners 
 to repentance, and directing them to the Saviour of the 
 world. The loss of this sum was to all an occasion of 
 much regret, but particularly to Dr. Coke, whose wishes 
 were now directed toward a provision being made for 
 the families of such preachers as were married ; for 
 which purpose this sum, now for ever lost, would have 
 been amply sufficient. The ministers of other denomi- 
 nations, when the Methodist church in Baltimore was 
 consumed, generously offered the use of theirs for their 
 immediate accommodation. Their offers were accepted 
 with gratitude ; and they continued to preach in them 
 until their own loss was somewhat repaired, by the 
 erection of another church to which no college was 
 annexed. 
 
 Having thus beheld the melancholy torch extinguish- 
 ed, which lighted up the funeral pile of Cokesbury col- 
 lege, and also seen the ashes of its successor in Balti- 
 more, we must now return to the conference of 1784, 
 held in that city, from which the progress and confla- 
 gration of these buildings have led us to digress. 
 
 This early conference being ended, and the necessary 
 arrangements for the future government of the societies 
 made, Dr. Coke took his leave of Baltimore, and pro- 
 ceeded on an extensive tour to visit various churches 
 throughout the states, before he embarked for England. 
 During this journey, the primary objects which he kept 
 in view were, the preaching of the gospel, the deplora- 
 ble condition of the settlers and refugees in Nova Scotia, 
 in whose behalf he solicited contributions to support 
 some missionaries to be sent among them, the state of 
 the negro slaves, for whom he took every occasion to 
 plead ; and, finally, the necessity of erecting Cokesbury 
 college, which we have already beheld in flames. 
 
 In preaching the gospel, his word was attended with 
 considerable success. In most places multitudes flocked 
 to hear ; and, when assembled, the greater part appear- 
 ed to listen with considerable attention. In several 
 places the work evidently revived in the hearts of many
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 135 
 
 belonging to the societies, whose numbers were greatly 
 augmented from day to day. Toward the erection of 
 the college he found the people in general exceedingly 
 ready to contribute, and the sums which he collected far 
 exceeded his expectation. In behalf of the refugees in 
 Nova Scotia he discovered a principle of sympathy awa- 
 kened. The necessity of sending missionaries among 
 them was generally admitted, and few were backward, 
 according to their ability, to render some assistance 
 toward their support. 
 
 In prosecuting this arduous work in which he was 
 engaged his life was several times endangered by an 
 exposure to the watery element, both in traversing the 
 seas, and in attempting to ford rivers while on the con- 
 tinent. A most awful instance of this latter kind occur- 
 red on Wednesday, March 8, 1786, an account of 
 which I will set down in his own words. 
 
 " Yesterday there was a very heavy fall of snow, and 
 hail, and sleet. The fall of sleet was so great that the 
 trees seemed to be trees of ice. So beautiful a sight of 
 the kind I never saw before. And now I am going to 
 open a solemn scene. May God deeply impress it on 
 my heart ! 
 
 " We had this day a very sudden thaw. I had two 
 runs of water to cross between Alexandria and Col- 
 chester, which swell exceedingly on any thaw or fall of 
 rain ; but, being earnestly desirous to get into the 
 work, I determined to proceed on my journey. My 
 servant, whom I had permitted to make a visit on the 
 other side of the Chesapeake, had deceived me, by 
 staying beyond his time ; and the southern preachers 
 knew not where I was, imagining me to be in the West 
 Indies. A friend, who lives in Alexandria, came with 
 me over the first run ; and every body informed me that 
 I could easily cross the second, if I crossed the first. 
 When I came to the second, which was perhaps two 
 hours after I had crossed the first, I found that I had 
 two streams to pass. The first I went over without 
 much danger ; but in crossing the second, which was 
 very strong and very deep, I did not observe that a tree, 
 brought down by the flood, lay across the landing place. 
 I endeavoured, but in vain, to drive my horse against
 
 136 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 the stream, and go around the tree. I was afraid to turn 
 the horse's head to the stream, and afraid to go back. 
 In this dilemma, I thought it most prudent for me to 
 lay hold on the tree,- and go over it, the water being 
 shallow on the other side of the tree. But I did not 
 advert to the danger of loosening the tree from its hold. 
 For no sooner did I execute my purpose, so far as to 
 lay hold on the tree, (and that instant the horse was 
 carried from under me,) but the motion that I gave it 
 loosened it, and down the stream it instantly carried me. 
 " Some distance off, there grew a tree in the middle 
 of the stream, the root of which had formed a little 
 bank or island, and divided the stream ; and here the 
 tree which I held was stopped. Instantly there came 
 down with the flood a large branch of a tree upon my 
 back, which was so heavy that I was afraid it would 
 break my back. I was now jammed up for a considera- 
 ble time, (a few minutes appeared long at such a sea- 
 son,) expecting that my strength would soon be ex- 
 hausted, and I should drop between the tree and the 
 branch. Here I plead aloud with God in good earnest ; 
 one promise, which I particularly urged, I remember 
 well, ' Lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the 
 world.' I felt no fear at all at the pain of dying, or of 
 death itself, or of hell ; and yet I found an unwilling- 
 ness to die. All my castles, which I had built in the air 
 for the benefit of my fellow creatures, passed in regular 
 array before my mind, and I could not consent to give 
 them up. It was an awful time. However, through 
 the blessing of my almighty Preserver, (to whom be all 
 the glory,) I at last got up my knee, which I had long 
 endeavoured at in vairt, upon the tree, which I grasped, 
 and then soon disengaged myself, and climbed up the 
 little bank. Here I panted for breath for some time : 
 and when I recovered, perceiving the water between 
 the little island and the shore not to be very deep or 
 very strong, I ventured through it, and got to land. I 
 was now obliged to walk about a mile, shivering, before 
 I came to a house. The master and mistress were from 
 home, and were not expected to return that night. 
 But the principal negro lent me an old ragged shirt, 
 coat, waistcoat, and breeches, <fcc., and the negroes
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 137 
 
 made a large fire, and hung up my clothes all night to 
 dry. 
 
 " Before bedtime, a man, who came to the run on a 
 small horse, perceiving mine near the brook, concluded 
 that the rider was drowned ; and wanting to cross the 
 stream on urgent business, mounted my horse, and be- 
 ing well acquainted with the run, came over safely. 
 He then perceived the footsteps of a person on the 
 other side of the water, and concluded they were made 
 by the person to whom the horse belonged ; and, fol- 
 lowing the track, brought horse and bags safe to me. 
 As he seemed to be a poor man, I gave him half a 
 guinea. At night I lay on a bed upon the ground, and, 
 my strength having been so exhausted, slept soundly 
 all night. Thus was I wonderfully preserved ; and I 
 trust I shall never forget so awful but very instructive a 
 scene."* 
 
 Dr. Coke being thus providentially preserved from a 
 watery grave, and even snatched from the jaws of death, 
 pursued his plan of travelling to call sinners to repent- 
 ance, without meeting, for some time, with any thing 
 beyond the common occurrences of life. Of the quar- 
 terly meetings held in the United States, he observes 
 that the brethren for twenty, and sometimes thirty, and 
 even forty miles around, assemble together ; that the 
 congregations on these occasions are exceedingly large ; 
 and that the meetings continue for two days, and some- 
 times more. At these meetings all the travelling preach- 
 ers throughout the circuit preach in regular succession ; 
 and on some occasions the local preachers lengthen out 
 the service with additional preaching and exhortations. 
 To these sermons and exhortations a lovefeast was for- 
 merly added ; but this, after the episcopal form was in- 
 troduced, in some instances, has been superseded by the 
 sacrament. Their public worship has therefore been 
 sometimes protracted to six or seven hours in length ; 
 but even in these cases the congregations have mani- 
 fested no impatience. It is obvious from hence, that 
 the habits and manners of the Americans in this depart- 
 ment of Methodism must be widely different fiom those 
 of the Methodists in England. 
 
 Dr. Coke's journal, p. 27.
 
 138 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 Hitherto, while Dr. Coke had preserved a profound 
 silence on the subject of negro slavery, all were pleased ; 
 and he was permitted to go on his way in peace. But 
 no sooner did he lift up his voice against the injustice 
 of the traffic, than it became a signal for the commence- 
 ment of hostilities against him. In the province of Vir- 
 ginia, while preaching in a barn, on Sunday, the 9th of 
 April, 1785, he took occasion to introduce the subject 
 of slavery, and expatiated on its injustice in terms that 
 were not calculated to flatter his auditors. Many were 
 provoked to hear those truths which from their earliest 
 infancy they had been taught to stifle, and which their 
 interest still instructed them to conceal. A small party, 
 therefore, withdrew from the house, and formed a com- 
 bination to oflfei him some personal violence as soon as 
 he came out. To persevere in this resolution they were 
 stimulated by a lady, whose fashionable appearance was 
 more conspicuous than either her politeness or her 
 humanity. This lady informed the enraged mob that 
 she would give them fifty pounds in case they would 
 seize the preacher, and give him one hundred lashes. 
 
 On leaving the house, Dr. Coke was instantly sur- 
 rounded by a ferocious party, who began with threats, 
 and proceeded to put these threats into execution. A 
 magistrate, however, whp was present, opposed the vio- 
 lence which they menaced, by seizing one who appeared 
 anxious to be foremost. Another, who seemed to have 
 more strength, as he evidently had more zeal and cou- 
 rage than religion, was preparing to repel the assailants 
 by giving them battle. This gentleman was a military 
 officer, and sustained the rank of colonel. Their united 
 influence had a most powerful effect. The most courage- 
 ous began to be abashed, and marks of timidity were visi- 
 ble in all. They therefore gave vent to their rage in idle 
 imprecations, and suffered the object of their vengeance 
 to escape without farther molestation. 
 
 But rage and hostility were not the only effects pro- 
 duced by this discourse. The magistrate who had es- 
 poused the cause of Dr. Coke began to view the subject 
 in a more serious light ; and to show that he acted from 
 a pure principle, immediately emancipated fifteen slaves. 
 The report of his conduct extended the benefit still far-
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DK. COKE. 139 
 
 ther, and induced another to follow so laudable an exam- 
 ple, and to emancipate eight slaves. And the united 
 examples of both induced another to emancipate one. 
 These effects were instantaneously visible ; but to what 
 extent his faithful but sharp reproofs operated in secret, 
 we must not expect fully to know until we enter the 
 world of spirits." 
 
 On the following day, Dr. Coke again preached in the 
 neighbourhood, and was met by a large mob that were 
 armed with staves and clubs ; and with these weapons 
 they waited in silence until he had finished, after which 
 they permitted him to pass quietly away, without mak- 
 ing any use of their instruments of intimidation. For 
 what .purpose they assembled thus, without using either 
 violence or threatening language, although it is easy to 
 imagine, it is difficult to determine with precision. Dr. 
 Coke supposed, on this occasion, that they had come 
 with a resolution not to molest him while he remained 
 silent on the subject of slavery ; but that it was their in- 
 tention to fall upon him with brutal violence as soon as 
 he touched on the interdicted subject. His discourse, 
 however, not leading him toward this forbidden ground, 
 their scheme was defeated, and he seemed to be pro- 
 tected from the mob. 
 
 Toward the end of this week, his plan brought him 
 again into the state of North Carolina; but in this state 
 he observed a profound silence in public respecting the 
 slaves, as he had done before. This silence arose from 
 the existence of a law which prohibited any one through- 
 out the state from emancipating his slaves, if he were 
 so disposed. It was therefore in vain to introduce the 
 subject, when no advantages could be expected to result 
 from the irritation whieh would almost inevitably ensue. 
 The injustice of negro slavery, nevertheless, still occu- 
 pied his thoughts, and at a yearly conference which was 
 held in this state while'he was present, a petition was 
 drawn up, and presented to the legislative assembly of 
 North Carolina, praying them to pass an act that, in a 
 land which boasted of its independence, the slave hold- 
 ers should at least be permitted to emancipate their 
 slaves, if they deemed it expedient. This petition was 
 signed by the conference, and sanguine hopes were en-
 
 140 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 tertained of its ultimate success, as the governor was 
 favourable to the measure, and had signified his opinion 
 to Mr. Asbury on a former occasion. But this was not 
 the only state in which interest was found to be too 
 strong for the dictates of humanity and justice. 
 
 On repairing from North Carolina to the state of Vir- 
 ginia, in which the law permits the emancipation of 
 slaves, Dr. Coke again appealed to the dealers in human 
 flesh and blood. But having learned wisdom by what 
 he had suffered, he found it not less necessary to address 
 the negroes than to direct his discourse to their masters. 
 As a revolt among their slaves was that which the 
 masters chiefly dreaded, it was incumbent on Dr. Coke 
 to wipe away the odium which the imputation of incul- 
 cating such conduct might occasion. The duty of obe- 
 dience among the slaves while thus held in bondage 
 was therefore enforced by him in terms not less ener- 
 getic than those in which the injustice of the laws which 
 tolerated the traffic was reprehended. It was by thus 
 blending their mutual obligations ; by urging the slave 
 to obey while the law remained, and the master to eman- 
 cipate his slave from a principle of natural justice, that 
 in many places a balance was preserved, and he was 
 permitted to inveigh against the slavery of the human 
 species in peace. 
 
 This peace, however, was rather superficial than sub- 
 stantial. It was a deceitful exterior which cherished, 
 beneath its surface, a volcano that was preparing to ex- 
 plode. At a conference held in this state, many of the 
 principal friends of Methodism assembled from various 
 quarters to urge the necessity of suspending the opera- 
 tion of thetule against slavery, which had created so 
 much uneasiness ; and which, if persisted in, they were 
 apprehensive would ultimately render Methodism un- 
 productive of any public advantage. But although 
 these pleas were specious, Dr. Coke and his friends 
 were not to be proselyted by them. It was therefore 
 brought to this issue, that unless the rule against slavery 
 were permitted to operate, since it was founded upon prin- 
 ciples of immutable justice, and supported by reason, 
 by the moral feelings of the heart, and by the powerful 
 voice of revelation, preaching should be withdrawn al-
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 141 
 
 together from those circuits and places in which it was 
 too obnoxious to be suffered. Astonished at these de- 
 terminations, the opposers of the rule began seriously to 
 weigh the opposite members of the alternative, to one 
 of which they were compelled to submit. And finding, 
 how desirable soever it might be to preserve the gospel 
 in peace, that it would be attended with more serious 
 inconveniences to lose it altogether, though connected 
 with its rule against slavery, they withdrew their oppo- 
 sition. A letter was accordingly addressed to the con- 
 ference, expressive of their resolution, and praying for 
 a reappointment of the preachers, although their avowed 
 hostility to the detestable trade might involve them in 
 considerable trouble. 
 
 To blunt, as much as possible, the edge of anticipated 
 violence, it was resolved in this conference to draw up 
 a petition, that should be presented to the general as- 
 sembly of Virginia, praying that body to pass an act for 
 the immediate or gradual emancipation of the negro 
 .slaves, under such regulations as the assembly in its 
 wisdom should see meet. This petition was drawn up, 
 and a copy given to each preacher, to take with him 
 into his circuit, to present to the freeholders for the sig- 
 natures of such as could be induced to favour their legal 
 design. Already had the subject been debated in the 
 assembly, and many powerful voices had declaimed 
 against this authorized abomination. Among the free- 
 holders, also, many had expressed the same sentiments ; 
 so that, although the measure was unpopular among men 
 whose pecuniary interests absorbed every other consi- 
 deration, it was not without reason that sanguine hopes 
 were entertained of its final success. 
 
 In the meanwhile, Dr. Coke, on the breaking up of 
 the conference, proceeded onward from town to town, 
 preachipg the word, and exhorting the negroes to obe- 
 dience, while he protested against slavery ; at the same 
 time making collections for the college that was erect- 
 ing, and interesting the people in favour of the refugees 
 in Nova Scotia. On every occasion, beside that of the 
 slave business, peace and prosperity crowned his efforts. 
 When this obnoxious subject was omitted, he was ca- 
 ressed, and received with all the veneration and respect
 
 142 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 which a delegate of heaven can claim. But on other 
 occasions, when this fatal chord was touched, it instantly 
 vibrated discord through the congregations, and ap- 
 plauses gave place to execrations. In some places the 
 members of society were disgusted, and many among 
 them withdrew : and sometimes the houses of the plant- 
 ers, in which he had been accustomed to receive the 
 most hospitable entertainment, were shut against him. 
 On other occasions, so far as his enemies could extend 
 their influence, he found himself excluded from the 
 churches, and places of public worship, to which he had 
 been previously invited, and had frequently had access. 
 
 But these discouragements were not without their 
 corresponding advantages. In several places the loss 
 of old friends was but a prelude to the acquirement of 
 new ; and while some became enraged at his faithful 
 testimony against slavery, many were convinced of its 
 injustice, and proclaimed liberty to their captives. In 
 the midst of these vicissitudes, the societies also almost 
 everywhere increased, so that while they were abandon- 
 ed by the selfish and inhumane, they were augmented 
 by new members, whose views were in unison with the 
 doctrine and principles thus uniformly inculcated, though 
 variously received. 
 
 Animated by these encouragements more than he was 
 intimidated by surrounding hostilities, Dr. Coke deter- 
 mined to persevere. But he was particularly solicitous 
 to promote, through the medium of the petition, the 
 grand object at which their varied efforts aimed ; being 
 well assured that, if this should ultimately prove suc- 
 cessful, their measures would be accomplished, and 
 hostilities would cease. To facilitate this, a favourable 
 opportunity now presented itself. 
 
 On Wednesday, the 26th of May, Dr. Coke met Mr. 
 Asbury by appointment, at Alexandria, in Virginia, not 
 far from which was the seat of General Washington, 
 from whom they received an invitation to dine on the 
 following day. Accepting of this invitation, they re- 
 paired to his hospitable mansion. Mount Vernon, the 
 general's seat, Dr. Coke describes " as very elegant, 
 built upon the great river Potomac, for the improvement 
 of the navigation of which, he is carrying on, jointly
 
 LIFE OF HE REV. DR. COKE. 143 
 
 with the state, some amazing plans. He received us 
 very politely, and was very open to access. He is quite 
 the plain country gentleman. After dinner we desired 
 a private interview, and opened to him the grand busi- 
 ness on which we came, presenting to him our petition 
 for the emancipation of the negroes, and entreating his 
 signature, if the eminence of his station did not render 
 it inexpedient for him to sign any petition." On the 
 subject of emancipation, " he informed us that he was 
 of our sentiments, and had signified his thoughts to most 
 of the great men of the state, though he did not see it 
 proper to sign the petition ; but if the assembly took 
 the subject into consideration, he would signify his sen- 
 timents by a letter."* 
 
 Although General Washington, from being president 
 of the general congress, could not find it convenient, as 
 a citizen of Virginia, to sign any petition to be present- 
 ed to the assembly of that state, yet the public and 
 undisguised avowal of his sentiments in favour of the 
 principles upon which the petition was founded, was a 
 most important acquisition. Both Dr. Coke and Mr. 
 Asbury felt its influence in all its force ; and their future 
 movements respecting slavery were so conducted as to 
 coincide with the sanguine hopes they had been led to 
 entertain. Under present circumstances, as the question 
 was to be agitated in the legislative body, common pru- 
 dence dictated the omission of every action that might 
 tend to provoke opposition, and create unnecessary 
 irritation. 
 
 It is an obvious fact that, while the preachers con- 
 tinued to declaim in public against the injustice of 
 slavery, they furnished their enemies with a plausible 
 pretext to form a counter petition, which might ultimately 
 tend to defeat their own. They might have represented 
 Dr. Coke and his colleagues as countenancing factions ;-*- 
 as acting independently of legislative sanction ; and as 
 dictating rules of action to the people, which tended to 
 alienate that submission which the state had an exclusive 
 right to command. And that a legislative compliance 
 with their requests would appear to be extorted through 
 
 * Dr. Coke's journal, p. 45.
 
 144 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 fear, rather than granted from a principle of generous 
 concession ; arid thus enable them to triumph in that 
 contempt to which their clamours had exposed the go- 
 vernment. That it would argue an imbecility in the 
 constituted authority to be thus awed into submission 
 by indirect menaces, and tarnish the dignity of the state, 
 by reproaching it with a want of power to enforce obe- 
 dience to established usages, agreeably to the competent 
 dictates of its own wisdom. 
 
 To prevent these plausable pretences from being 
 urged, was therefore a necessary step to be taken in the 
 present crisis of affairs. .Accordingly, on the second 
 of June, when their conference was opened, the rule 
 respecting slavery was taken into serious consideration ; 
 and judging from the manner in which it had been with- 
 stood, that steady perseverance might ultimately defeat 
 a greater good, it was finally determined that its opera- 
 tions should, for the present, be suspended. To this 
 measure Dr. Coke was the more willing to accede, as, 
 being about to take his leave of the continent, and to 
 return to England, he was anxious to leave the societies 
 in peace. Of the lawfulness of this rule, no doubt Avas 
 ever entertained by the conference, but its expediency 
 was rendered somewhat problematical, through existing 
 circumstances ; and on this ground it was permitted to 
 rest. 
 
 In pursuing his journeys through the states, Dr. Coke 
 frequently found himself exposed to imminent dangers. 
 Sometimes he has been benighted in dreary forests ; and, 
 like his Lord and Master, has had scarcely where to lay 
 his head. Sometimes he has missed his way, and has 
 been compelled to wander in a forlorn condition, through 
 trackless deserts, exposed to the violence of the ele- 
 ments. Sometimes his accommodations were exceed- 
 ingly uncomfortable, and his provisions both scanty and 
 bad. " I have hardly," says he in one place, " eaten 
 any thing these ten -weeks of the flesh kind, but swine's 
 flesh and shad fish." And in another he observes, " I 
 was met by our dear and valuable friend Dr. Hopkins. 
 He brought me to his house that evening, though it was 
 dark before we reached it. Here I found myself locked 
 up in the midst of mountains. So romantic a scene I
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 145 
 
 think I never beheld. The wolves, I find, frequently 
 come up to our friends' fences at night, howling in an 
 awful manner, and sometimes they seize upon a straying 
 sheep." 
 
 But it was not to wolves, to dreary nights, to the vio- 
 lence of the elements, to the want of accommodations, 
 or to the frowns of solitude, while traversing the path- 
 less desert, that Dr. Coke was most dangerously exposed. 
 His perils by water were still more terrific than the 
 preceding, and in crossing in one place, while travelling 
 toward Alexandria, in order to reach a bridge, under 
 which the principal stream ran, the inundation which the 
 violent rain had occasioned was so great, that the water 
 entered into the top of his boots while he sat on horse- 
 back. In another place, where the bridge had been 
 broken down by the impetuous current, the company 
 were compelled to drive their horses across, not daring 
 to venture on their backs, and in this they were in the 
 greatest danger of losing them, the torrent being so 
 strong as to carry them away. Providentially, after 
 many efforts, the animals escaped, and landed safely on 
 the opposite side. As to themselves, they were com- 
 pelled with great labour to patch up the fragments of 
 the broken bridge, and to venture their lives on the 
 shattered planks that trembled under their feet. During 
 this day they had travelled forty miles ; and they were so 
 detained, through the accidents to which they had been 
 exposed, that darkness and fatigue overtook them before 
 they could reach the place of their destination ; but at 
 length, by the good hand of God upon them, they found 
 an inn on the road, which alleviated the horrors of their 
 situation. On the day following they were locked up 
 by the surrounding torrents ; and on that which suc- 
 ceeded, they marched in the midst of perils. "After 
 many doubts," says Dr. Coke, " and I confess with 
 trembling, I was prevailed upon to walk over a long 
 pine tree, which lay across a strong and deep stream 
 of water, in which I must have been inevitably drowned, 
 if my foot had slipped. A man went before, leading 
 me by the hand. But here, as everywhere, the Lord 
 was on ray right hand that I should not fall." On the 
 afternoon of this day, he crossed the same stream of 
 7
 
 146 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 water, in which he had been carried down by a floating 
 tree, as we have already noticed in a preceding part of 
 this chapter. But on the present occasion the water 
 was so low that he had nothing to apprehend. It was 
 here he observes, " where the awful scene happened, 
 which I trust, through the blessing of God, I shall never 
 forget." 
 
 Dr. Coke had now been in America from the 3d of 
 November, 1784, to June 1, 1785 ; and he was on the 
 eve of taking his departure for England. During his 
 residence on the continent he had travelled several 
 thousand miles, and had encountered difficulties of the 
 most complicated, severe, and trying nature. By what 
 motive then can we suppose him to have been actuated, 
 but that by which he uniformly professed to be guided ? 
 If worldly aggrandizement had been his object he cer- 
 tainly selected an unpromising path, or totally mistook 
 his road. If the prospect of wealth had allured him, a 
 gentleman of a decent and independent fortune would 
 hardly think of finding it among the wolves of the Blue 
 Ridge, or the inundations of the desert. If ambition 
 had tempted him, he would rather have sought to gather 
 fame from less thorny shrubs. If vanity had been his 
 ruling passion, it would have induced him to secure the 
 approbation of the powerful, the wealthy, and the great. 
 And if the plaudits of mortals had stimulated him to 
 exertion, he would have palliated the enormities of sla- 
 very, and have exchanged the execrations which he 
 endured on that account, for the smiles which are always 
 ready to flatter an ignoble spirit. In befriending the 
 negroes, and endeavouring to alleviate the rigours of 
 their condition, while he generously aimed at their 
 moral improvement and eternal welfare, it will be rea- 
 dily admitted that " Coke appeared ambitious ;" but in 
 other respects " ambition should be formed of sterner 
 stuff." 
 
 Having thus, as an instrument in the hands of God, 
 formed a new era in the annals of Methodism in the 
 western world, Dr. Coke took leave of his numerous 
 and affectionate friends, and embarked on board a ship 
 called the Olive Branch, on the 3d of June, to sail for 
 England. Contrary winds, however, impeded his pro-
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. PR. COKE. 147 
 
 gress, so that more than a week elapsed before they 
 could finally leave the American shores. During this 
 interval his time was occupied in writing letters to his 
 friends whom he was about to leave, giving them ad- 
 vice, and bidding them farewell. The wind at length 
 proving favourable they took their departure ; and, 
 without meeting with any thing remarkable, reached 
 England in safety. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Meets with an unpleasant reception from Mr. Wesley at the 
 conference Causes developed, and his conduct vindicated En- 
 tertains thoughts of separating from the Establishment Opens a 
 missionary correspondence with a gentlemen in India Visits the 
 Norman Isles First introduction of Methodism into the islands 
 Resolute perseverance of Dr. Adam Clarke amid persecution 
 Dr. Coke sails a second time for America Prominent disasters 
 of their voyage Manner of employing his time on board Super- 
 stitious brutality of the captain Tranquil state of Dr. Coke's 
 mind Driven to Antigua. 
 
 IT was the lot of Dr. Coke, soon after his arrival in 
 England, to meet, from Mr. Wesley, with a reception at 
 the conference which, from his indefatigable exertions 
 during his absence, he was not prepared to expect. 
 
 We have already had occasion to notice that, on the 
 political questions which had involved Great Britain 
 arid America in a war, Mr. Wesley's sentiments were 
 decidedly in favour of the mother country. And al- 
 though he had relaxed in his language since the inde- 
 pendence of the United States had been acknowledged, 
 his views remained unaltered, and he was not much dis- 
 posed to hear the propriety of these sentiments ques- 
 tioned. On the part of Dr. Coke we have also seen 
 that, from the official situation in which he was placed 
 by Mr. Wesley, on his arrival in America, he thought 
 himself under a moral necessity of joining in an address 
 to General Washington, as president of the American 
 congress, in behalf of all the Methodists in the United 
 States.
 
 148 LIFE OF THE REV. DR, COKE, 
 
 The various addresses, thus presented, soon found 
 their way into the American newspapers, and in these 
 papers they were brought across the Atlantic. Among 
 these addresses there was none that attracted the atten- 
 tion of the English Methodists so much as that which 
 bore the signature of Dr. Coke and Mr. Asbnry, as 
 superintendents of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 
 the United States of America. A copy of this address 
 had been carefully preserved, and it was now intro- 
 duced as a ground of censure against the doctor. 
 
 It was urged against him that, as a subject of Great 
 Britain, it was inconsistent with his character to sign 
 the address. That several expressions therein contain- 
 ed, in favour of the American government, implied a 
 severe reflection on our own, and could not justly have 
 been used by a British subject, unless he had renounced 
 all allegiance to his sovereign, and withdrawn himself 
 from the constitution of his country. That as a mem- 
 ber of the Methodist society in England, and a leading 
 character in the connection, his conduct was calculated 
 to provoke the indignation of government. And, final- 
 ly, that the address itself was a tacit impeachment of 
 Mr. Wesley's political sentiments, and tended to place 
 the whole body of Methodists in a very equivocal and 
 suspicious light. 
 
 Dr. Coke heard these charges urged against him in 
 profound silence. In the mere abstract, when separa- 
 ted from the colouring of aggravation, they were, per- 
 haps, nearly true ; but when viewed in relation to that 
 double character which he was called to sustain, the 
 occasions of them seemed unavoidably to arise from the 
 situation in which he was placed. 
 
 Under these circumstances, as some decisive steps 
 were necessary to be taken in this critical affair, it was 
 finally determined that the name of Dr. Coke should be 
 omitted in the minutes for the succeeding year. This 
 prudent resolution had the desired effect ; and the 
 business of conference proceeded and terminated in 
 peace. 
 
 But this silent mark of disapprobation, as was evident 
 from the effects which followed, was on the whole more 
 nominal than real. The doctor still maintained his rank
 
 MFE OF THE REV. T>R. COKE, 149 
 
 in Mr. Wesley's affectionate regard, and continued to 
 retain those offices which he had hitherto filled. At 
 the conclusion of the conference, he proceeded, as 
 though nothing disagreeable had occurred, travelling 
 through the societies in the same manner as he had 
 travelled before he went to America. 
 
 Dr. Coke, during his residence on the continent, had 
 heard so much of the abominable conduct of the Ameri- 
 can clergy who had absconded at the commencement of 
 the war ; and had seen so much that was disgusting in 
 those that now supplied some churches, that his indig- 
 nant feelings were roused to an exalted pitch. The 
 strong impressions which these reports and observations 
 had made, continued to haunt him while on the conti- 
 nent, and to be his companions while returning to Eng- 
 land. And such was the effect which they produced in 
 his mind that, on his arrival in this country, he was 
 strongly prepossessed with an idea that it would be for 
 the interestS ( of vital Christianity, and for the welfare of 
 Methodism, 'if the Methodists were wholly to withdraw 
 from the Establishment, and become a separate body, 
 His views on this subject he communicated to others, 
 who, coinciding with him in sentiment, so far confirmed 
 him in the propriety of the measure, that he formed the 
 outline of a plan which he thought the Methodist con- 
 ference might prudently carry into execution, 
 
 It was not long, however, that he continued under the 
 influence of these erroneous impressions. His resi- 
 dence in England soon taught him that he had made an 
 unjustifiable transfer of the conduct of the American 
 clergy to those of Britain. With this enlightened view 
 he observed, in reply to the strictures published on his 
 sermon preached at Baltimore, that, " fallen as the min- 
 isters of the Establishment in England in general are, 
 they are incomparably to be preferred before the clergy 
 of America." In consequence of this change in his 
 views and prejudices, which the conduct of the American 
 clergy had excited, the plan was discarded before it 
 came to full maturity ; and it is sincerely to be hoped 
 that, being interred, nothing may ever occur henceforth 
 to call it from its grave. 
 
 Of the error, into which Dr. Coke was thus indis-
 
 150 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 erectly led, he was afterward more fully sensible. And, 
 as " a noble mind disdains not to repent," he frankly 
 acknowledged his precipitancy in a letter which he 
 wrote on an opposite occasion to the bishop of London. 
 an extract from which, together with the bishop's reply, 
 will be hereafter inserted. 
 
 In the early months of the year 1786, Dr. Coke tra- 
 velled through a considerable part of England, preach- 
 ing to the various congregations which assembled ; and, 
 with the true spirit of a missionary, which he had been 
 solicitous to cultivate on his voyage to the continent, 
 endeavouring to excite their benevolent feelings toward 
 the refugees in Nova Scotia, whose cause he had es- 
 poused while in America, and still continued to support 
 with unremitting zeal. To the north of England he 
 chiefly directed his journeys ; and prior to his return to 
 London, he penetrated into a part of Scotland. In this 
 infant state of things, his success in appealing to the 
 liberality of the people was equal to any expectations 
 that prudence might form. It was not indeed to be 
 compared with the contributions of the present enlight- 
 ened and liberal age ; but the collections which he made, 
 together with the assistance procured by his friends, 
 enabled him to accomplish the object of his wishes ; 
 although the interposition of Providence turned the ap- 
 plication of the amount in a new direction, which no 
 person could at that time have anticipated. 
 
 But although Nova Scotia was the primary object 
 which he had in view, his exertions were not exclusively 
 restricted to this part of the continent. His mind seems 
 to have expanded with the journeys he had taken, and 
 his benevolence began to embrace the inhabitants of 
 every zone. In the United States he saw an ample 
 field for missionary labours. It was a region in which 
 thousands were living without hope and without God in 
 the world ; and among whom even the sound of the gos- 
 pel had scarcely been heard for many years. To these 
 secluded districts he was solicitous to send ministers ; 
 but the resources which have since supplied the means 
 of support were at this time in a great measure unex- 
 plored ; so that he was compelled to behold the spiritual 
 distresses of his fellow-creatures, without having the
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 151 
 
 power to furnish them with an adequate relief. Still 
 his missionary spirit remained with uuabating ardour, 
 and even rose above those pecuniary embarrassments 
 which seemed to increase its internal vigour by circum- 
 scribing the extent of its operations. 
 
 From Wales, the place of his nativity, he had repaired 
 to England ; and from England he had proceeded to 
 Scotland and Ireland. From Europe he had taken a 
 voyage to America, and had opened a correspondence 
 with a gentleman in Asia, relative to the establishment 
 of a mission among the benighted pagans of India. In 
 all these movements nothing but a unity of principle is 
 discoverable, varying in its operations as circumstances 
 pointed out the most probable means of accomplish- 
 ing the end he had in view ; which, in its aggregate 
 amount, included the glory of God, the extension of the 
 Redeemer's kingdom, and the ultimate happiness of the 
 human race. And, although the result of his communi- 
 cations with India at this time, amounted to little more 
 than a developement of the miserable condition of the 
 people, sunk in the lowest state of mental degradation ; 
 this very gloomy account, instead of throwing him into 
 despondency, left on his mind an impression in their fa- 
 vour that was never to be effaced. 
 
 Of a mission to India, the undertaking presented itself 
 before him in all its magnitude ; but an adequacy of 
 means, proportioned to the end was not in his power. 
 This important work was therefore kept in reserve, un- 
 til a happy combination of circumstances should appear 
 to point out the will of Providence, without exposing 
 those who should engage in the arduous task to the 
 charge of being deluded by visionary expectations. 
 More than twenty-seven years elapsed before this fa- 
 vourable concurrence of circumstances appeared. It 
 was then embraced as a call from God ; and Dr. Coke, 
 though far advanced in years, undertook the superin- 
 tendency of the work, in the prosecution of which he 
 finished his mortal career. But these eventful incidents 
 will appear before us hereafter, when we advance to that 
 period of his life in which they will be given in detail. 
 At present we must return to his labours and employ- 
 ment in 1786, during which he paid a visit to the Nor.
 
 152 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 man Isles, and was made instrumental in the hand of 
 God, of establishing a Methodist society in Guernsey. 
 But as many erroneous accounts respecting the establish- 
 ment of Methodism in these islands have been published, 
 it may not be improper to take a retrospective survey 
 of its origin, and to detail the facts in their various con- 
 nections leading to this result, especially as information 
 has been received from an authentic source. 
 
 The island of Jersey, in which Methodism first ap- 
 peared, is about thirty miles in circumference, and con- 
 tains upward of twenty thousand inhabitants. It has 
 twelve parish churches, which are supplied by regular 
 ministers, under the jurisdiction of a dean. But not- 
 withstanding such ecclesiastical provision, vital religion 
 was but little known among the inhabitants for a series 
 of years, in the early periods of its history. 
 
 God had indeed called the people to repentance, by 
 gentle but redoubled strokes of his rod ; but these so- 
 lemn warnings seem to have produced no lasting effects. 
 One was by repeated shocks of an earthquake for seve- 
 ral days successively, which so deeply affected the mind 
 of the aged clergyman of St. Helier, that he called the 
 people of his charge to a daily attendance on public 
 worship in the church, so long as the visitation con- 
 tinued. But, although the alarm excited by the threat- 
 ened calamity was considerable, the serious impressions 
 that were apparent subsided with the occasion, and no 
 effectual reformation was produced in the lives of the 
 inhabitants. Another warning was given in the year 
 1781, when a detachment of French soldiers invaded 
 the island, and, in the conflict which ensued, several 
 lives, on both sides, were lost. But still the native 
 islanders " did not turn to him that smote them, neither 
 did they seek the Lord of hosts." 
 
 A large fleet of ships was annually fitted out from this 
 island, for fishing on the banks of Newfoundland. This 
 afforded many of the sailors an opportunity of going on 
 shore, and while on shore, of attending the ministry of 
 the Rev. Lawrence Coughlan, a preacher belonging to 
 Lady Huntingdon's connection, who resided at St. 
 John's. Some of these sailors being seriously affected 
 under his preaching, declared op their return to Jersey,
 
 LITE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 153 
 
 both in public and private, the blesssed effects which 
 had resulted from Mr. Coughlan's ministry. Soon after 
 this the captain of a vessel from Poole, in Dorsetshire, 
 who brought government stores to Jersey in time of 
 war, and also traded there subsequently in times of peace, 
 preached on almost every return at St. Helier. At his 
 instance also a blind man from Poole was induced to 
 visit them, and to reside a short season in the island as 
 a stated minister. By all these means a few persons, 
 both in town and country, were brought under a serious 
 concern for their souls, and for some time attended the 
 meeting ; but this last preacher being obliged to return 
 to England for want of support, the flock became scat- 
 tered like sheep without a shepherd. 
 
 Such was the state of things, when a small number 
 of religious soldiers, belonging to a regiment which 
 was ordered from England to Jersey, providentially 
 came thither. These men had heard the gospel under 
 Captain Webb, at Winchester and Southampton ; and, 
 finding on their arrival little help or food for their souls 
 in their new situation, they asked the few serious pro- 
 fessors, with whom they soon became acquainted, if 
 they were willing (being Calvinists) to receive a preacher 
 from Mr. Wesley's connection, provided one could be 
 obtained. To this they consented. The soldiers there- 
 fore immediately wrote a letter to Mr. Jasper Wins- 
 comb, a local preacher at Whitchurch, requesting him 
 to lay their case before Mr. Wesley, by letter, and soli- 
 cit assistance. 
 
 Robert Carr Brackenbury, Esq., a gentleman of for- 
 tune, liberality, and piety, who had some years before 
 joined the Methodist communion, and preached in con- 
 nection with that people, happened, through the good 
 providence of God, to be at this time on a short excur- 
 sion from London, with that aged and truly venerable 
 man, when he produced the letter just received from Mr. 
 Winscomb. Mr. Brackenbury, on considering the pro- 
 posal, and having some acquaintance with the French 
 language, viewed it as a call from God, and immediately 
 offered his services. The offer was thankfully accepted 
 by Mr. Wesley ; and, in a few days, toward the end of 
 December, 1783, that gentleman, having received letters 
 7*
 
 154 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE, 
 
 of recommendation in London, and being also com- 
 mended by the prayers of the society in the new chapel, 
 City Road, to the grace of God for the work, embarked 
 on board a vessel at Southampton for Jersey. He had 
 at this time in his service Mr. Alexander Kilham, who 
 afterward set himself at the head of a party thai sepa- 
 rated from the Methodist connection. As Mr. Killuim 
 had been a local preacher in the place where he lived, 
 Mr. Brackenbury considered him as his coadjutor in 
 the gospel, no less than his servant ; and they soon be- 
 gan to exercise their ministry, first in an old religious 
 house near the sea, and afterward in a room in the 
 town, which Mr. B. had hired for the purpose. These 
 meetings were exceedingly disturbed, and the demon of 
 persecution raged horribly. But the Lord stood by and 
 strengthened his servants ; and all those who had been 
 previously converted, as well as those who had recently 
 turned to the Lord, sweetly coalesced into one body. 
 This union particularly appeared at a lovefeast, held at 
 St. Helier, when all differences of opinion were lost and 
 swallowed up in the overflowings of divine and fraternal 
 affection ; and French and English, in their respective 
 tongues, unanimously declared the wonderful works of 
 God. 
 
 The same riotous proceedings, in process of time,, 
 extended to different parts of the island as the work 
 spread ; and continued, with some intervals of rest, for 
 several years following. During these days of trouble, 
 the sufferers sought redress from the civil power, but 
 unhappily they sought it in vain, until a widow of St. 
 Mary's, at whose house the meetings were held, having 
 been long molested by the mob, by appealing to the 
 court obtained a hearing. Her case was considered ; 
 the rioters were fined, and compelled to find security 
 for their good behaviour in future; in consequence of 
 which peace was procured. Amid these oppositions, 
 religion, in its life and power, continued to flourish ; 
 while those local preachers who had exercised their 
 ministry from the beginning prosecuted their work, and 
 some new ones were raised up. Societies also were 
 formed over the greater part of the island. For awhile 
 Mr. B.'s hired house served for a place of worship ; but
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 155 
 
 afterward a more commodious building in the centre of 
 the town was converted to the same use ; and finally, a 
 large and handsome chapel was erected by subscription. 
 
 At an early period of Mr. Brackenbury's ministry, 
 one Peter Arrive, of the island of Guernsey, who traded 
 in a small vessel to Jersey, a man of a wicked life, and 
 of rough manners, paid a visit to his sisters at St. He- 
 lier, in Jersey. These sisters, who were among the 
 first fruits of Mr. Brackenbury's ministry, prevailed on 
 their brother to accompany them to the preaching house, 
 that, hearing for himself, he might not be deluded with 
 the ridiculous tales which common report had thrown 
 into circulation. In compliance with their request he 
 accordingly went, and was deeply awakened ; and with 
 these serious impressions he returned to Guernsey, to 
 which island he invited Mr. Brackenbury to come and 
 preach. More than twelve months, however, elapsed 
 when, under serious apprehensions of a formidable op- 
 position on account of the prevailing wickedness of the 
 people, Mr. B. made his first visit. The event proved 
 more favourable than his fears ; for he was received 
 with much civility, and even permitted to speak in seve- 
 ral houses without interruption, to numerous and atten- 
 tive hearers. This was in December, 1785. Shortly 
 afterward he was followed by M. De Queteville ; and in 
 the summer of 1786 by Dr. Coke, who, in company with 
 M. De Queteville, formed, as already observed, the first 
 society in this island. Dr. Coke was also permitted to 
 preach in the church at St. Helier, in Jersey, and after" 
 ward, holding a lovefeast with the members of the soci- 
 ety, the Lord was eminently present to the joy and 
 satisfaction both of him and them. 
 
 In this same year, 1786, the prospect which opened 
 in the Norman isles appearing favourable, induced Mr. 
 Wesley to send another preacher ; and Mr. Adam 
 Clarke, now Dr. Clarke, was appointed to the work. 
 Preaching at St. Aubin, the treatment he received was 
 even more severe than that which his predecessors had 
 experienced at St. Helier. The house in which he 
 preached was frequently surrounded and assaulted by a 
 furious mob ; and, in their various attacks, it was nearly 
 pulled to pieces. To himself the most violent personal
 
 166 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 indignities were frequently offered, which more than 
 once endangered his life. On finding, however, that 
 he was not to be intimidated, one of the magistrates 
 placed himself at the head of the mob, and with his 
 own hands dragged him from the pulpit. The drum- 
 mer of the St. Aubin militia was then called, who actu- 
 ally beat his drum through the street, while the preacher 
 was conducted by the mob in the rear to the extremity 
 of the town, and dismissed with a most ferocious assu- 
 rance that this was only a specimen of what he must 
 expect in case he ever presumed to pay them another 
 visit. But this ill usage was not sufficient to drive him 
 from the field of duty. He uniformly told them that 
 at the appointed time he should again appear, whatever 
 consequences might ensue. The mob, on finding him 
 supported by an undaunted resolution, surrounded him 
 on his return, rather to admire his bravery than to exe- 
 cute their threatenings; aad, permitting him to proceed 
 in peace, they became the savage protectors of the man 
 whom they had confederated to destroy. 
 
 In the island of Guernsey Dr. Clarke was enabled 
 during his stay to erect a commodious chapel in the 
 the town of St. Peter, and to collect a congregation, 
 now settled into serious and attentive hearers. In 1787 
 he also visited the little island of Alderney, and was re- 
 ceived with the greatest cordiality. Here also an infant 
 church was planted, but not without opposition, through 
 a train of providential circumstances which it would be 
 tedious to enumerate. Of his useful labours in Jersey, 
 Guernsey, and Alderney, together with a detailed ac- 
 count of the persecutions to which he was exposed, and 
 also of his Christian fortitude, zeal, and perseverance 
 in the midst of danger, a memorial is preserved in the 
 life of the Rev. John Wesley, by Messrs. Coke and 
 Moore, to which the reader is referred who desires to 
 obtain particular information on these subjects.* 
 
 Dr. Coke, on returning from the Norman Isles, began 
 to prepare for another voyage across the Atlantic. 
 From personal observations, and from letters, he had 
 increased his knowledge of the great want of preachers 
 
 See Coke's and Moore's Life of Wesley, p. 428, Ac.
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 157 
 
 in many places, and had found that the necessities of all 
 were exceedingly urgent. But as he had more particu- 
 larly espoused the cause of the Nova Scotians, and 
 received contributions for the support of the gospel 
 among them, these formed the primary object of his 
 present consideration. Having made every necessary 
 preparation, and procured three missionaries, Messrs. 
 Hammet, Warrener, and Clarke, to accompany him, he 
 set his face toward the regions of Nova Scotia. It was 
 not his intention to remain long in that territory ; nei- 
 ther was he fully resolved to leave behind him there all 
 the missionaries that were to be his companions. In 
 these appointments, appearances and circumstances were 
 to be his guide, under the direction of a discretionary 
 power. From Nova Scotia he intended to revisit the 
 United States, and to make a second tour through the 
 provinces from which he had sailed about sixteen months 
 before. But God, whose way is in the whirlwind, and 
 path in the great waters, gave a new direction to his 
 movements, and led the mission that was intended for 
 the north, into a warmer region. By these means, he 
 made the tempest which assailed them on the Atlantic 
 subservient to his wise designs, and productive in its 
 issues and consequences of one of the first missions that 
 the Methodists have been made instrumental of esta- 
 blishing in the world. 
 
 Dr. Coke and his companions embarked on this voy- 
 age at Gravesend, on Sunday, the 24th of September, 
 1786, on board of a vessel bound to Halifax. The 
 voyage was, on the whole, the most perilous he ever 
 undertook, and perhaps one of the most distressing 
 periods of his life ; as they were compelled to contend 
 with adverse winds and violent storms during a tedious 
 passage of ten weeks ; and finally, after sustaining innu- 
 merable hardships, to abandon the port of their primary 
 destination, and seek for shelter in the torrid zone. 
 
 During the first five days and nights, contrary winds 
 prevented them from making any progress ; so that 
 amid stormy seas and hostile elements, they did nothing 
 but cruise between the south of France and the Isle of 
 Wight. On the night of the 28th they narrowly escaped 
 being run down by a large coal ship, which, if they had
 
 158 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 not providentially slipped close by her side, would have 
 compelled them to find 
 
 " The ship their coffin, and the sea their grave." 
 
 The adverse gale, continuing without any abatement, 
 obliged them on the 30th to take shelter in St. Helen's. 
 From hence, on the ensuing day, they got up to Spit- 
 head, when the missionaries went on shore, and once 
 more paid a visit to their friends at Portsmouth. Their 
 stay, however, was very short, as, to prevent the vessel 
 from sailing without them, they had engaged to return 
 on board every night. Having, therefore, one evening 
 preached, and taken leave of their friends, they pro- 
 ceeded about midnight toward their vessel, from which 
 they were about seven miles distant. But this passage 
 proved so tempestuous, that after rowing in their boat 
 about two miles, their pilot advised them to return, and 
 take up their lodgings during the remaining part of the 
 night on board a yacht which lay near them, of which 
 he had the command. To do this he thought they 
 might presume with safety, as the same cause which 
 prevented them from reaching their vessel would detain 
 her in the harbour. 
 
 The severity of the weather being somewhat abated 
 toward the morning, they hastened on board their own 
 ship very early, expecting to put speedily to sea ; but 
 a train of adverse circumstances compelled them to lie 
 at anchor for eight days more. On Thursday, the 5th 
 of October, they were exposed to one of the most tre- 
 mendous storms that the neighbouring inhabitants had 
 remembered on the coast for many years. During this 
 tempest, a small sloop got entangled with one of their 
 cables, and for some time both vessels were threatened 
 with serious damage, if not with mutual destruction. 
 But from this danger, also, the God whom winds and 
 seas obey, wrought out a deliverance for them. 
 
 On finding their present situation rather precarious, 
 and discovering no prospect of sailing, they seized a 
 favourable opportunity on the llth, of weighing anchor, 
 and of removing to Yarmouth harbour, in the Isle of 
 Wight. But this was not sufficient to secure them from 
 hazard. On the following day they were in the most
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 159 
 
 imminent danger of being run down by a frigate, the 
 captain of which, on perceiving their situation, drew 
 her so near the shore, in order to preserve them, that 
 she ran aground. But, as it was a soft muddy bottom, 
 she was got off on the following tide, without sustaining 
 any damage. 
 
 On finding the weather grow more serene and settled, 
 they once more, weighed anchor, and began their voy- 
 age ; and on the 14th, got off the Land's End. As the 
 wind blew in a favourable direction, although every day 
 brought with it squalls and tempests, they made consi- 
 derable progress, and flattered themselves that they 
 should soon accomplish their voyage, and take their 
 leave of storms and seas. But in these hopes they 
 were disappointed. 
 
 On the morning of the 17th their attention was arrested 
 by a most alarming circumstance that was deeply inte- 
 resting to all. On sounding the well, it was found that 
 the vessel had admitted an unusual quantity of water ; 
 and on searching for the cause, it was discovered that 
 she had sprung a leak in a part which lay under the 
 cabin. This was a serious affair, as they were far from 
 any harbour, and were approaching nearly toward the 
 middle of the Atlantic. The captain and mate, on ex- 
 amining the leak, found it of such a nature that it could 
 not be repaired while they were at sea. But providen- 
 tially ii was above the regular surface of the sea, and 
 only admitted water when the vessel inclined to that 
 side, under the pressure of the breeze. In addition to 
 this, it was not of sufficient magnitude to endanger their 
 lives, as the pumps could easily command it, provided 
 it was not enlarged ; but of this they were very appre- 
 hensive, the weather having assumed a very menacing 
 aspect. Night approaching, all the hatches were obliged 
 to be shut, as the cabin windows had been for some 
 days before, to prevent the vessel from being filled with 
 the turbulent waves, that seemed to ride on one another. 
 At the prospect before them the sailors were evidently 
 alarmed, for this evening, for the first time, they joined 
 the missionaries in family prayer. 
 
 But it was not till the night of the 26th the tempest 
 reached the zenith of its fury, so as to surpass all that
 
 160 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 they had hitherto experienced. The captain was of 
 opinion that this was a more tempestuous night than any 
 he recollected for ten years past. Although the severity 
 of the wind had prevented them from spreading any sail, 
 they were very apprehensive that their mainmast would 
 be carried away through its violence. And in order to 
 prevent the fatal consequences that would probably en- 
 sue from such an accident, about midnight they got two 
 hatchets in readiness to cut it away, as soon as they 
 found such a melancholy expedient necessary. Provi- 
 dentially, the masts and rigging rode out the storm ; but 
 their pleasure in the morning, to find the gale abated, 
 was counteracted by a discovery that the labouring of 
 the ship had increased the leak. Her violent straining 
 had also so far injured the rigging, that on Sunday, the 
 25th of November, one of the mainstays of the mainmast 
 broke, and it had not been long repaired before the other 
 also gave way. Both, however, were secured, and every 
 precaution was taken to provide for still severer storms, 
 which were fully anticipated from these awful presages. 
 On Thursday, the 30th, a dreadful gale blew from the 
 north-west, which more than realized all their appre- 
 hension. " At ten at night," says Dr. Coke, " I heard 
 the captain's wife cry out in a most dreadful fright ; and 
 presently one of the passengers came running, and cry- 
 ing, ' Pray for us, doctor, pray for us, for we are just 
 gone.' I came out of my room, and found that a dread- 
 ful hurricane had just arisen. The ship was on her 
 beam ends. They had not time to take down the fore- 
 sail, and were just going to cut away the mainmast as 
 the last remedy, expecting every moment the ship would 
 be filled with water, and sink. My brethren and my- 
 self, at this awful moment, retired into a corner to pray, 
 and I think we may all say we felt a perfect resignation 
 to the will of God. Through grace I think I may assert 
 that I was entirely delivered from the fear of death. 
 But brother Hammet was superior to us all in faith for 
 the occasion. His first prayer, if it could be called by 
 that name, was little less than a declaration of the full 
 assurance he possessed, that God would deliver us ; and 
 his second address was a thanksgiving for our deliver- 
 ance. It was not till after this, and after we had sung
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 161 
 
 a hymn together, that the foresail was shivered in pieces,, 
 and by that means the masts were saved, and probably 
 the ship itself. It is awful to hear the captain, and one 
 of the passengers who was on deck during this tremen- 
 dous tempest, give a relation of it. It appeared to them, 
 as if the clouds, the air, and the water were all mixed 
 together. After the immediate danger was over, we 
 drove with the wind, which carried us, with nothing but 
 the bare poles, at the rate of six miles an hour, for eight 
 hours and a half."* 
 
 The 4th of December was succeeded by a dreadful 
 night. Terror and dismay prevailed throughout the 
 ship ; so that the sailors, like the messengers of Job, 
 succeeded one another with dismal tidings, that the 
 ropes were breaking, and the rigging was giving way 
 before the irresistible tempest. The hatches were again 
 closed, as they had been twice before ; and in addition 
 to the leak, which now admitted a dangerous stream, the 
 water began to ooze at almost every joint of the ship. 
 The sails, having been so long exposed to the storm, and 
 to the mountainous waves, were reduced almost as thin 
 as wafers ; and the ropes, having all the tar beaten off, 
 were washed nearly white ; so that, taken all together, 
 the vessel was almost half a wreck. Their candles like- 
 wise were nearly all consumed ; and, from the length 
 of time they had been on their voyage, their water was 
 so far expended, that all were obliged to go on a stated 
 allowance. 
 
 In this dismal state of things, a council was held the 
 ensuing morning, when the captain announced his opi- 
 nion that, from the condition in which the ship appear- 
 ed, it would be utterly impracticable for them to reach' 
 Halifax during the winter ; especially as they had 
 scarcely advanced more than one hundred and twenty 
 miles during the last three weeks, and they were now 
 lying almost at the mercy of the waves. He therefore 
 advised, as the only step that could be taken to preserve 
 their lives, and keep the ship from foundering, that they 
 should immediately alter their course, and proceed with 
 all possible expedition to the West Indies. In these 
 
 * Dr. Coke's journal, p. 54.
 
 162 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 opinions the voices of all were unanimous, and the shat- 
 tered vessel immediately took a new direction. 
 
 Having taken these resolutions, they found the ele- 
 ments more propitious to their designs. They were, 
 therefore, soon wafted and drifted from the banks of 
 Newfoundland into a warmer region. 
 
 During this tempestuous weather, they saw no ship 
 that could render them any assistance, in case they had 
 been reduced to the last extremity. A remarkable phe- 
 nomenon, however, appeared a few days before they 
 ha'l determined to sail for the West Indies, in which su- 
 perstition might easily discern an omen of their future 
 disasters. The captain, and all who were on deck, dis- 
 covered very distinctly, in the dead of the night, a light, 
 such as that which vessels hold out when they pass each 
 other. This was so near, that the captain, who thought 
 it to be the light of an approaching ship, concluded it 
 was within hail, and called for his speaking trumpet to 
 make inquiries. But before the trumpet could be 
 brought, the light disappeared, and nothing remained 
 but the darkness of the night, the howling of the tem- 
 pest, and the roaring of the sea. Whether this was a 
 meteor of the storm, or the light of some ship that was 
 in still greater distress, and that sunk for ever beneath 
 the waves when the light became extinguished, it is im- 
 possible to say. But that such a light was visible, and 
 continued so for some time, was attested by the captain, 
 and by all that were on deck, who were eye witnesses 
 of the phenomenon. 
 
 But if this presage was calculated to alarm the sailors, 
 it was soon succeeded by another that was more indu- 
 bitable, and that animated the hopes of all. On the 
 morning of the 15th, the clouds appeared in majestic co- 
 lumns, exhibiting a degree of silent splendour which the 
 northern regions have never been permitted to witness. 
 On the same day a tropic bird appeared in sight, dis- 
 playing its beautiful plumage to the sun, and furnishing 
 a sure prognostic that they were approaching the har- 
 bours of the West Indies. During the whole of this 
 tempestuous voyage, divine service was regularly per- 
 formed every Sunday by one of the missionaries, when- 
 ever the weather would permit. But it was only in mo-
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 163 
 
 ments of particular distress that any beside themselves 
 could be induced to join in the solemnities of devotion ; 
 and little, if any, real good was apparent from their 
 united labours while on board. At first the violence of 
 the weather rendered them, through sickness, wholly 
 imfit for public religious duties. But after some time 
 had elapsed, they became so inured to their situation, 
 that the dangers with which they were encircled, as- 
 sumed a less terrifying aspect. During these tedious 
 days, Dr. Coke attended to the study of the French lan- 
 guage, and enlivened his spirits in the intervals of devo- 
 tion with such works of science and genius as he had 
 on board ; so that on the whole, in these respects, his 
 time glided on in a manner less irksome than might have 
 been expected. 
 
 But it was not exclusively with the elements he had 
 to contend ; nor was it their violence alone that called 
 for the exercise of his patience. On Sunday, the 29th 
 of October, he preached to the passengers and sailors, 
 and in the progress of his discourse delivered his senti- 
 ments with more plainness than some on board were 
 disposed to receive with a becoming spirit. Among 
 these was a gay irreligious young gentleman, who was 
 so offended that after service he retired into his cabin, 
 and in a surly note informed the doctor that, as he was 
 not his pastor, he insisted on receiving the usage which, 
 as a passenger and a gentleman, he had a right to claim. 
 On the ground of politeness Dr. Coke was called upon 
 to reply ; but his language being conciliatory and pa- 
 cific, the breach was soon healed, and harmony was 
 again restored. 
 
 The behaviour of this passenger was in reality far 
 less ferocious than that which he experienced from the 
 captain of the ship, without giving him any personal pro- 
 vocation. It has often been observed that British sailors, 
 notwithstanding their courage has long been proverbial, 
 are in many instances strongly tinctured with supersti- 
 tion. Of this fact the following circumstance, frequently 
 mentioned by Dr. Coke, though not recorded by him in 
 his journal, furnishes a convincing testimony. 
 
 It was during the utmost violence of the tempest, 
 while accomplishing their perilous voyage, that Dr.
 
 164 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 Coke and his associates addressed themselves to God in 
 prayer for the preservation of the ship and of the lives 
 of all on board. The captain, instead of approving their 
 piety, or joining in their devotions, became visibly agi- 
 tated, and betrayed symptoms of an approaching storm 
 within ; attributing the calamities with which they were 
 surrounded to the means made use of to avert the 
 growing danger. At first he paraded the deck, mut- 
 tering in a species of audible whisper, " We have a 
 Jonah on board we have a Jonah on board ;" and 
 consequently it was natural for him to conclude that 
 a Jonah's conduct deserved a Jonah's fate. In this 
 condition he continued until his fears, superstition, cre- 
 dulity, and agitation had wound him up to such a 
 state of phrensy, that he entered the doctor's cabin, 
 and, in a paroxysm of fury, seizing his books and pa- 
 pers, threw them immediately into the sea. He was 
 about to proceed farther, but on seizing " the Jonah," 
 he satiated his vengeance, by grasping him with angry 
 violence several times, and by giving loose to his pas- 
 sion in expressions of horrible imprecations. He did 
 not in fact offer him any farther outrage ; yet, on retir- 
 ing, he swore that if ever the doctor made another 
 prayer on board his ship, he was fully resolved to throw 
 him into the sea, as he had thrown his papers. But this 
 gust of passion was of no long continuance. The re- 
 moval of danger soothed the spirit of superstition to 
 rest, and the cessation of the storm without reduced to 
 a calm the tempest that raged within. 
 
 Amid all these distresses the subject of this memoir 
 found his mind stayed upon God ; and, with eternity 
 full in view, he had an eye to the recompense of reward. 
 The state of his soul may be gathered from his own 
 words, which he inserted in his journal at a moment 
 when their situation was most critical, and the boiling 
 deep seemed yawning to receive its destined prey. 
 " This morning," he observes, " we found that the leak 
 lets in more water than it did yesterday. I retired in 
 the morning to meditate seriously on that circumstance. 
 I considered, what reason have I to desire to live ? I 
 have really forsaken all for Christ, and have neither 
 motive nor desire to live, but for the church of Christ.
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 165 
 
 And why should my desires be so strong on that ac- 
 count ? With what perfect ease can the Lord fill up my 
 province with one that is infinitely better qualified ? I 
 am therefore willing to die. I do love my God, and 
 have an indubitable assurance that whatever is wanting 
 he will fully supply before he takes me into a world of 
 spirits."* 
 
 In this happy and tranquil state of soul his days and 
 hours glided on in the midst of surrounding agitations. 
 But that God who gathered the winds in his fists, and 
 bound the waters in a garment, had reserved him for 
 farther usefulness in his church ; and, after exposing 
 him thus to complicated trials, and bringing the blind 
 by a way that he knew not, he conducted him to an 
 unexpected field of labour in the West Indies. Their 
 weather-beaten bark, after having survived every storm, 
 cast anchor in the harbour of Antigua, on December 25. 
 1786. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Primary introduction of Methodism into the West Indies by 
 Mr. Gilbert Succeeded by Mr. Baiter, whom Dr. Coke found in 
 Antigua Visits Dominica, St. Vincent's, St. Christopher's, Ne- 
 vis, and St. Euslatius History of black Harry State of religion, 
 and pleasing prospects of establishing missions in these islands 
 Sails to the continent ^State of religion in South Carolina 
 Preaching in the forests Suspends his public testimony against 
 slavery Escape from persecution State of religion throughout 
 Virginia Reasons why the rule against slavery was suspended 
 Returns to Ireland In danger of being lost between Ireland and 
 England Observations on providence Engages to beg from door 
 to door for the missions In danger of being lost sailing to the 
 Norman Isles Reflections on the general progress of religion. 
 
 ALTHOUGH the arrival of Dr. Coke and his associates 
 in the West Indies may be said to form an era in the 
 history of Methodism, and to lay the foundation of its 
 general introduction into that archipelago, it was not 
 wholly unknown to all the islands prior to this eventful 
 period. But since its primary appearance is closely 
 
 * Dr. Coke's journal, p. 53.
 
 166 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 connected with the narrative that follows, it will be 
 necessary to take a retrospective survey of the singular 
 circumstances by which divine Providence has been 
 pleased to work, in order to spread among the heathen 
 the unsearchable riches of Christ. 
 
 Among the legislators that were appointed to manage 
 the civil affairs of Antigua, about thirty years prior to 
 this period, Nathaniel Gilbert, Esq., sustained the cha- 
 racter of speaker of the house of assembly. This gen- 
 tleman, having injured his health by a long residence in 
 this warm climate, found himself under a necessity of 
 repairing to England for the recovery of his strength. 
 On his arrival in England, the fame of Mr. Wesley's 
 preaching arrested his attention ; and, instead of rely- 
 ing on mere report, from which he could gather no sa- 
 tisfactory information, he resolved to hear for himself. 
 It does not appear that he was actuated by mere idle 
 curiosity ; for, as his health was in a precarious state, 
 and his eyes were somewhat opened to see the solemni- 
 ties of eternity, he was anxious to receive instruction 
 respecting the salvation of his soul. 
 
 Attending on Mr. Wesley's preaching in the sincerity 
 and the simplicity of his heart, it pleased God to accom- 
 pany his word with a peculiar blessing, by confirming 
 his convictions, and by directing his wounded spirit to 
 behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the 
 world. Refreshed by the consolations of divine grace, 
 and finding his health tolerably well established, he re- 
 paired again to Antigua in the year 1760. On his arri- 
 val, he saw his fellow countrymen buried in sin ; and 
 perceived with sorrow that the neglected negroes were 
 living without hope and without God in the world. 
 With these views before him, and being animated with 
 the love of God shed abroad in his heart, he formed a 
 resolution, of making an effort to call sinners to repent- 
 ance. He accordingly began by collecting together a 
 few persons in his own house, with whom he first pray- 
 ed, and whom he then exhorted to flee from the wrath 
 to come. The report of his singular conduct soon 
 augmented the number of his hearers, and awakened 
 the curiosity of the principal inhabitants throughout the 
 island.
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 167 
 
 But it was not to these alone that he confined his 
 labours. The negroes in a state of slavery shared in 
 his benevolent designs. Regardless, therefore, of that 
 reproach to which he might be exposed from the eleva- 
 ted rank which he sustained, he went boldly forth in 
 the name of God, and proclaimed redemption to the 
 slaves through the blood of Christ. This was the first 
 effort that was ever made to introduce the doctrines of 
 the gospel, as taught by Mr. Wesley, among the swarthy 
 inhabitants of the torrid zone. The reproach, the con- 
 tempt, and the calumny which he had anticipated, soon 
 followed ; so that he found himself, like that Saviour 
 whom he recommended, despised and rejected of men. 
 To preach to the whites was a deed that was scarcely 
 to be tolerated ; but to descend from them to notice the 
 slaves was considered so much beneath his dignity and 
 official character, that very few were disposed to view 
 him in a favourable light. 
 
 But, amid these torrents of reproach, God was pleased 
 so to own and bless his labours, that a society of nearly 
 two hundred members was soon raised up through his 
 instrumentality. These, being turned from seeking 
 death in the error of their ways, to serve the living 
 God, were the seals that crowned his early ministry. 
 But such are the mysterious dispensations of divine 
 Providence, that, in the midst of his usefulness, he was 
 arrested by the hand of death, and taken to those re- 
 gions where piety and a zeal for God shall never be 
 exposed, either to the shafts of calumny or the slanders 
 of interested malevolence. 
 
 The death of Mr. Gilbert left his followers in a for- 
 lorn condition. Exposed to temptations and dangers 
 on every side, and having no earthly friend to whom 
 they could look for assistance, many turned again to 
 the vices which they had abandoned ; others grew 
 weary in well doing ; and some were satisfied with 
 having a name to live, even while their souls were dead 
 to God. Some few, indeed, continued steadfast and im- 
 movable amid conflicting storms and trials, and some 
 were taken by death to a triumphant reward. 
 
 In this state of fluctuation and uncertainty the infant 
 and half expiring Avork remained until the year 1778,
 
 168 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 when another opportunity presented itself to the inhabit- 
 ants of hearing the sound of the glorious gospel. The 
 dock yard at Antigua being in want of shipwrights, an 
 application was made to the government at home for 
 some suitable persons to be sent from England to sup- 
 ply the deficiencies. Among the persons selected for 
 this purpose was a Mr. John Baxter, of the Royal Dock 
 at Chatham, who, having received his appointment, re- 
 paired to Antigua without delay. Mr. Baxter, prior to 
 this time, had been a member of the Methodist society 
 about twelve years ; and, previous to his departure, 
 had been a class leader for some considerable time ; 
 and, for several years, as a local preacher, had called 
 sinners to repentance. 
 
 On his arrival at English Harbour, in Antigua, he 
 discovered that the sacred flame which had been kindled 
 near twenty years before by Mr. Gilbert's ministry was 
 not yet extinguished, although it emitted only feeble 
 rays. But the state in which he found religion, the 
 remnants of Mr. Gilbert's society, the means by which 
 they had been kept together through this long and tedi- 
 ous night, and the prospect of success which lay before 
 him, Mr. Baxter thus describes in the following letter, 
 addressed to Mr. Wesley : 
 
 "On Thursday, April 2d, 1778, I arrived at English 
 Harbour. On Friday, the 3d, I went to St. John's, and 
 waited on Mr. H., who received me kindly. The next 
 day Mr. H. went with me to see our friends. The 
 work that God began by Mr. Gilbert is still remaining. 
 The black people have been kept together by two black 
 women, who have continued praying and meeting with 
 those who attended every night. I preached to about 
 thirty on Saturday night ; on Sunday morning to about 
 the same number, and in the afternoon of the same day 
 to about four or five hundred. The old members de- 
 sire that I would inform you that you have many chil- 
 dren in Antigua, whom you never saw. I hope we shall 
 have an interest in your prayers, and that our Christian 
 friends will pray for us. Last Saturday I again visited 
 St. John's, and preached to a fashionable company of 
 white women, while the back room was full of blacks, 
 who are athirst for the gospel. On the following day
 
 IIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 1(39 
 
 I preached to a large concourse of people that filled 
 both the house and the yard." 
 
 Eight years had elapsed from the date of the pre- 
 ceding letter to the arrival of Dr. Coke ; during which 
 time Mr. Baxter devoted all the leisure hours which his 
 avocations would allow to the work of the ministry. In 
 these solitary labours, although God. was pleased to 
 bless his ministry, he was not without his share of re- 
 proach for adhering steadily to the cause of Christ, but 
 neither the scoffs of calumny, nor the pernicious eve- 
 ning dews, through which he was frequently compelled 
 to travel, when returning from the plantations after 
 preaching to the negroes, were able to shake his stead- 
 fastness. As his ministerial labours increased, and the 
 claims of an augmented society demanded more atten- 
 tion, God was pleased to send him assistance, which 
 tended greatly to promote the gracious work. Among 
 these the arrival of Mrs. Gilbert from England was of' 
 considerable importance. And to her were added a 
 pious emigrant and his family from Ireland, who were 
 conducted to the island through a train of disastrous 
 circumstances far more calamitous than those which 
 drove Dr. Coke on its shores.* 
 
 Unwearied in his exertions, and favoured with the 
 smiles of an indulgent Providence, Mr. Baxter perse- 
 vered until the year 1783, when the topstone of the first 
 Methodist chapel that ever appeared in the torrid zone 
 announced a building finished for the worship of the 
 eternal God. From this period till the arrival of Dr. 
 Coke, the work continued to flourish. New places 
 were offered for preaching in various parts of the island ; 
 but it was only to a few, and even to those which were 
 more immediately connected with the place of his resi- 
 dence, that Mr. Baxter's circumstances would permit 
 him to attend. Yet even in this local sphere of action 
 nearly two thousand persons had joined his society 
 prior to Dr. Coke's arrival, and before any regular mis- 
 sions were established in any part of the West Indies* 
 
 * For a detailed account of the sufferings of this Irish family, 
 and of the progress of the work of God in Antigua in its early 
 stages, see Dr. Coke's history of this island, in his History of the 
 West Indies-. 
 
 8
 
 170 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE". 
 
 This indefatigable man, at the request of Dr. Coke, 
 was, after some time, prevailed upon to relinquish his 
 worldly pursuits, and to give himself wholly to the 
 ministry. In this situation he continued to labour in 
 various parts, with an unblemished reputation, till the 
 year 1805, when he exchanged this state of probation 
 for a crown and kingdom that fade not away. 
 
 It has been observed in the concluding sentence of 
 the preceding chapter that Dr. Coke landed at Antigua 
 on December 25th, 1786, thus carrying to the West In- 
 dies, through a train of mysterious providences, the 
 light of the gospel, on that very day on which we cele- 
 brate the nativity of the Saviour of mankind. Dr. Coke, 
 on walking up the town of St. John's, met Mr. Baxter 
 in the street, proceeding to the chapel to perform divine 
 service. Their mutual joy at this unexpected meeting 
 is more easily to be conceived than described. Mr. 
 Baxter was unknown to the doctor in person, but an in- 
 terchange of names soon called forth a congeniality of 
 spirit and an unreservedness of communication. 
 
 Regardless of the fatigue which the dangerous voy- 
 age had occasioned, the duties of the day immediately 
 devolved on Dr. Coke, who readily engaged in his Mas- 
 ter's service. In the forenoon he read prayers, preach- 
 ed, and administered the sacrament ; and in the after- 
 noon and evening he preached again to a congregation 
 which the report of his arrival had considerably aug- 
 mented. But the dispositions of the people, the manner 
 in which he was received, and the flattering prospects 
 which appeared, may be more fully gathered from his 
 own words : 
 
 " January 5th, 1787. I have preached in this town 
 twice a day. The house used to be filled in the evenings 
 about an hour before the time of preaching, and I have 
 made it a rule to begin about half an hour before the 
 time. Our society in this island is nearly two thou- 
 sand ; but the ladies and gentlemen of the town have 
 so filled the house that the poor dear negroes who 
 built it have been almost entirely shut out, except in 
 the mornings ; and yet they bear this, not only with 
 patience, but with joy. Two or three times I have 
 preached in the country. Our friends who invite us to
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 171 
 
 their houses entertain us rather like princes than sub- 
 jects ; herein perhaps lies part of our danger in this 
 country. The scenery is very romantic. The cocoa 
 tree is very magnificent ; and the milk which the nuts 
 yield is most cooling and delicious. Every thing is 
 new, and therefore the more pleasing." 
 
 Flattered with the doctor's presence, and pleased with 
 his manner of preaching, the inhabitants expressed an 
 anxiety to detain him in the island ; but he was not to 
 be purchased at any price which they had in their power 
 to offer. As a mark of their esteem, he was invited to 
 a public dinner by the merchants of the island, in com- 
 pany with the other missionaries. The present duke of 
 Clarence, who then commanded a frigate which lay in 
 the harbour, was present at this entertainment. In the 
 course of this day it was intimated to Dr. Coke by a 
 gentleman with whom he dined, that if five hundred a 
 year would remunerate his services, he should riot leave 
 the island. His soul, however, which was solely bent 
 on spreading more extensively the Redeemer's king- 
 dom, was above the reach of any pecuniary temptation. 
 
 But although Dr. Coke could not be induced to re- 
 main on the island, he was so far satisfied Mr. Baxter 
 needed assistance in his labours, that he" readily con- 
 sented for one of the missionaries to stay behind. And, 
 from the representations which were given of the state 
 of the other islands, he observes he had " no doubt that 
 it would be an open resistance to the clear providences 
 of the Almighty to remove any one of the missionaries 
 at present from this country." 
 
 Having held an infant conference, and received invi- 
 tations to St. Vincent's and St. Christopher's ; and 
 learning that the prospect of establishing a mission in 
 St. Eustatius was highly flattering, Dr. Coke and his as- 
 sociates, in company with Mr. Baxter, who was well 
 known in several islands, prepared to pay them a per- 
 sonal visit, that he might judge of their condition, and 
 establish his companions as circumstances might direct 
 To do this he was the more solicitous, that, on his re- 
 turn to England, he might lay before Mr. Wesley a 
 statement from actual observation, in order that some 
 more permanent provision might be made for the spi-
 
 172 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 ritual welfare of the inhabitants in future. They accord- 
 ingly left Antigua on the evening of the 5th of January, 
 and reached Dominica on the 7th, this being an island 
 at which the captain with whom they sailed had some 
 occasion to touch. Having no letter of recommenda- 
 tion to any person here, the captain, who knew their 
 errand, directed them to a Mr. Burn, a gentleman of his 
 acquaintance, as one who would most probably favour 
 their designs. Mr. Burn received them with much po- 
 liteness, and gave them an assurance that he would rea- 
 dily entertain the missionary that should be sent ; that 
 the negroes on his estates should be at liberty to receive 
 instructions ; that there were about four hundred slaves 
 in his neighbourhood ; and that he doubted not their 
 masters would readily co-operate with him in this bene- 
 volent undertaking. 
 
 On this island they found two serious negroes, who 
 had formerly belonged to the Moravians in Antigua. 
 In the barracks they also discovered two serious sol- 
 diers, who had belonged to the Methodist society in Ire- 
 land. And in Roseau, the capital, they were introduced 
 to a friendly mulatto lady, with whom Mr. Baxter had 
 formerly an acquaintance in Antigua. All these were 
 highly delighted with the prospect that they were once 
 more to hear the sound of the gospel. In the house of 
 this mulatto lady, Dr. Coke preached to as large a con- 
 gregation as it would contain, all of whom behaved with 
 the utmost decorum, and gave deep attention. These 
 were auspicious beginnings, which seemed even more 
 flattering than their most sanguine expectations had in- 
 duced them to entertain. 
 
 As their stay was regulated by that of the vessel, they 
 went on board, after tarrying about two days, and sail- 
 ing by Martinico and St. Lucia, landed at Kingston, in 
 St. Vincent's, on the 9th. Mr. Baxter, being well 
 known to several in this island, introduced them on their 
 arrival to a Mr. Claxton, who had, many years before, 
 been awakened by Mr. Gilbert's ministry in Antigua. 
 His house was immediately opened for preaching, and a 
 large congregation soon assembled. On going into the 
 country, another gentleman, to whom they were recom- 
 mended, received them with much satisfaction, opening
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 173 
 
 at the same time a large parlour for the reception of a 
 congregation that assembled. To this congregation Dr. 
 Coke also preached, and, after informing them that it 
 was their intention Mr. Clarke should remain on the 
 island, this gentleman, whose name was Clapham, gave 
 him a general invitation to his house, and offered for his 
 accommodation a large boarded room, in which the ne- 
 groes might at all times assemble. From another gen- 
 tleman, on whom they called in their way, they met 
 with treatment equally civil, and with similar encou- 
 ragement. 
 
 In the meanwhile Mr. Claxton, in whose house Dr. 
 Coke had preached at Kingston, was not idle during 
 their absence in the country. On their return, they 
 found that he had fitted up a large warehouse, with seats 
 for the congregation, and two rooms for Mr. Clarke, 
 one for his bedchamber, and the other for his study. On 
 waiting on the president of the council, who acted as 
 governor, they were treated with the utmost politeness, 
 receiving from him his best wishes for their success, 
 and an offer of the court house for public worship on 
 Sundays. In other parts of this town they found many 
 persons of property and high respectability, who pro- 
 mised them their friendship and protection ; so that a 
 circuit seemed instantly laid out, which would nearly 
 engross all Mr. Clarke's time. On visiting the barracks 
 they discovered seven soldiers who were deeply serious. 
 They had erected a hut within the barracks for their 
 public and private meetings; and they invariably met 
 together every morning at five o'clock, unless prevented 
 by military duties. But although these were permitted 
 to* enjoy their privileges without interruption, liberty for 
 Mr. Clarke to preach in the barracks was a favour that 
 Dr. Coke could not procure from the commander. 
 
 As to the negroes at large, "it is surprising," says 
 Dr. Coke, " with what affection they look upon us 
 when we pass by them : one of them was overheard 
 telling his companions, ' These men were imported for 
 us.' The whites also in general appeared friendly to 
 the undertaking ; and before Dr. Coke left the island, 
 six of these were formed into a class, independently of 
 the pious soldiers that were found in the barracks.
 
 174 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 From this combination of favourable circumstances Dr. 
 Coke drew the following very natural conclusion : " It 
 is impossible to have any doubt concerning the will of 
 God, in respect to the appointment of a missionary for 
 this island ; in respect to Antigua and St. Vincent's, all 
 is as clear as if it were written with a sunbeam." 
 
 On leaving the romantic island of St. Vincent's, they 
 touched again at Dominica, and seized this opportunity 
 of waiting on the governor, to state to him the object 
 which they had in view. By this gentleman they were 
 received, not merely with the parade of polite civility, 
 but with marks of approbation for engaging in so bene- 
 volent a design as that of instructing the negroes in the 
 principles and duties of the Christian religion. This 
 interview introduced them to another gentleman of the 
 island, who not only expressed his approbation, but 
 promised to give the missionary his protection, and to 
 contribute toward his support. 
 
 From paying this transient visit to Dominica, they 
 next proceeded to St. Christopher's ; but their arrival, 
 which was on Thursday, the 18th, had been anticipated, 
 in consequence of some information that had been trans- 
 mitted from Antigua ; and some preparations were made 
 for their reception. A lodging being provided, and a 
 house in which they were to preach being prepared, be- 
 fore they came on shore, furnished a pleasing presage 
 of the treatment they were likely to experience. Dr. 
 Coke preached in the evening of the same day, and 
 found the congregation, both in respectability and be- 
 haviour, perfectly correspondent with the hopes which 
 had been excited. But as an opportunity presented it- 
 self for their visiting Nevis, they repaired thither on the 
 next day, intending to return as soon as they had ascer- 
 tained, in some degree, the dispositions of the inhabit- 
 ants of that island toward them. 
 
 Arriving at Nevis, they were received with politeness, 
 and treated with respect ; but for the grand object of 
 their mission, they could find no prospect of a favoura- 
 ble reception. For, although they had taken with them 
 several letters of recommendation, every door appeared 
 to be shut against their efforts ; so that on the whole 
 they were led to conclude that this was the most useless,
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 175 
 
 as well as the most expensive step they had hitherto 
 taken ; and full of these reflections they returned to St. 
 Christopher's. 
 
 But the result of experience does not always concur 
 with the partial decisions of reason. Neither momentary 
 impulses nor momentary appearances can justly be con- 
 sidered as the criterion of fact. These simple truths 
 have since been exemplified in the case of Nevis. On 
 their arrival at St. Christopher's, although they had 
 concluded their visit to Nevis to be useless, they re- 
 ceived an invitation from a member of the legislative 
 assembly there, for Mr. Hammet, who was to be sta- 
 tioned in St. Christopher's, to come thither and preach. 
 A son also of the president of the council concurred in 
 the invitation, and offered his house for preaching, when- 
 ever Mr. Hammet could make it convenient to come to 
 their island. And subsequent events have proved, from 
 the success of the gospel in Nevis, that whatever secret 
 causes might have conspired to shut the door against 
 the missionaries on their first visit, they did not arise 
 from the dispositions of the inhabitants being radically 
 hostile to its principles. Nevis continues, even to the 
 present day, to furnish evidences in favour of vital reli- 
 gion which other islands, that at first presented a more 
 flattering appearance, cannot boast. 
 
 Returning to St. Christopher's, the court house was 
 thrown open for their reception, and both Mr. Hammet 
 and Dr. Coke preached in it to very crowded audiences. 
 Among the respectable inhabitants who attended, six or 
 seven invited them to their houses. To some of these, 
 among whom was the minister of the parish, they paid 
 visits, and found them willing to promote their benevo- 
 lent intentions. In Basse Terre, which is the capital, 
 some friends were instantly found, who engaged to rent 
 a house for Mr. Hammet, so that this town was already 
 become his place of abode. On Wednesday, the 24th, 
 they proceeded to Sandy Point, another part of the 
 same island, and here also they received flattering pro- 
 mises and encouragement to proceed. Every thing thus 
 far appeared to favour their wishes, and even to furnish 
 indubitable evidence that God had called them to esta- 
 blish missionaries among the myriads whom in every
 
 176 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 island they found sitting in heathenish darkness, and in 
 the shadow of death. 
 
 In St. Eustatius, which belonged to the Dutch, al- 
 though the storms of persecution, and a train of adverse 
 circumstances, soon blasted all their hopes, their ex- 
 pectations were not less sanguine than in any island 
 which they had hitherto visited. To this, therefore, 
 they directed their course, and landed on its shores with 
 letters of recommendation on the evening of the 24th. 
 Scarcely had they reached the land before they were 
 accosted by two black men, who asked " if they belonged 
 to the brethren ?" Dr. Coke, thinking that they meant 
 the Moravians, endeavoured to rectify their mistake, at 
 the same time hinting that they belonged to the same 
 common family of God. They were, however, soon 
 given to understand that the blacks had made no mis- 
 take ; for having received information from St. Christo- 
 pher's of their intention to visit them, they had antici- 
 pated their coming, and were waiting their arrival. 
 They had accordingly prepared a house for their recep- 
 tion, which they called their home, and had united 
 together to defray the expense of their journey. To 
 this house they were therefore conducted, and enter- 
 tained by the free blacks with the greatest hospitality. 
 
 A conduct so liberal and benevolent from men of this 
 description could scarcely fail to awaken their solicitude 
 as to the principle by which they were actuated. This 
 led to a discovery that, some time previous to their 
 arrival, a slave had been imported from the continent 
 of America, whose heart had been penetrated by divine 
 grace, and who had been a member of the Methodist 
 society prior to his removal. Harry, for that was his 
 name, on arriving at Eustatius, found himself in a soli- 
 tary condition. He was- without any spiritual associates, 
 and totally destitute of all public means of grace. To 
 supply these deficiencies to the utmost of his power, he 
 assumed courage ; and, among his companions in fetters, 
 bore a public testimony for Christ. The novelty of his 
 preaching soon collected a number of hearers ; and 
 among these, the governor of the island, on one occa- 
 sion, paid a visit to his homely temple. This gentleman, 
 approving of what he heard, and expressing his appro-
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 177 
 
 bation, gave his sanction in an indirect manner to 
 Harry's preaching, and thus sheltered him from perse- 
 cution, against which a slave can demand no protection, 
 and for which he can find no redress. 
 
 Thus sanctioned, Harry continued to preach until his 
 word was attended with such power that many of the 
 slaves were so deeply affected as to fall under its influ- 
 ence, and to remain in a state of stupor for some hours. 
 This circumstance created an alarm among the planters ; 
 and the propriety of his preaching was viewed in a very 
 questionable light. It happened one night, not long 
 before Dr. Coke's arrival, that, during Harry's preach- 
 ing, no less than sixteen were affected in this extraordi- 
 nary manner. This gave the finishing blow to his 
 ministry. He was ordered to appear immediately before 
 the governor ; and was forbidden by him to preach any 
 more, under very severe penalties. The same governor 
 would have flogged as well as silenced him, if the su- 
 preme judge had not interposed to mitigate the severity 
 of his intentions. Harry had been made instrumental 
 in deeply awakening about twenty souls ; and it is some- 
 what singular that Dr. Coke landed on the same day he 
 had been doomed to silence. 
 
 Receiving this public mandate, this pious slave could 
 no more presume to preach ; but thinking, after some 
 considerable time, that the ferment had subsided, he 
 again ventured to pray with his associates, without con- 
 ceiving that this was a breach of the orders he had 
 received. In this, however, it seems he was deceived. 
 An information being lodged against him to the go- 
 vernor, he was again cited to appear before him to 
 receive his sentence. This sentence was, that he should 
 be publicly whipped ; after which he was to be im- 
 prisoned for a given time ; and when released, to be 
 banished from the island. As his crime was considered 
 of a flagrant nature, he was whipped in a most unmer- 
 ciful manner, under the direction of Isaac de Lion, a 
 black man, who was the public executioner of all the 
 cruel edicts of the island, but who, on Dr. Coke's first 
 visit, had treated him with much kindness. Harry, 
 having heard his sentence, received it with submissive 
 meekness, and bore the lacerations of the whip with 
 
 8*
 
 178 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 Christian fortitude. From the whipping post he was 
 taken to prison ; and, after having remained in confine- 
 ment during his appointed time, was removed in a secret 
 manner ; but to what place, his weeping friends were 
 not able to discover. About ten years the fate of this 
 deeply injured, but happy man, remained an impenetra- 
 ble secret ; nor was it thought that it would ever be 
 developed until the sea should give up its dead. In the 
 year 1796, when Dr. Coke was on the American conti- 
 nent, he had an opportunity of knowing that Harry was 
 not only alive, but free. Of this fact, and of his inter- 
 view with him, he gives the following account : 
 
 " One evening, after preaching at a place on the con- 
 tinent, a black man followed me into my chamber, whom 
 I immediately recognized to be Harry, of St. Eustatius. 
 He informed me that the ship in which he was trans- 
 ported from the island had brought a cargo of slaves to 
 the continent, where he had since resided, without being 
 exposed to that brutality which he had suffered in for- 
 mer years. Through all these changes, and the lapse 
 of time, he seemed to have retained his piety and his 
 zeal. He is useful in the society of which he is a mem- 
 ber, at the prayer meetings, and other private assemblies. 
 And thus an answer has been given from heaven to the 
 petitions of many thousands in England, who at one 
 time with great fervour spread his case before the 
 Lord." 
 
 Dr. Coke, on his arrival at St. Eustatius, was imme- 
 diately solicited by his friends to preach ; but, finding 
 himself under a foreign government, which, in the silence 
 it had imposed that day on Harry, presented itself in a 
 doubtful light, he hesitated to comply with their request, 
 before he had presented himself to the governor, to ex- 
 plain his intentions. But so eager were their importu- 
 nities, that the persons who had voluntarily assembled 
 could not be persuaded to separate until they had sung 
 twice and he had prayed three times with them. 
 
 On presenting himself before the judge, Dr. Coke was 
 informed that he and his associates must be silent until 
 the court had determined whether they should be tole- 
 rated or not. They were also commanded to prepare 
 their credentials, that they might be presented to the
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 179 
 
 court, to be taken into consideration on the ensuing Sa- 
 turday. This was accordingly done ; and they were 
 afterward informed that their principles at least gave 
 apparent satisfaction. On the following day Dr. Coke 
 received a private message, that the captain and council 
 were desirous to hear him preach in the afternoon. 
 This summons he obeyed ; and so fully were they satis- 
 fied with the truth of what they heard, that in the even- 
 ing the interpreter of the court sent one of his black ser- 
 vants to receive instruction preparatory to baptism. 
 But in the midst of these pleasing externals they could 
 plainly perceive from the caution which was observed, 
 that the establishment of a mission in the island was by 
 no means likely to meet the approbation of the govern- 
 ment. And, although the people appeared more desir- 
 ous of hearing the gospel than any other whom they 
 had hitherto visited in the West Indies, they were under 
 the necessity of taking a painful leave, after commend- 
 ing them to God and the word of his grace, and forming 
 such as appeared desirous of receiving instruction into 
 classes, which were committed to the care of the most 
 suitable persons that could be found. 
 
 The scene which presented itself at their final sepa- 
 ration was truly affecting. Both parties found their de- 
 sires mutually disappointed, through-the obstacles which 
 an arbitrary government had thrown in their way. 
 Their sorrow, however, was somewhat alleviated with 
 the pleasing anticipation that the clouds which now ho- 
 vered over them would soon disperse ; and that, on 
 some future day, they should meet again without appre- 
 hending an interruption from the mandates of power. 
 And finally, that if, through the inscrutable dispensations 
 of divine Providence, these hopes were never to be re- 
 alized, they anticipated with mutual joy the approach 
 of that day which should place them in a state " where 
 tyrants vex not and the weary rest.' 1 
 
 From this island Dr. Coke was about to sail to the 
 continent; but previously to his departure he was so 
 laden with fruits, jellies, and other evidences of their 
 bounty, that during the voyage, which lasted nearly 
 three weeks, although eight persons partook of the com- 
 mon stock, the ample store was not exhausted. Nor
 
 180 LIFE OF THE REV. PR. COKE. 
 
 was it scarcely possible to prevent this profusion of 
 their generosity, as each person considered the accept- 
 ance of his contribution, or the rejection of it, as the 
 criterion of the affection or disapprobation which Dr. 
 Coke entertained toward him. Both rich and poor, 
 therefore, united in this peculiar testimony of respect, 
 and he took his leave laden with their presents and good 
 wishes, amid the prayers of the serious and the gratitude 
 of all. 
 
 On the 10th of February, 1767, Dr. Coke sailed from 
 St. Eustatius, on board of a Dutch ship that was bound 
 for Charleston, in America. To this place he was anx- 
 ious to repair, having been much longer absent from his 
 continental friends than he first intended ; and having 
 seen sufficiently into the state of religion in the West 
 Indies to enable him to give an interesting account to 
 Mr. Wesley, on his return to England. On board of 
 the ship in which he sailed, the greatest order and de- 
 cency prevailed. His accommodations were highly 
 pleasing ; and the morals of the sailors were truly re- 
 spectable. Nor was this a matter of much surprise, as 
 the captain made it an invariable rule, unless prevented 
 by the urgent duties of the ship, to read some portion 
 of the Bible to his men every morning and evening dur- 
 ing the voyage. In addition to this, they always had a 
 sermon on Sundays, and their devotions were conducted 
 with more than common solemnity. It is obvious from 
 hence, that the conduct of the officers will always give 
 a tone to the morals of a ship's crew. And although it 
 is not in the power of any man to give religion to ano- 
 ther, yet men in commanding stations may restrain pub- 
 lic vice, without resorting to any coercive measures that 
 can be deemed reprehensible. Precept is more power- 
 ful than violence ; but example will impart instruction 
 when all other measures fail of success. 
 
 Dr. Coke, after a pleasant voyage of eighteen days, 
 landed at Charleston, and spent nearly a month with 
 the infant society in that place. During his absence a 
 church had been erected, which he now opened while 
 he continued among them. It would contain about fif- 
 teen hundred persons ; and such was the spirit of hear- 
 ing excited among the inhabitants, that from three to
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 181 
 
 five hundred persons regularly attended at the morning 
 preaching. Nor was it in this city alone that the spirit 
 of hearing prevailed. At a conference, which was held 
 in Charleston about a week prior to Dr. Coke's departure, 
 he was informed by the preachers who attended, that 
 throughout this state, and also that of Georgia, the pros- 
 perity of Zion was truly great. But peace and prosper- 
 ity from without are frequently counterbalanced by do- 
 mestic circumstances which tend to disturb the tran- 
 quillity that reigns within. Some leading characters, 
 during Dr. Coke's absence, had suffered their minds to 
 entertain prejudices to his disadvantage ; so that their 
 first interview was less cordial than might have been 
 expected from the spirit in which they parted. This 
 was, however, a transient cloud, which created only a 
 momentary gloom, and then totally disappeared. An 
 openness of communication expelled the demon of dis- 
 cord from their bosoms, and Christian friendship again 
 resumed its place, leading them to a mutual co-opera- 
 tion, and causing the sacred flame to shed a more bril- 
 liant lustre than before. 
 
 In the state of South Carolina the work of God had 
 experienced a gradual, but considerable revival, during 
 Dr. Coke's absence to England and the West Indies. 
 Nothing can place this in a stronger light than the con- 
 trast which now appeared. On his departure from the 
 continent, on his previous visit, the whole circuit could 
 furnish no more than twenty members in society ; and 
 from the cheerless prospects which it then exhibited, it 
 was contemplated, in the conference, to abandon the 
 circuit altogether. This, fortunately, was not done ; 
 and now the same circuit contained eight hundred and 
 twenty-three members ; and no less than twenty-two 
 preaching houses had been erected during the preceding 
 year. The people being scattered over a large tract of 
 country, exposed the preachers who travelled among 
 them to many serious inconveniences. The bogs and 
 morasses, through which they had to pass, placed their 
 lives in dangers of the most alarming nature. On an 
 average they had to ride about one hundred miles a 
 week, and to encounter difficulties to which those are 
 utter strangers who have public roads and bridges to
 
 182 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 preserve them from the quagmires and torrents which 
 frequently intersect these deserts. It was in the' month 
 of April, Dr. Coke visited this circuit ; and even then 
 he was compelled sometimes to ride through water 
 which, while he sat on horseback, reached above his 
 knees. But through all these perils the gracious Lord 
 preserved his faithful servants, and thus caused his work 
 to prosper in their hands. 
 
 In the state of Virginia, independently of the chapels 
 or preaching houses that had been erected in the towns, 
 many had been built in central parts of the forests. In 
 these Dr. Coke occasionally preached to large congrega- 
 tions, collected together from such distances as in Eng- 
 land would seem incredible. The scenes which these 
 vast assemblies, surrounded by hundreds of horses tied 
 to the trees, exhibited, in the midst of a silent forest, 
 were truly romantic ; and the spirit of devotion which 
 displayed itself under the gloom of the impending foli- 
 age thereby gave an additional feature to the solemni- 
 ties of these occasions. From these places, although 
 preaching was in the middle of the day, Dr. Coke was 
 frequently obliged to travel till midnight before he could 
 reach the house in which he was to lodge. 
 
 During his former visit to the continent, Dr. Coke had 
 frequently lifted his voice against the slavery which was 
 tolerated in the United States. This had exposed him 
 to many perils. To some of these his eyes were fully 
 open ; but in several instances his danger lay concealed. 
 The arm of legal power had been lifted against him ; by 
 a ferocious mob he had been secretly pursued ; and the 
 bullet of an assassin, who couched in ambush to take 
 away his life, had been levelled at him. But from all 
 these threatened and impending calamities he had been 
 graciously preserved, through the overruling providence 
 of God. 
 
 He was now informed, while passing through this 
 county, that, from the spirited manner in which he had 
 opposed this sanctioned enormity, when on his former 
 visit, the slave-holders had been so exasperated as to 
 present a bill against him to the grand jury. This bill 
 wag found ; and although he had left the county at that 
 time, no less than ninety persons engaged to pursue the
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 183 
 
 fugitive, and bring him back to colonial justice. But 
 the task they had undertaken being too arduous for their 
 accomplishment, they grew languid in their journey, 
 and returned without success. In another county a 
 similar bill was also presented to the jury ; but it was 
 thrown aside as too dishonourable to receive their offi- 
 cial support. It was, notwithstanding, generally believed, 
 by those who countenanced these bills, that the vigor- 
 ous measures to which they had resorted, would so far 
 operate upon Dr. Coke's fears as to prevent him from 
 ever making his appearance again in these parts. But it 
 was very evident from his actual presence that the friends 
 of slavery might err. 
 
 Among those who had pursued Dr. Coke during the 
 former visit, to prevent him from speaking against the 
 slave trade, there was one who was resolved to adopt 
 effectual measures. This man had armed himself with 
 a gun, and had actually followed him with a fixed deter- 
 mination to deprive him of life as soon as an oppor- 
 tunity favourable to assassination presented itself. But 
 almighty Goodness preserved the intended victim from 
 the hour and the power of darkness, and brought this 
 detestable design to light in a way that tends to exalt 
 the riches of divine grace. The man who had thus 
 contrived the destruction of Dr. Coke had been con- 
 verted to God during his absence ; and he now made a 
 voluntary confession of the whole affair. 
 
 At Richmond the prejudices entertained against Dr. 
 Coke were strong and violent, in consequence of the 
 petition which had been presented to government for 
 the emancipation of the slaves. This petition, which 
 had been signed by a great number of freeholders, was 
 supposed to have originated with him. He therefore 
 was selected as an obnoxious individual, and many 
 menaces prior to his arrival had been held out to deter 
 him from coming. But none was sufficient to induce 
 him to depart from the path of duty ; and, boldly going 
 forward in the name of his heavenly Master, instead of 
 meeting with that interruption which had been pre- 
 dicted, and in part anticipated, the governor of the state 
 directed the court house to be opened for his accom-
 
 184 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 modation, in which place he preached to a congregation 
 that was orderly, respectable, and attentive. 
 
 In proceeding from Richmond to Alexandria, a dis- 
 tance of about one hundred and twenty miles, as the 
 Methodists had no societies at this time in these parts, 
 Dr. Coke and his companions took their refreshment at 
 such inns as they found on the road. In one of these 
 they joined a company of gentlemen, and found them- 
 selves exposed to the following incident. On calling for 
 some tea they fancied it tasted of rum. The second cup 
 seemed to contain still more ; so that they were satisfied 
 something beside imagination had suggested the idea of 
 this infusion. On making trial of a third cup, they 
 found it so strongly impregnated that they were obliged 
 to complain of a plot or conspiracy formed against 
 them. But from what source it came they were never 
 able to discover, as both the gentlemen and the waiter 
 declared themselves totally innocent and ignorant of the 
 affair. 
 
 At the conference which was held at Baltimore, in the 
 month of April, it appeared from the various returns 
 that were made, that during the preceding year no less 
 than six thousand six hundred had been added to the 
 societies throughout the United States. In the state of 
 Kentucky, also, the work had assumed a pleasing and 
 prosperous appearance; but the missionaries in this 
 district could only prosecute their labours at the hazard 
 of their lives, as the Indians in the vicinity had declared 
 war, and waited in ambush to shoot and scalp such 
 travellers as unfortunately fell into their hands. This 
 statement was given in at the conference, and assistance 
 was solicited. But under the circumstances of danger 
 which existed no regular appointment could be made. 
 Nor was there any occasion. A preacher who was 
 present instantly volunteered his services in the midst 
 of these frowns of war, and declared himself willing to 
 expose his life by proclaiming salvation in the name of 
 Christ. Another very shortly afterward, equally con- 
 strained by his love for souls, declared himself willing 
 to venture on this arduous enterprise, and both were 
 speedily sent to this distant and uncultivated region. 
 
 In Philadelphia, and in New- York, the work had so
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 185 
 
 increased that the places of worship were insufficient to 
 contain the congregations, so that one more in each 
 place was seriously contemplated. In most other parts 
 the work was extensively prosperous, and, from their 
 having, for a season, found it prudent to say nothing 
 on the subject of the slave trade, Dr. Coke prosecuted 
 his journeys through the states without any interruption. 
 
 To those who know nothing of the opinions which 
 prevail in countries where slavery is sanctioned by law, 
 this omission may appear as a temporizing measure, 
 which an inhabitant of England may condemn. But 
 until we are fully acquainted with the influence of local 
 prejudices we must acknowledge ourselves incompetent 
 to judge in this affair. Many things may be lawful that 
 are not at all times expedient. And we have been 
 taught by experience, in many instances, that the most 
 effectual method to accomplish a desired purpose is to 
 encircle it at a distance, and draw toward it by gradual 
 and insensible approximations. The destruction of a 
 powerful monster can only be effected by the united 
 energies of time, ingenuity, perseverance, and art. If 
 Dr. Coke had continued his direct attack upon the slave 
 trade, he must have abandoned the United States, and 
 desisted from his great work, without breaking the fet- 
 ters which the Africans wore. But by observing a de- 
 gree of prudent silence, which permitted him to preach 
 the gospel, those causes were called into operation which 
 must eventually establish more liberal principles, and 
 finally emancipate the whole of the human race. It 
 was in subservience to these enlarged views he acted in 
 the. silence which he now observed. The genuine con- 
 version of a soul to God may be compared to the action 
 of a file, which must gradually divide the links of the 
 chain, and ultimately prove the means of obtaining 
 freedom for every slave. 
 
 Dr. Coke having now surveyed several islands in the 
 West Indies, and noticed the moral condition of their 
 inhabitants ; having also proceeded to the continent, 
 and taken a survey of the glorious manner in which the 
 work of God was spreading there, prepared once more 
 to lake his leave, that on his return to England he might 
 report to Mr. Wesley the observations he had made.
 
 18G LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 He was also desirous of co-operating with him in send- 
 ing missionaries into those places which seemed to 
 have been opened by divine Providence ; and with that 
 view, of travelling through Great Britain, to entreat the 
 benevolent to contribute toward their support. He 
 then proceeded from New-York to Philadelphia, not 
 finding a vessel in the former port to carry him across 
 the Atlantic ; but he found one at the latter that was 
 bound for Dublin, in which place, if their voyage were 
 prosperous, he hoped to meet Mr. Wesley. And after 
 taking leave of his affectionate friends and numerous 
 hearers in a farewell sermon, on the 27th of May, he 
 went on board, and with agreeable companions arrived 
 safely in Dublin bay, on the 35th of June, 1787, after a 
 pleasant voyage of twenty-nine days. 
 
 Dr. Coke, on his arrival at Dublin, repaired imme- 
 diately to the Irish conference. In this assembly of 
 preachers, over whom Mr. Wesley presided, he com- 
 municated the pleasing intelligence which he had brought 
 from the continent, and pointed out the circumstances 
 under which he had been driven by successive storms 
 to visit the islands in the West Indies. The brethren 
 who were assembled, on hearing the detail of facts re- 
 specting the moral condition of the slaves, could not 
 but concur with him in acknowledging the hand of 
 Providence in giving directions to the natural causes 
 which apparently produced the effect. All were there- 
 fore ready to admit the propriety of sending missiona- 
 ries thither, so soon as suitable persons could be pro- 
 cured, and adequate means provided for their sup- 
 port. 
 
 From these preachers he had also the happiness to 
 learn that in Ireland the cause of God had been blessed 
 with much prosperity ; that the converts of Zion were 
 many ; that the courts of justice had afforded them pro- 
 tection against the adversaries by whom they had been 
 much injured on former occasions ; and that they were 
 permitted to worship God in most places without fear- 
 ing, even from an unprincipled mob, any outrage for 
 which they could not find redress. Being mutually 
 stimulated to renewed exertions by these reciprocal re- 
 citals, they parted as soon as the common business of
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 187 
 
 the conference was despatched, resolving to spend and 
 be spent in the cause of God. 
 
 Dr. Coke, on leaving his Irish friends, embarked in 
 company with Mr. Wesley, and eleven preachers for 
 the English conference, which was this year to be held 
 in Manchester. But this voyage, though short, was 
 attended with considerable danger. In the course of 
 their passage, the vessel in which they sailed struck on 
 a rock, from which it was with the utmost difficulty she 
 could be rescued. Being driven upon it with consider- 
 able force, she became entangled among the crags ; and 
 through the swelling of the waves, struck her bottom 
 with different degrees of violence more than forty times. 
 In this disastrous situation, while the sailors were using 
 every effort for the preservation of the ship, and the 
 lives of all on board, the servants of God betook them- 
 selves to prayer ; and, in a spirit of supplicating faith, 
 cast themselves upon Him who alone can render phy- 
 sical means effectual, and counteract the tendencies of 
 natural causes by the operation of others, ordinary or 
 extraordinary, without disturbing the harmony of crea- 
 tion. After beating for some time against the protu- 
 berances of the rock, the vessel was at length relieved, 
 and once more floated, without having sustained any 
 material injury, so that they reached the place of their 
 destination in safety. 
 
 On the present occasion we have as much reason to 
 conclude that God attended to the supplications of his 
 faithful servants, as that he blessed the exertions of the 
 sailors with success. Interpositions of divine Providence 
 are not unfrequently exerted above, but rarely in direct 
 opposition to, all the established laws of nature ; for if 
 this were the case, providence and miracle would be the 
 same. It is through the use of all the means placed 
 within our reach, that we may reasonably hope for the 
 blessing of Heaven ; and to expect it on any other ground 
 is a species of enthusiasm nearly allied to madness. 
 
 If Mr. Wesley, Dr. Coke, the other preachers, and 
 the sailors had waited exclusively through prayer for a 
 deliverance from the rock, without using any physical 
 exertions, their conduct would not have been less repre- 
 hensible than that of the agriculturist who should give
 
 188 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 himself wholly to devotion, and expect from divine Pro- 
 vidence an advantageous harvest without cultivating the 
 soil, or depositing his seed in the earth. God, who is 
 the only absolute agent in existence, although he is ne- 
 cessarily what he is, is not necessitated in any of his 
 actions. The laws by which both matter and spirit are 
 regulated, are therefore under the control of Him 
 
 " Who, from the realms of everlasting day, 
 Sees all his works in one immense survey :" 
 
 and both these, and all finite agents, can always be made 
 subservient to his vast designs. The belief, therefore, 
 of a general and a particular providence, instead of 
 being in any way inconsistent with the laws of nature, 
 may coincide with them in all their various bearings, 
 and be rationally incorporated in the grand economy of 
 Heaven. Nature and providence frequently act by the 
 same means and mediums ; and they may be considered 
 only as distinct modes through which the primary 
 Agent displays his wisdom and his power. 
 
 The exertions which the Methodists at this time were 
 making to procure missionaries, and to send them among 
 the heathen, had so far excited the attention of piously 
 disposed men as to induce some to address letters to 
 Mr. Wesley, and others to apply, through the captains 
 of trading vessels, for such missionary assistance as their 
 several cases required. Mr. Wesley, who was deeply 
 interested in the salvation of souls, beheld with eyes of 
 pity the cases that were presented before him ; but it 
 was not in his power to meet their numerous and ex- 
 tensive demands. 
 
 The refugees in Nova Scotia had already received 
 some missionaries from America, so that their case was 
 less urgent than it had been, although the preachers 
 who had sailed from England with Dr. Coke for those 
 regions, had been stationed in the West Indies. From 
 Newfoundland the invitations were too pressing to be 
 resisted, although the means of supporting the mission- 
 aries whom they wished to send, were too dubious to 
 demand implicit confidence. Mr. M'Geary was, how- 
 ever, sent to this extensive island to introduce among 
 its scattered but numerous inhabitants the offers of
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 189 
 
 salvation which the gospel presents to a perishing 
 world. 
 
 Newfoundland being now supplied by this appoint- 
 ment, the West Indies, from the representations of Dr. 
 Coke, became the primary object of missionary import- 
 ance to be considered at this conference. To this portion 
 of the globe it was therefore determined that missionaries 
 should be sent, as soon as some plan could be devised 
 for their support. Dr. 'Coke, whose soul seemed to be 
 absorbed in this department of the work, cheerfully 
 undertook the cause of the poor negroes, and engaged 
 to travel through the country to represent their condi- 
 tion to the benevolent of all denominations, and to beg 
 from door to door. Nothing, he has frequently declared, 
 could be more repugnant to his natural feelings than to 
 become an avowed mendicant, which would at once ex- 
 pose him to the frowns of the covetous, the scoffs of the 
 profane, and the sarcasms of infidelity. But on review- 
 ing the cause in which he was engaged ; on weighing 
 the importance of the object which he had in view ; on 
 reflecting on the melancholy condition of the slaves ; 
 and on the prospect of success which promised to crown 
 his efforts, he readily consented to suppress his feelings, 
 and advocate the cause of all who were living without 
 hope and without God in the world. In this glorious 
 course he persevered until death gave consummation 
 to his triumphs, and enrolled his name among the public 
 benefactors of mankind. 
 
 Dr. Coke, at the conclusion of this conference, de- 
 parted from Manchester on the 6th of August, 1787, in 
 company with Mr. Wesley and Mr. Bradford, to visit 
 the Norman Islands, that he might be enabled to see 
 how the work of God had flourished during his absence. 
 But even in this short voyage, they were exposed to 
 perils not less imminent than those from which they had 
 been delivered while coming from Ireland. 
 
 On the llth of August they sailed from Southampton ; 
 but contrary winds and stormy weather obliged them to 
 seek refuge, first in the port of Yarmouth, in the Isle 
 of Wight, and afterward in that of Sevanage. On the 
 afternoon of the 14th, the weather appeared inviting, and 
 they again put to sea, fully expecting to reach Guernsey
 
 190 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 without any farther interruption. But before they could 
 enter the harbour the wind again became adverse ; and 
 blowing exceedingly strong, they were obliged to shape 
 their course for Alderney. Having reached the bay, 
 they found themselves encircled with dangerous rocks, 
 which were discovered in every direction by the rippling 
 of the waves. To augment the horrors of their condi- 
 tion, the wind instantly died away, and left them in a 
 turbulent sea, without the means of managing their 
 vessel. Thus circumstanced, they applied to the throne 
 of grace, in earnest prayer, and God was pleased to 
 hearken to their petitions. A favourable breeze came 
 to their deliverance, and, filling their sails, conducted 
 the vessel in safety between the rocks, and about sun- 
 set brought them into the port of Alderney. While 
 becalmed among the rocks, that were barely covered 
 with the foaming breakers, their situation was truly 
 awful. The vessel lay at the mercy of the waves and 
 tide ; and, so far as they were competent to judge from 
 their situation, if the breeze had been withholden a few 
 minutes longer, the vessel must have been driven upon 
 the rocks, and inevitably wrecked. 
 
 At eight the next evening, Mr. Wesley preached on 
 the beach, not far from the place where he lodged, and 
 was favoured with a tolerable congregation. Soon after 
 he had finished, the governor of the island paid him a visit, 
 and manifested a great degree of courtesy. But, as this 
 was not the place of their ultimate destination, they seized 
 the first opportunity and sailed for Guernsey on the 15th. 
 
 In this island also they were treated with more than 
 common civility. In the mornings the congregations 
 were large and serious, and in the evenings crowded 
 and deeply attentive. On the 18th, Mr. Wesley and 
 Dr. Coke dined with the governor, who endeavoured to 
 show them every mark of politeness and respect. 
 
 From Guernsey they proceeded to Jersey, in which 
 island the views of the inhabitants respecting Method- 
 ism had undergone a favourable revolution. Mr. Brack- 
 enbury, who still resided in this island, received them 
 joyfully ; and in his house Mr. Wesley preached to 
 congregations that seemed to be more than usually 
 serious. " Even the gentry," says Mr. Wesley, "heard
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 191 
 
 with deep attention. What little things does God use to 
 advance his own glory ! Probably many of these flock 
 together because I have lived so many years, and per- 
 haps even this may be the means of their living for 
 ever." In the country parts of this island, where the 
 French language is spoken, Mr. Wesley preached du- 
 ring his stay. In this journey he was accompanied by 
 Mr. Brackenbury, who, standing by his side, translated 
 into French and delivered to the people the sentences 
 which fell from his lips. But tedious as this method 
 was, they waited with serious patience, and God was 
 pleased to bless the discourse to many souls. On re- 
 turning to the town, as they found themselves detained 
 by contrary winds, the large assembly room was offered 
 for his accommodation. In this he preached to large 
 and serious congregations, and many appeared to profit 
 by the word delivered.* 
 
 From this transient survey, we may perceive the 
 astonishing change which had taken place in the short 
 space of two years. On a former occasion, few places 
 could present a more hostile front to the gospel of 
 Christ than these islands exhibited. These circum- 
 stances the biographer of Dr. Adam Clarke will here- 
 after delineate, and give to posterity in detail. But 
 now, on the present occasion, all was harmony and 
 peace ; and the same tongues that had exclaimed, "Cru- 
 cify him," were now employed, in several instances, in 
 uttering hosannas to the name of God. We may learn 
 from hence the duty of perseverance in the cause of 
 truth, even though our efforts of love should be repelled 
 with frowns. We may infer, also, that the want of a 
 favourable reception is no evidence of the divine disap- 
 probation. In many places where our most flourishing 
 societies are to be found at present, the frowns of per- 
 secution at first forbade us to introduce the gospel. 
 And perhaps, if these hostilities had been made the ex- 
 clusive criterion of action, Methodism, as well as Chris- 
 tianity in the abstract, would have been nearly un- 
 known in the world. 
 
 Several places, on the contrary, where the early 
 
 * See Life of Mr. Wesley, by Coke and Moore.
 
 192 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 smiles of approbation seemed to invite the gospel with 
 flattering promises, soon put on a forbidding aspect, 
 and presented a host of difficulties too formidable to be 
 withstood. Among the islands of the West Indies such 
 places are still to be found. Unhappily, the planter too 
 frequently thinks that the moral improvement of his 
 slaves is inimical to his interest. He therefore conceives 
 it to be his duty to secure that ignorance which a pri- 
 vation of instruction will ensure. Wretched, however, 
 must that system be which derives its chief support 
 from the shadows with which it is enveloped, and 
 whose existence seems to depend upon the exclusion of 
 light. Time and experience have demonstrated the de- 
 lusiveness of these apprehensions in all places where 
 experiments have been made, and many of the planters 
 now find it to be their interest and their duty to support 
 those principles and doctrines they once endeavoured 
 to suppress, and against which many still continue to 
 exert their power. 
 
 Against this host of prejudices Dr. Coke was called 
 to contend in the course of his missionary labours. 
 But through divine grace he was prepared for his work 
 by that activity, zeal, and perseverance, which invaria- 
 bly marked his character. Of this fact the following 
 circumstance furnishes a striking instance : On his 
 second visit to these islands, he was taken by Mr. 
 Brackenbury into the country to hold a meeting at St. 
 Mary's, in Jersey, that he might have an opportunity 
 of noticing the various characters and objects which 
 presented themselves to view. Unhappily, the tempest 
 of persecution had not yet wholly subsided. At this 
 meeting the ringleader of a daring mob was present, 
 who assailed the doctor in a most brutal and ignomi- 
 nious manner, almost lifting him from the ground by 
 his ears. But bearing these indignities with the most 
 exemplary patience, the more sober part of the congre- 
 gation were rather edified by the spirit which he mani- 
 fested, than injured by the disturbance which the rioters 
 had occasioned. 
 
 On leaving the Norman Isles he repaired to England, 
 visiting many of the principal towns, and employing his 
 time in preaching the gospel, and recommending the
 
 LIFE OF THE REV DR. COKE. 193 
 
 case of the unfortunate negroes to the benevolent atten- 
 tion of the congregations, and to the compassion of 
 wealthy individuals. Being polite in his manners, and 
 deeply interested in the issue, of his undertaking, no 
 circumstance, however forbidding, could prevent his 
 appeal. And, although he was occasionally repelled 
 from the doors of the irreligious and the unfeeling, he 
 was frequently successful in places which most other 
 men would have tried in vain. In thus making pro- 
 vision for the missionaries he spent his time without 
 meeting with any remarkable incident, until the confer- 
 ence of 1788, soon after which he again prepared to re- 
 visit the West Indies. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Dr. Coke sails for Barbadoes Proceedings on his arrival 
 Establishment of a mission Repairs to St. Vincent's Visits the 
 Caribbs Reflections on savage life Repairs to Dominica The 
 work prospers in Antigua and in St. Christopher's Remarks on 
 a persecuting edict, passed in Enstatius Driven from this island 
 Forbidden to establish a mission in Saba Visits Tortola and 
 Santa Cruz Pleasing prospects in these islands Delivered from 
 imminent danger in a boat Promising appearances of missionary 
 success in Jamaica Revisits the continent Difficulties of tra- 
 velling Picturesque scenery Nocturnal fires Progress of reli- 
 gion in Georgia Resolution to build Wesley college Prosperous 
 state of religion in South Carolina In North Carolina In Vir- 
 ginia In Maryland In Pennsylvania and Delaware And in 
 New- York Total increase of the societies Returns to England 
 Reflections on the condition of the heathen world. 
 
 THE conference of 1788 having appointed three mis- 
 sionaries for the West Indies, in addition to those that 
 were already there, placed them under the immediate 
 superintendence of Dr. Coke, who made preparations 
 to accompany them thither. A passage was taken on 
 board of a ship bound for Barbadoes, which was an 
 island that he had not yet visited. Their voyage was 
 pleasant in a high degree, as the weather was favoura- 
 ble, and no memorable accident occurred. In addition 
 to this, the accommodations on board were excellent, 
 and the captain, who was deeply impressed with the 
 
 9
 
 194 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 fear of God, did every thing in his power to render 
 their situation comfortable. On any of their devotions 
 he never attempted to lay the least restraint, and scarcely 
 ever omitted to join in them when the duties of his sta- 
 tion afforded him leisure. 
 
 The men who were on board conducted themselves in 
 a manner not unworthy of their captain. Many seemed 
 to be deeply affected with the sermons which were de- 
 livered ; and throughout the whole voyage they read 
 with earnestness and apparent delight the books that 
 were presented to them. Nor was this conduct assumed 
 out of a mere artificial complaisance. When the mis- 
 sionaries parted from them, their sincerity was demon- 
 strated by the tears which suffused their faces, and by 
 the earnestness with which they squeezed their hands. 
 " And when our boat dropped astern," says Dr. Coke, 
 " they gave us three as hearty cheers as I believe were 
 ever given by a company of sailors." 
 
 The missionaries who accompanied Dr. Coke in this 
 expedition were Messrs. Lamb, Gamble, and Pearce ; 
 but neither they nor himself expected to find any indi- 
 vidual whom they knew upon the island. On entering 
 Bridgetown, the capital, they repaired to an inn ; but 
 finding this abode likely to be expensive, and being as- 
 sured that the labours of all would not be wanted in this 
 place, they seized an opportunity which immediately 
 offered, and despatched Mr. Lamb and Mr. Gamble to 
 St. Vincent's, on board of a merchant ship that was 
 about to sail for that island the same evening. 
 
 Dr. Coke and Mr. Pearce were now left alone, to de- 
 clare their intentions, and to seize such openings as 
 Providence might present for the introduction of the 
 gospel. Scarcely had their colleagues departed before 
 it occurred to Mr. Pearce that a regiment of soldiers, 
 among whom he knew several pious persons when in 
 Ireland, was at this time stationed in Barbadoes. On 
 communicating this information to Dr. Coke, he was di- 
 rected to go in search of them, and, if possible, gather 
 from these the dispositions of the inhabitants toward 
 the gospel. Mr. Pearce accordingly departed, and in 
 about two hours returned with a soldier, who still re- 
 tained his faithfulness to God. The excursion of Mr.
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 195 
 
 Pearce among the soldiers, soon gave publicity to the 
 mission, and almost immediately brought to the inn a 
 pious sergeant, who belonged to the same regiment. 
 The sergeant gazed for a few moments on Mr. Pearce, 
 and instantly recollecting his features, clasped him in 
 his arms with all the joy which an unexpected meeting 
 of Christian friends in a distant region of the globe is 
 calculated to inspire. 
 
 From these soldiers they learned that, after they had 
 continued for some time in silence on the island, the love 
 of Christ constrained them to call sinners to repentance. 
 The singularity of their conduct soon excited the atten- 
 tion of a merchant whose name was Button, who pro- 
 vided for them a large room, which had formerly been 
 a warehouse, and in this they regularly assembled for 
 public worship. 
 
 Guided by these rays of light, in this gloomy region, 
 Dr. Coke determined to pay Mr. Button a visit on the 
 ensuing morning, and consult with him on the most eli- 
 gible means to be adopted for carrying their designs 
 into execution. But these contrivances were soon ren- 
 dered useless by the benevolence of the gentleman on 
 whom they intended to wait. Mr. Button, having heard 
 of their arrival, sent them an invitation to breakfast with 
 him ; thus unexpectedly furnishing them with an oppor- 
 tunity of introducing the object they had in view. 
 
 Arriving at Mr. Button's, Dr. Coke was surprised to 
 find himself accosted by his name. Mr. Button, it ap- 
 pears, had frequently heard him preach on the continent 
 of America, during his visits to the United States ; and 
 while there several of his servants had been baptized by 
 him, one of whom was now truly alive to God. Being 
 hospitably entertained by this friendly gentleman, whose 
 house and heart seemed alike open to receive them, Dr. 
 Coke and Mr. Pearce, at his request, discharged their 
 bill at the inn, and immediately took up their abode at 
 his friendly habitation. Dr. Coke intending to preach 
 at Mr. Button's house, the novelty of the report drew 
 together a concourse of people nearly three times as 
 large as could be accommodated. Among these many 
 seemed to hear with deep attention, and all behaved 
 with the utmost propriety. But it was not at the house
 
 196 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 of Mr. Button alone that divine Providence seemed to 
 favour their designs. When Dr. Coke arrived, he found 
 three ladies on a visit at his habitation. These also at- 
 tended preaching, and were so far pleased that they 
 invited Mr. Pearce, who was to remain on the island, to 
 their house, and declared their readiness to have their 
 slaves instructed by him. Another circumstance occur- 
 red which, though apparently arising from accident, 
 appeared to be overruled by Providence to favour their 
 undertaking. Dr. Coke, prior to his leaving England, 
 had received a letter of recommendation from a gentle- 
 man in London, to his friend Henry Trotman, Esq., of 
 Barbadoes. After spending a few days at the house of 
 Mr. Button, Dr. Coke went in search of Mr. Henry 
 Trotman, to whom he was soon directed. It, however, 
 so happened that this was not the gentleman for whom 
 the letter was designed, but another of the same name. 
 Ignorant of this mistake, Dr. Coke introduced himself; 
 and being received with much politeness and friendship, 
 he began to unfold his plan of establishing a mission 
 among the negroes ; nor was it till he had disclosed the 
 whole which he had to communicate, that he discovered 
 his error. The mistake was not an unfortunate one, as 
 this gentleman showed his approbation of his intention, 
 and freely offered his house for the accommodation of 
 Mr. Pearce ; and his slaves, about two hundred in num- 
 ber, he declared to be at liberty, on all proper occa- 
 sions, to receive instructions. A few days afterward 
 Dr. Coke found the real Mr. Trotman, and was received 
 by him with an equal degree of respect. He had also 
 about two hundred negroes on his plantation, and to 
 these he was willing Mr. Pearce should have free access. 
 On waiting on the governor, the same degree of po- 
 liteness was conspicuous. To the principles of the 
 mission he avowed himself to be friendly ; so that no 
 obstacle of consequence appeared to its full establish- 
 ment. From one of the magistrates, also, they received 
 a friendly visit, and the promise of a cordial co-opera- 
 tion in the execution of their future plans. This latter 
 gentleman was not wholly a stranger to Methodism, nor 
 to the probable influence that it would have on the 
 minds of the people. He had heard Mr. Wesley and
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 197 
 
 his brother preach several times in England ; and there- 
 fore he expressed his approbation from a conviction of 
 the utility that might be expected ; promising to Mr. 
 Pearce all the assistance and support which it was in his 
 power to render, either to him or to the cause in which 
 he was engaged. 
 
 It was thus, through a train of providential circum- 
 stances, that a fair opening was made, in a few days, for 
 the introduction of the gospel into an island containing 
 about seventy thousand blacks, and nearly thirty thou- 
 sand whites. And although, in this island, the mission 
 of which we have thus traced the infancy has not fully 
 answered, in its extent, the sanguine expectations which 
 these dawning appearances were calculated to excite ; 
 yet, from that moment to the present, many souls have 
 been born of God, and many have departed this life in 
 the full triumph of faith. The members of society have 
 invariably been few in number ; but they may be con- 
 sidered as affording to all an amiable example of a 
 genuine Christian community. 
 
 Dr. Coke, having to the utmost of his power provided 
 for the accommodation and success of Mr. Pearce, took 
 his departure from this island, and followed his other 
 friends to St. Vincent's. On meeting together, and be- 
 ing joined by Mr. Baxter, it was agreed among them 
 that they should traverse a mountainous district, and pay 
 a visit to the Caribbs, who a-t this time resided in a part 
 of this island. Their object in this visit was, to notice 
 their dispositions, and from thence to infer how far it 
 might be practicable to establish schools among them 
 for the instruction of their children ; and finally to in- 
 troduce the gospel in some language that should be mu- 
 tually understood. 
 
 After some time, the attempt was made. But, like 
 many similar efforts among savage tribes, the advantages 
 resulting from the task were not equal to the expecta- 
 tions that flattered their early hopes. * Prior to this 
 time, Mr. Baxter and his wife had left the island of An- 
 tigua, and taken up their abode in St. Vincent's, not far 
 from the district which the Caribbs inhabited. Here 
 they had been treated with more civility and respect 
 than might have been expected from uncultivated savages.
 
 198 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 And from the readiness with which the children re- 
 ceived instruction, and the progress that several of 
 them made, they gave convincing proofs of exalted ge- 
 nius and of extensive intellectual powers. But neither 
 instruction nor admonition was sufficient to counteract 
 that attachment to barbarous manners, which surround- 
 ing example tended every day to keep alive. 
 
 Dr. Coke was so affected at their condition, and so 
 charmed with the dignified simplicity of their demean- 
 our, that he was unwilling to abandon his design. Mr. 
 Baxter and his wife were therefore prevailed upon, 
 through his importunity, to relinquish for a still longer 
 period the advantages and comforts of civilized society, 
 and to continue among these children of nature, that no 
 room might remain for reflections on any future occa- 
 sion that their efforts failed of success because they 
 were not accompanied with perseverance. But neither 
 effort nor perseverance was available to accomplish the 
 object they had in view. The instinctive propensities 
 of a savage life were not to be subdued; nor would they 
 barter the fond idea of native independence, which had 
 been transmitted to them from their remotest ancestors, 
 for all the learning that the circle of science could im- 
 part, or all the wealth that England or even Europe 
 could offer.* From the influence of principles which 
 cannot be fully developed, the greater part of the efforts 
 which have been made to civilize the savage hordes of 
 mankind have been defeated. Their propensities to war 
 
 * Of the origin, history, numbers, customs, manners, peculiari- 
 ties, and prevailing characteristics of these savages, Dr. Coke has 
 published an interesting account in his journal ; (pp. 79-91 ;) and a 
 still more copious account in the ch<opter respecting St. Vincent's, 
 in his History of the West Indies. To these narratives the reader 
 is therefore referred for particulars ; and more immediately to the 
 latter for a minute detail of the horrid barbarities practised by 
 them during the late Caribb war. On the justice of this war dif- 
 ferent opinions have been entertained. It cannot be doubted that 
 they practised many inhumanities ; but it cannot be denied that 
 the primitive inhabitants of an island have at least as plausible a 
 right to the dominion of it as any nation which may acquire the 
 subsequent possession of it, merely because it happens to be more 
 powerful. Those who survived the war were removed from St. 
 Vincent's to the little island of Balixcau, where their scattered rem- 
 nants still remain.
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 199 
 
 and hunting, which their modes of life are calculated to 
 cherish, communicate a restlessness to their spirits which, 
 in civilized communities, is rarely known. To break 
 them, therefore, " from fierce barbarians into men," 
 though a work of benevolence and humanity, is one of 
 those undertakings that may be contemplated with ease, 
 but cannot be accomplished without difficulties which 
 few only have been able to surmount. 
 
 Returning from the country of the Caribbs, Dr. Coke 
 visited many plantations, and preached in several places. 
 In most of these both he and his associate missionaries 
 were received with marked attention and respect, and 
 their preaching met with tokens of approbation. It was 
 therefore determined that Mr. Gamble and Mr. Clarke 
 should continue in the English division of the island, 
 while Mr. Baxter and his wife repaired to the Caribb 
 country, to make among the natives a persevering effort, 
 although it should be rendered finally unsuccessful, as 
 was actually the case. 
 
 Having thus made provision for St. Vincent's, Dr. 
 Coke and Mr. Lamb sailed for Dominica, to notice with 
 more distinctness the conduct of the whites, and to as- 
 certain their dispositions toward the moral improvement 
 of their slaves. In this voyage they were accompanied 
 by Mr. and Mrs. Baxter, who repaired to Antigua, to 
 settle their affairs, and take their final leave of their 
 friends, before they returned to take up their abode 
 among the savages of St. Vincent's. 
 
 Arriving at Dominica, they found a lady waiting to 
 entertain them. She had received an intimation of their 
 intention from a local preacher of St. Christopher's, 
 and had made preparations for their accommodation, 
 and for their preaching. The treatment they experienced 
 in this island was not less inviting than that which had 
 been manifested in others. And on waiting upon the 
 governor, his politeness and urbanity of manners con- 
 firmed the favourable opinion whicli they had been led 
 to entertain. Their stay, however, was no more than 
 five days. But during these their preaching had beeii 
 rendered so far successful that many souls appeared 
 truly awakened ; and before they left the island they 
 formed a little society, consisting of twenty-four mem-
 
 300 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 bers ; but some of these had previously attended preach- 
 ing while in other islands, before they were removed to 
 this. 
 
 On revisiting Antigua, they discovered that the work 
 of God had so far prospered, that 2,800 members were 
 now in society, and that the spirit of hearing continued, 
 without any diminution, among the multitudes that com- 
 posed the congregations. And so far had the principles 
 and doctrines inculcated extended their influence over 
 the general practice, that on Christmas-day, and the two 
 days following, being seasons of festivity among the 
 negroes, martial law, which had always been deemed 
 necessary, was now reduced to an empty form. 
 
 In the island of St. Christopher's, to which they next 
 repaired, the work was also in a prosperous state. On 
 a former occasion, when Mr. Hammet first came among 
 the inhabitants, vital religion was totally unknown ; and 
 even in the form of godliness there was a lamentable 
 deficiency. But through the indefatigable exertions of 
 this missionary, a society of 700 members had been 
 formed, and far the greater part appeared to be devcted 
 to God. In addition to this, and what was of consider- 
 able consequence to the work, two local preachers had 
 been raised up among them, and their labours had been 
 rendered exceedingly beneficial. " The second morn- 
 ing after my arrival," says Dr. Coke, " we were visited 
 with a tremendous earthquake. The beds, the room, 
 the whole house in which we were, shook most terribly, 
 for several seconds. The shock was felt in other 
 islands." 
 
 From St. Christopher's and Antigua, in which " the 
 wilderness and the solitary place were become glad, and 
 the desert had begun to rejoice and to blossom as the 
 rose," they repaired to St. Eustalius, to witness a scene 
 that was nearly the reverse. Against the missionaries, 
 and all the friends of the gospel, the iron hand of per- 
 secution had extended a whip of scorpions, and many 
 had suffered from their deadly stings. Harry, of whom 
 an account has been given in the preceding chapter, 
 having been found guilty of praying, had been publicly 
 flogged, and banished from the island in such a manner 
 as to be rendered invisible and unknown. And a law
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 201 
 
 had been passed avowedly against religion, which, from 
 its singular enormity, deserves to be held up in every 
 public record for the execration of posterity. Of this 
 edict, which its own infamy will tend to immortalize, 
 the general outlines are as follows : 
 
 " That if any white person should be found praying 
 with his brethren, for the first offence he should be fined 
 fifty pieces of eight ; for the second offence, one hun- 
 dred pieces ; and for the third offence, he should be 
 whipped, his goods confiscated, and he should then 
 be banished from the island. That if a coloured 
 man should be found praying, for the first offence he 
 should receive thirty-nine lashes, and for the second, if 
 free, he should be whipped and banished. But if a slave 
 should be found guilty of praying, he should be whipped 
 for every offence." This punishment to be inflicted on 
 the slave was evidently at the discretion of the master, 
 whose passion or humanity might extend or restrict the 
 number of lashes which the executioner was to inflict. 
 Neither was the caprice of his tyrannical dominion cir- 
 cumscribed by law to the mere excoriation of the whip, 
 as was evident in the case of Harry, who had disap- 
 peared. The interest of the master, in all countries 
 where slavery is sanctioned by law, is the only protec- 
 tion of the slave against brutal violence. And, in cases 
 where religion becomes criminal, even interest can urge 
 but a feeble plea against the ebullitions of vengeance, 
 which spring from a carnal mind, intoxicated with power, 
 and gathering applause from barbarities which would 
 seem to triumph over private and pecuniary considera- 
 tions. 
 
 On taking a retrospective survey of the savage enor- 
 mities which in the darker ages of the world distinguished 
 and degraded both pagan and papal Rome, we can find 
 no edict so avowedly abandoned in its principle as this 
 which is now before us. The heathen idolaters palliated 
 their enormities with a pretence that the Christians were 
 attempting to introduce strange gods, that would eventu- 
 ally destroy the authority of those that were established ; 
 and the papal idolaters covered the turpitude of their 
 abominations with the sanctimonious pretext that the 
 Protestants were introducing heresies into the church 
 9*
 
 202 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 which it was their duty to suppress. But, on the pre- 
 sent occasion, the edict was avowedly passed against 
 religion itself; thus making it a criminal action for 
 human beings to offer prayer to God. Such was the 
 unholy and intolerant spirit which the legislature of St. 
 Eustatius openly displayed against the religion of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, in the year 1789. 
 
 On finding the door thus completely shut against his 
 ministry, Dr. Coke took his leave of this inhospitable 
 region, on the 1st of January, 1790, amid the tears of 
 an affectionate society, which, under these storms of 
 persecution, amounted at this time to two hundred and 
 fifty-eight, many of whom he privately baptized prior to 
 his departure. Scarcely, however, had he embarked, 
 before he discovered that the captain and sailors were 
 too much intoxicated to manage the vessel. In this 
 condition they drove against a large ship, injuring their 
 own boom, and damaging their yards. On getting free 
 from this ship they found themselves driving off into the 
 sea, in such direction as the wind and tide conspired to 
 carry them. Alarmed at the danger of their situation, 
 Dr. Coke and some missionaries who accompanied him, 
 though totally unacquainted with nautical affairs, ex- 
 erted themselves to bring the head of the vessel toward 
 the harbour from which they had but just departed. 
 Happily their unskilful exertions were crowned with 
 success. And in their return, after running against 
 another ship, breaking their rudder, and damaging their 
 stern, they were compelled to bribe the captain with 
 ten dollars to put them once more on shore in the island 
 of St. Eustatius. 
 
 The circumstances connected with this disastrous at- 
 tempt to leave the island, when viewed in connection 
 with the morals of which the captain and crew had just 
 exhibited a specimen, induced Dr. Coke to think that 
 his being again driven back was a loud call from Provi- 
 dence for him to bear a public testimony for God. To 
 prevent, however, any of his friends from incurring the 
 penalties of the law, and partially presuming that, as a 
 British subject, he might escape the rigour of its denun- 
 ciations, he hired a large room for a month, and preach- 
 ed the next day to a. quiet and sober congregation,
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 203 
 
 composed of individuals that seemed athirst for the 
 water of life. Being thus permitted to finish his dis- 
 course without any interruption, he flattered himself 
 that he might proceed in peace, and accordingly pub- 
 lished his intention to preach again on the ensuing Sun- 
 day. But it was not long before he was convinced that 
 he had deluded himself with fallacious hopes. 
 
 It was at a late hour, when the governor, having 
 heard of Dr. Coke's crime, sent for the gentleman at 
 whose house he lodged, and threatened him with the 
 vengeance of the law in case he sheltered under his 
 roof such a flagrant transgressor. The next morning 
 brought a message to Dr. Coke from the governor and 
 the judge, directing him to promise that, during his con- 
 tinuance on the island, neither he nor his associates would 
 either publicly or privately, by day or by night, preach 
 either to whites or blacks. The messenger was far- 
 thermore directed to inform him that, in case of a refu- 
 sal to comply with this mandate, he would expose him- 
 self to a prosecution, to arbitrary punishment, and a 
 banishment from the island. 
 
 On receiving this mandate, Dr. Coke and his friends 
 withdrew to consider what answer they should return. 
 In this deliberation they were fully satisfied that their 
 continuance on the island could not be permanent ; and 
 that, by persevering in opposition to the government, 
 they should awaken its vengeance, without being able 
 to derive any real advantage from their suffering that, 
 in other islands which were under the British domi- 
 nions, with whose laws they were better acquainted, 
 there were more openings than they had missionaries to 
 supply that the call upon their exertions there was 
 not less imperious that in this island the class meet- 
 ings had been permitted to continue without any molest- 
 ation, and that God had rendered these private means 
 a blessing to many souls. Moreover, that in case of 
 their compliance with the demand that was made, it was 
 highly probable these class meetings would escape the 
 notice of government ; but no doubt could be enter- 
 tained that they would be instantly suppressed as soon 
 as the arm of persecution was lifted up. From these 
 considerations, and especially as they were under the
 
 204 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 dominion of a foreign power, and at the mercy of a 
 colonial tyrant, from whose arbitrary conduct they 
 could make no appeal, they resolved to abandon the 
 island, and therefore returned an answer, that the man- 
 dates of government should be obeyed. 
 
 It is a remarkable feature in the history of the human 
 character, that we are not fully competent to appreciate 
 the value of any blessing until we sufler a partial priva- 
 tion of it. The importance of time is not sufficiently 
 known until its days and weeks have departed ; and the 
 value of health is not adequately discovered till sick- 
 ness reminds us of its neglected excellence. On the 
 same principle, the benefits which we derive from Bri- 
 tish laws, and from the British constitution, appear with 
 new lustre and advantage when contrasted with the 
 mandates of tyrants, and the consequences of despotism 
 in foreign parts. It may seem paradoxical that the ex- 
 istence of natural evil should become necessary to make 
 us sensible of the great blessing of natural good ; but in 
 a thousand instances the fact is indisputable ; and it 
 furnishes us with an awful proof of the intellectual and 
 moral degeneracy of man. It was from the lessons of 
 tyranny taught in the island of St. Eustatius, that Dr. 
 Coke learned to behold, with additional motives of 
 gratitude to God, the superior advantages which were 
 enjoyed in his native land. 
 
 On departing from this island of intolerance, Dr. Coke 
 and his associates returned to St. Christopher's, and 
 from thence proceeded to Nevis, in both of which places 
 their prospects of success were highly flattering. From 
 Nevis they repaired to Saba, an island "belonging also 
 to Holland ; but being under a distinct governor, whose 
 disposition might be justly contrasted with that of the 
 governor of St. Eustatius, they flattered themselves with 
 a more favourable reception. On their arrival they 
 were received with the utmost degree of politeness and 
 cordiality by him and his family ; and the inhabitants in 
 general, among whom no minister had been established 
 for seventeen years, expressed their grateful joy at the 
 prospect of hearing once more the sound of the gospel. 
 To have one of the missionaries stationed among them, 
 both the governor and council joined in an earnest re-
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 205 
 
 quest to Dr. Coke, promising to provide for his support, 
 and to appropriate the long forsaken church to his ac- 
 commodation. The people concurred in the same en- 
 treaty ; and Dr. Coke complied with their solicitation, 
 leaving behind him Mr. Brazier, who had been raised 
 up in the West Indies under the preaching of Mr. Ham- 
 met. But it was not long that these pleasing indica- 
 tions were permitted to continue. The governor of St. 
 Eustatius, being governor general of the Dutch islands, 
 no sooner learned that a missionary was about to be 
 stationed in Saba, than he issued orders for his expul- 
 sion from the island. With this mandate the governor 
 of Saba was compelled to comply ; and Mr. Brazier was 
 dismissed, though with evident marks of reluctance. 
 
 On finding it morally impossible, through the perse- 
 cuting spirit of the governor general, to establish a mis- 
 sion in the Dutch islands, although the fields were white 
 unto harvest, Dr. Coke sailed from Saba, and landed on 
 the shores of Tortola, on the 17th of January, 1790. 
 The inhabitants of this island, amounting to about 1,000 
 whites and 8,000 blacks, appeared ripe for the gospel ; 
 and the general wish of the negroes was, that they 
 might, if possible, have a Methodist missionary. From 
 the people at large he met with a cordial reception ; 
 and their behaviour, during his preaching among them 
 to increasing congregations, indicated their conviction 
 that they had an interest in eternity. 
 
 From Tortola, after preaching twice, Dr. Coke pro- 
 ceeded to Santa Cruz, an island containing about 30,000 
 inhabitants, which belonged to the crown of Denmark. 
 In this island he was received by the governor general 
 with a degree of politeness and civility which might 
 also be placed in contrast with the ferocious brutality 
 exhibited in St. Eustatius. From his offers of protection 
 and encouragement, he taught Dr. Coke and his asso- 
 ciates to believe that there was nothing in his power 
 which they might not reasonably expect, that would 
 tend to promote their designs. A Quaker lady also 
 opened her house for preaching, and the congregations 
 that assembled inclined them to think that they were 
 not likely to labour among them in vain. 
 
 The inviting prospects which thus appeared, both in
 
 206 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 Santa Cruz and Tortola, induced Dr. Coke to determine 
 that the only missionary who now remained unemploy- 
 ed, should tarry behind, and divide his labours between 
 these two islands, although he had been reserved for 
 Jamaica, which had not yet been visited. In the mean- 
 while it was his intention to proceed to Jamaica, and 
 survey the moral condition of the slaves, that, on his re- 
 turn to England, he might lay the case of all the visited 
 islands before Mr. Wesley and the conference, and pro- 
 cure such farther assistance as might be deemed neces- 
 sary, by sending so many additional missionaries as the 
 benevolence of the public might enable them to 
 support. 
 
 Thus the gospel, through a train of providential cir- 
 cumstances, diminutive in their beginning, and motley 
 in their aspect, was introduced into this vast archipelago 
 by the indefatigable instrumentality of Dr. Coke. In 
 ten of the islands, which unitedly contained about two 
 hundred and sixty thousand souls, near four-fifths of 
 whom were in heathenish darkness, the prospects of 
 success were truly nattering. And although in several 
 the hand of persecution has since been occasionally 
 lifted up, and our missionaries have sometimes suffered 
 severely from lawless mobs and oppressive edicts, the 
 word of God has run and been glorified ; the little one 
 has become a thousand ; multitudes of living wit- 
 nesses still bear testimony for God ; and many, made 
 wise unto salvation, have entered into the joy of their 
 Lord. 
 
 Returning from Santa Cruz to Tortola, Dr. Coke 
 made preparations to repair to Jamaica, the last island 
 he intended visiting before he proceeded to the conti- 
 nent. The ship in which he had taken a passage being 
 ready for sea, he was directed to repair on board at a 
 late hour in the evening, as the captain expected to sail 
 early the next morning. The vessel at this time lay at 
 anchor about a mile from the quay, from which place 
 Dr. Coke took a boat in order to get on board. This 
 was an undertaking that nearly cost him his life. Pro- 
 ceeding on their passage in pleasant weather, a gentle- 
 man who sat behind him observed, with some degree of 
 astonishment, that the water, from the mere motion of
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 307 
 
 the boat in rowing, came rapidly in over the stem. The 
 discovery created serious apprehensions ; and Dr. Coke, 
 on putting his hand over the side, found that its upper 
 edge was not more than an inch above the surface of the 
 sea. They were at this time about half way between 
 the quay and the vessel on board of which they ex- 
 pected to sail. On inquiring into the cause, it appeared 
 that the bottom of the boat, which was deep and leaky, 
 had admitted so much water below, as to sink the gun- 
 wale to that alarming state. Thus situated, it is proba- 
 ble that in a few minutes longer, if the discovery had 
 not been made, the boat would have sunk to the bottom, 
 and every soul on board would have been hurried into 
 eternity. But, through divine Providence, their danger 
 appeared just in time to prevent its consequences, so 
 that, by using every exertion, the water was baled out, 
 and they reached the vessel in safety. 
 
 Dr. Coke landed at Port Royal, in Jamaica, on the 
 19th of January, and repaired to the house of a friend, 
 to whom he carried a letter of recommendation. His 
 reception was favourable, and his preaching was, after 
 some time, attended by large congregations. From 
 some intoxicated white men he met with a little inter- 
 ruption while preaching at Kingston ; but as soon as 
 these genteel disturbers found that the congregation de- 
 termined not to join them, and that they were opposed 
 by some spirited supporters of the gospel, they desisted 
 from their riotous proceedings, and permitted both 
 preacher and people to conclude in peace. On the state 
 of religion in this island at this time, Dr. Coke, after 
 having cast an eye over such parts as fell more imme- 
 diately under his observation, makes the following 
 remarks : 
 
 " I am fully satisfied that great good might be done 
 in this island, if the gospel were regularly preached here 
 with power. A small society of awakened persons 
 might, even at presenl, be formed, both among the 
 whites and blacks in Kingston. 
 
 " Indeed this valuable and populous island demands 
 and deserves much of our attention and exertions, as it 
 probably contains above 300,000 inhabitants ; the slaves 
 alone, in the year 1768, amounted to 217,000; and in
 
 208 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 Kingston only they have been nearly doubled since that 
 time.* 
 
 " This I must add, in honour of the island, that I ne- 
 ver visited any place, either in Europe or America, in 
 which the gospel was not preached, where I received so 
 many civilities as I did in Jamaica, four or five families 
 of property having opened to me their houses, and very 
 evidently their hearts also, and assured me that any mis- 
 sionaries we shall in future send to that island shall be 
 welcome to beds, and every thing their houses afford."! 
 
 Such were the flattering prospects which, in this ap- 
 proaching dawn of our mission in Jamaica, were held 
 out by the inhabitants. At this period Dr. Coke had no 
 missionary whom he could leave behind him. But the 
 favourable impression which the kindness of the inha- 
 bitants made, plead so strongly in their favour, that, on 
 his return, it was his earliest care to provide for those 
 openings in this populous island which divine Provi- 
 dence seemed evidently to have effected. But flattering 
 prospects are not always a sure criterion of future suc- 
 cess. The persecutions which, since this period, have 
 arisen in Jamaica, furnish a much more indubitable evi- 
 dence that human nature is alienated from God, and that 
 the carnal mind is enmity against him. The slaves, 
 indeed, bending beneath the weight of their burdens, 
 have invariably manifested an inclination to receive the 
 gospel ; and many thousands have, at different times, in 
 this island, embraced its consolatory doctrines. But the 
 same power that has fettered their bodies has been ex- 
 erted to rivet the fetters of ignorance on their minds. 
 Every effort that ingenuity could devise, or influence 
 accomplish, has been made to prevent them from re- 
 ceiving instruction. These unholy exertions have, in- 
 deed, more than once, been counteracted by the legisla- 
 ture at home ; but the distance between this island and 
 the mother country has prevented the latter from hin- 
 dering altogether the early operation of the colonial 
 laws. Yet in the midst of persecution God has been 
 pleased to carry on his work, and to bless the labours 
 
 * Bryan Edwards states the population of Jamaica, in the year 
 1791 at 30,000 whites, and 250,000 blacks. 
 
 * Dr. Coke's journal, p. 103.
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 209 
 
 of his servants. In procuring the repeal of several per- 
 secuting edicts, the active services of Dr. Coke ought 
 never to be forgotten. In this department his praise is 
 in all the churches, and his name cannot be lost in 
 silence until gratitude shall cease to be a Christian 
 virtue. 
 
 This indefatigable man, having thus passed through 
 the islands, established missionaries in several, and pre- 
 pared the way for others in nearly all, took his depart- 
 ure from the archipelago, and once more sailed for the 
 continent. He reached Charleston on the 24th of Feb- 
 ruary, at which place he expected to meet Mr. Asbury, 
 who was to come thither for that purpose by previous 
 appointment. But, as their voyage had exceeded the 
 time of their respective calculations, Mr. Asbury had 
 left the place a few days prior to his arrival, and pro- 
 ceeded on his way toward Georgia, that he might be 
 present at the approaching conference. Dr. Coke in- 
 stantly followed, and by making extraordinary exer- 
 tions, overtook him on the road, and became his com- 
 panion through the remaining part of the journey. 
 
 In traversing the wilds, before they could reach the 
 place of their destination, they found themselves exposed 
 to difficulties and dangers which can only be known in 
 England by report. Sometimes they were compelled, 
 after travelling through the day, exposed to all the ri- 
 gours of the season, to take up their abode in houses 
 formed of logs, which admitted through their crevices 
 the piercing spirit of the northern breeze ; and, after 
 obtaining a slender repast, to find repose on the unyield- 
 ing floor. Sometimes they missed their way through 
 the trackless forests ; and occasionally travelled sixteen 
 or eighteen miles without seeing any human being but 
 themselves, fording in their progress many deep, rapid, 
 and dangerous rivers. Sometimes, although they car- 
 ried provisions with them, they could not find it conve- 
 nient to take any refreshment from an early hour in the 
 morning until night had gathered her sable mantle 
 around them. And even when an opportunity offered, 
 the stump of a tree served them for a table ; especially 
 if it lifted its solitary head near some spring of water, or 
 some meandering stream.
 
 210 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 But, to counterbalance these inconveniences, and to 
 relieve the solitude of their journeys, they were occa- 
 sionally intercepted by large congregations, that assem- 
 bled at stated places to wait their arrival. To these 
 they preached the word of life, and much success 
 seemed to crown their labours. The scenery, also, 
 with which they were surrounded, sometimes appeared 
 romantic and highly picturesque. Extensive vistas, 
 expanded waters, towering pines, the rustling of breezes, 
 the flight of birds, and the starting of trembling fawns, 
 all conspired to impart an exhilarating solemnity to their 
 spirits, and to raise their thoughts from nature " up to 
 nature's God." 
 
 On one particular occasion they found themselves 
 illuminated at a late hour by the blaze of pine trees that 
 had been accidentally set on fire. At certain seasons 
 of the year, the planters find it necessary to burn the 
 decayed grass, the dried leaves, and the little shrubs, 
 that the surface of the ground may be prepared for 
 approaching vegetation. The fire, thus communicated, 
 spreads with inconceivable rapidity, so that several 
 acres are almost instantly covered with a sheet of flame. 
 In passing by the trunks of the pine trees, the fire oc- 
 casionally seizes on the oozing turpentine that exudes 
 from their sides. Pursuing this combustible matter, the 
 flame mounts to their summits, and spreads along their 
 branches, and frequently lodges in their rotten limbs, 
 so that sometimes the forest is in a blaze. By the light 
 of one of these fires Dr. Coke and his companion tra- 
 velled, while pursuing their journey through the forests, 
 from Charleston to Georgia. " It was," says he, " the 
 most astonishing illumination that I ever beheld. We 
 seemed surrounded with extensive fires, and I question 
 whether the king of France's stag hunt in his forest by 
 night, which he has sometimes given to his nobility, 
 would be more wonderful or entertaining to a philoso- 
 phic eye. I have seen old rotten pine trees all on fire ; 
 the trunks and the branches, which looked like so many 
 arms, were full of visible fire, and made a most gro- 
 tesque appearance." 
 
 Arriving at Georgia, through such vicissitudes as have 
 been mentioned, they began their conference on the 9th
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 211 
 
 of March, and passed through the business of the sea- 
 son with order and unanimity. At this conference it 
 was found that the work of God had prospered consi- 
 derably during the preceding year, that 784 members 
 had been added to the society, and that peace and 
 prosperity were found in all their borders. It was also 
 resolved, in order to promote the welfare of the rising 
 generation, that anoher college (though less splendid 
 and expensive than Cokesbury had been) should be 
 erected, and erected in this state : and that it should 
 bear the name of Wesley college, as a memorial of Mr. 
 Wesley's affection for this province, from the time that 
 he resided among its inhabitants in the earlier period of 
 his life. To defray the expenses of this building, the 
 members who were present entered into an immediate 
 subscription ; and, agreeably to the custom of patriarchal 
 simplicity, contributed their portions in the produce of 
 their lands. In one congregation alone 12,500 pounds 
 of tobacco were subscribed ; the value of which, accord- 
 ing to the market price of that commodity, amounted, 
 free of all expense, to one hundred pounds sterling. 
 To support this college when erected, the principal 
 friends of Methodism in this state engaged to purchase 
 2,000 acres of land, and to appropriate its produce to 
 the benefit of the institution, under the direction of a 
 committee, and agreeably to certain rules, bearing, on 
 the whole, a near resemblance to those of Cokesbury 
 college, which have been given in detail in a former 
 chapter. 
 
 From this conference in Georgia they returned to 
 Charleston, where another was held for South Carolina. 
 In this state, also, they found that the work of God was 
 in a prosperous condition, 907 having been added to the 
 society during the preceding year. From mobs and 
 planters they now met with no riotous molestation ; but 
 their enemies had adopted a new method to express their 
 hostility. The public newspapers teemed with invec- 
 tives of the most virulent nature, and Dr. Coke and his 
 colleagues were represented as men who were attempt- 
 ing to subvert the established order of things. But a 
 soft answer turnoth away wrath. The irritation of the 
 writers was not inflamed with the replies which were
 
 212 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 given ; so that the tempest, having spent its violence in 
 an idle blast, was succeeded by a general calm, and 
 peace was once more universally established. 
 
 At the conference held in North Carolina the same 
 degree of tranquillity prevailed. In this state 741 had 
 been added to the society ; and the most pleasing ac- 
 counts were produced from Kentucky, of the prosperity 
 of the work in that province. For the education of their 
 children, the inhabitants presented a request that a 
 college might be erected in this remote western settle- 
 ment. But, as this was an undertaking of too much 
 moment to justify a precipitate engagement, the decision 
 was suspended until the measure should be examined 
 with due deliberation. 
 
 From this place they proceeded to Virginia, in which 
 state upward of 2,000 members had been added to the 
 society during the preceding year. Many preachers 
 also were permitted to enter on the increasing work : 
 and the storms of persecution, which had formerly raged 
 with so much violence, were heard no more. Applause 
 and approbation had, on the contrary, succeeded to the 
 frowns of hostility ; and chariots and other carriages 
 brought a crowd of genteel and attentive hearers to those 
 spots which ferocious mobs had covered about two years 
 prior to this time. Such were the changes that God had 
 wrought in behalf of his cause in this short period. 
 
 In the state of Maryland two conferences were held, 
 in which nothing but unanimity and brotherly love pre- 
 vailed. The numbers added to the connection in this 
 state amounted to 1,107. Among the congregations that 
 attended both these conferences, the work of God seemed 
 evidently to revive. Many were cut to the heart, and 
 cried aloud for mercy. Many were set at liberty, and 
 constrained to shout aloud for joy. And many, who 
 were induced to come as spectators of the scene, from 
 motives of mere curiosity, avowed their conviction 
 that it was the Lord's doing, though marvellous in their 
 eyes. 
 
 For the states of Pennsylvania and Delaware a con- 
 ference was held at Philadelphia, with accustomed una- 
 nimity. But on estimating the number of members in 
 society it was found that a decrease of 56 had taken
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 213 
 
 place. At Trenton, in the state of New-Jersey, the 
 decrease was still greater, the whole number amounting 
 to 295. For this no adequate reason could be assigned. 
 The preachers had not been unfaithful to their trust, 
 and the congregations had not grown weary in attending. 
 The fact, however, was not to be controverted, although 
 the cause was enveloped in darkness. In this district 
 they had three Indians in society, whose amiable de- 
 portment excited a hope that they were the first fruits 
 of a glorious harvest among the savage nations of the 
 continent. 
 
 At the last of their annual conferences, which was 
 held at New-York, for that state, it was found that an 
 increase of 900 had taken place. In the city itself a 
 great revival had been witnessed ; and, through the zeal 
 and perseverance that were exercised, the work had not 
 only found advocates in the New-England states, but 
 had stretched even to Montreal, and made its appearance 
 on the borders of the lakes. Throughout this state 
 peace and unanimity also prevailed. The preachers 
 who attended the conference appeared to be actuated 
 by the same common spirit ; and all separated with 
 renewed resolutions to devote themselves more fully to 
 the service of God. 
 
 On combining the various accounts together, it now 
 appeared that the aggregate number of those in society 
 throughout the United States amounted to 43,265. Of 
 these, 35,021 were whites, 8,241 were blacks, and three 
 were Indians. The total increase during the preceding 
 year, notwithstanding the partial losses which some so- 
 cieties had sustained, amounted to 6,111. In this abun- 
 dant manner had God been pleased to bless the preach- 
 ing of his holy word, and to accompany it with the 
 gracious outpouring of his Spirit. This to his ministers 
 was an ample recompense for all their toils. 
 
 Dr. Coke had now been on the continent from the 
 24th of February to the 5th of June, 1789; during 
 which time he had attended all the conferences that 
 have been mentioned ; had assisted in the transaction 
 of the various branches of business in each ; and had 
 travelled through nearly all the states, preaching where- 
 ever an opportunity presented itself. Having, through
 
 214 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 these journeys on the continent, and from the report of 
 the preachers who attended the various conferences, 
 procured satisfactory intelligence respecting the preva- 
 lence of religion in the United States, he now prepared 
 to take his leave, that on his return to England he might 
 again communicate to Mr. Wesley and the British con- 
 ference the information he had obtained. The West 
 India islands still more particularly had a claim on his 
 attention and fostering care. Methodism on the conti- 
 nent had acquired a degree of maturity which precluded 
 the necessity of parental aid. But in the islands reli- 
 gion was in its infancy ; and as it was chiefly embraced 
 by slaves, whose condition in life prevented them from 
 rendering it much pecuniary support, it could only look 
 to the benevolence of the parent country for the regular 
 means of its propagation. Dr. Coke, who was best ac- 
 quainted with the circumstances, moral condition, and 
 ignorance of the negroes, and also with their attach- 
 ment to vital Christianity, so far a"s it had been placed 
 before them, was now almost their only advocate. In 
 this glorious work he had solemnly engaged ; and he 
 was about to revisit England, to plead their cause be- 
 fore the congregations of his enlightened and benevo- 
 lent countrymen. 
 
 Prior to his departure from the continent it was de- 
 termined that, since the Almighty had blessed their 
 exertions in such a supereminent degree, and since 
 three Indians had already embraced the religion of Je- 
 sus, a more direct effort should be made to carry the 
 sound of the gospel into their own territories. To pro- 
 mote this design some favourable circumstances happily 
 concurred. Not far from Fort Pitt a tribe of Indians 
 resided, who at this time were at peace with the United 
 States. The chief of this tribe had expressed an earnest 
 wish for some Christian missionaries to be established 
 among them, in order that his people might be instruct- 
 ed in the principles and duties of their religious profes- 
 sion. It was therefore resolved that Mr. Asbury should 
 repair to Fort Pitt, erect a place for public worship, 
 and, if possible, establish a school ; and that from hence 
 he should make short excursions into their cantons, and 
 impart to them such instruction as circumstances might
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 215 
 
 direct. These designs were executed, but the event 
 did not afford any animating presages of success. 
 
 Having made these arrangements, Dr. Coke, on the 
 5th of June, took his leave of Mr. Asbury, and the 
 preachers of the New- York district, who had assembled 
 at the conference ; and embarked in a ship bound for 
 Liverpool. His voyage was pleasant, and his com- 
 panions agreeable. Both the captain and the sailors 
 readily joined in family worship every morning and 
 evening, and regularly attended divine service every 
 Lord's day. They landed at Liverpool on the 10th of 
 July, 1789. 
 
 Nothing at this time so much engrossed the attention 
 of Dr. Coke as the interests of the heathen tribes. His 
 benevolence toward these fragments of human nature, 
 seems to have expanded in proportion to the voyages 
 and journeys which he took, and the opportunities he 
 had of surveying their forlorn condition. During his 
 passage from New-York to Liverpool some portion of 
 his time was employed in examining the reports of Mr. 
 Foster, who sailed with Captain Cook in his second 
 voyage around the world. His eye was fixed on the 
 awful condition of the unhappy South Sea islanders, 
 and his thoughts were directed to the practicability of 
 sending missionaries among them. On the calamities 
 which they had suffered from being discovered by Euro- 
 peans, his journals record sentiments of feeling repre- 
 hension. But it was not in his power to do any thing 
 more for them than to drop the tear of sympathy on 
 their condition, and to present them, in the arms of 
 faith and prayer, at the throne of divine grace, in his 
 daily addresses for mercy in behalf of the heathen world. 
 
 To a feeling mind, scarcely any thing can be more 
 painful than this melancholy reflection, that in all our 
 early intercourse with the uncivilized nations of the 
 earth the discovery has been made to their disadvantage. 
 When the Romans invaded Britain they introduced 
 among our barbarous ancestors the various arts of civil- 
 ized life, so that ultimately the benefits resulting from 
 their dominion more than counterbalanced the inconve- 
 niences of their conquests. But, unhappily, the Chris- 
 tian nations of Europe have carried disease and a de-
 
 216 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 pravity of morals among the little communities they 
 have visited, without introducing any real benefits which 
 may be deemed a compensation for the injuries they 
 have sustained. Recently, indeed, a more liberal spirit 
 has made its appearance in this nation, and the Bible 
 and missionary societies that have been established pro- 
 mise to confer lasting benefits on the communities we 
 have so long neglected, or remembered only to plunder 
 and deprave. May these exertions never terminate 
 until righteousness shall cover the earth ! 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 Dr. Coke solicits assistance for the establishment of missions 
 among the negroes Reflections on the nature of his employment 
 Sails again for the West IndiesPersecution in Bafbadoes 
 Visits Grenada, and establishes a mission there Disturbance in 
 Antigua Finds the door still shut in St. Eustatius Religion 
 flourishes in Nevis Montego Bay, in Jamaica, affords no very 
 flattering prospect Negligence of the clergy Persecution in 
 Kingston Effects of violence Chapel injured in St. Vincent's 
 Anecdote of an African prince and his sister Sails for the conti- 
 nent Dangers of the voyage Visits the Catawba Indians De- 
 scription of their dress and habitations Happy effects of distri- 
 buting tracts General increase of religion Receives tidings of 
 Mr. Wesley's death Returns to England. 
 
 DR. COKE, on his return to England, early in July, 
 hastened to the conference, to give to Mr. Wesley, and 
 the preachers who were present, a statement of the 
 various events which had fallen under his notice during 
 his absence, relative to the success of the gospel, both 
 in the West Indies and America. The case of the un- 
 happy negroes, in particular, he plead with such affect- 
 ing eloquence, that all present became deeply interested 
 in their spiritual welfare. The necessity of sending 
 missionaries among them, to fill up the openings of 
 divine Providence, was fully admitted ; but how to pro- 
 vide for their support, was a question easy to propose, 
 but difficult to answer. The rapid progress which Me- 
 thodism was at this time making, both in England and 
 Ireland, appeared to outrun its pecuniary resources,
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 217 
 
 without allowing any room for a rival charity to divide 
 the public benevolence. But the case of the negroes in 
 the West Indies was irresistible. 
 
 It was well known that Dr. Coke, who had so hu- 
 manely and so earnestly advocated their cause, was 
 ready and willing to travel through the kingdom, and 
 solicit charity from door to door in their behalf. To 
 this work it was the wish of conference that he should 
 devote himself; and endeavour, by the blessing of God, 
 to awaken in the bosom of his countrymen a sympathe- 
 tic feeling for the negroes, the clanking of whose chains 
 he had heard, and whose state of moral wretchedness he 
 had painfully witnessed. 
 
 At the conclusion of the conference, Dr. Coke entered 
 on his laborious work of honourable servility, for which 
 the preachers, departing to their respective circuits be- 
 fore his arrival, in some measure prepared the way. 
 Nearly sixteen months were devoted by him to this em- 
 ployment, during which time he travelled through a con- 
 siderable part of the kingdom, preaching in the towns 
 which he visited, and soliciting assistance for the sup- 
 port of the gospel among the slaves, whose situation 
 and condition he was admirably adapted to represent in 
 an interesting manner. 
 
 In this tour his success was more than equal to his 
 expectation, in the collections of money which he made. 
 But, what was of still greater importance, his artless 
 tale, which always consisted in a simple statement of 
 naked facts without any embellishments, awakened in 
 many bosoms a degree of solicitude in behalf of the 
 swarthy sufferers which continues alive to the present 
 day. 
 
 Sixteen months spent in a regular routine of preach- 
 ing and of begging for the missions, cannot be expected 
 to furnish much variety to diversify the history of his 
 life. Sometimes, indeed, when, having detailed the oc- 
 casion of his visit, he has been unable to procure any 
 assistance, and has received an insult where he expected 
 to meet benevolence, he has retired with wounded feel- 
 ings and an agitated spirit. But no rebuff, no insult, no 
 indignant repulse could ever make him abandon the 
 cause of humanity, of justice, and of charity, which he 
 
 10
 
 218 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 had openly espoused. We cannot, therefore, but infer 
 that the interests of the heathen world must have rested 
 on his mind with peculiar weight when we find him per- 
 severing, even to the moment of his death, amid those 
 clouds and tempests which marked his journey through 
 life. 
 
 If Dr. Coke had been encircled with the shield of in- 
 sensibility, or had made any pretensions to that apathy 
 of which the disciples of Zeno made their boast, we 
 might easily account 'for his perseverance in a work to 
 which many, who have accused him of vanity, were too 
 proud to stoop. But nothing could be more remote 
 from his natural disposition. Alive to every feeling of 
 the heart, and to all the refined sensibilities of human 
 nature, no one could be more susceptible of the degra- 
 dation of his employment, in all worldly estimation, or 
 feel with more lively acuteness the wounds inflicted by 
 an insult, than himself. His heart, therefore, must have 
 been deeply engaged in his arduous undertaking, and it 
 is among his highest honours that, without the idle phi- 
 losophy of the stoic, or the insensibility which stupidity 
 begets, he was enabled, unremittingly, to persevere. 
 Such instances are among the most noble triumphs of 
 Christianity. 
 
 Dr. Coke having procured, by his appeals to the be- 
 nevolent, sufficient pecuniary assistance to defray the 
 debts which had been contracted, and to give to the mis- 
 sionary department of the work a farther extension, be- 
 gan once more to set his face toward the West Indies, 
 to carry to those who were sitting in darkness and the 
 shadow of death the light of the gospel to guide their 
 feet into the way of peace. All necessary preparations 
 being made, he sailed from Falmouth on the 16th of 
 October, 1790, in company with Mr. Lyons and Mr. 
 Werril, two missionaries who were to be stationed in 
 such of the islands as should appear, on their arrival, to 
 have the greatest claim upon their services. 
 
 During this voyage they were treated with the utmost 
 politeness and respect; the ship was amply provided 
 with every thing necessary to make their situation com- 
 fortable ; the company was agreeable ; the sailors at- 
 tended evening prayer ; and on Sundays public prayers
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 219 
 
 were read on the deck, and one of the missionaries 
 preached. They reached Barbadoes on the 22d of No- 
 vember, after a pleasant passage of five weeks and two 
 days. 
 
 Dr. Coke had not been long on shore before he was 
 informed that, during his absence, Mr. Pearce, the mis- 
 sionary whom he had stationed in this island, had been 
 exposed to a severe persecution, from an unprincipled 
 rabble, whom the magistrates indirectly encouraged by 
 refusing to set their faces against their conduct. A. 
 friend to religion, at length, arose among them, and by 
 opposing the disturbers, soon procured peace. The 
 constant interruptions which they had experienced, had 
 nevertheless injured the society and the congregation. 
 But as a house had been erected sufficient to contain 
 about seven hundred persons, and tranquillity had been 
 restored, the dawn of returning prosperity was again 
 visible. The Methodists in this island had obtained 
 the singular appellation of Hallelujah. " Even the little 
 negroes in the streets call them Hallelujah as they pass 
 along." 
 
 After preaching in Bridgetown, the capital of this 
 island, to increasing and peaceable congregations, Dr. 
 Coke, in company with Mr. Werril, sailed for St. Vin- 
 cent's, leaving Mr. Lyons behind, with orders to meet 
 him at St. Christopher's. In St. Vincent's he found 
 that the word preached during his absence had been at- 
 tended with much success, particularly among the ne- 
 groes. But he had at the same time the infelicity to 
 find that every effort which had been made to introduce 
 the gospel and European learning among the Caribbs, 
 had proved abortive. 
 
 From St. Vincent's Dr. Coke proceeded to Grenada, 
 in which island he was introduced to the Rev. Mr. Dent, 
 a pious clergyman, who rendered him some essential 
 service in establishing the missions, and continued his 
 friendship with unabating fervour through life. In this 
 island a society of about twenty, who seemed earnestly 
 seeking the salvation of their souls, had been formed by 
 the instrumentality of a free mulatto, who had removed 
 thither from Antigua, where he had been a steady mem- 
 ber of our society. This circumstance, in conjunction
 
 220 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 with the friendship of Mr. Dent, and the favourable con- 
 currence of the principal men in the island, fully pre- 
 pared the way for the introduction of a mission, which, 
 through the favour of divine Providence, still continues 
 to flourish. 
 
 Having thus finished his visit at Grenada, Dr. Coke 
 next proceeded to Antigua, in which the citadel of Me- 
 thodism seems to have been erected. In this place pros- 
 perity had attended the divine word, without any other 
 interruptions than those which the establishment of the 
 gospel in an unenlightened region has always been des- 
 tined to sustain. One instance of local molestation oc- 
 curred while Dr. Coke was present. It originated with 
 three gentlemen, who, in a drunken frolic, seized Mr. 
 Baxter as he was coming out of the chapel ; and, with- 
 out ceremony, threatened to murder him. His wife, 
 hearing such daring language, became terrified in a high 
 degree ; the negroes were alarmed ; and a report pre- 
 vailed among them that they had actually done the fatal 
 deed. The inhabitants at large, on hearing the uproar, 
 hastened to the spot ; and, conceiving that some house 
 on fire had occasioned the tumult, they felt strongly in- 
 terested in the issue, so that nearly the whole town was 
 in confusion. The interposition of the magistrates soon 
 restored tranquillity, and the readiness of their offers to 
 punish the delinquents operated to deter them from a 
 repetition of their threats arid actions. 
 
 On leaving Antigua, Dr. Coke, after touching at Mont- 
 serrat and St. Christopher's, next repaired to the island 
 of St. Eustatius, to visit an affectionate people, to whom, 
 on his preceding visit, he was forbidden to preach. But 
 as a new governor had been appointed, he flattered him- 
 self with finding a gentleman of more lenient principles, 
 and more amiable manners. Full of these expectations, 
 he waited on him, but was received with all that fero- 
 cious rudeness which we may suppose the former go- 
 vernor would bequeath to his successor. He had 
 caught the mantle, but it was not the mantle of Elijah. 
 
 On finding that liberty to preach was not to be ex- 
 pected, and that the society, which consisted of above 
 two hundred, were permitted to associate together with- 
 out molestation ; and in addition to this, that the Lord
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 231 
 
 had raised up eight exhorters, who had been rendered 
 exceedingly useful among the negroes, he concluded 
 that it would be more prudent to retire privately than to 
 encounter hostilities under which he must inevitably 
 fall. He therefore gave to the leaders and exhorters 
 such advice as he deemed necessary for their future 
 conduct under existing circumstances ; and, after com- 
 mending them by prayer to God, who alone could keep 
 them from falling, took his leave, with a full determina- 
 tion to proceed to Holland, on his return to Europe, to 
 lay before the Dutch government the condition of the 
 inhabitants both here and in Saba, and to implore the 
 protection of the state against the tyranny of the go- 
 vernor. In this island the principal care of the whole 
 work devolved on a person named Ryley, who about 
 four years before had been awakened by the instrumen- 
 tality of poor black Harry, of whom we have already 
 given some account, but whose fate was still involved 
 in impenetrable secrecy. 
 
 In the island of Nevis, to which Dr. Coke next re- 
 paired, he met a favourable reception, and found that 
 the mission already established there had been produc- 
 tive of much good. In St. Christopher's where their 
 conference was held, he was highly pleased with the 
 statement given of the progress of the work ; and as its 
 extension was his grand object, the general report urged 
 him to proceed to the large and populous island of 
 Jamaica, with all possible expedition. 
 
 Being unable to procure a passage thither from this 
 island, Dr. Coke returned once more to St. Vincent's ; 
 and, after spending a few days in this place, embarked 
 on board of a vessel bound to Montego Bay, the third 
 town in magnitude on the island of Jamaica. He landed 
 in company with Mr. Werril, on the 5th of January, 
 1791, without having any letters of recommendation to 
 any person in this part of the island, except to one who 
 lived in the country, and from him they could procure 
 no farther assistance than that which an elegant dinner 
 afforded. On making his case known to the company 
 with whom he dined at an ordinary in the town, on ano- 
 ther day, and intimating his wish to preach, if a conve- 
 nient place could be procured, it was observed by a
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 person present, that the large assembly room would be 
 very commodious, in case it could be obtained. 
 
 This accommodating place appears occasionally to 
 have assumed a variety of aspects. It was now an 
 assembly room ; it was frequently used as a play house ; 
 it had formerly been a church, and was about to accom- 
 modate Dr. Coke, as a plain Methodist preacher. On 
 waiting on the proprietor, he granted it with the greatest 
 readiness, and not only refused to receive any remune- 
 ration for its use, but voluntarily lighted it at his own 
 expense. The people flocked to hear in great numbers, 
 and behaved with as much decorum as could be expect- 
 ed from persons who had been more accustomed to 
 Shakspeare than to St. Paul. They, however, seemed 
 pleased with what they heard, and testified their appro- 
 bation by clapping their hands, and crying out, " Encore ! 
 Encore!" It is nevertheless but fair to say that this 
 was the conduct only of a few, the proud independence 
 of whose spirit was too exalted to show reverence even 
 in the worship of God. But the interference of some 
 gentlemen soon imposed silence on the " encore," and 
 all was attention and peace. 
 
 In this town an elegant church had lately been built, 
 at the expense of nearly twelve thousand pounds ster- 
 ling. But such was the mutual indifference both of 
 priest and people, that on a Sunday morning, when Dr. 
 Coke attended, not more than six persons were present. 
 This, he was informed, was occasioned by a little rain 
 which fell just at the time of assembling. Of this defi- 
 ciency the minister readily availed himself by instantly 
 quitting the church, and thus escaping a congregation, 
 which, within ten minutes after his departure, would 
 probably have amounted to twenty. On the preceding 
 Sunday there had been no service in this place. And 
 in several parishes throughout the island there were no 
 churches ; nor was any divine service performed except 
 what appeared at weddings, and baptisms in private 
 houses, and at the burial of the dead. In these parishes 
 the livings are very lucrative ; but, from the disregard 
 paid to public worship, we have no inducement to raise 
 the standard of morals to any exalted pitch. 
 
 From Montego Bay, Dr. Coke and Mr. Werril pro-
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 223 
 
 ceeded over land to Kingston, a distance of 126 miles, 
 through a country abounding with the most romantic 
 scenery, and presenting in all their rich varieties the 
 beautiful productions of the torrid zone. After scaling 
 mountains, passing through defiles, and escaping many 
 dangers, they reached Spanishtown, which is about 
 thirteen miles from Kingston, and rested for a short 
 season from the toils of their journey, and the effects of 
 an almost perpendicular sun. In this place Dr. Coke 
 attempted to preach, but was unable to procure a con- 
 venient place until he had prepared to depart, when a 
 tavern-keeper offered a large room ; but this he was 
 obliged to decline, in order to pursue his plan. 
 
 Long before Dr. Coke's present voyage, Mr. "Ham- 
 met, who had been appointed for Jamaica, had taken up 
 his residence at Kingston ; and had regularly preached 
 in this place, where a convenient chapel had been 
 erected, and large congregations had been induced to 
 attend. But persecution had appeared, arid triumphed 
 in an extraordinary degree, so that, on Dr. Coke's 
 arrival, he found Mr. Hammet reduced to a most deplo- 
 rable condition, through excessive fatigue and violent 
 opposition. On several occasions his life had been ex- 
 posed to the most imminent danger; and over the 
 chapel he had been compelled to mount guard, to pre- 
 vent it from .being levelled to the ground. Against him, 
 and against the Methodists, the newspapers teemed with 
 the most bitter invectives ; and almost every calumny 
 that malice could invent, or ignorance believe, was pro- 
 pagated to irritate the public mind, and make them 
 appear as objects of detestation. Dr. Coke shared in 
 the common defamation. It was gravely asserted that 
 he had been tried in England for horse-stealing, and 
 had fled to America to escape the punishment of the 
 law ! 
 
 To apply for justice in this place was a useless task. 
 Some of the rioters were prosecuted ; but the juries 
 acquitted them, against the most unquestionable evi- 
 dence. And to mark the spirit which existed, which 
 was encouraged, and which prevailed, the grand jury 
 gave it as their public opinion, that both preacher and 
 chapel ought in justice to be prosecuted as public
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 nuisances. On one occasion, about eleven at night, the 
 sanctioned mob arose, assailed the chapel, and actually 
 broke down the gates leading to the yard, in opposition 
 to every effort that could be made to deter them. And 
 it was only through the interference of four magistrates, 
 who were urged to their duty by the strong remon- 
 strances of a private gentleman, that they were restrained 
 from proceeding to farther acts of violence. 
 
 The continuance of these outrages had rendered 
 preaching in the evenings totally impracticable ; and on 
 week days this was the only season when the negroes 
 could attend. In thus preventing them from hearing, 
 they had therefore nearly accomplished their purpose, 
 especially as, through the illness which persecution and 
 fatigue had brought on Mr. Hammet, all preaching had 
 been totally suspended for more than a month. In the 
 reports which were circulated the mob insinuated that 
 the preacher had been killed, and privately buried by 
 his friends ; and even at the last, when they could no 
 longer keep the falsehood alive, they consoled them- 
 selves with anticipating his death, which they expected 
 their brutality would speedily occasion. 
 
 While Dr. Coke remained in Kingston he was joined 
 by another missionary, named Brazier. He had come 
 to this place to assist in the work ; but, through the 
 indisposition of Mr. Hammet, whom Dr. Coke was 
 advised by a physician to take with him to the continent 
 for the recovery of his health, the whole was destined 
 to devolve on him and Mr. Werril. Both Dr. Coke 
 and Mr. Werril preached in Kingston, while the former 
 remained on the island ; but, although they experienced 
 some interruptions, the outrages were not so violent as 
 to compel them to desist. From Kingston Dr. Coke 
 returned to Spanishtown, and preached several times to 
 congregations which seemed to partake of the same 
 spirit, and who thought it fashionable to deride, lest 
 they might be deemed serious. But their character was 
 too strikingly displayed to afford any room for such a 
 mistake. 
 
 During Dr. Coke's stay, although he revived preach- 
 ing by candlelight, which had been abandoned for some 
 considerable time, the edge of prejudice appeared to be
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 225 
 
 much blunted. It had gradually softened down from 
 brutal violence and savage uproar to sarcasms, puns, 
 dull witticisms, and hectics of c.ontempt. Against hos- 
 tilities like these they found no difficulty in maintaining 
 their ground. Hence the work advanced under these 
 inauspicious omens, and at a lovefeast held at Kingston 
 about four days before Dr. Coke's departure, the num- 
 ber in society in this city amounted to 234. 
 
 In his last address to the congregations, both at King- 
 ston and Spanishtown, he informed them " that, not- 
 withstanding the opposition his friends had endured, 
 and were likely to endure, it was their full determination 
 to go forward in preaching the gospel ; and that, in 
 case they were perseveringly insulted, molested, and 
 disturbed, he was resolved to appeal to the justice of 
 the country for legal redress. And finally, if the ave- 
 nues to justice were shut in Jamaica, he would apply in 
 England at the fountain head, where he was fully assured 
 that he should not be compelled to apply in vain ; that, 
 as to himself, his own personal feelings were of remote 
 consideration. He considered himself as in the hand 
 of God, and had no objection to suffer martyrdom, if 
 this would tend to display the divine glory, and pro- 
 mote the Redeemer's kingdom." It is probable that 
 this address had some considerable effect on those who 
 heard it, and perhaps on others to whom the report was 
 communicated ; for he was informed by Mr. Werril, 
 who came to take his leave while he was on board, that 
 during three days he had been permitted to preach in 
 peace. 
 
 But it was not merely in Jamaica that the hostile 
 propensities of the human heart at this time manifested 
 themselves against the word of eternal life. The vessel 
 on board of which Dr. Coke was about to sail, had left 
 St. Vincent's since his departure from that island. The 
 captain informed him that, soon after he went to Ja- 
 maica, a banditti had broken by night into the Methodist 
 chapel in St. Vincent's, and, after damaging the seats, 
 had taken away the Bible, and carried it to the public 
 gallows, from which it was found suspended the ensu- 
 ing morning. The magistrates were so exasperated at 
 this unprecedented act of baseness, that they advertised 
 10*
 
 236 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 an offer of a hundred pounds' reward for the discovery 
 of the miscreants. 
 
 Another circumstance, which was communicated to 
 Dr. Coke at this time, although it has no immediate 
 connection with his life, may justly merit a niche in 
 this page, as it tends to show that, although 
 ' Skins may differ, yet affection 
 Dwells in blacks and whites the same.' 
 
 Several years prior to this period, the king of Man- 
 dingo, on the continent of Africa, had lost a daughter. 
 Diligent search and unremitting inquiries were made 
 after her in every direction, but no tidings could possi- 
 bly be obtained. This circumstance led them to con- 
 clude that she had been stolen by some of the traders 
 who dealt in flesh and blood. To ascertain this fact, 
 one of her brothers engaged to undertake a voyage in 
 one of the slave ships to the West Indies, that no method 
 might be left untried to afford her relief, and give con- 
 solation to her afflicted family. His first voyage was 
 fruitless, so that he was obliged to return with tidings 
 that only tended to make the parents still more discon- 
 solate. He, however, entered on a second voyage, be- 
 ing resolved to examine with more minuteness. During 
 this tour he had the happiness to find her in Kingston. 
 She had actually been stolen, as the family had conjec- 
 tured ; had grown somewhat reconciled at what she 
 conceived to be her irretrievable destiny, and had mar- 
 ried a free black. At the time this discovery was made, 
 both she and her husband were members of the Method- 
 ist society, in which the latter was a class-leader. Mr. 
 Hammet, from whom Dr. Coke received this interesting 
 anecdote, had, prior to his illness, been favoured with 
 several interviews with the African prince. He was 
 just then about to depart to his native land with the joy- 
 i'ul tidings, and to procure two slaves as the condition 
 of his sister's liberation. When this was done, it was 
 his intention to carry her again to Africa, and to induce 
 her husband to accompany her. 
 
 Dr. Coke, in company with Mr. Hammet, sailed from 
 Port Royal, in Jamaica, for Charleston, South Caro- 
 lina, on the 27th of January, 1791 ; but their voyage 
 was long, and dangerous in a high degree. Their first
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 227 
 
 exposure was to a long range of rocky islets, called the 
 Martyrs, which extend along the Florida shore, nearly 
 one hundred and forty miles in length, and about forty 
 miles in breadth. Their vessel got entangled among 
 these in the night, and two days elapsed before they 
 could find their way into the open ocean. 
 
 Scarcely, however, had they escaped from the Mar- 
 tyrs, before the watch upon deck discovered about day- 
 break that they were almost on shore on the rocky 
 coast of Cuba, not far from the Havanna. If the dark- 
 ness of the night had continued about half an hour 
 longer, without a miracle, their fate must have been 
 inevitable. Providentially the wind continued favour- 
 able while they thus lay exposed to danger ; but imme- 
 diately after they had passed the Bahama strait, in 
 which they were confined, a violent gale sprang up, 
 against which, in their former situation, it would have 
 been impossible, had their vessel kept her course, to 
 escape destruction. 
 
 Surviving this gale, and escaping these hazards, they 
 proceeded on their voyage until the 21st of February, 
 when the captain knew they could not be far from land, 
 although he was not well acquainted with the coast. 
 To make some discovery of the shore, as the morning 
 was foggy, the vessel was hauled into four fathoms of 
 water, when about nine o'clock she struck against a 
 sand bank, but from this she was soon got off without 
 sustaining much damage. Within about half an hour 
 she struck three times against another bank, but was 
 again got free. About ten she struck again, and re- 
 mained immovably fixed. " From this time till noon," 
 says Dr. Coke, "she continued striking with such force 
 that we could hardly stand on the deck ; and great 
 pieces were broken off from the false keel, and seen 
 awfully floating on the water." The coast at this time 
 was in full view, but it was about three miles distant. 
 Happily for them the weather was moderate. The 
 boats were now ordered out to seek assistance on 
 shore ; and in the first that left the vessel, Dr. Coke 
 and his companion reached the land in safety, which 
 they found to be Edisto Island, about fifty miles south 
 of Charleston.
 
 228 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 As no assistance could be rendered to the vessel un- 
 til the next day, the captain and sailors deserted her in 
 the evening, the former watching her from the shore 
 through the night. During this night a violent tempest 
 arose ; but this storm, instead of beating her to pieces 
 as was expected, in conjunction with the waves, drove 
 her from the bank into the open sea, where she was 
 found a few days afterward by some American sailors, 
 who brought her safely into harbour ; which, by the 
 laws of the United States, entitled them to a third part 
 of the cargo. From this vessel all Dr. Coke's luggage 
 was taken safely on shore, and sent after him, accord- 
 ing to the directions he had given. 
 
 Being once more delivered from perils by water, and 
 receiving from the inhabitants of Edisto Island all the 
 assistance and hospitality which their condition re- 
 quired, Dr. Coke and Mr. Hammet were conducted to 
 Charleston by their unexpected friends. The time, 
 however, which had been lost during their dangerous 
 voyage, prevented them from being sufficiently early to 
 attend the conference. But, as Dr. Coke was fully ex- 
 pected, the preachers agreed to stay one day longer 
 than they had designed ; and on that day he arrived, 
 and joined their company. 
 
 In the course of this journey his visits and employ- 
 ment were much the same as those detailed in a preced- 
 ing chapter. His time was chiefly occupied in attend- 
 ing conferences ; preaching both in the towns and in 
 the woods ; travelling from place to place ; and encoun- 
 tering difficulties which arose from the morasses, bogs, 
 and rivers, that intersect a pathless desert. 
 
 From this general routine of duty he found an occa- 
 sion to deviate toward the end of March, when he paid 
 a visit to the Catawba Indians, a small nation, so called 
 from their residing on the banks of the river Catawba. 
 These Indians chiefly live together in one town ; but 
 their territory, which is about fifteen miles in extent, 
 they generally let out to the white people. As they 
 understood very little of the English language, they 
 were informed by an interpreter that Dr. Coke intended 
 to preach among them through this medium. To this 
 they consented ; and a rude tent was accordingly erected
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 229 
 
 for his accommodation. At this service most of the 
 tribe attended ; but they did not appear to be interested 
 in the truths that were delivered. The principal solicitude 
 which they expressed was, to procure, if possible, some 
 military assistance from the whites, to strengthen their 
 forces against another tribe, with whom they were at 
 war. 
 
 " Their general," says Dr. Coke, " who is a tall, grave 
 old man, walked with a mighty staff in his hand. Around 
 his neck he wore a narrow piece (I think) of leather, 
 which hung down before, and was adorned with a great 
 variety of bits of silver. He also had a silver breast- 
 plate. Almost all the men and women wore silver nose- 
 rings, hanging from the middle gristle of the nose, and 
 some of them had little silver hearts hanging from the 
 rings. In general they were dressed like the white 
 people. But a few of the men were quite luxuriant in 
 their dress, even wearing ruffles, and very showy suits 
 of clothes made of cotton."* Their habitations he re- 
 presents as appearing not uncomfortable, being far supe- 
 rior to the cabins of the Irish peasantry. Their house- 
 hold furniture was rather singular. They had chairs 
 in abundance, but not a single table was to be procured 
 from any of their cottages. It was intended to establish 
 a school for the instruction of their children. But this 
 attempt, like many others that have been made to civilize 
 savage nations, finally proved abortive. 
 
 Having taken his leave of the Indians, and returned 
 again to his regular path of duty, Dr. Coke, on the 30th 
 of March, met a young man who had lately begun to 
 preach, who furnished him with a little account which 
 may stimulate some who read it to cast their bread on 
 the waters, that it may be found after many days. 
 
 Some time in the year 1785, when Dr. Coke was tra- 
 velling through Virginia, he happened to call at the 
 house in which this young man then resided, with his 
 mother and six brothers and sisters, not far from Wil- 
 liarasburg. At this time the whole family were ignorant 
 of Methodism, and ignorant of God. On leaving their 
 house Dr. Coke presented them with an extract of Mr. 
 
 * Dr. Coke's journal, p. 148.
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 Law's Treatise on the Nature and Design of Christianity. 
 The perusal of this book had such an effect on their 
 minds, that the whole family were stirred up to seek the 
 Lord. The event was, that the mother, the preacher, 
 six children who were married, and their husbands and 
 wives, making fourteen in all, were converted to God, 
 and became members of the Methodist society. 
 
 During the tour which Dr. Coke made at this time on 
 the continent, he observed with pleasure that the work 
 of God was in a prosperous condition in most parts of 
 the United States. A considerable number of members 
 was added to the society in almost every circuit ; the 
 congregations were large and orderly in most places ; 
 many preaching houses had been erected ; the number 
 of preachers was augmented ; and the work extended to 
 some towns and places which had not been previously 
 visited. "With regard to temporal concerns, although 
 many chapels were involved in debt, their embarrass- 
 ments were less pressing than they had been on former 
 occasions, when the means of meeting the various de- 
 mands that were made, were less adequate to their exi- 
 gencies. In all these branches he was enabled to behold 
 the superintending care of Providence, and to exact from 
 all a tribute of gratitude to God. 
 
 To a soul so deeply interested in the extension of the 
 Redeemer's kingdom as his was, these prospects were 
 truly animating. He felt their exhilarating effects in 
 all their force ; and was preparing to lay himself out 
 more fully for God, when an unexpected event arrested 
 his attention, and, for a season, blasted all his hopes. 
 
 He had been preaching on the evening of the 30th of 
 April, at a place called Port Royal, in Virginia, and had 
 engaged to preach about twelve miles distant at ten o'clock 
 on the ensuing morning. But on returning, after- the 
 evening preaching, to the house of a merchant where he 
 was to lodge, he was informed by him that the Philadel- 
 phia papers had just announced to the public the death 
 of Mr. Wesley. Astonished at this intelligence, and 
 unwilling to credit what he hoped might be false, he re- 
 quested the gentleman to procure for him a sight of the 
 paper. This was soon done ; and, on perusing the 
 paragraph, he was convinced from the manner of its
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 231 
 
 being written, that the unexpected tidings were mourn- 
 fully true. 
 
 His plans on the continent being totally deranged by 
 this circumstance, he made preparations for his imme- 
 diate departure ; and the next morning set off for New- 
 York, in hopes that he might reach that port in time to 
 procure a passage in the packet which was about to sail 
 with the mails for England. On his arrival at Alexan- 
 dria, he received a letter from home, confirming the 
 truth of what the papers had circulated. From this 
 place he proceeded to Baltimore, with a mind over- 
 whelmed with sorrow that had deadened his feeling to 
 the charms of nature, which the singing of birds, the 
 progress of vegetation, and the fragrance of blossoms 
 everywhere diffused around him. The loss of his friend, 
 and the friend of the church of Christ, sat heavily on his 
 heart, which could scarcely find relief in tears. 
 
 He reached Baltimore by Sunday, the 1st of May, and 
 preached in the evening to a crowded audience, on the 
 mournful occasion, from an appropriate passage in 
 2 Kings ii, 12 : " And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My 
 father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horse- 
 men thereof." Having taken a seat in the mail coach, 
 he departed from Baltimore very -early on Monday 
 morning, but was somewhat indisposed during the day. 
 The following morning, when he attempted to rise, he 
 found himself totally unable to proceed ; but, having re- 
 ceived some medical assistance during the day, he 
 seemed better ; and, on the ensuing morning, pursued 
 the coach on horseback, still hoping that he should 
 reach New-York before the packet put to sea. But his 
 complaint returning, he was compelled to remain at 
 Wilmington another day, and this rendered all his efforts 
 to reach the packet ineffectual. 
 
 Discovering the impossibility of gaining the packet, 
 he now turneid his face to Philadelphia ; but on reaching 
 this city he found that no ship was expected to sail for 
 any part of England until some considerable time had 
 elapsed. He therefore continued here nine days, preach- 
 ing almost every evening, and sometimes in the morn- 
 ing, as well as three times on the Lord's day, waiting 
 the departure of some ship that should carry him across
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 the Atlantic. At length, on the 14th of May, hearing 
 that a ship was about to sail from Newcastle immedi- 
 ately for London, he hastened thither, and procured a 
 passage ; and taking leave of Mr. Asbury and several of 
 the preachers, who had repaired to Newcastle to bid him 
 farewell, sailed from the port, and after a pleasant voy- 
 age was put on shore at Falmouth by some fishermen, 
 who fell in with the vessel in the English channel. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Dr. Coke hurt at the ungenerous treatment received on his arri- 
 val Consoled by a letter from Mr. Asbury Affairs at the 
 conference succeeding Mr. Wesley's death conducted in peace 
 Difficulties about writing Mr. Wesley's Life Narrative of this 
 affair Dr. Coke visits France Observations on the productions 
 of the country and morals of the inhabitants Mission proves un- 
 successfulDesired by the conference to undertake his Commentary 
 Sails again for America General state of religion there Re- 
 visits the West Indies Door still shut in St. Eustatius Persecuting 
 edict in St. Vincent's Affecting anecdotes of some negro children 
 in Grenada and Nevis Degraded state of morals in Hispaniola 
 Prospect in Jamaica still gloomy Awful judgment on a scoffer at 
 vital religion Returns to England Narrowly escapes a French 
 privateer. 
 
 THE supposed occasion of Dr. Coke's arrival in Eng- 
 land at this particular crisis of the Methodist connection, 
 though pleasing to some, was by no means gratifying 
 to all the preachers. To the painful feelings which 
 arose from this circumstance he was by no means insensi- 
 ble ; but his attachment to the interests of religion was 
 too strong to be overcome by these momentary conflicts ; 
 and his love for Methodism still remained"unshaken, 
 although many of its friends had brought his fidelity to 
 the severest test. At the moment when his feelings 
 were agitated by suspicions which tended to degrade 
 his character, he might perhaps have appeared to many 
 in an inauspicious light ; but his steady perseverance 
 in the paths of duty completely destroyed the surmises 
 which were cherished to his disadvantage. Succeeding
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 233 
 
 years have corrected the error by confirming his integ- 
 rity ; and the progress of time has thrown around his 
 name such a lustre as gold receives by passing through 
 the fire. 
 
 Severe and irritating as these trials were to a mind 
 like his, that was constantly alive to all the sensibilities 
 which may be made the medium either of pain or plea- 
 sure, divine Providence kept a watchful eye over him, 
 so that he was not tempted above what he was enabled 
 to bear. The sufferings which arose from one quarter 
 were counteracted by the consolations from another ; so 
 that the wounds which were inflicted by his associates 
 at home were in a measure healed by the balm which 
 grew in the western world. During many years his 
 whole soul had been engaged in filling and supporting 
 the missionary department of the church ; and on every 
 occasion the prosperity of Zion was to him an ample 
 compensation for all the hardships he endured. We 
 may therefore form some conception of his felicity and 
 sympathy at receiving, while under this cloudy dispen- 
 sation, the following letter from his associate in America. 
 This letter is dated Georgetown, February 12th, 1791 ; 
 and we may gather from a perusal of its contents, that 
 their joys and sorrows were mutual, and that their con- 
 fidence in each other was neither founded upon momen- 
 tary considerations, nor to be destroyed by distance, 
 although the Atlantic now lay between them. 
 
 "REVEREND AND MOST DEAR SIR, If yet in time, 
 this brings greeting. Rejoice with me that the last has 
 been a year of general blessing to the church of God in 
 this wilderness. We humbly hope two thousand souls 
 were born of God, one of which is well ascertained in 
 Jersey and York. East, west, north, and south the glory 
 of God spreads. 
 
 "I have served the church upward of twenty-five 
 years in Europe and America. All the property I have 
 gained is two old horses, the constant companions of 
 my tail six if not seven thousand miles every year. 
 When we have no ferryboats, they swim the rivers. 
 As to clothing, I am nearly the same as at first : neither 
 have I silver, nor gold, nor any property. My confi- 
 dential friends know I lie not in these matters. I am
 
 234 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 resolved not to claim any property in the printing con- 
 cern. Increase as it may, it will be sacred to invalid 
 preachers, the college, and the schools. I would not 
 have my name mentioned as doing, having, or being any 
 thing but dust. 
 
 "I soar, indeed, but it is over the tops of the highest 
 mountains we have, which may vie with the Alps. I 
 creep sometimes upon my hands and knees up the 
 slippery ascent ; and to serve the church, and the minis- 
 ters of it, what I gain is many a reflection from both 
 sides of the Atlantic. I have lived long enough to be 
 loved and hated, to be admired and feared. 
 
 " If it were not for the suspicions of some, and the 
 pride and ignorance of others, I am of opinion I could 
 make provision by collections, profits on books, and 
 donations in land, to take two thousand children under 
 the best plan of education ever known in this country. 
 The Lord begins to smile on our Kingswood school. 
 One promising young man is gone forth, another is 
 ready ; and several have been under awakenings. None 
 so healthy and orderly as our children ; and some pro- 
 mise great talents for learning. The obstinate and 
 ignorant oppose, among preachers and people ; while 
 the judicious for good sense and piety, in church and 
 state, admire and applaud. I am, with most dutiful 
 respect as ever, your son in the gospel, 
 
 " FRANCIS ASBURY." 
 
 The English conference, which soon succeeded that 
 of the Irish, had been anticipated with much anxiety, 
 both by the friends and foes of Methodism ; and the 
 final result to which the questions that would be agitated 
 might lead, had fully awakened the fears of the former, 
 and the hopes of the latter. This conference was held 
 at Manchester, and many of the preachers attended 
 with such depression of spirits as they might be ex- 
 pected to feel while witnessing the closing grave of the 
 connection. At this conference Mr. William Thompson 
 was president, and Dr. Coke secretary. These, there- 
 fore, had a considerable share in the transactions of this 
 eventful period, in which some new mode of govern- 
 ment was to be found and established by the Methodist 
 body, that should either combine the interests of all
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 235 
 
 parties, or else consign, with the death of Mr. Wesley, 
 the whole connection to anarchy and dissolution. 
 Through the providence of God, the former was tri- 
 umphant ; and to this, the apprehensions that were 
 entertained in all probability contributed not a little. 
 On this momentous occasion everyone seemed unwilling 
 to urge any argument that was not evidently calculated 
 to promote the general welfare, and to ensure the per- 
 petuity of the connection. Private views were therefore 
 nobly abandoned ; a division was prevented by the fears 
 that it would take place ; and the preachers repaired to 
 their respective circuits, with more satisfaction than 
 the hopes of the most sanguine had induced them to 
 anticipate. 
 
 But,' although this conference ended in peace, there 
 was an affair which soon followed, that involved Dr. 
 Coke in some degree of trouble ; this was the writing 
 of Mr. Wesley's Life, In the distribution which Mr. 
 Wesley had made of his property, among other clauses 
 he had inserted in his will the following words : " I give 
 all my manuscripts to Thomas Coke, Dr. Whitehead, 
 and Henry Moore, to be burned or published as they 
 see good." 
 
 At the time of Mr. Wesley's death Dr. Coke was in 
 America, and therefore nothing could be done, consis- 
 tently with the import of the preceding clause, until his 
 return. Mr. Wesley's executors were well aware that, 
 as he had long sustained a public, a popular, and a cele- 
 brated character, several writers would gladly avail 
 themselves of the earliest opportunity to publish his 
 life ; and thus appropriate to their private use the ad- 
 vantages of this publication, which ought in justice to 
 be applied to the advancement of the work of God. 
 They therefore circulated an advertisement, cautioning 
 the public against receiving any such spurious account 
 as might be offered ; at the same time announcing that 
 a true narrative of his life would soon appear, under 
 their immediate sanction, compiled from the papers 
 which he had left. 
 
 As Dr. Coke at this time had sent no work of any 
 considerable magnitude into the world, their eyes were 
 tuined to Dr. Whitehead, to whose care the papers were
 
 236 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 in part intrusted. He was therefore requested to turn 
 his thoughts to this subject, and to make such prelimi- 
 nary arrangements for the work as the present circum- 
 stances of their situation would allow. This appoint- 
 ment was announced to the world, and the public were 
 directed to view Dr. Whitehead as Mr. Wesley's ac- 
 knowledged biographer. 
 
 Dr. Coke, on his arrival in London, was soon made 
 acquainted with the steps that had been taken, and he 
 readily concurred in the opinion of the executors. Mr. 
 Moore also joined in the general harmony, and Mr. 
 Wesley's papers were immediately put into Dr. White- 
 head's possession. 
 
 Prior to this time a question had been agitated as to 
 the remuneration that Dr. Whitehead was to receive 
 for his literary labours ; but the contracting parties had 
 decided on nothing specific. On this question two pro- 
 positions had been made by Dr. Whitehead himself. 
 The first was, that he should receive from the confer- 
 ence one hundred, guineas ; and the second was, that, 
 instead of receiving any stipulated sum, he should claim 
 one half of the profits arising from the publication for 
 two years, after which the work should be considered 
 as the exclusive property of the conference. 
 
 To the first of these propositions Mr. Wesley's execu- 
 tors were willing to accede ; but Dr. Whitehead, having 
 taken possession of all the papers, insisted on the 
 second, as the first had not been accepted when it was 
 proposed. These questions, thus in agitation, were 
 brought before conference ; and in this assembly it was 
 resolved that Dr. Whitehead should proceed with the 
 work, but that his remuneration should consist in the 
 sum originally proposed, without having any connection 
 with the profits arising from the sale of the volume. At 
 this conference it was also determined that nothing 
 should be issued from the conference press until it had 
 obtained the sanction of a select committee, that were 
 appointed to inspect all papers that were prepared for 
 publication. Dr. Whitehead soon perceived from this 
 regulation that his biography must be submitted to the 
 decision of this committee; and, availing himself of 
 this pretext, that, in consequence of this submission, he
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 237 
 
 must altogether forego his independence as an author, he 
 recalled the propositions which he had previously made. 
 
 Totally disliking these restrictions, and declining to 
 accept the terms of remuneration on which conference 
 had decided, he peremptorily refused to submit to 
 either. And although the work was at this time in a 
 state of forwardness, and proposals for publishing it 
 had been circulated through the connection, in order to 
 procure subscribers, Dr. Whitehead now threw off all 
 disguise, and declared to the world that he would pub- 
 lish Mr. Wesley's Life solely on his own account, with- 
 out submitting to any restrictions, and without expect- 
 ing any other recompense than that which the merit of 
 the work might obtain from an enlightened public. He 
 was not, however, hostile to its being published through 
 the book room ; and he acknowledged that he would 
 demand nothing more than one half of the profits. But 
 he insisted that the copyright should be exclusively his 
 own, and that no alteration whatever should be made in 
 the manuscript without his express consent. 
 
 The executors of Mr. Wesley, having committed 
 themselves with the public by the advertisements they 
 had circulated, found themselves in a labyrinth from 
 which they could not easily be extricated. They there- 
 fore consented to meet Dr. Whitehead's views, as to 
 the pecuniary part, upon condition that the committee 
 should approve of the manuscript which was then in 
 hand. With this latter condition he positively refused 
 to comply, and here their negotiations ended. 
 
 Affairs having come to this unfavourable issue, the 
 executors of Mr. Wesley now turned their attention to 
 Dr. Coke and Mr. Henry Moore, to whom the papers 
 had been conjointly committed in trust, but out of 
 whose reach they were now completely removed. Un- 
 der these circumstances they were requested to write 
 his Life ; which they undertook and accomplished. It 
 was finished and published in the year 1792, and met, 
 as might naturally be expected, with a rapid and an ex- 
 tensive sale. Dr. Whitehead's Life of Messrs. Charles 
 and John Wesley soon likewise made its appearance. 
 The breach was afterward completely healed ; and both 
 works continue to be sold by the conference.
 
 238 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 Amid these literary disputes and engagements Dr. 
 Coke invariably kept in view the grand object of his 
 life, the establishment of missions in the earth. The 
 revolution which at this time had taken place in France, 
 and awakened the attention of Europe, presented to the 
 eye of speculation the prognostics of a new era in the 
 world. The destruction of the bastile had captivated 
 the friends of civil liberty ; and the overthrow of popery 
 had excited the smiles of those who had shed tears over 
 the revocation of the edict of Nantz. Of this latter de- 
 scription was Dr. Coke, who thought this a favourable 
 opportunity to attempt the establishment of a Protestant 
 mission or ministry in Paris. 
 
 His hopes of success were not merely founded upon 
 the revolution which was destined to disturb the tran- 
 quillity of nations, but principally upon the contents of 
 a letter which had fallen into his hands. This letter 
 had been written from Paris to Lady Huntingdon, re- 
 questing her to send a preacher to that city, and inti- 
 mating the readiness of many to receive him, and the 
 strong probability of his being made instrumental of 
 much good. As Lady Huntingdon was dead, and no 
 preacher had been sent, Dr. Coke thought this to be a 
 strong call from Providence ; especially as the abolition 
 of intolerance by the revolution had placed a Protestant 
 mission under the protection of the law. 
 
 Full of these views he proceeded to Jersey, accom- 
 panied by Mr. Gibson, a merchant of London, to take 
 with him from the islands Mr. John de Queteville, a 
 native of Jersey, who had been accustomed to preach in 
 French, his vernacular tongue. As it became neces- 
 sary that they should appear in character, Dr. Coke, 
 immediately on his arrival, first ordained M. de Quete- 
 ville, a deacon, and then a presbyter. This was done 
 on the 22d of September, 1791 ; and the next day they 
 embarked for Reniezville alias Grandville, on board of 
 a cutter which they had hired for that purpose. 
 
 Landing about five o'clock in the evening of the same 
 day, they were invited to visit an aged marquis, who 
 was emaciated with the gout, and confined to his bed 
 through the severity of his affliction. They found him 
 easy of access, and anxious to receive spiritual advice ;
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 239 
 
 and after praying with him and recommending to him 
 the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world, 
 he requested them to give him a Bible. With this re- 
 quest it was not in their power to comply ; but they 
 presented him with a prayer book, which he received 
 with gratitude, and frankly acknowledged that he thought 
 their religion better than his own. And so well pleased 
 was he with their visit that he earnestly entreated them 
 to call on him again whenever they came that way. But 
 such an opportunity never returned. Having therefore 
 been regaled with the choicest viands which his house 
 afforded, they took their leave, and repaired on foot to 
 a place called Contance, about six miles distant, at 
 which place they did not arrive till dark. 
 
 Early the next morning they departed for Courseauil, 
 a seaport town, in which Mr. W. Mahy had for some 
 time been preaching to a Protestant congregation, which, 
 with six others in the neighbouring parishes, furnished 
 him with full employment. From this place, after or- 
 daining Mr. Mahy, it was Dr. Coke's intention to pro- 
 ceed to Paris with Mr. Gibson only, and, after making 
 his observations, and procuring a room, to send for 
 M. de Queteville to hasten to the metropolis to assist 
 him. This plan was, however, after some deliberation 
 abandoned, and . Dr. Coke, Mr. Gibson, and M. de 
 Queteville proceeded onward together. 
 
 On taking their leave of Mr. Mahy, they travelled 
 the next day to Caen, a distance of about twelve miles, 
 intending to take coach from thence, and hasten im- 
 mediately to the metropolis. On their arrival at Caen 
 they found that neither coach nor any public carriage 
 whatever was to be procured. This was occasioned by 
 the arrival, on the preceding day, of a great number of 
 young French noblemen ; who, having failed in their 
 attempt to effect a counter revolution, were hastening 
 to the frontier to join the emigrant troops. These in 
 their way had seized every vehicle that could be pro- 
 cured to expedite their flight. 
 
 Dr. Coke and his companions had not remained long 
 in this city, before an old Protestant gentleman, hearing 
 of their situation, procured for them a man, who, with 
 a feeble carriage and two miserable horses, engaged to
 
 240 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 take them to Paris in three days. After sleeping one 
 night at Caen, they then departed for the metropolis, in 
 company with a member of the national assembly, who 
 desired to be taken with them in the same conveyance. 
 
 Being thus heavily laden, and travelling exceedingly 
 slow, they had an opportunity of making observations 
 on every object that presented itself to their view. 
 Equally alive to the beauties of art and the charms of 
 nature, Dr. Coke entered in his journal some memoran- 
 da of every thing that struck his attention, resolving, 
 in case the mission succeeded, to publish on his return 
 an exact account of whatever appeared remarkable in 
 the course of his journey. 
 
 Among these, he noticed many curious antiquities ; 
 many rich and costly churches ; many superb and mag- 
 nificent buildings ; and made such remarks on architec- 
 tural decorations, as would have rendered his journal 
 highly interesting. Nor was he inattentive to the 
 beauties which nature had lavished on the surface of 
 the country with the most bountiful profusion. He 
 made memoranda on the stately forests, the extended 
 plains, the beautiful meadows, the rich and luxuriant 
 pastures, the highly cultivated enclosures, and the fruit- 
 ful vineyards through which they passed. These scenes, 
 and a description of them, furnished him with employ- 
 ment by day ; and in the evening, his time was divided 
 between reading and writing letters to his friends in 
 England. 
 
 That the state of public and private morals was at 
 this time exceedingly depraved, may be gathered from 
 the following anecdote : On the first night they all 
 slept at Evereux, a large city, where, on entering a 
 parlour, they saw the portraits of three women who 
 brought them their supper. These were presented for 
 their choice. The representative of the people, who 
 seemed perfectly well acquainted with this mode of 
 accommodating- travellers, soon made his selection and 
 retired, leaving the others, perhaps not a little surprised 
 at the stupidity of their foreign guests. 
 
 It was not till the third day, about noon, they enter- 
 ed Paris. Their first effort, after taking some refresh- 
 ment, was to find out, if possible, the persons who had
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 241 
 
 written the letter to Lady Huntingdon. These were 
 found to be two English schoolmasters, who seemed 
 fully persuaded, that if a preaching room could be pro- 
 cured, it would soon be filled with attentive hearers. 
 Relying on their information, Dr. Coke soon found 
 what he thought would be a convenient house, which 
 he hired for a month. But as it could not be occupied 
 immediately, on visiting a suppressed church which 
 was then to be sold for 120Z., and which would contain 
 about 2,000 or 2,500 persons, he engaged to purchase 
 it, not doubting that it would soon be crowded. 
 
 The hired room, in which the first attempts were to' 
 be made, being got ready, Dr. Coke advertised his in- 
 tention to commence preaching in it at an appointed 
 time. The situation of this room was close by the river 
 Seine, and fronting a street full of people, so that with- 
 out any advertisement a large congregation might have 
 been collected in a few minutes. M. de Queteville being 
 much better acquainted with the French idiom than 
 Dr. Coke, it was thought proper for him to deliver the 
 first sermon. They accordingly went at the time ap- 
 pointed ; but were mortified to discover, that neither 
 curiosity nor any better motive could induce more than 
 thirty-six persons to compose their whole congregation ; 
 and in this number were included the two schoolmasters 
 and their families, and a few nominal Protestants, who 
 might be compared to the dry bones in Ezekiel's vision. 
 
 On concluding his discourse, M. de Queteville in- 
 formed the congregation, that on the ensuing day, Dr. 
 Coke, an English divine, would read to them a sermon 
 of his own composition, in the French tongue. But 
 their attention was not to be excited. When the time 
 arrived, they could procure no more than six hearers, 
 though they were surrounded by the shops of mechanics, 
 who gazed on them as they went in, but who had not 
 curiosity enough to follow them, and to hear what was 
 to be delivered. 
 
 On finding, from these unsuccessful efforts, that the 
 report which the letter had transmitted to England was 
 contradicted by what they had experienced, they began 
 to suspect that the motives of the schoolmasters, in 
 sending for a preacher, were not of the purest com- 
 
 11
 
 *J42 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 plexion. This was afterward found to be the case. Their 
 school was reduced to a low condition, and they wanted 
 to resort to some expedient that should raise their re- 
 putation, and increase the number of their pupils. They 
 hoped for an orator who should excite public attention, 
 and awaken in the minds of the rising generation an 
 earnest desire to learn the English tongue. To this 
 ignoble purpose they contrived to make the gospel of 
 Christ subservient. 
 
 Being fully convinced that they had nothing more to 
 do in Paris, than to procure, upon honourable terms, a 
 revocation of the bargain that had been made for the 
 church, Dr. Coke now turned his attention to this point, 
 and happily found the difficulties much less than his 
 fears had led him to anticipate. To annul this agree- 
 ment, a favourable incident at this time occurred. 
 
 When Dr. Coke advertised in the public prints his 
 intention to preach in Paris, the advertisement happened 
 to strike the eye of a Miss Freeman Shepperd, who had 
 known something of Dr. Coke many years before in 
 London. This lady, who for some time resided in 
 France, had retired into a convent in which she became 
 a boarder, to escape the miseries and dangers that ac- 
 companied the revolution. On recollecting his name, 
 she sent him and his companions an invitation to dine 
 with her at the convent in the fauxbourg St. Germaine. 
 Of this they accepted ; and on their arrival they were 
 received with the utmost politeness, and entertained 
 according to the established manners of the place. 
 
 In the course of their conversation, Dr. Coke men- 
 tioned to this lady their disappointment on coming to 
 Paris, arising from an inability to procure a congrega- 
 tion ; and stated also his wish to have the church which 
 he had purchased taken off his hands. On hearing his 
 case, she caused a letter to be written, addressed to the 
 principal agent of the convention, who, with many 
 others, had the management of the suppressed churches, 
 abbeys, and convents committed to his care. In this 
 letter, the peculiar embarrassment of her countryman 
 respecting the church was set forth ; who, it was stated, 
 had been deceived by a letter that had promised to a 
 Protestant minister a congregation, which could not be
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 243 
 
 procured. And, finally, as it would not be to the dis- 
 advantage of the agent to annul the bargain, he would 
 oblige the writer, and all who were interested in the 
 issue, by taking the church again into his possession. 
 
 Furnished with this letter, Dr. Coke repaired to the 
 agent, and soon found that it had not been written in 
 vain. With a degree of politeness that could hardly be 
 expected, the latter made no difficulty in retracing his 
 former steps, and complying with the wishes which Dr. 
 Coke expressed. Instead of demanding money, he only 
 requested his attendance a few times at the office, that 
 he might ratify by his signature the various formalities 
 through which they were obliged to pass. To this Dr. 
 Coke, in every necessary instance, submitted ; but as 
 his presence was required in London, and he could be 
 of no further service in France, he returned to England 
 in company with Mr. Gibson, leaving M. de Queteville 
 to complete the business. This being done, he also re- 
 tired from the country, carrying with him a full per- 
 suasion that the French were too much enamoured with 
 their revolution, and too much enlightened by their 
 new philosophy, to regard either the truths of Chris- 
 tianity or the salvation of their souls. 
 
 Dr. Coke, on his return to London, employed the re- 
 maining part of this year, and the early part of the fol- 
 lowing, in soliciting assistance for the foreign missions, 
 while travelling through the country, and preparing, in 
 conjunction with Mr. Moore, the life of Mr. Wesley for 
 the press. This volume, as it has been already stated, 
 was published in the year 1792. Scarcely was this bio- 
 graphy finished, before another work, more voluminous, 
 more important, and more deeply interesting to the 
 world, was recommended to Dr. Coke's serious notice. 
 
 At the conference of 1792, it was hinted in the sta- 
 tioning committee, that a commentary on the Bible, 
 which should preserve a consistency of character 
 throughout, without deviating from those views which 
 God had given of himself, of his being loving to every 
 man, and of his tender mercies over all his works,, 
 would be, to the growing body of the Methodists, an in- 
 valuable acquisition. The importance of the suggestion 
 was instantly perceived, and readily admitted by all.
 
 244 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 The proposition was almost immediately submitted to 
 conference, and the measure received with unanimous 
 approbation. 
 
 The necessity and practical tendency of such a work 
 as they thus contemplated, being admitted, the next 
 question that appeared for consideration was, to whose 
 care the compilation of this commentary should be in- 
 trusted. The name of Dr. Coke, and the character 
 which he had, for many years, sustained in the connec- 
 tion, could not but point him out to general notice and 
 to general approbation. Instead, therefore, of making 
 his competency for the arduous undertaking a subject 
 of debate, his eligibility was silently allowed by a kind 
 of involuntary acquiescence, and he was requested to 
 turn his attention immediately to the subject, to collect 
 materials, and to prepare the work. 
 
 The principal restrictions under which he was laid in 
 this undertaking were, to comprise the work within 
 about three quarto volumes, that it might neither be so 
 tedious as the expositions of Gill and Henry, nor so 
 laconic as the annotations with which Mr. Wesley had 
 already favoured the world. Within this reasonable 
 compass, it was prudently conceived, that ample room 
 would be allowed for the elucidation of obscure pas- 
 sages, and for such practical inferences as would answer 
 every useful purpose with those into whose hands it was 
 most likely to fall. To the general principle of these 
 propositions, Dr. Coke, after some deliberation, ac- 
 ceded. The work was accordingly undertaken, and 
 almost immediately begun; but, through the constant 
 pressure of his other concerns, it was not completed till 
 nearly fifteen years afterward. And, even then, it had 
 so far exceeded the limits originally prescribed, that the 
 conference refused to print it, unless it underwent an 
 abridgment ; and to this, as no other fault was found in 
 the wprk, Dr. Coke refused to submit. The conse- 
 quence therefore was, that he printed it on his own ac- 
 count, and met from a generous and enlightened public 
 all that support which, from existing circumstances, he 
 had reason to expect. Of this commentary we shall take 
 more particular notice hereafter, when we examine his 
 Various publications.
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 245 
 
 Dr. Coke still kept a steady eye upon the missions 
 in which he had been engaged, and lost no opportunity 
 of promoting the spiritual welfare of the heathen world. 
 Influenced by this sacred principle, the termination of 
 the conference was to him a signal of departure to the 
 islands of the West Indies. The money he had col- 
 lected during his present residence in England had ena- 
 bled him to rescue the missionary fund from the pressure 
 of its embarrassments, and to take with him on his pre- 
 sent voyage another minister, who was willing to preach 
 to the negroes the unsearchable riches of Christ. 
 
 This indefatigable man sailed from Gravesend, with 
 his companion in the patience and tribulation of Jesus, 
 on the 1st of September, 1792. The vessel proceeded 
 to the American continent, and during this voyage his 
 time was chiefly employed in making arrangements for 
 the commentary he had undertaken. On reaching Ame- 
 rica he was occupied in much the same manner as on 
 former occasions. He found the work of God in a pros- 
 perous state ; he attended conferences, travelled over a 
 vast tract of country, was exposed to many imminent 
 dangers, was delivered from serious accidents, found 
 many friends, and was enabled, through the whole of 
 his tour, to rejoice in the God of his salvation. 
 
 On the 12th of December, having finished his visits 
 in the United States, he sailed from the continent on 
 board a vessel bound for St. Eustatius, at which place 
 he arrived on the 31st. In this island the scourge of 
 persecution was still lifted up. No liberty to preach 
 could possibly be obtained ; and some negro women, 
 not long before his arrival, had been severely flogged, 
 merely because they had attended a prayer meeting. 
 Many, notwithstanding, still held fast their integrity, 
 and several classes occasionally met, without being ex- 
 posed to any interruption. Through these means, the 
 power of religion flourished in private, amid the storms 
 that assailed the profession of Christianity from without. 
 
 Nor was the tempest of persecution confined exclu- 
 sively to the island of St. Eustatius. Dr. Coke, on 
 reaching St. Christopher's, the 2d of January, 1793, was 
 instantly informed, that the banners of the prince of 
 darkness had been unfurled in St. Vincent's, and that
 
 246 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 Mr. Lumb, the missionary, was then a prisoner in the 
 public jail. In proceeding thither to visit his imprisoned 
 friend, he touched at Nevis and Dominica, in the latter 
 of which places no missionary had been for nearly three 
 years. There were, however, many pious souls, but 
 they were left as sheep without a shepherd, and the time 
 of their being revisited was not yet come. 
 
 On landing at St. Vincent's, Dr. Coke found Mr. 
 Lumb in close confinement, in company with a male- 
 factor, to whom another of the latter description was 
 very shortly added. The crime of which Mr. Lumb 
 had been guilty was that of preaching in the Methodist 
 chapel to the negroes and others who attended. The 
 law which had been passed had forbidden any one to 
 preach, the rectors of the parishes only excepted, who 
 had not procured a license from the legislature of the 
 island. At the same time it had enacted that no license 
 should be granted to any person who had not resided 
 twelve months on the spot. For the punishment of de- 
 linquents this law had levied a fine of ten Johannes, 
 (181.) or an imprisonment for a term not more than 
 ninety, nor less than thirty days, for the first offence. 
 For the second offence, such corporal punishment as the 
 court should think proper to inflict, together with ban- 
 ishment from the island ; and, to finish the catalogue, a 
 return from banishment was inevitable death. Such 
 was the substance of this law, which actually existed in 
 this British colony so late as the year 1793 ! 
 
 That Mr. Lumb had incurred its penalty, by vio- 
 lating its precepts, was too plain to be denied. His 
 enemies had noticed his offence, and he was now im- 
 prisoned. But persecution frequently defeats its own 
 designs, and ultimately promotes the interest of that 
 cause which it endeavours to destroy. On this occa- 
 sion, the indignant feelings of the white inhabitants were 
 expressed in terms of derided disapprobation, even 
 though they were not friends of Methodism ; and among 
 the negroes a desire to hear the gospel seemed to in- 
 crease in proportion to the coercive measures made use 
 of to debar them from it. 
 
 In the course of this tour, Dr. Coke paid a visit to his 
 pious friend the Rev. Mr. Dent, in the island of Grenada,
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 247 
 
 through whose assistance and fostering care, religion 
 continued to flourish in the midst of surrounding vice. 
 While he was on this island, an affecting anecdote oc- 
 curred, which he thus relates " Mr. D., who, with his 
 amiable lady, lives quite a retired life, thought his family 
 stood in need of another servant girl. He therefore 
 went one day to a sale of negroes, and fixing his eye on 
 a girl about ten years of age, said to her, ' Will you 
 come with me ?' The poor child, who was totally unac- 
 quainted with the English language, seemed neverthe- 
 less to understand him, and nodded her head. He then 
 conversed with the proprietor about some other negroes, 
 but afterward recollecting himself, he turned round 
 again to the girl, and said to her, ' Well, will you come 
 with me ?' The little naked child immediately threw 
 her arms around him, and burst into tears. His heart 
 was exceedingly touched, and he purchased her, and 
 brought her home. She was immediately well clothed ; 
 and, before I left the island, could speak several words 
 of English, and had begun to sew." 
 
 In the island of Nevis another anecdote, somewhat 
 similar in description, but still more affecting, was com- 
 municated by a gentleman at whose house Dr. Coke 
 occasionally lodged. Mr. N M of that island, having 
 attended a sale for negroes, purchased a company, or 
 in the colonial dialect, a gang, from a Guinea ship that 
 had just brought this cargo to market, among whom 
 was a little girl. Some time afterward he attended 
 another sale, and purchased an additional number from 
 another slave ship. When the negroes that were pro- 
 cured from this last vessel were conducted to the estate, 
 a girl in this company fixed her eyes with much earn- 
 estness on her who had been brought in the first, and 
 seemed to be particularly affected. The eye of the for- 
 mer soon attracted that of the latter ; their gaze became 
 mutual ; and they stood motionless for some time, sur- 
 veying each other in attentive silence. At length, as if 
 satisfied by their mutual recognition, and animated by 
 an instinctive impulse, they recovered from their mute 
 astonishment, and rushed into each other's arms, dis- 
 playing, amid descending tears, all the endearments of 
 natural affection. On disengaging them from each
 
 248 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 other's embrace, it appeared, on inquiry, that these for- 
 lorn children, who had thus accidentally met in chains 
 on a foreign shore, were sisters. 
 
 On the 9th of February, the preachers assembled at 
 Antigua, where the gospel still continued to flourish, 
 and began their conference, which lasted five days. At 
 this time twelve missionaries were employed in ten of 
 the islands, and the total number in society amounted 
 to 6,570. 
 
 From the island of Antigua, Dr. Coke repaired to 
 Barbadoes, and found the members in society, though 
 few in number, truly alive to God. From Barbadoes, 
 the vessel in which he sailed proceeded to Jamaica, 
 carrying with her an account of the commencement of 
 war with France. In their voyage thither they ran 
 very near Hispaniola, in which island it appeared, from 
 one on board who had lately visited this distracted 
 colony, that the standard of morals was reduced to the 
 lowest degradation. It may perhaps be doubted whe- 
 ther the cities of the plain had ever flaunted more filthy 
 abominations in the face of day, than were too frequently 
 practised by the licentious inhabitants. Such unparal- 
 leled atrocities, as language must not express, would 
 seem to call for some signal calamity to mark the ven- 
 geance of Heaven. The island has indeed been since 
 taken from the French, and given to the negroes, by a 
 train of circumstances which display, in an awful man- 
 ner, the interposition of incensed Omnipotence. 
 
 Arriving at Jamaica, Dr. Coke visited various parts 
 of the island ; and alternately met with such clouds and 
 sunshine as checker both the natural and the moral 
 world. In some places his prospects were bright and 
 pleasing, but in several others he had more ground for 
 his wishes than his hopes. Throughout this large island 
 the number in society was but small, both whites and 
 blacks not much exceeding 200. But persecution, 
 though sanctioned by mobs and gentlemen, had not yet 
 entrenched itself under legislative authority, in the form 
 of law. 
 
 While Dr. Coke was travelling through this island, 
 he was informed of an awful incident which occurred 
 about twelve months before at a place called Salem, in
 
 LIFE OP THE RET, DR. COKE. 249 
 
 the state of New-Jersey, on the American continent. 
 At this place, in which the Methodists had erected a 
 chapel, they had frequently been disturbed by mobs. 
 But on making application to the magistrates, they had 
 obtained such effectual relief that the rioters were obli- 
 ged to have recourse to some new expedient to accom- 
 plish their purposes, without rendering themselves ame- 
 nable to justice. The method to which they resorted 
 was this to assemble together in a place of their own, 
 in order to turn experimental religion into a farce. In 
 this burlesque on religion, the persons present acted 
 band meetings, class meetings, and lovefeasts, to the 
 great entertainment of the profane congregation ; who, 
 with correspondent irreverence, and much apparent 
 satisfaction, enjoyed this new species of theatrical mirth. 
 
 It happened one night, while they were performing 
 a band meeting, that a young actress stood upon one 
 of the benches to speak her pretended experience. At 
 length, after having said much to command the mirth 
 of the delighted audience, she exclaimed with mock 
 solemnity, at the same time beating her breast, " Glory 
 be to God, I have found peace ; I am sanctified ; and 
 am now fit to die." Scarcely had this unhappy girl ut- 
 tered these words, before she actually dropped from the 
 bench, and was taken up a lifeless corpse. 
 
 Struck with this awful visitation, the auditors weje 
 instantly seized with inexpressible terror, and every 
 face was covered with consternation and dismay. The 
 assembly immediately broke up. And, in the con- 
 sciousness of having gone beyond the bounds of com- 
 mon profaneness, every one silently and sneakingly re- 
 tired to his respective habitation, except the mournful 
 few who were left behind to take charge of the melan- 
 choly victim. From this moment all persecution was 
 at an end in Salem, and not a tongue was afterward 
 heard either against the gospel or any of its friends.* 
 May such awful examples prove a warning to others* 
 how, in the midst of profane jocularity, they attempt to 
 turn the religion of Jesus Christ into an indecent farce ! 
 
 Dr. Coke having now finished his tour on the conti- 
 
 Dr. Coke's journal, p. 186. 
 11*
 
 250 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 nent, and paid his intended visit to the West India 
 islands, prepared to return to England, having his mind 
 deeply impressed with the awful condition of the inhabit- 
 ants of St. Eustatius, and of those also who lived in St. 
 Vincent's, in which island Mr. Lumb was now a prisoner. 
 To procure, if possible, some relief for the former, he 
 formed a resolution to visit Holland ; and to obtain de- 
 liverance for the latter he determined to present his case 
 to the British throne. Full of these resolutions, he 
 procured a passage on board of a packet bound for 
 England, and sailed from Jamaica on the 14th of April, 
 1793. From this port he might have had a passage 
 free of all expense, if he could have waited until a con- 
 voy was ready to take the vessel in which he was 
 offered these gratuitous accommodations, under her 
 care. But, being apprehensive that he should not reach 
 England in time to attend the conference, he was obliged 
 to decline the offer of his generous friend. 
 
 During his absence from his native land he had hith- 
 erto done but little toward the commentary. In his 
 voyage to the continent he had made some few arrange- 
 ments, and had explored the sources of his information. 
 But while on the continent, and visiting the islands, his 
 time had been too much engrossed to leave room for 
 any literary pursuits. On board of the packet he now 
 hoped to find some leisure, and the work before him 
 was sufficient to furnish every moment with employ- 
 ment. To a person not habituated to voyages, although 
 the cabin of a ship may be congenial to study when the 
 weather is serene, the rolling of the vessel must render 
 much writing an unpleasant task. But, as Dr. Coke had 
 traversed the Atlantic several times, he was somewhat 
 prepared for these inconveniences ; and the multiplicity 
 of his engagements compelled him to seize every frag- 
 ment of time which life afforded. 
 
 Nothing of any consequence occurred during their 
 voyage, until they arrived at the mouth of the English 
 channel. Having reached this latitude, as war had 
 broken out between England and France, all on board 
 felt some anxiety lest the packet should be assailed by 
 one of the enemy's cruisers of superior force. On the 
 4th of June, a sailor who had been stationed at the
 
 LIFE QF THE REV. DR. COKE. 251 . 
 
 masthead informed those on deck that a sail was then in 
 view. The captain, on hearing this, instantly mounted 
 the ladder, and remained at the masthead for a con- 
 siderable time, watching the movements of the ship 
 that was in sight. On descending from his point of 
 observation, he intimated that, according to the best 
 judgment he could form, the ship which excited their 
 attention was a French privateer ; and that she was at 
 that instant pursuing them with crowded sails. As the 
 packet was not of sufficient force to withstand the pri- 
 vateer, so far as her strength could be ascertained, no- 
 thing remained but for them to spread all the canvass 
 their ship could bear, and press her toward the point of 
 her destination. This pursuit and this flight continued 
 about twenty-four hours, at the end of which the priva- 
 teer had so gained upon the packet that the distance 
 between them was not more than a mile and a half. 
 Alarmed at the perilous situation in which they found 
 themselves placed, despair and confusion prevailed 
 among the passengers and sailors, who all concluded 
 that nothing less than a miracle could prevent them 
 from being carried captive into a foreign land. But de- 
 liverance was much nearer than either their hopes or 
 their fears had anticipated. For in that eventful crisis, 
 when they expected to surrender themselves prisoners 
 of war, to their inexpressible joy a British fleet, consist- 
 ing of eleven sail of the line, bound for the Mediter- 
 ranean, under the command of Lord Hood, appeared in 
 sight. The privateer, on making this discovery, in- 
 stantly gave up the pursuit, and sailed toward the coast 
 of France ; while, with exhilarated spirits, the sailors 
 conducted the packet into the midst of the British 
 squadron. Soon after this, they reached Falmouth, 
 where Dr. Coke landed on the 6th of June, 1793, with 
 a heart glowing with gratitude to God for all his 
 mercies. r
 
 352 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Observations on the persecuting edict of St. Vincent's, and con- 
 duct of Mr. Lumb Dr. Coke applies to his majesty in council for 
 a repeal of the law Government inquires into the character of 
 the West India missionaries Satisfactory replies g^ven by the 
 governors of the islands Edict disallowed in council Dr. Coke 
 supports innovations on the old plan of Methodist discipline Pro- 
 ceeds with his commentary Repairs to Holland respecting the 
 affairs of St. Eustatius Character of the Methodists, given by the 
 Right Honourable Henry Dundas Letter from Dr. Coke to Dr. 
 Maclaine at the Hague Application to the Dutch government 
 proves unsuccessful Reasons which induced Dr. Coke to under- 
 take the Foulah settlement Progress of this mission, and cause of 
 its failure Reflections on this unfortunate adventure. 
 
 IT has been noticed in the preceding chapter, that 
 when Dr. Coke paid his last visit to St. Vincent's he 
 found Mr. Lumb immured in the common jail, for 
 preaching the gospel. On his departure from this island, 
 he was compelled to leave him in the same state of con- 
 finement ; as it was not in his power to procure the 
 liberation of his imprisoned friend, but by paying an 
 exorbitant fine, which would seem to acknowledge the 
 justice of the law ; and they scorned to do an action 
 Avhich should admit of such an interpretation. 
 
 To all laws, there are two ways of yielding a certain 
 species of obedience ; the one is by complying with 
 their precepts, the other is by submitting to their penal- 
 ties. In the first case, the subject is free, and acts with- 
 out compulsion ; but in the second he is passive, and 
 only suffers what he cannot avoid. Mr. Lumb had pre- 
 ferred the latter, in the painful alternative of his situa- 
 tion ; and Dr. Coke, who visited him in prison, encou- 
 raged him to persevere, while'he repaired to the mother 
 country, to try some expedients for his liberation, that 
 were likely to be more advantageous to all, and to the 
 cause in which they were mutually engaged, than if 
 he had remained his companion in the jail, and wasted 
 his time in ineffectual condolence. 
 
 Previously to the enacting of this law, no missionary 
 eould have been more respected than Mr. Lumb ; and
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 253 
 
 no society in the West Indies was in a more flourishing 
 condition than that of St. Vincent's. Nearly a thousand 
 slaves had stretched out their hands to God ; and 
 throughout the island, the negroes seemed everywhere 
 ready to receive the gospel. This was the circumstance 
 which probably gave the alarm to some enemies of the 
 Redeemer, and led them to use clandestine means to 
 hurry the act through the house, at a time when a con- 
 siderable number of the legislators had retired to their 
 habitations. 
 
 It does not appear to have been the real desire of any, 
 even of the firmest supporters of the law, to imprison 
 Mr. Lumb. He was too much respected to render such 
 a consequence either popular or desirable ; but they 
 were anxious to prevent his preaching, and hoped, by 
 the terror of the edict, to banish him from the island. 
 As a proof that his imprisonment was an unpopular mea- 
 sure, two gentlemen on one occasion paid him a visit 
 while Dr. Coke was present. On noticing their respect- 
 ability, he made some observations on their condescen- 
 sion : but their reply was, "Sir, it is no dishonour to 
 visit this gentleman in a jail." 
 
 Mr. Lumb having continued in jail during the period 
 assigned by the law, was ordered to be set at liberty by 
 the magistrates, on condition of his paying the common 
 fees. But having resolved to do nothing that should 
 imply a voluntary compliance with this edict of legal 
 injustice, he peremptorily refused to accept his libera- 
 tion on such terms. Exasperated at this unconquered 
 resolution, the magistrates who had committed him, and 
 who had offered to pay two-thirds of the penalty he had 
 incurred at the time of his first imprisonment, sent him 
 Avord, that unless he paid the fees he should " rot in 
 jail." He was in consequence kept one day beyond the 
 time of his specified confinement ; but remaining inflex- 
 ible, he was then discharged. 
 
 But his release from prison was only a release either 
 to silence or to voluntary departure. The law was still 
 in force ; and persecution was not to be removed either 
 by justice or humanity. He was therefore compelled to 
 adopt the latter, and to quit the island and his friends, 
 having little ground to believe that a missionary would
 
 254 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 ever be again permitted to address the inhabitants in the 
 name of the Lord. The consequences of this law were 
 soon felt throughout the society. Many indeed con- 
 tinued steadfast, even while their leader was imprisoned, 
 and after he had taken his leave. But a far greater 
 number, forgetting the Lord who bought them, unhap- 
 pily joined their old companions, and turned aside from 
 the holy commandment which they had been taught to 
 obey. 
 
 Dr. Coke, on leaving St. Vincent's, kept continually 
 in view the melancholy situation of the inhabitants, of 
 the society, and of Mr. Lumb. And so deeply was the 
 impression engraven on his mind, that no change of 
 scene, no multiplicity of concerns, no variety of engage- 
 ments or employments, could ever erase it from his me- 
 mory, or ever free him from the ghost of persecution 
 with which he continued to be haunted during his voyage 
 across the Atlantic. 
 
 On his return to England in June, it was one of his 
 earliest cares to make out a plain statement of this case, 
 and lay a memorial before his majesty in council ; and 
 to give this memorial full effect, he made a personal ap- 
 plication to several members of the executive govern- 
 ment. This memorial and these applications awakened 
 the attention of the council. But that no step might be 
 taken with undue precipitation, they issued orders to the 
 colonial minister to forward letters immediately to all 
 the governors of the West India islands, to make parti- 
 cular inquiries into the general conduct of all the 
 Methodist missionaries in their respective departments. 
 
 On the part of government this was certainly a judi- 
 cious step ; but on that of the missionaries, the source 
 of information appeared in a doubtful light. The go- 
 vernors, from the elevation of their stations, might be 
 justly considered as rising above the local prejudices 
 of subordinate power. But, deriving their information 
 from men whose interest might tempt them to give a 
 deceitful colouring to the report, their ultimate replies 
 might have been erroneous, although their fidelity should 
 be unimpeached. It is from causes like these that inju- 
 rious statements are frequently given, and that pure 
 intentions are made the instruments of designing men,
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 255 
 
 in the accomplishment of purposes over which justice 
 weeps, and which humanity shudders to behold. 
 
 Truth, it may be justly remarked, sometimes imposes 
 commands which integrity dares not disobey. The 
 overruling providence of God produces unexpected 
 issues, and vindicates the cause of afflicted virtue, through 
 the agency of men who both disobey and despise her 
 precepts. Such appears to have been the result of the 
 present inquiry. The distinct replies which were given 
 by the governors, have not been made public ; but the 
 effects which haye followed clearly prove that their 
 aggregate testimony was highly favourable. And per- 
 haps these independent and propitious declarations, when 
 taken in connection with the condition of the slaves, 
 the prejudices of the planters,- the suspicions which 
 interest excited, and the persecuting law that had been 
 enacted, furnish one of the most exalted compliments 
 that was ever paid in the West Indies to the utility of 
 Methodism, and to the good conduct of the missionaries. 
 May it long continue to operate as an example to all 
 governors, to walk in the same path of honourable inte- 
 grity, and to furnish a lesson to all missionaries, so to 
 conduct themselves in the eyes of their secret observers 
 as to deserve such testimonies of approbation ! 
 
 On the 31st of August, 1793, Dr. Coke, in company 
 with five or six preachers then established in London, 
 waited on the Right Honourable Henry Dundas, then 
 one of his majesty's principal secretaries of state, to 
 know the result of that memorial which had been pre- 
 viously presented. To this memorial and to this 
 inquiry they had the pleasure of receiving the following 
 answer : 
 
 " That his majesty in council had been graciously 
 pleased to disannul the act of the assembly of St. Vin- 
 cent's, and that his majesty's pleasure would be notified 
 by the first packet that sailed to the West Indies." 
 
 Thus was religious liberty raised, by the voice of the 
 sovereign, in triumph over the private efforts of oppres- 
 sive violence. Such acts of royal interposition enthrone 
 the monarch in the hearts of his subjects, and bind from 
 the centre to the extremity of his empire, by ties of the 
 most indissoluble nature, the affections of a graceful
 
 356 LIFE Of THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 people, whom his munificence has loaded with so many 
 favours. 
 
 At the conference held this year in Leeds, Dr. Coke 
 acted as secretary, and took a distinguishing part in an 
 important question that was agitated in this assembly. 
 Hitherto the Methodists had followed the advice and 
 example of Mr. Wesley ; and, with some few exceptions, 
 had abstained from having preaching during church 
 hours, from introducing baptism and the Lord's sup- 
 per, and from burying their dead. From this rule 
 many were now disposed to deviate. Both sides of this 
 question had many able advocates ; and perhaps few 
 subjects have ever been debated in conference, in which 
 more force of argument, comprehensiveness of thought, 
 and energy of expression, have been displayed than on 
 the present occasion. Dr. Coke took the side which 
 countenanced innovations on the old plan ; and, from 
 the zeal and activity which on all occasions marked his 
 conduct, rendered himself so conspicuous as to become 
 unpopular with those whom he opposed. And although 
 the question was in some degree decided in his favour, 
 the effects of his advocation were sorely felt by him in 
 his future application for pecuniary aid in behalf of the 
 missions. He saw, when it was too late, the conse- 
 quence of his own activity in the support of measures 
 which the peculiarity of his own situation should have 
 left to the decision of others. Experience became his 
 instructer ; and the lessons which it taught induced him 
 to adhere to the resolutions which he formed. 
 
 Being somewhat disentangled from the unpleasant 
 consequences in which this debate and its effects had 
 involved him, Dr. Coke devoted his time more assidu- 
 ously to his commentary, which was yet in no great 
 state of forwardness. But his intense application to 
 this work did not make him forget the cause of the 
 missions, which looked chiefly to him for support. 
 Travelling, therefore, from town to town, preaching 
 frequently, and sometimes begging from door to door, 
 left him but few moments of leisure. Every fragment 
 of his time was employed ; and the hour that consigned 
 others to repose, occasionally called him to his study, 
 where he could quietly remain to collect materials for his
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 25? 
 
 work, and write letters to his numerous correspondents. 
 Nor did he, amid these various avocations, forget the 
 unhappy state of St. Eustatius. He saw its inhabitants 
 deprived of the gospel, through the tyranny of its go- 
 vernor ; but how to obtain redress for them was a ques- 
 tion which he could not easily answer. In making his 
 appeal in behalf of St. Vincent's he had been successful : 
 but he had then appealed to a British council, and a 
 British monarch. On the present occasion he must 
 present a memorial to a foreign power, in a foreign 
 land, where his name was scarcely known, and where 
 he had no foundation on which to rest his hopes of suc- 
 cess, but on the humanity of the cause he was about to 
 plead, and an unshaken confidence which he placed in 
 the overruling providence of God. 
 
 Slender as this foundation might appear, and as it in 
 reality did appear in the eyes of many, he determined 
 to visit Holland, to seek redress and protection against 
 the tyranny of the governor of St. Eustatius. Having 
 formed this resolution, he sailed from England, and, 
 reaching the seat of the Dutch government, presented 
 his memorial, and solicited their official interference. 
 In proceeding thus he was furnished with directions by 
 Dr. Maclaine, a pious minister at the Hague, the cele- 
 brated translator of Mosheim's Ecclesiastical History, 
 to whom he found access through some letters of re- 
 commendation which he carried from England. From 
 this gentleman he received much personal kindness, 
 though it was not in his power to add much to his pros- 
 pect of success. But, whatever the result might be, he 
 was supported by the rectitude of his own intentions, 
 and by anticipating the pleasure which his own reflec- 
 tions would afford, that he had left no method untried 
 to accomplish his purpose, even though disappointment 
 should ultimately frustrate hie hopes. 
 
 Actuated by this principle, he embraced an opportu- 
 nity that presented itself of waiting on the stadtholder, 
 the present king of the Netherlands, who admitted him 
 to an interview, and listened to his petition. But no- 
 thing could be inferred from his doubtful observations, 
 to furnish a pleasing presage, that toleration would be 
 extended to the inhabitants of St. Eustatius.
 
 258 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 Having waited some considerable time in vain for a 
 reply to his memorial, his expectations began to sink. 
 They were, however, somewhat revived by an intima- 
 tion that the Dutch government was solicitous of obtain- 
 ing, from some public character in England, the general 
 estimation in which Dr. Coke and his associates were 
 held in their native land. To satisfy this inquiry, an 
 application was made to the same stutesman who had 
 announced to them the repeal of the edict in St. Vincent's. 
 The opinion of this gentleman is expressed in the 
 following letter : 
 
 " Whitehall, Feb. 2, 1794. 
 
 ** SIR, The united society of Methodists, late in con- 
 nection with the Rev. John Wesley, have represented 
 to me, that in some communications with the government 
 of the United Provinces, they were desirous of being 
 furnished with my sentiments in respect to them. 
 
 "I have lately had some communications with this 
 society, who are members of the Church of England, 
 and it is with great satisfaction I can bear testimony to 
 the loyalty of their principles and conduct. And if I 
 may form an opinion of their future demeanour by their 
 past behaviour, I can well assure myself that they will 
 in no instance deviate from that rectitude and obedience 
 to the laws, which have hitherto marked the character 
 of this society. I am, Sir, your most obedient humble 
 servant, HENRY DUNDAS. 
 
 " Hon. Wm. Elliot." 
 
 Clear, unequivocal, and expressive as the preceding 
 testimony was, it was insufficient to remove from the 
 minds of the Dutch legislators that suspicion which 
 they had been led to entertain on the propriety of intro- 
 ducing a foreign mission into their islands. Their lan- 
 guage, indeed, was less severe and decisive than that 
 of the governor of St. Eustatius ; but the same intole- 
 rant principles were conspicuous in each department. 
 It was this indecision that kept alive a lingering hope, 
 and induced Dr. Coke to continue longer in Holland 
 than he would have stayed if a positive refusal had 
 been given to his request on his first application. 
 
 Taught by experience, we frequently find that our 
 wishes have a considerable influence on our judgments ;
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 259 
 
 and, under this amiable delirium, that suspense may 
 animate hope and keep it alive, even in the suburbs of 
 despair. Fascinated with this decoy, Dr. Coke con- 
 tinued in Holland till the end of March, at a consider- 
 able expense, still flattering himself that the Dutch go- 
 vernment would accede to his measures, arid ultimately 
 promote his benevolent designs. Neither was he fully 
 awakened from this pleasing expectation when he finally 
 departed from the foreign shore, and sailed for his na- 
 tive land. He had learned, indeed, to moderate his 
 hopes ; but he had not yet been taught wholly to sup- 
 press them. The meteor still glimmered in his sight, 
 but it had begun to fade ; and he consigned the ultimate 
 accomplishment of his feeble hopes to the care of Dr. 
 Maclaine, to whom he addressed the following letter 
 when on the eve of his departure : 
 
 " Helvoetsluys, March 22, 1794. 
 
 "Mv VERY DEAR SIR, I sit down for the satisfac- 
 tion of my own mind to write you a few lines, before I 
 finally take my leave of this country. Indeed I should 
 think twenty visits nothing, either in respect to time or 
 expense, if I might thereby succeed in promoting the 
 enlargement of the Redeemer's kingdom. Nor do I 
 think that the directors of the Dutch West India Com- 
 pany will, in the only instance in which they can serve 
 the Redeemer, prevent the enlargement of his kingdom 
 by prohibiting others from embarking in so good and 
 humane a cause. 
 
 "I do assure you, my dear sir, that it affords me 
 much pleasure, and saves me from much pain which 
 suspense would otherwise occasion, that the cause is 
 now, under God, committed into your hands. Though 
 my acquaintance wijth you has been but short, yet I 
 have observed enough to see clearly that I have in you 
 one on whom I can rely with an unshaken confidence. 
 And, as our respective situations in life prevent our en- 
 joying much personal acquaintance here below, it gives 
 me delight to think that we shall have one grand minis- 
 terial labour, in which we may, in our respective lines 
 of influence, unite : namely, in the conversion of the 
 negroes throughout the empire of the Seven United 
 Provinces.
 
 260 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 " I intend to take the liberty (after consent is obtained) 
 of sending you a minute account of the progress of this 
 work for the conversion of the negroes in the Dutch 
 colonies and islands. This will serve to stir up our 
 minds to the kindest remembrance of each other, till we 
 meet to spend an eternity in our Father's kingdom. 
 And as sometimes civil governors are more extensively 
 useful in the guidance of large colonial concerns in dis- 
 tant parts than they can be even at home ; so we may 
 be more honoured instruments of glorifying God, by 
 collecting a large flock for Christ out of this naughty 
 world in a distant country, than we can possibly be in 
 our more confined circles at home. 
 
 "There is nothing, I am persuaded, has so great a 
 tendency to accomplish this as the sending out faithful 
 missionaries, who breathe the true apostolic spirit ; 
 who count not their lives dear to themselves, so they 
 may win souls. Each of their names is Legion. Such 
 we have among us, who want not to serve a party ; but 
 through Almighty grace desire only to be so employed 
 in any part of the world, at home or abroad, as to bring 
 to God as many souls as possible. 
 
 "The packet is just going to sail ; I intended filling 
 my paper. God bless you. When you remember your 
 friends before the gracious throne, sometimes, at least, 
 remember me. I shall not forget you in my feeble 
 petitions. Once more adieu. 
 
 " Dear sir, your very much obliged and faithful friend 
 and brother, T. COKE. 
 
 " The Rev. Dr. Maclaine, Hague" 
 
 The letter thus addressed to Dr. Maclaine was equally 
 as ineffectual as the memorial that had been presented 
 to the governors of Holland, and as Dr. Coke's inter- 
 view with the stadtholder. Nothing could induce them 
 to alter their purposes respecting their slaves in the 
 West India islands. The door therefore continued to 
 be shut against the Methodist missionaries from this 
 time till the year 1804, when divine Providence, with- 
 out any application to earthly power, seems to have 
 prepared the way for its reopening. A gentleman of 
 high respectability in St. Eustatius, having noticed the 
 beneficial effects that had resulted from these missions
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE* 261 
 
 in other islands, laid before the governor in 1804 such 
 a clear statement as induced him to depart from the 
 intolerant principles and practices of his predecessors. 
 This liberty being obtained, the same gentleman invited 
 our missionaries thither, offering his house for their 
 accommodation. The offer thus made was readily em- 
 braced. A chapel was afterward built, and a Sunday 
 school established. Dr. Coke therefore lived to see 
 the ardent wishes of his heart crowned with ultimate 
 success, and to behold the name of St. Eustatius enrolled 
 in the list of those islands in which God has enabled us 
 to erect the standard of the cross. 
 
 Dr. Coke, on his return from Holland, confined him- 
 self chiefly, during the remaining part of the year 1794, 
 to the labours which his commentary, travelling from 
 place to place, preaching, and begging for the missions, 
 constantly occasioned. In soliciting subscriptions for 
 the support of the gospel among the slaves in the West 
 Indies he was particularly successful. His address 
 was almost sure to command attention, and his solici- 
 tude was too importunate to be long withstood. His 
 name was well known throughout the kingdom ; and 
 his business was so far his constant companion, that 
 few, unless they were strangers, were ignorant of his 
 errand wherever he appeared. This combination of 
 circumstances almost ensured his collections, and fre- 
 quently procured for him liberal donations, where few 
 beside himself would have hoped for any thing but 
 insult and contempt. 
 
 Animated with the hopes of seeing the kingdom of 
 Jesus extending over the heathen world, he turned his 
 attention, in the year 1795, to the inhabitants of Africa ; 
 and, in conjunction with others, meditated a plan of 
 sending into the Foulah country some pious mechanics, 
 who might at once instruct the natives in domestic arts, 
 inculcate piety by their example, and occasionally preach 
 the gospel of Jesus Christ. 
 
 The Foulah country, which lies somewhat in the in- 
 terior, had been represented to him as inhabited by a 
 harmless race of men, who had in no small degree 
 thrown off the barbarous customs of savage life, and 
 maae some efforts toward civilization. Humane in
 
 262 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKfi. 
 
 their dispositions, and docile in their manners, it was 
 thought that they presented to England an inviting 
 prospect, on which her benevolence toward the degra- 
 ded nations of this continent might be exercised with 
 peculiar advantage. It was considered as the dawn of 
 approaching light, that would, if properly improved, 
 diffuse itself over this vast and almost unknown part of 
 the globe. 
 
 Charmed with these views, and urged by his love of 
 souls, particularly those of the heathen, Dr. Coke com- 
 municated his intentions to an eminent statesman, 
 whose name may be omitted when the welfare of the 
 Africans and the abolition of the slave trade are men- 
 tioned. This statesman, whose honours will remain 
 unsullied when the fame of heroes shall become extinct, 
 having made himself acquainted with the condition of 
 the natives, was so far satisfied with the measure in 
 contemplation, that, in reply to the communication, he 
 transmitted to Dr. Coke the following letter : 
 
 " SIR, I cannot help taking up my pen for a moment 
 to assure you of the satisfaction it affords me to hear of 
 your intention to plant a mission in the neighbourhood 
 of Sierra Leone. I shall certainly, among my brother 
 directors, recommend and enforce our duty, and the 
 utility of forwarding the measure in the best way we are 
 able, with propriety, in our official situations ; and I 
 dare say we could procure a large subscription toward 
 the support of the mission in our individual capacities. 
 I pray that it may please God to bring this scheme into 
 accomplishment, and that he may bless your labours 
 with success. It can hardly, however, be expedient for 
 you to go to Africa so soon as you mention, as you 
 would in that case arrive during what is called the 
 smokes ; it will be better therefore for you to wait till 
 November or December. I cannot help adding that 
 much must depend upon the qualifications and disposi- 
 tions of the missionaries, not only for their success 
 among the natives, (according to the usual proceedings 
 of divine Providence,) but also for the friends we might 
 be able to raise for the general purposes of the esta- 
 blishment." 
 
 It will hardly be denied that Great Britain has many
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE- 263 
 
 national vices ; but it cannot be doubted that she has 
 also many national virtues. Among these, is that spirit 
 of benevolence which is always ready to promote any 
 beneficial institution. Dr. Coke, having consulted his 
 friends, made his appeal to this national characteristic, 
 and found himself supported with liberal donations, that 
 were worthy of the humane design, and entitled to a 
 better fate than the result afforded. 
 
 Travelling through the country, he endeavoured also 
 to find out suitable persons to engage in this arduous 
 employment. After preaching, he generally introduced 
 the subject to his congregations ; and, on stating the 
 affair, requested, if any persons, answering the descrip- 
 tion he had given, felt disposed to go, that such persons, 
 on the ensuing day, would call on him, that they might 
 have some conversation on the subject. Young men, 
 fond of adventure, were not backward to become candi- 
 dates for the enterprise ; but, on minute examination, it 
 was not easy to find that happy union of ability and 
 character, which was indispensably necessary for the 
 task. At length, after much inquiry, some married men 
 were found, who were willing to engage in this hazard- 
 ous employment, apparently from a conviction of duty, 
 and an earnest wish to promote the general welfare of 
 the human race. 
 
 On making the necessary inquiries into their charac- 
 ters, of those to whom they were well known, recom- 
 mendations were strongly in their favour ; and with five 
 or six sober, industrious, and respectable tradesmen an 
 engagement was speedily formed. As these were about 
 to repair to a foreign land, in which neither tools nor 
 clothing could be procured, it became necessary that an 
 ample supply of these articles should be provided, prior 
 to their departure from England. In the meanwhile, as 
 the men relinquished their employment some time be- 
 fore they were prepared for their voyage, it also became 
 necessary that they should have some support. All 
 these circumstances, united together, created a consider- 
 able expense before they could get on board a ship that 
 was to take them to some port near the place of their 
 destination. 
 
 The necessary arrangements being made, the pack-
 
 264 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 ages were carried to Plymouth, in the vicinity of which 
 town most of the articles had been made. In this neigh- 
 bourhood some of the adventurers also resided ; and 
 from this port they were expected to sail in December, 
 1795. But some unforeseen circumstances preventing 
 the ship from touching at Plymouth, they all repaired 
 to Portsmouth in the month of January, 1796. 
 
 Being furnished with every thing necessary for their 
 voyage, and the ship being ready for sea, the adven- 
 turers, with their families, repaired on board, about the 
 middle of February, in health, in high spirits, and in a 
 state of perfect harmony with one another. The vessel, 
 on board of which they were about to sail, was bound 
 for Sierra Leone. The governor of the colony was with 
 them ; and being acquainted with their designs, he be- 
 came interested in their welfare, promising them every 
 assistance in his power, both during their voyage and 
 after their arrival. The captain and ship's company 
 were more amiable than might have been expected, so 
 that nothing was wanting to complete their accommoda- 
 tions but some additional room, and this the ship could 
 not possibly afford. As this was an inconvenience 
 which had been anticipated, Dr. Coke, constantly atten- 
 tive to their comforts, had repaired to the directors, to 
 solicit that some part of the cargo might be taken out ; 
 but the orders for sailing having been issued prior to 
 his application, nothing of this kind could possibly be 
 done. 
 
 To remedy this, the governor recommended that two 
 of the families should go on shore, and remain until an- 
 other ship sailed for the colony. To this he added that 
 those who embarked with him would find every accom- 
 modation in Sierra Leone, and full employment, until 
 those who should remain behind could arrive : that, 
 during this interim, they would have a seasoning in the 
 colony, in which they might procure medical assist- 
 ance, such as could not be obtained in the Foulah coun- 
 try. By these means they would be better prepared to 
 pursue their journey on the arrival of the others, which 
 would probably be at the most convenient season of the 
 year for their settling. 
 
 Our adventurers heard these recommendations of the
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE^ 865 
 
 governor, without discovering any inclination to accede 
 to his proposition ; and, after consulting together^ they 
 finally resolved rather to submit to the inconveniences 
 which they perceived they must inevitably experience, 
 than suffer a separation. The governor, being made ac- 
 quainted with their resolution submitted to their decision, 
 and after renewing his promise of rendering them all the 
 service in his power, their friends at Portsmouth, who 
 had accompanied them on board, recommending them 
 by earnest prayer to the protection and blessing of 
 Heaven, took an affectionate leave, and went on shore. 
 On the same day the vessel dropped down to St. He- 
 len's, and on the 23d of February, 1796, joining Admiral 
 Gardener's convoy, sailed for the African shores. 
 
 During the whole of these transactions and prepara- 
 tions, no impropriety whatever was discovered in the 
 behaviour of the adventurers, that could indicate in the 
 least degree the unhappy result which finally defeated 
 the undertaking. Some little confusion appeared on 
 board, through the sea-sickness which they experienced 
 while in the harbour ; but this was nothing more than 
 the natural consequence of their situation. In other 
 respects their conduct was irreproachable, and their lan- 
 guage appeared to express the warm effusions of a 
 grateful heart. " When I consider," says a preacher 
 who was at this time stationed at Portsmouth, " the real 
 religion, and good disposition of all in authority on 
 board, I cannot doubt of their being well used. And 
 when I consider the good spirit of our friends, I must 
 believe that God will be with them." 
 
 It is a principle which must probably be for ever in- 
 separable from a probationary state, that, " He that can 
 choose can err." It was the misfortune of Dr. Coke and 
 his friends to do both on the present occasion ; and their 
 unhappiness to suffer severely from the effects of their 
 involuntary indiscretion. 
 
 The ship, after a pleasant voyage, reached the colony 
 of Sierra Leone in safety, and landed the new adven- 
 turers in a state of perfect health. They had not, how- 
 ever, been long in this colony, before those dispositions 
 which they had artfully concealed while in England, but 
 which had appeared on the voyage, became too conspi-
 
 266 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 cuous to be unobserved. One alone seems to have been 
 actuated by a proper principle. This man held fast his 
 integrity ; and to his account we are indebted for our 
 knowledge of their conduct. His letter is dated the 18th 
 of April, 1796. 
 
 " I am sorry," he observes, " to say, that most of 
 the persons you chose for the propagation of the gospel 
 in the Foulah country, in Africa, have manifested to the 
 world that they are strangers to the power of it them- 
 selves. I thought that their discontent while on board 
 might have arisen from their being strangers to ships, 
 but I soon found that it arose from an unrenewed heart. 
 I laboured all I could to conceal their conduct from the 
 other passengers and sailors, but in vain. The women 
 were frequently quarrelling with each other, and Mr. 
 
 P and Mr. E were generally calling each other 
 
 ill names. I was truly weighed down beyond measure, 
 as I plainly saw that our design and that of the subscri- 
 bers would be frustrated." 
 
 Nor was their behaviour in the colony less reprehen- 
 sible than their conduct while they were on board. 
 Their general deportment, which was better calculated 
 to excite contempt than to command respect, exposed 
 them to the derision of all who noticed their manners, 
 without feeling an interest in the settlement they were 
 appointed to establish ; and procured the pity of such 
 as were disposed to favour their cause. Happily the 
 dissensions which prevailed among them, prevented the 
 evil from being carried into the country they intended 
 to visit ; so that if the natives of the Foulah country 
 were not to be enlightened by the gospel at this time, 
 neither were they to be corrupted by their example, nor 
 disgusted with their manners. 
 
 Prior to the time of their departure from Sierra Leone, 
 some of the women declared that they would proceed 
 no farther, and reflected on their husbands for thus con- 
 ducting them into a foreign climate. Having taken this 
 resolution, their husbands, after wavering in uncertainty 
 for a season, joined them in this fortunate revolt ; the 
 whole system, therefore, became deranged, and the ex- 
 pedition was abandoned altogether. The unworthy 
 adventurers seized the earliest opportunity of returning
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 267 
 
 once more to their native land, to accuse each other 
 with having defeated the undertaking, and to endure 
 that shame and reproach which they had procured for 
 themselves by their own misconduct. Thus ended an 
 undertaking which had been carried on at a vast expense, 
 and prosecuted by the directors from the best of motives, 
 to introduce the gospel, and to spread the domestic arts 
 among the savage nations of Africa. 
 
 The settlement having failed through the causes which 
 have been mentioned, without even giving the inha- 
 bitants of the Foulah country any trial, Dr. Coke was 
 not satisfied to abandon the enterprise for ever. In the 
 ensuing year, he again opened some communications 
 with a gentleman who was well acquainted with the 
 nature of the undertaking. But finding from him that 
 in the interim some arrangements had been made in 
 Scotland for sending, from a society established there, 
 some missionaries into the same territories, and having 
 more promising openings in other parts of the globe, he 
 forbore to press it with ardour. The consequence was, 
 that it was finally relinquished, to be resumed Tsy him 
 no more. 
 
 The narrative of this unsuccessful effort will certainly 
 afford room for much useful reflection. How far it 
 might have been proper on the present occasion, or any 
 other, for the Methodists, whose sole business is to 
 preach the gospel, to form any alliance with those arts 
 which evidently belong to the department of civilization, 
 may well admit of some serious doubts. This was the 
 only effort of the kind that they ever made ; and in this 
 they were totally defeated, through the very means by 
 which they undertook to accomplish their purposes. 
 That their motives in the undertaking were pure, no 
 doubt can be entertained ; but purity of motive is not 
 always a sure criterion to direct us in the paths of duty. 
 If this effort had been successful, the consequences to 
 which it might have led baffle all our calculations. It 
 might have opened a way through which, in process of 
 time, our foreign missionaries might have degenerated 
 into a company of traders ; through which an alliance 
 might have been formed with commercial policy ; and 
 through which the spirit of the world might have diffused
 
 268 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 its temporising influence over that pure simplicity which 
 distinguishes the principles of the gospel. The Almighty, 
 in infinite goodness, to prevent these awful consequences, 
 may have permitted this scheme to be defeated, by 
 means which developed in miniature the evils which 
 success would have rendered portentous to the whole 
 body. It is His prerogative to bring good out of evil. 
 The failure of this scheme might therefore have been 
 necessary to prevent another from being undertaken on 
 similar grounds ; and, under an overruling Providence, 
 it may have been a powerful instrument to preserve the 
 connection from future contamination. 
 
 But there is another lesson which this little history 
 more evidently inculcates ; and that is, the care that 
 should always be taken in selecting men to fill up every 
 missionary station. The precepts of this lesson are of 
 universal application. To Dr. Coke no particular 
 blame can be attached on the present occasion, since it 
 is scarcely possible to conceive that he could know 
 any thing of the persons sent, until they were recom- 
 mended to him ; and after that time, until they, sailed, 
 they furnished no room for any just suspicions. In 
 behalf of the persons by whom they were recommended, 
 it may be charitably hoped that they also wereJeceived : 
 but even this is but a slender compensation for the 
 tendency which unworthy characters have, to dry up 
 the sources of benevolence, and to check the diffusion 
 of active virtue. 
 
 Of the admonitions which the letter above inserted 
 contains, we should never lose sight. In every respect 
 much depends upon the character of the missionaries 
 who are sent ; and none but men of tried integrity and 
 piety are worthy of that confidence which every mis- 
 sionary should inspire. Removed from that restraint 
 which the eyes of his superiors and associates always 
 impose, the man who ventures into a foreign climate, 
 where temptations become more numerous, and their 
 influence more powerful, while his means of resistance 
 grow weaker and less, falls a victim to evils which his 
 soul primarily abhorred. Nothing but a principle of 
 divine grace, kept continually in exercise, can enable 
 him to stand ; and even this should be matured before
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 he leaves the fostering society of his friends. The 
 vices of one, should he unhappily fall while abroad, 
 will be productive of evils for which the virtues of five 
 can hardly make an adequate compensation. But we 
 have levied a tax on our past indiscretion, and have 
 recovered, through that superior care which we have 
 since exercised, more patronage and more reputation 
 than we have lost by our ineffectual attempts to establish 
 a settlement in the Foulah country. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Dr. Coke sails again for America Treated with brutality by 
 the captain Account of a wreck found at sea State of religion 
 on the continent Entertains serious thoughts of settling in Ame- 
 rica Returns to Glasgow Instance of superstition State of reli- 
 gion in Scotland Embarks for Ireland Finds religion in a 
 Frosperous state there Difficulty of taking a final leave of his 
 rish friends English conference use means to prevent his set- 
 tling in America Sails again for the continent in 1797 Captured 
 by a French privateer Mr. Asbury's letter relative to Dr. Coke's 
 return Returns to England Projects and procures the establish- 
 ment of missions among the Irish Proposes an union of the 
 Methodists with the Church of England Letter to the bishop of 
 London Bishop's reply Scheme proves abortive Protection 
 procured by Dr. Coke for the Methodists during the Irish rebel- 
 lion Instances of loyalty among the Methodists in Ireland during 
 this commotion, and among the Methodist negroes in the West 
 Indies, in seasons of danger Approbation of government Per- 
 secuting law in Jersey Dr. Coke procures its repeal Embarks 
 again for America Request of the English conference for his 
 return to Europe Reply Persecution in Bermuda Dr. Coke 
 prevents the law from receiving the royal sanction Mr. Collet's 
 confessions respecting Mr. Wesley. 
 
 IT is a true observation, that " one misfortune seldom 
 comes alone ;" and it was Dr. Coke's misfortune to 
 witness, about this time, the truth of this proverbial 
 expression. 
 
 With a heart bleeding at every pore, in consequence 
 of the miscarriage of the Foulah mission in 1796, he 
 embarked, on the 6th of August in the same year, on 
 board of the Friendship, at Gravesend, near London,
 
 270 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 bound for Baltimore. The company in the cabin were, 
 the captain and his mate, the captain of a vessel that had 
 been wrecked, Mr. Pontivice, who accompanied Dr. 
 Coke to instruct him in the French language, another 
 passenger, and himself. 
 
 Dr. Coke and Mr. Pontivice had not been long on 
 board, before they discovered that they had fallen into 
 company of the most abandoned kind. They had paid 
 eighty guineas for their passage, but their accommoda- 
 tions and provisions were of the meanest description, 
 and their stock was too scanty for a nine weeks' voy- 
 age, to which, through calms and contrary winds, their 
 miserable passage was lengthened out. On reaching 
 the port of her destination, the ship had only provisions 
 for two days more on board. But these were little more 
 than the common inconveniences attendant on voyages 
 across the Atlantic. 
 
 Independently of these, the two captains appeared to 
 rival each other in their attempts at brutality, and in 
 the direct insults which their passengers were compelled 
 to bear from them. "To give a minute account," says 
 Dr. Coke, " of the ill usage I received, would, I think, 
 be sufficient to fill a volume. The obscenity and blas- 
 phemy of the two captains, with the various means they 
 employed to make my passage painful, are not easily 
 to be described. The treatment I received brought on 
 a fit of illness, which confined me to my bed for three 
 days." 
 
 To mark the general tenor of their conduct, Dr. Coke, 
 in his private papers, has descended to particulars ; and 
 the picture which he has drawn of their behaviour 
 makes them not only a dishonour to the English name, 
 but a disgrace to human nature. These private papers, 
 which are now before the writer, it was his intention at 
 first to exhibit to the world, that the captains, if still 
 alive, might blush to behold their conduct, even though 
 their names were concealed. But on a second review 
 of these papers, as he found that it was scarcely possible 
 to communicate the ideas which they contain, without 
 ofiending the eyes and the ears of delicacy, he finally 
 determined to consign them to oblivion. With Dr. 
 Coke the same reasons prevailed. He had made his
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 271 
 
 memoranda with a resolution to" prosecute the authors 
 of his wrongs, on his arrival at Baltimore ; and many 
 of his friends in that city urged him to make his appeal 
 to justice and to law, to drag their enormities to light,, 
 not merely on his own account, but in behalf of the 
 community at large. But he was deterred from his 
 purpose by the indelicacy of the scenes which he would 
 have been compelled to unravel in an open court. 
 Mean, vulgar, and obscene, both in their manners and 
 their language, they have hitherto been protected from 
 public execration, and the punishment they deserved,, 
 through the mere excess of their brutality. And the 
 forgiveness of him who suffered from their wanton in- 
 humanity, shall be so far cherished by his biographer, 
 that their names shall not be transmitted to posterity 
 through these pages. 
 
 But severe and painful as Dr. Coke's sufferings were, 
 they were less acute than the calamities which others 
 were doomed to endure, and which he was called to 
 witness during this voyage. " About six weeks," says 
 Dr. Coke, " after we sailed, on a Sunday morning, when 
 the sea was perfectly calm, we saw a wreck. It proved 
 to be a ship bound to London, from Honduras bay, in 
 the gulf of Mexico. About five or six days before, in 
 a storm, the skirts of which had reached us, it was over- 
 set, and the sailors Avere obliged to cut down all the 
 masts, to restore it to its proper position. It was loaded 
 with mahogany and logwood, the specific gravity of 
 which, on the whole, being lighter than water, it was 
 prevented from sinking. The ship's company consisted 
 of the captain, the mate, four white sailors, three negroes, 
 an Indian, one woman, and a boy. 
 
 " The masts being cut down, the ship soon filled with 
 water. Before this they had brought up all their pro- 
 visions, and placed them on the most secure part of the 
 deck ; but the wind rising higher, a few tremendous 
 waves washed off' the whole, and the poor woman also. 
 She was the wife of one of the sailors, I believe of the 
 mate, had been in Honduras bay upward of twenty 
 years, and had now embarked for London, to make 
 one visit to her English friends before she died. The 
 abundance of fish which was swimming around the
 
 273 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 wreck, and apparently waiting for their prey, was 
 astonishing. 
 
 *' The poor men had remained five days and five 
 nights in this dismal situation, without the least food or 
 drink of any kind, except some bits of leather which 
 they cut off from the cover of the cabin skylight, and 
 sea water, of which some drank abundantly, contrary 
 to the entreaty of the captain. The captain of our ship, 
 bad as he was, had compassion enough to take them on 
 board. Their looks were exceedingly affecting. Their 
 eagerness for water was extreme ; and it was with dif- 
 ficulty they were persuaded to suck or" swallow down 
 a little biscuit before they drank. The captain only 
 was an exception. He behaved like a hero, his face 
 was serenity itself; nor could any one have imagined 
 by his countenance that he had suffered any hardship. 
 He walked down to the cabin, and waited, without the 
 least word expressive of uneasiness, till some beef and 
 bread were set before him, and he ate several bits be- 
 fore he attempted to drink. One of the negroes, I 
 found, was a child of God, a preacher, and a leader of 
 a class. He had done considerable good in Honduras 
 bay ; and at one time had a good congregation ; but, as 
 he humbly confessed himself, his hearers in general left 
 him, on account of the deficiency of his talents for 
 preaching continually to the same congregation. 
 
 " Our captain tied the wreck to his ship, and got from 
 it cannon, cordage, sails, blocks, &c., which I believe 
 were worth 200Z. But late in the evening, while he 
 was returning with a cannon, which was tied to the side 
 of his boat, the wind suddenly sprang up, the cord broke 
 which fastened our ship to the wreck, and with the ut- 
 most difficulty he was saved."* 
 
 On the 3d of October, they saw with joy the American 
 land opening before them, but it was not until several 
 days more had elapsed that they were permitted to set 
 their feet on the shore. Delivered at length from his 
 floating dungeon, Dr. Coke hastened to Baltimore from 
 the mouth of the Chesapeake, where he first landed, 
 finding in every stage of his journey such hospitality 
 
 * Sixth voyage to America, published in the Methodist Maga- 
 zine, for 1798, p. 315.
 
 LIFE OF THE KEY.. DR. COKE. 273 
 
 and civility as he had not been permitted to expeiience 
 during the nine tedious weeks of his voyage. 
 
 Dr. Coke continued on the continent from the 3d of 
 October, 1796, until the 6th of February, 1797, on which 
 day he embarked at Charleston, on board of an Ameri- 
 can ship bound for Glasgow, in Scotland, During his 
 tour through the United States at this time, he attended 
 several conferences ; conversed much with his old asso- 
 ciates in the ministry, and had an opportunity of learn- 
 ing the state of religion on the continent. From per- 
 secution the friends of Jesus had nothing to apprehend ; 
 but much uneasiness had been occasioned in various 
 parts, through a division that had taken place in the 
 church. This had produced an unhappy ferment, and 
 many had suffered much loss in their souls. The effects 
 of these dissensions were still felt ; so that on the whole 
 he expressed his doubts whether vital religion had made 
 any real progress, from the time of his former visit to 
 the present period. In most places, however, the con- 
 gregations were large and deeply attentive ; and they 
 seemed to promise, when the present ferment had sub- 
 sided, that those who remained, being of one heart and 
 of one mind, would behold more auspicious days. 
 
 Prior to Dr. Coke's leaving England, the failure of 
 the Foulah undertaking, of which the narrative has been 
 given in the preceding chapter, the management of 
 which had devolved on him, rendered his last attendance 
 at the English conference far from being pleasing. 
 These circumstances, connected with a hope of being 
 more extensively useful in America than he could be in 
 England, rendered it somewhat doubtful on his depart- 
 ure, whether he should not take up his final abode with 
 his friends on the continent. To a proposition of this 
 kind, made to the general conference in America on his 
 arrival, that body most gladly acceded. Dr. Coke, 
 therefore, laid himself under a most solemn promise to 
 return to the continent, after having revisited England, 
 and settled his affairs on this side of the Atlantic ; unless 
 in compliance with any particular request that might be 
 made, they should voluntarily consent for him to remain 
 in Europe. But as his future residence in the United 
 States rested wholly with themselves, suspended only 
 12*
 
 274 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 on a condition with which they had no intention to com- 
 ply, they considered him as incorporated in their com- 
 munity, and on his departure, they anticipated the sea- 
 son of his final return. 
 
 The ship on -board of which he embarked at Charles- 
 ton, on the 6th of February, 1797, was driven by a 
 favourable tempest across the Atlantic, and brought into 
 the mouth of the Irish channel in twenty-five days. 
 But the violence of the waves had carried away the bul- 
 warks on both sides of the vessel, so that he durst not 
 make his appearance on deck during this tempestuous 
 voyage. To this continued storm a calm succeeded, 
 which detained them in the same spot nearly sixteen 
 days, during fourteen of which they saw no vessel of 
 any description. This continued calm the captain attri- 
 buted to Dr. Coke's reading a folio volume which he 
 had on board. In the early stages of the calm he would 
 sometimes hint his wishes that the book were finished. 
 At length,, being impelled more violently by a tide of 
 superstition than his vessel was by the natural breezes, 
 he exclaimed in unequivocal terms, " We shall never 
 have a wind until that book is finished." " Sir, I will 
 put it aside," replied Dr. Coke. " No," rejoined the 
 captain, " that will not do ; it must be finished, or we 
 shall have no wind.." Dr. Coke continued reading, and 
 " I doubt not," he observes, " that the captain was 
 somewhat confirmed in his opinion : for just as I had 
 finished the book, the wind sprang up, and in six and 
 thirty hours brought us into harbour." 
 
 On surveying the state of- religion in Scotland, Dr. 
 Coke considered it as having awfully degenerated from 
 its primitive purity* when the candle of the Lord shone 
 throughout the Scottish churches ; and a melancholy 
 declension in experimental and practical godliness had 
 taken place. His present visit, therefore, confirmed him 
 in an opinion which he had expressed in a letter to Mr. 
 Wesley in 1785, that a formal separation front the 
 Church of Scotland was essentially necessary to the 
 welfare of Methodism in that kingdom. The remedy 
 which he then proposed was, that a given number of 
 preachers should be ordained to labour in that kingdom, 
 who might administer the sacraments, and perform all
 
 LIFE OP THE REV. DR. COKE. 375 
 
 the rites of religion ; and thus prevent the people from 
 holding any communion with improper teachers. To 
 the principles of this plan he still adhered ; and the 
 progress of religion in America, which had no con- 
 nection with an establishment by law, appeared as an 
 additional circumstance to give sanction to the measure. 
 
 On the 29th of March Dr. Coke sailed to Ireland, and 
 travelled through many parts of that country, preaching 
 to large congregations, and in most places beholding, 
 in the diffusion of the gospel, the wonderful work of 
 God. Throughout the various circuits, the mobs, which 
 were no longer sanctioned by men in power, only, in 
 particular instances, were a feeble annoyance, which was 
 scarcely sufficient to disturb the general tranquillity ; 
 the numbers in society were regularly increasing ; and, 
 in many hearts, grace was evidently reigning through 
 righteousness unto eternal life. 
 
 Keeping in view, through all these visits, his engage- 
 ments to return to America, where he intended to take 
 up his final abode, he frequently spoke to his congrega- 
 tions in a manner that strongly indicated it was the last 
 time they would ever hear his voice. His farewell 
 admonitions had a powerful effect upon his audiences. 
 Several among them burst into tears ; and many sor- 
 rowed for the words which he spake, that they would 
 see his face no more. At the conference which suc- 
 ceeded to these excursive visits he found himself more 
 firmly riveted in the affections of the preachers, as well 
 as of the people, than he could easily have imagined. 
 And, as a natural consequence, he discovered that it was 
 less difficult to form a plan of separation, when he was 
 five thousand miles distant, than to carry that plan into 
 execution when he came to take leave of his Irish 
 friends. 
 
 At the English conference, which speedily followed, 
 the preachers who assembled intimated one to another 
 the prevailing report, that Dr. Coke intended quitting 
 them for ever, and taking up his abode for life in the 
 United States of America. This was an event which 
 they were no more disposed to relish than they had 
 been previously prepared to expect. The thought, 
 therefore, of being forsaken by a man who had been.
 
 276 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 more active about the missions than any one besides in 
 the connection, and who had been the chief pillar on 
 which the burden of this department rested, awakened 
 all their sympathy and affections ; and he was requested 
 by words and actions rather to relinquish his intention 
 to quit the country than to abandon them. 
 
 Subdued by these affectionate importunities, the pro- 
 priety of adhering to his promise of returning to Ame- 
 rica, without making some effort to get it annulled, 
 through that condition which had been introduced, 
 appeared now in a dubious light. He was again brought 
 into a dilemma, but it was of the pleasing kind. He 
 was importuned on each side of the Atlantic. He was 
 unwilling to displease either party ; but to comply with 
 the wishes of both, under existing circumstances, was 
 rendered impossible. 
 
 Having laid himself under an engagement in Ame- 
 rica, which was too sacred to be violated, but from the 
 fulfilment of which he had no objections to recede, pro- 
 vided his promise could be repealed with honour, he 
 once more turned his face toward the continent, and 
 began to prepare for his seventh voyage across the 
 western ocean. In addition to the common concerns 
 of his ordinary visits, he was now appointed to nego- 
 tiate between the conference of England and that of 
 America, for the place of his future and final abode. 
 Thus balanced between the affectionate solicitations of 
 both, his attachments became divided ; and the natural 
 result enabled him on the present occasion to remain 
 nearly in a state of passive indecision, to learn from 
 the issue of combined events what might appear to be 
 the order of Providence, by which he was determind to 
 abide. 
 
 The affairs of conference being ended, and an address 
 prepared for the brethren in America, requesting them 
 to cancel Dr. Coke's engagements to continue among 
 them, that he might return and take up his final resi- 
 dence, he took his leave, and shortly afterward departed 
 oa his voyage. Procuring a passage at Liverpool, he 
 sailed from that port on the 28th of August, 1797, on 
 board of an American ship, called the President, com- 
 manded by John Addison Smith, a native of the conti-
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 277 
 
 nent. The winds on their departure proving rather 
 unfavourable, five days elapsed before they had cleared 
 the channel, and even then their condition was too dis- 
 astrous to permit them to proceed. The ship having 
 sprung a leak, which admitted a vast quantity of water, 
 the seamen were obliged to work continually at the 
 pumps. But being near the coast of Ireland, they 
 directed their course toward its shores, and cast anchor 
 near Londonderry, in order to have it examined and 
 repaired. On the 4th of September they again put to 
 sea, but found themselves exposed to tempestuous 
 weather for nearly five weeks. On the 18th, Dr. Coke 
 was much alarmed by being awakened in the dead of 
 night with the sound of water descending with violence 
 over the cabin stairs. His conclusion was, that the ship 
 was sinking, and that within a few moments the souls 
 of all on board would be launched into eternity. The 
 alarm was quickly allayed ; and all the passengers were 
 tranquil as soon as it was discovered that it proceeded 
 from a solitary wave which had covered the deck and 
 found its way into every avenue. On the 20th, several 
 enormous whales played around the ship ; and on the 
 3d of October, they spoke with a Danish vessel that had 
 been boarded by a French privateer, from which she 
 was separated by contrary winds. On the 27th they 
 fell in with another ship, which became their companion 
 for many leagues, and frequently sailed so near them 
 that the people on board each vessel were able to con- 
 verse, and mutually relate the particulars of their re- 
 spective voyages. From their companion they learned 
 that she also had been boarded by a privateer ; but that, 
 having nothing but salt on board, she was suffered to 
 proceed on her voyage. Reports of this kind could not 
 but awaken their apprehensions of danger ; and it was 
 not long after their companion parted from them, be- 
 fore they had an opportunity of discovering that their 
 fears were not altogether imaginary. 
 
 On Sunday, the 29th of October, about half past three 
 in the afternoon, two brigs appeared in sight. One of 
 these, as they afterward discovered, was from the United 
 States, and bound for Guadaloupe, toward which she 
 continued to bend her course. The other brig, on dis-
 
 278 LIFE OF THE RKV. DR. COKE. 
 
 covering the vessel in which Dr. Coke sailed, altered 
 her direction, and with crowded sail made instantly 
 toward her. The Liverpool ship being heavily laden 
 with salt, and being without arms, was totally unable 
 either to escape or to resist, in case the brig approach- 
 ing her should prove an enemy. The stranger carrying 
 English colours induced some to hope that she was a 
 friend ; but the captain from the first moment she ap- 
 peared in sight was of a different opinion. About five 
 o'clock her port-holes were visible to the naked eye, 
 and scarcely any doubt was now entertained of her be- 
 ing a French privateer. Almost immediately afterward 
 a gun was fired for them to slacken sail ; and as escape 
 and resistance were alike impossible, the captain in- 
 stantly obeyed. 
 
 The armed brig, still under English colours, now ran 
 alongside, when a person from her deck, addressing 
 the people on board the Liverpool ship in perfectly 
 good English, after a few questions, commanded the 
 captain to send his boat immediately on board. It was 
 now nearly sunset, and the silent gloom which sat on 
 every countenance during the absence of the boat gave 
 to suspense an additional solemnity. This suspense 
 was of no long duration. Within about half an hour, 
 the boat returned full of Frenchmen, who declared the 
 ship to be a prize ; and ordered all the English, except 
 the captain, the black cook, the cabin boy, and the pas- 
 sengers, on board of the privateer, for such this brig 
 was now discovered to be. 
 
 To relieve the passengers from that terror which 
 their being captured had naturally occasioned, one of 
 the Frenchmen approached, and informed them that 
 their fears were groundless, as no private property on 
 board should be touched ; the French captain having 
 declared that whoever purloined a single article should 
 forfeit his share of the prize money. Being somewhat 
 consoled with this declaration, they went down into the 
 cabin, and drank their tea with more comfort than could 
 otherwise have been expected, the prize master and his 
 mate having joined their company. 
 
 The orders, however, which are issued on board of a 
 privateer wb,en a prize is taken are rarely enforced with
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 279 
 
 rigour, or obeyed with punctuality. The truth of this 
 was painfully experienced by Dr. Coke and his com- 
 panions in adversity. The sailors in the first place de- 
 manded rum ; but on finding that there was scarcely 
 any on board, and that they could obtain nothing but 
 porter, and this only in small quantities, they became 
 insolent from disappointment, and proceeded to out- 
 rages which nothing but intoxication might have been 
 expected to occasion. 
 
 The captain of the President, whose solicitude for 
 the welfare of the passengers never forsook him, soon 
 found, on calm reflection, that he was a ruined man. 
 In this ship a considerable portion of his property was 
 embarked, and the derangement that its capture would 
 occasion in his affairs on the continent required his 
 immediate presence. But his destiny could not be re- 
 versed, and he submitted to his condition with a degree 
 of fortitude which heroic minds can alone display. If 
 the ship had been laden only, with salt, she would not 
 have been a lawful prize. But between her decks there 
 was a considerable quantity of -bale goods, which had 
 been taken in at an English port, and this was sufficient 
 for her condemnation by the existing laws of France. 
 
 The head of the President was now turned toward 
 the West Indies ; and, accompanied by the privateer, it 
 was expected she would be conducted to Porto Rico, 
 as the admiralty of that port condemned almost every 
 vessel that was brought in ; and it was highly probable 
 that the Spanish governor had a share in the privateer. 
 Dr. Coke, in ruminating on his condition, as his mis- 
 sionary views were ever uppermost, was at first induced 
 to think that God had more work for him to accomplish 
 in the islands. But a little reflection on the moral 
 impossibility of getting into any of the British colonies, 
 gave a new direction to his thoughts, and led him to 
 hope and pray that he might stilLJje enabled to reach 
 the shores of the continent. ^^B 
 
 His prayers and wishes did MHFong remain unan- 
 swered. A Methodist preacher is perhaps one of the 
 worst prizes that a privateer can take. The sailors can 
 soon make themselves acquainted with the value of his 
 baggage ; but of him they know not the worth. It was
 
 280 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 in this scale of estimation that Dr. Coke and his pro- 
 perty were weighed. And, therefore, after plundering 
 him of his clothes, but restoring to him his books and 
 papers, they contrived means to set him on shore to 
 pursue his way, and make his friends acquainted with 
 the disaster of his voyage. 
 
 In travelling through the continent, after thus getting 
 almost naked on shore, he soon found friends who 
 cheerfully supplied his wants ; so that he was enabled 
 to pursue his course in nearly the same manner that 
 distinguished his former tour. Of this journey, there- 
 fore, it will be wholly unnecessary to give any farther 
 description. But of the effect which the address pro- 
 duced, that had been transmitted from the English con- 
 ference, some notice must be taken, as it clearly proves 
 the exalted opinion which the American preachers en- 
 tertained of his usefulness, and of the rank which he 
 bore in their public estimation. Nothing can set these 
 facts in a more convincing light than the following 
 official letter, addressed to the members of the British 
 conference. This letter is dated Virginia conference, 
 November 29, 1797. 
 
 " RESPECTED FATHERS AND BRETHREN, You, in 
 your brotherly kindness, were pleased to address a let- 
 ter to us, your brethren and friends in America, express- 
 ing your difficulties and desires concerning our beloved 
 brother Dr. Coke, that he might return to Europe to 
 heal the breach which designing men have been making 
 among you, or prevent its threatened overflow. We have 
 but one grand responsive body, which is our general 
 conference, and it was in and to this body the doctor 
 entered his obligations to serve his brethren in America. 
 No yearly conference, no official character dare assume 
 to answer for that grand federal body. 
 
 " By the advice of the yearly conference now sitting 
 in Virginia, and th^jespect I bear to you, I write to 
 inform you that ii^^Aown persons and order we con- 
 sent to his return^M partial continuance with you, 
 and earnestly pray that you may have much peace, union, 
 and happiness together. May you find that your divi- 
 sions end in a greater union, order, and harmony of the 
 body, so that the threatened cloud may blow over, and
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 281 
 
 your divisive party may be of as little consequence to 
 you, as ours is to us. 
 
 " With respect to the doctor's returning to us, I leave 
 your enlarged understandings and good sense to judge. 
 You will see the number of souls upon our annual Mi- 
 nutes, and as men of reading, you may judge over what 
 a vast continent these societies are scattered. I refer 
 you to a large letter I wrote our beloved brother Brad- 
 burn on the subject. 
 
 " By a probable guess, we have, perhaps, from 1,000 to 
 1 ,200 travelling and local preachers. Local preachers are 
 daily rising up and coming forward with proper recom- 
 mendations from their respective societies, to receive 
 ordination, beside the regulation and ordinations of the 
 yearly conferences. From Charleston, South Carolina, 
 where the conference was held, to the province of 
 Maine, where another conference is to be held, there is 
 a space of about 1,300 miles ; and we have only one 
 worn-out superintendent, who was this day advised by 
 the yearly conference to desist from preaching till next 
 spring, on account of his debilitated state of body. But 
 the situation of our affairs requires that he should travel 
 about 5,000 miles a year, through many parts unsettled, 
 and other thinly peopled countries. I have now with 
 me an assistant, who does every thing for me he consti- 
 tutionally can : but the ordaining and stationing the 
 preachers can only be performed by myself in the doc- 
 tor's absence. 
 
 " We have to lament that our superintendeucy is so 
 weak, and that it cannot constitutionally be strengthened 
 till the ensuing general conference. How I have felt 
 and must feel, .under such critical and important circum- 
 stances, I leave you to judge. 
 
 "To write much on the subject would be imposing 
 on my own weakness and your good understanding. I 
 speak as unto wise men ; judge what I say. 
 
 '* Wishing you great peace and spiritual prosperity, 
 I remain your brother, your friend, your servant for 
 Christ's sake, FRANCIS ASBURY." 
 
 Dr. Coke continued on the continent till some time 
 in the spring of 1798. During this period he found a 
 sufficiency of employment, while assisting Mr. Asbury
 
 282 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 in those branches of his duty to which none beside 
 themselves were deemed competent. And on his final 
 departure from America, although the conference at 
 Virginia, as appears by the preceding letter, had given 
 him leave to retire for a season, it was from a full con- 
 viction that, by the general conference, he would be 
 recalled, and bound by that engagement which he had 
 previously made. 
 
 The general conference, after viewing, with due deli- 
 beration, the peculiar ground on which he stood, and 
 weighing the solicitation which the English conference 
 had made for his return, instead of enforcing those 
 claims which his promise had enabled them to urge, 
 manifested a willingness to follow the example which 
 the preceding letter had set before them. They were 
 willing to suspend their demands, but not to renounce 
 their rights. The utmost, therefore, to which they 
 would submit was, that Dr. Coke should remain in 
 England, and act under the direction of the British 
 conference, so long as his presence in America was not 
 essentially necessary. But in case they thought it need- 
 ful to call him to the continent, his promise was still to 
 be considered as obligatory, and he was to obey the 
 summons. Such was the final determination of the 
 general conference, and in this state of uncancelled sus- 
 pension his promise remained until his eyes were closed 
 in death. 
 
 On his return from America, in 1798, Dr. Coke em- 
 ployed his time chiefly in visiting the societies, in 
 begging for the missions, and in carrying on his great 
 work, the commentary. But it was not to the missions 
 already established that his gospel view.s were exclu- 
 sively confined. His desire to extend the gospel scarcely 
 knew any bounds ; so that even while he was combat- 
 ing innumerable difficulties to rescue those in the West 
 Indies from their returning embarrassments, he was 
 constantly exerting himself in establishing more. 
 
 During this year, he formed a plan for introducing 
 the gospel among the degraded peasantry of Ireland, 
 by means of missionaries, who should travel through 
 their unfrequented districts, and address them in their 
 native tongue. At first his proposition was deemed
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 283 
 
 impracticable, and few only were disposed to support 
 his views. But he had been too much accustomed 
 to opposition, to abandon any plan which he thought 
 would be for the benefit of mankind, merely because it 
 had not the happiness of meeting with immediate appro- 
 bation. Persevering, therefore, in his measures, his 
 exertions were at last crowned with success, and a 
 mission among the Irish peasantry was established. 
 The events which followed have more than justified the 
 experiment. From that time to the present, this mission 
 has continued to flourish ; and the numbers of souls that 
 have been converted, furnish a decisive evidence that it 
 has been owned of God. Of this mission, the numerous 
 letters which have been published in the Methodist 
 Magazine, during the last seven years, will furnish a 
 detailed account. 
 
 But it was not merely to the increase of missions in 
 the more benighted parts that Dr. Coke's views were at 
 this time confined. Attached, like Mr. Wesley, to the 
 Establishment of his country, and unwilling to counte- 
 nance innovations that might ultimately lead the Metho- 
 dists to form themselves into a separate body, he devised 
 a plan, which, he thought, might wholly prevent the 
 evil which he feared. The principles of this plan were, 
 to establish, if possible, an indissoluble union between 
 the Methodists and the Church of England, without 
 rendering them dependent upon the clergy of the Esta- 
 blishment. That he had in former years defended mea- 
 sures which innovations had introduced, is a point of 
 which some notice has been already taken. But these 
 variations imply no inconsistency of character. The 
 changes which had resulted from innovation he highly 
 approved ; but the principle from whence they came 
 by no means met his approbation. It was therefore 
 with a view to secure the effect, while he discarded the 
 former cause, and introduced another that should be 
 more legitimately adequate to all the advantages which 
 had been experienced or were now desired, that his pre- 
 sent plan was formed, and submitted to the inspection 
 of the highest ecclesiastical authority in the nation. Of 
 this plan we shall insert the outline, so far as may be 
 necessary to the developement of its principles, as it
 
 284 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 stands in a copy of a letter which he wrote to the bishop 
 of London.* 
 
 " May it please your lordship, I have felt a strong 
 inclination for more than twelve months past, to take 
 the liberty of writing to your lordship on a subject 
 which appears to me of vast importance ; I mean the 
 necessity of securing the great body of Methodists in 
 connection with the late Rev. John Wesley to the Church 
 of England. 
 
 " The Methodist society, in England only, consists 
 of between eighty and ninety thousand adults in close 
 connection. Our regular hearers amount, I believe, to 
 full six times as many upon the average, inclusive of the 
 societies ; so that the regular hearers make up half a 
 million. They are friends of the liturgy of the Church 
 of England, and of its episcopacy. But there is one 
 thing which I greatly dread, and which I am afraid, if 
 not prevented, will in the course of years have a very 
 fatal tendency. 
 
 " A very considerable part of our society have im- 
 bibed a deep prejudice against receiving the Lord's 
 supper from the hands of immoral clergymen. The 
 word immoral they consider in a very extensive sense, 
 as including all those who frequent card tables, balls, 
 horse-racing, theatres, and other places of fashionable 
 amusement. I have found it in vain to urge to them 
 that the validity of the ordinance does not depend upon 
 the piety or even the morality of the minister : all my 
 arguments have had no effect. In consequence of this, 
 petitions were sent, immediately after the death of Mr. 
 Wesley, from different societies, to our annual confer- 
 ence, requesting that they might receive the Lord's 
 supper from their own preachers, or from such as con- 
 ference might appoint to administer it to them. For 
 two years this point was combated with success ; but 
 some of our leading friends conceiving that a few ex- 
 empt cases might be allowed, opposition to the measure 
 was overruled. These exempt cases, as had been fore- 
 
 * It may perhaps be necessary to state that this correspondence 
 with the bisnop of London was purely of a personal nature as it 
 respects Dr. Coke, the conference knowing nothing of it at the 
 time, and having no connection whatever with the business.
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 285 
 
 seen, annually increased ; so that now a considerable 
 number of our body have deviated in this instance from 
 the Established Church ; and I plainly perceive that 
 this deviation, unless prevented, will in time bring about 
 a universal separation from the Establishment. 
 
 " But how can this be prevented ? I am inclined to 
 think that if a given number of our leading preachers, 
 proposed by our general conference, were to be ordained, 
 and permitted to travel through our connection to ad- 
 minister the sacraments to those societies who have 
 been thus prejudiced as above, every difficulty would be 
 removed. I have no doubt that the people would be 
 universally satisfied. The men of greatest influence in 
 the connection would, I am sure, unite with me ; and 
 every deviation from the Church of England would be 
 done away. 
 
 "In a letter which a few months past I took the 
 liberty of writing to your lordship, on the business of 
 our societies in Jersey, I observed that for a little time 
 I had been warped from my attachment to the Church 
 of England, in consequence of my visiting the states of 
 America ; but, like a bow too much bent, I have again 
 returned. But I return with a full conviction that our 
 numerous societies in America would have been a regu- 
 lar presbyterian church, if Mr. Wesley and myself had 
 not taken the steps which we judged it necessary to 
 adopt. 
 
 " Perhaps, my lord, I may urge, for the importance 
 of the present proposition, that the promotion of union 
 among Christians was never so necessary as in the pre- 
 sent age, when infidelity moves with such gigantic 
 strides. However its numerous votaries may disagree 
 in their philosophical tenets, they cordially unite to 
 oppose Christianity. It is only between the Methodists 
 and the Establishment that we can hope for any cordial 
 and permanent union to take place. 
 
 " If this point be worthy of your lordship's considera- 
 tion, I could wish that something might be done as soon 
 as convenient, as some of my most intimate friends, to 
 whom I have ventured to disclose this plan, are far 
 advanced in years. These are men of long standing, 
 and of great influence in our connection. The plan
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 meets their decided approbation, and cordial wishes for 
 success ; and, I have no doubt, they would lay down 
 their lives with joy, if they could see so happy a plan 
 accomplished as I have now proposed. If an interview 
 shall be thought necessary, on your lordship's signifying 
 it, I will visit London for the purpose, about the begin- 
 ning of next month. About the end of April my private 
 plan will lead me to visit our numerous societies in 
 Ireland, and I shall not return till the end of July, at 
 which time our general conference will be held in 
 Manchester. In September I intend setting off for 
 America, to make a short visit of six or seven months 
 to our societies on that continent, unless some business 
 of the first importance prevent it. 
 
 " I did myself the honour, about a year ago, to lay this 
 whole plan before the attorney general, with whom I 
 had the honour of being acquainted at Oxford, and so 
 far as a cursory view of the business could enable him 
 to speak, he greatly approved of it, and, some months 
 past, encouraged me to lay the whole at the feet of your 
 lordship. This I have now done ; and I pray you, my 
 lord, whatever be your lordship's judgment, to forgive, 
 at all events, the liberty I have now taken. I have the 
 honour to be, my lord, &c., &c., T. COKE. 
 
 " Manchester, March 29, 1799. 
 
 In thus submitting to the inspection of the bishops 
 the plan which he had formed for the immediate union 
 of the Methodists with the church, Dr. Coke only 
 pursued that path in which Count Zinzendorf had 
 walked in the year 1737. " About the middle of Janu- 
 ary the count arrived in England. One principal object 
 of this visit seems to have been to procure a union 
 between the Moravian Church and the Church of Eng- 
 land, in Georgia, and to get them acknowledged by this 
 country as one church. As Georgia was supposed to 
 be under the jurisdiction of the bishop of London, Mr. 
 Wesley took an early opportunity of waiting on his 
 lordship with the count's proposition. But the bishop 
 refused to meddle in that business. He waited again 
 on the bishop of Oxford, and informed him that the 
 bishop of London declined having any thing to do with 
 Georgia : alleging that it belonged to the archbishop to
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 287 
 
 unite the Moravians with the English Church. He 
 replied that it was the bishop of London's proper office. 
 He bid me," adds Mr. Wesley, " assure the count, we 
 should acknowledge the Moravians as our brethren, and 
 one church with us."* 
 
 Dr. Coke and his* friends, whose conduct in proposing 
 a union with the Episcopal Establishment was not alto- 
 gether unsanctioned by Mr. Wesley, although his pro- 
 positions appeared in another form, waited with some 
 solicitude for the reply which the preceding letter was 
 expected to produce. And it was not long before he 
 was favoured with the following answer from the bishop 
 of London : 
 
 " St. James' square, April 5, 1799. 
 
 " REV. SIR, I received the favour of your letter of 
 the 29th of last month, and have read it with great 
 attention. It contains much important matter, which 
 well deserves very serious consideration. The object 
 you have in view is certainly very desirable ; but how 
 far the means you have proposed for attaining it are 
 practicable, I cannot at present pretend to judge. But 
 you may rest assured that I shall turn the subject fre- 
 quently in my thoughts, and converse with the two 
 archbishops upon it ; and whenever we have formed 
 any decisive opinion on the question you will hear of it 
 from one of them, or from, sir, your faithful and obe- 
 dient servant, B. LONDON." 
 
 More than a fortnight elapsed from the date of the 
 preceding letter before any consultation or communica- 
 tion took place between the bishops, which led to a 
 decision on this affair. But the event proved that they 
 viewed the subject in an important light, however inade- 
 quate to the accomplishment of the end proposed, they 
 might think the measure recommended. This might be 
 gathered from the tone of the preceding letter, the inde- 
 cision of which, by discovering solicitude, was calculated 
 to flatter hope, and to leave Dr. Coke wholly unprepared 
 for the final reply which prevented all farther communi- 
 cation. This final reply was couched in the following 
 terms : 
 
 * Whitehead's Life of Mr. Wesley, vol. i, pp. 137-139.
 
 V 
 
 288 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 " Lambeth-house, Tuesday evening', 
 , April 22, 1799. 
 
 " REVEREND SIR, Not having had it in my power to 
 keep my promise of writing to you by last night's post, 
 I assure myself of your pardon for that omission ; and 
 I now proceed to inform you of my sentiments, and 
 those of the bishops with whom I have communicated 
 on the subject of your letter, after the fullest and most 
 deliberate consideration of its contents. 
 
 " That persons of tender consciences, who have 
 scruples in respect to any points of religious doctrine 
 or discipline, should be allowed all reasonable indul- 
 gence, we hold to be just and proper ; but that a scruple 
 avowed to be founded in a presumption that all the 
 regularly ordained clergy of the Church of England are 
 immoral, should be given way to ; and that the bishops 
 should, on such a suggestion, ordain a number of per- 
 sons upon the recommendation of your general confer- 
 ence, without any other inquiry as to their fitness, and 
 without any title or appointment to any place where 
 they might legally exercise their functions ; such a pro- 
 posal, merely for the purpose of supplying congrega- 
 tions, which scruple to receive the sacrament of the 
 Lord's supper at the hands of our ministers whom they 
 deem unworthy, with pastors whom they more approve, 
 we must think it highly unjustifiable in us to comply 
 with. 
 
 " We cannot but lament that persons of a religious 
 and serious turn of mind should be likely to be sepa- 
 rated from our communion by an ill opinion of our 
 clergy, which we think ill founded, and upon a prin- 
 ciple erroneous and not to be admitted were the opinion 
 true, (see the 26th article of the Church of England.) 
 
 " We hope and trust, however, that a consequence so 
 much to be deprecated may be averted by God's bless- 
 ing on your pious exertions to bring your people to a 
 better mind. 
 
 "To His. holy protection I commend you heartily, 
 and am faithfully, and with all good wishes, 
 
 " Your humble servant, J. CANTUAR." 
 
 Having traced this ineffectuial effort to form a more 
 permanent union between the Methodists and the church
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 from its cradle to its grave, it will be necessary to re- 
 turn once more to the year 1798, in which it had its 
 birth, to survey some serious events which place Dr. 
 Coke's character and conduct in a conspicuous and an 
 interesting light. 
 
 It was early in this year that an alarming rebellion 
 broke out in Ireland, which menaced the kingdom with 
 all the horrors of a civil war. The condition of the 
 country placed its inhabitants in an awful situation, and 
 exposed those who had become servants of the Prince 
 of peace to many peculiar dangers, from which others 
 were exempted. As the period was approaching in 
 which the Irish conference was to be held, many doubts 
 were entertained respecting the propriety of holding it 
 under existing circumstances ; it being well known that 
 those who had drawn the sword were enemies to right- 
 eousness, and that they would gladly avail themselves 
 of an opportunity so favourable to massacre the preach- 
 ers in one body. In addition to the doubts which they 
 entertained of their personal safety from the rebels, it 
 appeared very questionable how far government, to 
 which they were strongly attached, might consider it 
 prudent for them to assemble. These were points of 
 serious moment, and it devolved on Dr. Coke, under 
 divine Providence, to guide the helm in these trouble- 
 some times. In the duties of this perilous station he 
 was made the happy instrument of much good, and was 
 enabled, by having access to men in power, to whom 
 his name was well known, to procure both liberty and 
 protection for the preachers and himself. 
 
 On this subject, in a letter to Mr. Asbury in America, 
 he makes the following observations : " I have spent a 
 considerable time since I had the pleasure of seeing you 
 in Ireland. You have undoubtedly heard of the dreadful 
 rebellion in that country. I was in Ireland at the height 
 of it, and was obliged to employ much of my time in 
 gaining the protection and interposition of the govern- 
 ment of that kingdom in behalf of our suffering preach- 
 ers. And God was pleased to give me success, without 
 which, humanly speaking, they would not have held 
 iheir conference, nor could many of them have travelled." 
 
 Nor is this the testimony of Dr. Coke exclusively. 
 13
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 The Irish conference, in an address to the English, have 
 made the same acknowledgment ; and the reply from 
 the English to the Irish has recorded the fact in lan- 
 guage of grateful approbation. Adverting to these 
 calamitous times, the Irish conference express them- 
 selves as follows : " We enjoy all the instituted and 
 prudential ordinances, while in various parts houses of 
 all denominations have been deserted. Our conference 
 was not only held without molestation, but by permission 
 of his excellency the lord lieutenant. Under God we owe 
 this permission to the exertions of our worthy president, 
 Dr. Coke, who, upon hearing of our danger and distress, 
 flew on the wings of love from your laud of safety and 
 happiness to partake of our suffering, and to help us 
 on our way to heaven. We feel ourselves highly 
 obliged to him, and our hearts are so knit to him in 
 love that we are assured you will approve of our earn- 
 est desire to have him delegated by you to us, not only 
 to travel through the kingdom, but to preside among 
 us the ensuing year. We consider this request as a 
 duty we owe to Dr. Coke, whom we wish to share in 
 the sunshine of prosperity with us, (which we hope 
 will ere long rise upon our land,) as he now does in 
 our dark and cloudy day." 
 
 In reply to this address the English conference ob- 
 serve as follows : " To his unwearied exertions you 
 are certainly indebted for the great privilege of travel- 
 ling in safety to your respective circuits, as well as for 
 permission to hold your conference without molesta- 
 tion."* 
 
 When the minds of men are actuate*! by proper prin- 
 ciples, the favours conferred by governors are always 
 sure to be repaid by their subjects. Benevolence be- 
 gets gratitude, and gratitude is inseparably connected 
 with obedience to just authority and law. That the 
 Methodists of Ireland were influenced by these prin- 
 ciples several instances might be adduced to prove. On 
 grateful hearts no favour can ever be bestowed in vain. 
 
 The night before Monasterevan was attacked by an 
 army of rebels, computed to be about two thousand in 
 
 * Methodist Magazine for 1798, pp. 547, 549.
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 291 
 
 number, thirty-six Methodists assembled in the preach- 
 ing house with their families, and spent the night in 
 prayer. Having had some previous intimation of the 
 intention of the rebels, thirty-four of these brought 
 with them their arms and ammunition. At break of 
 day they received intelligence that the enemy were ap- 
 proaching. The thirty-four who were armed immedi- 
 ately sallied forth, being joined by a counsellor who 
 was at a neighbouring inn, and met them at some dis- 
 tance from the town. The weather being very foggy* 
 and it being early in the morning, the enemy could not 
 distinguish their numbers. Both parties kept up an 
 incessant fire ; but the rebels advanced toward the town, 
 while the loyalists retired. They, however, followed 
 them in the rear, and the skirmish continued till many 
 of the former and four of the latter had fallen. 
 
 Scarcely had the enemy entered the town before two 
 hundred of black horse, as they were termed, arrived. 
 But the rebels formed such a chevaux de frize with 
 their pikes that they were afraid to advance. It was 
 just at this moment that the rebel commander issued 
 orders to set the town on fire. But his men being 
 rather tardy to execute his commands, as he was pass- 
 ing through a window to hasten the conflagration, one 
 of the survivors of the thirty-four, a lad of sixteen, 
 levelled his musket at him, and shot him dead upon the 
 spot. At this disaster a panic instantly seized the rebel 
 army, and they fled in all directions. In their flight 
 the'y were pursued by the cavalry, and the roads were 
 covered with their dead bodies. 
 
 At Kilbcggan^ a small party of yeomen, many of 
 whom were Methodists, met a rebel army approaching 
 to burn the town. The yeomen were headed by a Mr. 
 Handy, of Braccacastle, an intimate friend of Dr. Coke. 
 This gentleman and his sons, in conjunction with the 
 yeomen, fought in the bravest manner, and repulsing 
 the rebels with considerable loss, gained a complete 
 victory. 
 
 The night before the rebellion broke out, one of the 
 united Irishmen came to his brother in Dublin, about 
 eight o'clock at night, entreating him to leave the town 
 that night with his wife and children, but without
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 assigning any reason for this extraordinary request. 
 His brother, who was a leader in the Methodist society, 
 withstood his entreaties for about half an hour, arid 
 finally compelled him to retire in tears, from the abso- 
 lute refusal in which he persisted to the last. On being 
 alone, he began to reflect that the length and earnest- 
 ness of his brother's importunity seemed to be accom- 
 panied with an air of mystery, which excited something 
 more than mere idle curiosity. Under these impres- 
 sions he went to the marshal provo*t, and informed him 
 of the whole affair. The marshal went immediately to 
 the castle, and laid before the lord lieutenant the suspi- 
 cious circumstances. His lordship was instantly alarmed, 
 as for some time he had anticipated a meditated insur- 
 rection. To prepare for the worst, the castle guns 
 were instantly fired ; the drums beat to arms ; and an 
 army of regulars and volunteer* were assembled about 
 eleven o'clock that night, and soon after midnight they 
 marched out of the city. About three in the morning; 
 they met the rebel army nearly three miles from Dub- 
 lin, approaching in full force toward it. A battle en- 
 sued, and the insurgents were defeated. Lord Camden 
 was then lord lieutenant. 
 
 Among the various expdients to wMch wicked men 
 have resorted to check the progress of the gospel, it 
 has frequently been said that those who inculcate its 
 principles and precepts are enemies to Cesar. There 
 was a time when insinuations of this nature were urged 
 against the Methodists ; in opposition to which, positive 
 denials could only present a feeble defence. Time, 
 however, has accomplished what no language could 
 effect ; and the day in which they could be accused of 
 disloyalty, with any probability of suspicion, has longf 
 since departed from the British shores. But the accu- 
 sation has occasionalry foowl an asylum in some of the 
 West India islands' ', and this has been urged as a plau- 
 sible pretext, why the slaves should be forbidden to hear 
 the gospel. Yet even in these islands time has blunted 
 the edge of calumny ; and past events have furnished 
 instances which the approbation of enlightened power 
 enables us to record with pleasure. 
 
 It was not long after the commencement of the late
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 293 
 
 war with France, that the president of the council for 
 the island of Tortola, who represented the governor, 
 received information that the enemy were at that time 
 fitting out an expedition at Guadaloupe against that 
 island. Being aware that the military force then in 
 Tortola was insufficient for its defence, he was reduced 
 to the momentous alternative either to surrender to the 
 invaders, or to arm the negroes to oppose them. It was 
 in the latter he could find his only resource, and this 
 was an expedient to which he even trembled to resort. 
 Such, however, was his confidence in Mr. Turner, at 
 that time superintendent of the Methodist societies in 
 the Virgin Islands, and so strong was the conviction of 
 his influence over the negroes, that he sent for him, and 
 plainly stated their perilous condition. Relying on Mr. 
 Turner's acquaintance with the dispositions of the 
 slaves, he inquired whether they might be armed with 
 safety. Mr. Turner was willing to vouch for the loyalty 
 of those who were connected with the Methodists. Con- 
 fiding in this, and in the influence of their example, he 
 declared himself willing to arm the slaves, upon condi- 
 tion that Mr. Turner would accompany them in their 
 military services. At first, the latter conceived a com- 
 pliance with this request to be inconsistent with his sta- 
 tion as a minister of the gospel. But finding the case 
 to be urgent, and that the loss or preservation of the 
 island probably depended upon his decision, he con- 
 sented to the condition. The negroes were accordingly 
 armed and trained, so far as time would allow. Within 
 about a fortnight the French squadron arrived. But 
 finding, as they approached the shore, a more formidable 
 body to oppose them than they had been taught to ex- 
 pect, they first hesitated, and after cutting two merchant 
 ships out of the bay, retired without making any attempt 
 to land. During this time the negroes behaved with the 
 utmost order, and, when directed, laid down their arms, 
 and repaired to their accustomed employments. 
 
 Shortly after the preceding proof of their loyalty had 
 been given, the governor of the Leeward Islands sent a 
 request to the Methodist missionaries in Antigua and St. 
 Christopher's, that they would make a return of all the 
 negroes in their societies who M r ere capable of bearing
 
 294 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 arms, as ne had received satisfactory information of 
 their loyalty and fidelity. A list was made out, and the 
 negroes so returned were immediately armed, and in- 
 corporated among tho defenders of their respective 
 islands. 
 
 When Lord Livington returned to the West Indies to 
 resume the government of the Leeward Islands, the mis- 
 sionaries presented to him an address. In reply to this, 
 he expressed his entire approbation of their past con- 
 duct, from all the accounts he had received, and admitted 
 this as the ground of his confidence in their future ap- 
 propriate demeanour. From Mr. Thompson, the presi- 
 dent of the council of St. Christopher's, who had been 
 governor during the interim, they received a reply to 
 their address, which was couched in terms of more than 
 common approbation. 
 
 At the capture of Martinico these professions of loy- 
 alty were brought to a test of painful severity. It is 
 well known that a regiment of blacks, employed in the 
 reduction of this island, was much celebrated for its 
 bravery. This was in part composed of negroes belong- 
 ing to the Methodist societies. Several of them fell in the 
 field of battle, and many others were mortally wounded. 
 Some in their expiring moments breathed a spirit of 
 loyalty, and expressed, in a pleasing manner, their for- 
 titude in death, arising from their prospects of a glorious 
 immortality. 
 
 In the island of St. Vincent, a plot had been laid 
 among the negroes, to rise in one general insurrection 
 and murder all the white inhabitants. Not long before 
 this plot was to have been carried into execution, some 
 intimation of their designs was communicated to a negro 
 belonging to the Methodist society. The negro went 
 immediately, and imparted the information to the mis- 
 sionary. Both immediately repaired to the governor, 
 who, taking decisive measures for the security of the 
 island, prevented the consequences of this intended mas- 
 sacre. Such instances of loyalty on each side of the 
 Atlantic cannot fail to defeat the designs of slander, if 
 they cannot impose silence on her tongue. 
 
 It was probably in consequence of these, and similar 
 instances of advantage resulting from the instructions of
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 295 
 
 the negroes, that several noblemen who hold official sta- 
 tions under government have readily assisted in for- 
 warding our missionary designs. The following letter, 
 which was sent to Dr. Coke, affords a striking instance 
 of this description : 
 
 " General Post Office, January 3, 1799. 
 
 " SIR, I am directed by the post master general to 
 acquaint you, in answer to your letter of the 1st instant, 
 that their lordships have been pleased to permit Mr. 
 James Richardson and Mr. John Stephenson, who are 
 going as missionaries to Jamaica and Bermuda, for the 
 instruction of the negroes, to embark on board the 
 packets, without payment of the king's head money, and 
 I have signified the same to the agent at Falmouth, that 
 he may suffer them to proceed accordingly. 
 " I am, sir, your most obedient servant, 
 
 " F. FREELING, Secretary. 
 
 "Rev. T. Coke, City-Road." 
 
 It is painful to reflect that, among the political insti- 
 tutions of civil society, any regulations should ever be 
 introduced to render that duty which we owe to our 
 sovereign inconsistent with the superior obligations we 
 owe to God. Such instances, however, have sometimes 
 occurred ; and, through the influence of their operation, 
 many among the Methodists, who conceive that their 
 duty to their sovereign and their God should go hand in 
 hand, have been exposed to serious inconveniences. A 
 case of this kind, occasioned by the following circum- 
 stances, happened in the island of Jersey in 1798, 
 which furnished Dr. Coke with much employment, and 
 gave him much trouble toward the conclusion of that 
 year. 
 
 Shortly after the commencement of the late war with 
 France, as the islands of Guernsey and Jersey lay ex- 
 posed to an invasion, every measure deemed essential 
 to 4heir preservation was adopted, to put them in the 
 most respectable state of defence. Among these expe- 
 dients, in order that every man might be taught the use 
 of arms, a municipal law appointed the Sabbath day for 
 the purpose of training the inhabitants. To this pro- 
 fanation of this sacred day many serious persons refused 
 to submit. This refusal brought upon them much pub-
 
 296 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 lie odium, and exposed them to many unmerited suffer- 
 ings. Application was made to the government at home, 
 and his majesty in council was pleased to put a negative 
 to the coercive operation of the law, and to grant to all 
 serious people the liberty of being trained to arms on 
 some other day. This noble mark of royal disapproba- 
 tion, which was announced in the year 1794, softened, 
 in a great degree, the severity of persecution ; and, 
 from that time forward, the beneficial consequences of 
 this gracious interposition were perceived throughout 
 the island by most of its inhabitants. 
 
 But, notwithstanding the preceding law, its virtual 
 repeal, and the advantages which had resulted from its 
 abrogation, the states of Jersey passed another of a 
 similar nature, in the autumn of the year 1798, by which 
 it was enacted that whosoever should refuse to do the 
 customary military duty on a Sunday should be banished 
 from the island. In passing this law the legislators were 
 far from being unanimous ; but the voices of the mino- 
 rity were overruled, and the edict was sent to England, 
 to obtain the sanction of his majesty in council. 
 
 Dr. Coke, on hearing that this law had passed in the 
 island, made use of every effort to prevent it from re- 
 ceiving the royal approbation, by pointing out to those 
 members of his majesty's council to whom he could have 
 access the consequences which must inevitably result 
 from its operation. 
 
 His opposition was heard with great attention, while 
 the necessity of the law was strenuously supported by 
 those who had procured its enactment. 
 
 In consequence of this contention, a nobleman of the 
 privy council, who had invariably protected the rights 
 of conscience, wrote to the commander in chief at Jer- 
 sey, to obtain his private opinion respecting the necessity 
 of training the people on the Sabbath day. The reply 
 of this gentleman was in favour of the law, and in com- 
 municating it to Dr. Coke, the nobleman observed, 
 " From that answer, I was persuaded I could not urge 
 him farther upon the business, without bringing on a 
 very unpleasant and disagreeable misunderstanding be- 
 tween him and the government of the island. I could 
 not be justified in doing so, and therefore I cannot think
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 29T 
 
 it discreet in your friends to persist at present in esta- 
 blishing themselves on a spot where it appears that the 
 opinions or prejudices of the island run so strongly 
 against the indulgence they require." 
 
 Discouraging as these sentiments were, Dr. Coke was 
 not disheartened, nor was the ardour of his soul to be 
 overcome. Conscious of having justice on his side, he 
 resolved to persevere, either till success should finally 
 crown his efforts, or disappointment furnish him with 
 a source of satisfaction, through life, that no exertion 
 on his part had been wanting to procure the desired 
 object. 
 
 The important moment at length arrived that was to 
 give to this interesting question, whether the people 
 should or should not be compelled to be trained on the 
 Sabbath day, a final decision. It was then officially 
 announced that " his majesty had been graciously 
 pleased to refuse his royal assent to the law, in conse- 
 quence of which it stood repealed." 
 
 On receiving this pleasing information, Dr. Coke 
 immediately wrote to the right honourable the earl of 
 Liverpool, the following letter : 
 
 " MY LORD, I cannot refrain from expressing to 
 your lordship that great obligation I feel to his majesty, 
 to you, my lord, to the privy council, and to the govern- 
 ment at large, for your and their gracious interference 
 in behalf of our distressed friends in Jersey. I am per- 
 fectly conscious that nothing but pure justice would or 
 could move you, my lord, or the government, in the 
 affair ; and yet the sense of your goodness will be 
 indelibly written on my heart. 
 
 "I have the honour to be, with very high respect, my 
 lord, your highly obliged, very humble, and very 
 obedient and faithful servant, T. COKE. 
 
 " New Chapel, City-Road, Dec. 15, 1798." 
 
 This virtual repeal of the law soon reached Jersey, 
 and toward the end of January, 1799, it was taken into 
 legislative consideration. Some few gave it as their 
 opinion, that the disapprobation of his majesty in council 
 ought not to be registered. But the more liberal were 
 of a different sentiment, and declared that it could not 
 be avoided. Among these were the commander in 
 13*
 
 298 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE 
 
 chief and a decided majority of the members. Here, 
 therefore, these troubles ended, and the pious inhabitants 
 of the island have since enjoyed their privileges in 
 peace. 
 
 Adverting to these unpleasant circumstances, Dr. Coke, 
 in a letter to a friend, thus expresses himself in reference 
 to both islands : " I am now in Guernsey, on my return 
 from Jersey. I have been endeavouring to put an end 
 to a dreadful persecution of our people, which was 
 carried on for about six years ; and the Lord has given 
 me the hearts of the king and his council, and has 
 enabled me to bring this business to a happy conclusion." 
 
 Having finished his business in these islands, Dr. Coke 
 intended sailing from St. Aubin, in Jersey, for England, 
 by the packet, but was prevented by the following cir- 
 cumstance. The boat not being able to reach the shore 
 sufficiently near for him to get in, a sailor, through 
 pretended kindness, offered to take him on his back, 
 and carry him on board. But, after getting into the 
 water, instead of accomplishing the task he had volun- 
 tarily undertaken, he contrived to make a false step, 
 and to plunge him headlong into the sea. Being com- 
 pletely drenched, he was obliged to return to the house 
 of his friend, which he had previously left, in order to 
 change his clothes ; but, through this delay, the vessel 
 sailed without him, and he did not reach England until 
 several days had elapsed. 
 
 Affairs in Jersey having thus taken a favourable turn, 
 the early part of the year 1799 was devoted by Dr. Coke 
 almost exclusively to the service of the foreign missions, 
 the support of which, with few exceptions, devolved 
 wholly cfn himself. In the West Indies the work had 
 considerably increased, so that twelve missionaries had 
 been sent thither in the short space of eleven months. 
 This had created a considerable expense, which, he 
 observes, " was estimated at about 2,400Z. But God 
 has given us about 11,000 souls in these islands, beside 
 those which had been safely lodged in Abraham's bosom. 
 O what is money when compared with immortal souls 
 for whom Christ died !" 
 
 His negotiations with the bishops having terminated 
 as we have already seen ; the preachers in Ireland
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 299 
 
 being permitted to travel without molestation ; and the 
 privileges of the subject, as well as the dignity of public 
 morals in the Norman Islands, being protected by the 
 British government; he thought this a favourable oppor- 
 tunity to pay another visit to hi$ friends on the American 
 continent. Previously, however, to his departure, he 
 repaired once more to Ireland. From Ireland he again, 
 returned to England, and after attending the confer- 
 ences in both kingdoms, and soliciting contributions in 
 all his journeys for the foreign missions, he proceeded 
 on his eighth voyage across the Atlantic, But since 
 neither his voyage, nor the consequent journeys to which 
 it led, contain any thing essentially different from those 
 which have been already described, a detail of facts 
 would partake more of repetition than variety, 
 
 Dr. Coke, on his embarkation, carried with him ano- 
 ther address from the English conference, again soliciting 
 the American brethren not to enforce with rigour the 
 promise which he had previously made, but requesting 
 them to permit his return to England, as they thought 
 his presence necessary on various accounts. To this 
 address the conference at Baltimore returned the follow- 
 ing reply; 
 
 " We have considered, with the greatest attention, the 
 request you have made for the doctor's return to Eu- 
 rope ; and after revolving the subject deeply in our 
 minds, and spending part of two days in debating there- 
 on, we still feel an ardent desire for his continuance in, 
 America. This arises from the critical state of Bishop 
 Asbury's health, the extension of our work, our affection 
 for, and approbation of the doctor, and his probable use- 
 fulness, provided he continue with us. We wish to 
 detain him, as we greatly need his services. But the 
 statement you have laid before us in your address, of 
 the success of the West India missions under his super- 
 intendence, the arduous attempt to carry the gospel 
 among the native Irish requiring his influence and sup- 
 port, and the earnest request you have added to this 
 representation, ' Believing it to be for the glory of God,' 
 hath turned the scale at present in your favour. We 
 have, therefore, in compliance with your request, lent 
 the doctor to you for a season, to return to us as soon
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. PR. COKE. 
 
 as he conveniently can, but at farthest by the meeting 
 of our next general conference. 
 
 " Signed by order and in the behalf of the general 
 conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
 in the United States of America, 
 
 'FRANCIS ASBURY, 
 " RICHARD WHATCOAT. 
 
 " Baltimore, May 9, 1800." 
 
 Dr. Coke continued either on the continent or in the 
 West Indies during the remaining part of the year 1799, 
 and through a considerable portion of 1800, after which 
 he once more revisited Ireland. In that kingdom he 
 found, on his arrival, that both the preachers and the 
 societies had been permitted to enjoy as much peace as 
 the disordered state of the country had given them rea- 
 son to expect, and that religion had flourished even 
 amid the devastations which rebellion had occasioned. 
 
 But, although peace was thus enjoyed in Ireland, he 
 was compelled to learn, .with sorrow, that the torch of 
 persecution had been lighted up in the Summer Islands. 
 Mr. Stephenson, who had been permitted to sail from 
 Falmouth without paying the king's head money, pro- 
 ceeded on his voyage, according to appointment, and 
 reached Bermuda in safety. On his arrival, the aspect 
 of things appeared favourable. His preaching was at- 
 tended with success ; many were awakened, and domes- 
 tic tranquillity prevailed. But after some time, when 
 he began to address the negroes, his conduct gave such 
 considerable offence to the white men in power, that 
 they united their influence to prevent him altogether 
 from publishing those truths which they had previously 
 sanctioned with their approbation. 
 
 It happened that at this time there was no law in 
 existence in the islands which prohibited the conduct 
 pursued by Mr. Stephenson. But a spirit of persecu- 
 tion, when it is associated with power, rarely fails to 
 find means for the execution of its plans and purposes. 
 On the 24th of May, 1800, the colonial legislature passed 
 a law which they thus entitled, "An act to prevent per- 
 sons pretending, or having pretended, to be ministers 
 of the gospel, or missionaries from any religious society 
 whatever, and not invested with holy orders according
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 301 
 
 to the rites and ceremonies of the Church of England 
 or the Church of Scotland, from acting as preachers or 
 schoolmasters." The penalties annexed to the viola- 
 tion of this law were a fine of 50Z. and discretionary 
 imprisonment. 
 
 As this law was evidently made to silence Mr. Stephen- 
 son, by specifying certain qualifications which it was 
 well known he did not possess ; and as it could not be 
 permanent until it received the royal sanction, he viewed 
 it in no other light than as an act of persecution, to which 
 he could not conscientiously submit. He therefore con- 
 tinued preaching as before, being fully resolved to wait 
 the event. He did not long remain ignorant of the con- 
 sequence of his perseverance. On the 24th of June he 
 was taken into custody, and committed to the public jail, 
 to take his trial at the next assizes in the December fol- 
 lowing. On his first commitment it was his intention 
 to remain in jail until his trial ; but, as it was? a bailable 
 offence, and living in confinement was particularly ex- 
 pensive, at the end of fifteen days he procured sureties 
 for his appearance at the time required. 
 
 The trial which followed was perfectly in unison with 
 the law that made preaching criminal. Mr. Stephenson 
 was found guilty of the offence, with the aggravating 
 circumstances of having shaken hands with some of the 
 black people after preaching, and was therefore con- 
 demned to lie in the common jail for six months, to pay 
 a fine of 50Z., and to discharge the fees of court. He 
 was recommitted immediately after his trial, pursuant 
 to his sentence, and continued in jail until June, 1801 ; 
 and, when liberated, he was so emaciated through his 
 long confinement in this sultry climate that he never 
 afterward fully recovered from the injuries he had 
 sustained. 
 
 As the Methodist missionaries were always sure to 
 find in Dr. Coke an unwearied advocate and a genuine 
 friend, an account of the preceding transactions was 
 transmitted to him as they occurred, that he might take 
 such steps as should be deemed necessary to prevent 
 the edict from receiving the royal sanction. It was 
 necessary, also, that it should be negatived as soon as 
 possible, for, until this was done, it continued to operate
 
 302 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 with all the force of law. A memorial was accordingly 
 drawn up by this indefatigable man, to be presented to 
 his majesty in council, and letters were instantly ad- 
 dressed to the Right Honourable Henry Dundas, the 
 duke of Portland, and others, setting forth the occasion 
 of the Bermuda law, and stating the consequences which 
 had already resulted from its unsanctioned operation. 
 
 The memorial written by Dr. Coke on this occasion 
 gives a perspicuous statement of facts,, and displays an 
 extensive acquaintance with the British constitution. 
 The noblemen to whom he appealed immediately inte- 
 rested themselves in behalf of his request, and boldly 
 espoused the cause of religious toleration. To Dr. 
 Coke several letters were written by them, and they 
 transmitted their sentiments to the governor of Bermuda. 
 The tone of their expressions soon softened the rigour 
 of Mr. Stephenson's confinement ; but through the delay 
 which a multiplicity of business must always occasion 
 where the affairs of an empire are transacted, it was not 
 until Mr. Stephenson had worn out the period of his 
 imprisonment that the rights of conscience were crowned 
 with another triumph. His majesty was at length gra- 
 ciously pleased to refuse his royal sanction to the law 
 in question, so that the Bermuda Islands were once more 
 free for missionary exertions. These providential open- 
 ings have been since embraced, and we have now a 
 small but flourishing society established in peace. 
 
 The affairs of Bermuda had not been brought to a full 
 termination, before Dr. Coke's attention was arrested 
 by a singular circumstance which strongly marks the 
 power of conscience ; and which furnished him with an 
 opportunity of rescuing the character of his deceased 
 friend, the Rev. John Wesley, from some aspersions 
 that had been cast on his reputation. 
 
 It was not long after Mr. Wesley's death, which took 
 place in 1791, that a pamphlet made its appearance in 
 the world, professing to give a short history of his life, 
 and to derive its information from authentic sources. 
 This pamphlet, which was not destitute of literary merit, 
 nor deficient in those ingredients which traduction 
 always finds it needful to employ in the garb of plau- 
 sibility, soon found among the dissolute and the gay a
 
 'LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 303 
 
 number of admirers, who gladly availed themselves of the 
 sanction which it afforded to lessen his reputation, by 
 retailing the stories which it contained. Among other 
 things the author published two letters, which he pro- 
 fessed to be the genuine production of Mr. Wesley's 
 pen, addressed to a young lady on the subject of love, 
 at a time when he was far advanced in years, and when 
 all his friends had beheld him making preparations for 
 leaving the world. These letters contained nothing 
 which the world would call dishonourable ; but, being 
 written in a peculiar strain of canting gallantry, they 
 excited much notice ; and, in the estimation of those 
 who believed their authenticity, to ensure which every 
 artifice was employed, degraded his character, by con- 
 trasting them with his other writings and his years. 
 From this pamphlet these letters found their way into 
 many of the London and provincial papers, and in some 
 publications they continue to be circulated even to the 
 present day. 
 
 To prevent all suspicion of their authenticity, the 
 author declared that the original letters, in the hand- 
 writing of Mr. Wesley, were then in his possession, 
 and that they should be open to the inspection of any 
 person who would call at a given place to examine 
 them. With this open declaration many were satisfied ; 
 but others who continued incredulous actually called. 
 Unfortunately, however, they always happened to call 
 either when the author was engaged, or when he was 
 from home, or when these original letters were lent for 
 the inspection of others ! It so happened that, though 
 they were always open to examination, they could never 
 be seen. 
 
 Ten years had passed away from the first appearance 
 of this publication before the secret was disclosed. In 
 the interim those who had been interested in the issue, 
 after being divided between credulity and disbelief, had 
 mutually suffered the affair to rest in peace. But peace 
 was not the portion allotted for the author. Stung with 
 remorse for having wronged the character of a worthy 
 man, he voluntarily sent to Dr. Coke the following 
 letter, which I copy from the original at this moment 
 before me :
 
 304 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 " To the Rev. Dr. Coke, New Chapel, City-Road, London. 
 
 "Saturday morning, January 24, 1801. 
 
 " REV. SIR, As the author of a silly pamphlet pub- 
 lished some years ago, entitled ' An impartial review 
 of the Life and Writings of the Rev. J. Wesley, 1 I 
 have taken the liberty of addressing you on that subject 
 for the purpose of disburthening my mind, in some de- 
 gree, of that intolerable weight with which it has been 
 oppressed in consequence of the folly and wicked tend- 
 ency of that publication ; and I now candidly declare to 
 you and to the world that most of the pretended facts 
 therein mentioned are groundless ; the charges some- 
 times false ; and the characters as delineated therein, 
 both of the Rev. Mr. W. and others, are generally un- 
 just, and unsanctioned even by my own opinion. At 
 the same time, I flatter myself you will have the can- 
 dour to believe that my motives in the publication were 
 influenced rather by folly and wantonness than delibe- 
 rate wickedness; more especially if it be taken into 
 consideration that at that time I entertained sentiments 
 somewhat different from what I do at present. 
 
 " I expect from your known liberality that no undue 
 advantage will be taken of the candid declaration now 
 made, (though you are at liberty, if you think proper, 
 to make it public.) Wishing you, in the meanwhile, 
 all imaginable prosperity in the great work in which 
 you are so usefully and zealously engaged, I beg leave 
 to subscribe myself, Rev. sir, 
 
 " Your most obedient, humble servant, 
 
 " J. COLLET. 
 
 "No. 9, Church-row, Pancras, Middlesex. 
 
 "P. S. I forgot to say that the two infamous letters 
 in the pamphlet attributed to Mr. Wesley are fictitious, 
 being the invention of my own disordered imagination. 
 
 "J. C." 
 
 Dr. Coke's anxiety to make this letter public was not 
 less ardent than his joy on receiving it. But being un- 
 willing to violate the restrictions which had been con- 
 fided to his honour, he wrote to Mr. Collet, requesting 
 of him the liberty to send copies of his letter into the 
 world, through the medium of the press, that where the 
 poison had been diffused the antidote might follow. At
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 305 
 
 the same time he proposed calling on him on some 
 future occasion, if such an interview would be agree- 
 able. These propositions drew from Mr. Collet the 
 following note : 
 
 " J. Collet's respects to Dr. Coke, informs him that 
 he has no manner of objection to his letter being made 
 public by the means of the press ; but would not wish 
 it by any other means, if Dr. Coke thinks that would 
 answer the same end. J. C. is sorry he cannot be at 
 home the hour Dr. Coke proposes to call on him, but 
 hopes this note will answer the same end. 
 " Friday morning, January 29, 1801." 
 These letters, agreeably to the liberty granted by Mr. 
 Collet, were accordingly made public in several papers, 
 and copies were printed in some periodical publica- 
 tions. Connected as they are with the life of Dr. Coke, 
 they claim some notice in this volume, to show his 
 readiness to vindicate his deceased friend, to distinguish 
 his sense of honour in omitting to publish them without 
 first obtaining permission ; and above all, to exhibit to 
 others the influence of conscience, even after many 
 years had elapsed between the crime that was com- 
 mitted and the confession which it extorted. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Dr. Coke establishes the Welsh missions Publishes some parts 
 of his commentary Embarks on his ninth voyage to America 
 Attempts to establish a mission in Gibraltar Death of Mr. and 
 Mrs. M'Mullen First interview with Miss Penelope Goulding 
 Smith Marries her Mode of travelling Her death, character, 
 and epitaph Finishes his commentary Projects the History of 
 the West Indies History of the Bible System of philosophy 
 compiled Publishes a Welsh translation of his commentary 
 Persecution in Jamaica Substance of the colonial edict Finally 
 disallowed by his majesty in council In danger of being lost in a 
 voyage to Ireland Publishes a reply to the Rev. Melville Home 
 Alarm occasioned by Lord Sidmouth's bill Cottager's Bible 
 published in numbers Circular letter to all the superintendents 
 Weary of employing travellers to sell his works Disposes of all 
 his literary property to the conference. 
 
 THERE are few men beside Dr. Coke, under whose 
 care the superintendence of the missions could have
 
 306 
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 been placed, but would have thought that those already 
 established among the scattered inhabitants of Nova 
 Scotia, the slaves in the West Indies, and the wild na- 
 tives of Ireland, were fully equal to the means of sup- 
 porting them. But calculations like these, when the 
 interest of immortal spirits was at stake, did not suit 
 the ardour of his soul. Anxious to promote the king- 
 dom of the Redeemer, and strong in faith, giving glory 
 to God, his love for the welfare of Zion inspired him 
 with confidence in the divine goodness that no prudent 
 effort to extend the gospel would ultimately fail for 
 want of temporal resources. Full of these convictions, 
 he formed a plan in 1800 for introducing the doctrines 
 of the Wesleyan Methodists among the Welsh in their 
 native tongue. This scheme was thought at first to be 
 romantic ; and in case of its ultimate failure those who 
 opposed the measure would, in all probability, have 
 triumphed in the display of their own penetration. But 
 God favoured the exertions of his servant, and crowned 
 his pious efforts with more than common success. 
 
 The work, indeed, was small and feeble in its com- 
 mencement; but through all its stages it furnished a 
 pleasing ground for hope. Within the short space of 
 ten years, no less than sixty chapels were erected in 
 these regions, which were filled with large and attentive 
 congregations. The societies kept pace with the chapels 
 and congregations. These contained 5,218 members : 
 and, among these, no less than thirty-six travelling 
 preachers were raised up, to carry on the work, by 
 preaching in the same language ; and these were accom- 
 panied with a still greater number who acted in a local 
 capacity. 
 
 Nor was Dr. Coke deceived in the resources for which 
 he had confided in divine Providence. His exertions 
 were indeed redoubled with the exigence of the occa- 
 sion ; but the liberality of the people to whom he ap- 
 pealed corresponded with the demands of the increasing 
 work, so that his embarrassments were not augmented in 
 proportion to the magnitude of the undertaking. At this 
 time the raising of supplies for all the missions still 
 rested almost exclusively on himself. But his health, 
 his vigour, his diligence, and his zeal, remained unim-
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 307 
 
 paired, and these were adequate to the occasion of his 
 unremitting toils. 
 
 But great and numerous as the claims of the missions 
 were, upon his time and attention, they did not so far 
 engross the whole as to draw his mind from his literary 
 engagements. They retarded his progress, but they 
 could not abate his energy. His leisure moments, 
 wherever he travelled, were devoted to his commentary, 
 which was fast ripening for publication. 
 
 Nine years had now elapsed, since, at the request of 
 conference, he had entered on this laborious task ; dur- 
 ing which time he had been arranging his compilation, 
 adjusting his original and adopted annotations, and pre- 
 paring them for the world. In the year 1799, he an- 
 nounced the Old Testament to be ready for publication, 
 and proposals were made for printing the work. In 
 1801, it made its appearance in numbers, and met from 
 an enlightened public that support which its intrinsic 
 merit might embolden it to claim. Hitherto nothing of 
 any considerable magnitude had been published on the 
 Bible among the Methodists. This voluminous work, 
 consisting of six quarto volumes, may therefore be re- 
 garded as forming an era in the literary history of Me- 
 thodism. Various intervening causes obstructed the 
 regular publication of the numbers, so that the commen- 
 tary on the Old Testament and the New was not fully 
 delivered to the subscribers until the year 1807. 
 
 The support of the missions, and the publication of 
 his commentary, occupied his time and care in a more 
 particular manner throughout the years 1801 and 1802. 
 During these periods he found it necessary to make some 
 arrangements for the circulation of his numbers which 
 he had not been taught to expect. And in addition to 
 this, as he was once more about to visit his friends on 
 the western side of the Atlantic, prudence directed him 
 to provide materials for the press during his absence. 
 This was accordingly done ; and the correction of the 
 sheets was committed to the care of a gentleman in Lon- 
 don, whose ability rendered him equal to the undertak- 
 ing, and whose execution of the task assigned him 
 entitles him to the thanks of every reader who is capa- 
 ble of feeling gratitude for a degree of typographical
 
 308 LITE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 perfection which few works of such magnitude have 
 ever yet attained. 
 
 Having made all necessary preparations for his voy- 
 age, Dr. Coke sailed in the autumn of 1803 on his ninth 
 voyage to the western world. But of this voyage no 
 remarkable circumstances are known, as he either kept 
 no journal, or else that journal is lost.* From the fol- 
 lowing passage, which occurs in a letter written by Mr. 
 Asbury, it appears that the present voyage was accom- 
 plished with considerable expedition, which scarcely 
 allowed room for many observations. 
 
 " I was a little surprised," says this venerable apostle 
 of the continent, " at the reception of a letter dated Pe- 
 tersburg, only about fifteen days after one dated Dub- 
 lin, July 4, 1803. You have hastened your escape from 
 the storm and tempest of war and of water. O may you 
 find a safe retreat, and a field of great usefulness upon 
 our continent." This letter, which is dated Charleston, 
 November 23, 1803, and is addressed to Bishop Coke, 
 Light-street chapel, Baltimore, points out a track of 
 nearly 5,000 miles in length, which he was earnestly 
 invited to pursue, in order that he might visit the seven 
 annual conferences on the continent prior to his return. 
 This was a tour, which, according to Mr. Asbury's 
 letter, would take him about nine months to accomplish. 
 Whether he acceded to the proposal is, to the writer of 
 
 * Of the particular number of times that Dr. Coke crossed the 
 Atlantic, different opinions have been entertained ; and hence va- 
 rious accounts have been published. To this uncertainty the defi- 
 ciency in his published journals has in no small degree contributed. 
 It, however, appears, from an inspection of his private papers, that 
 in going and returning, he crossed the Atlantic no less than eigh- 
 teen limes. Of his first five voyages an account is published in his 
 journals, and the particulars of another are inserted in the Me- 
 thodist Magazine for the year 1798. Among his private papers 
 some memorials are preserved in his own handwriting of his se- 
 venth and eighth voyages, with their dates respectively fixed, as 
 stated in the preceding pages. His ninth and last voyage is ascer- 
 tained from his own letters now in the author's possession, and 
 from the date of others addressed to Dr. Coke while in America in 
 the year 1803, as mentioned above. It also appears from his own 
 handwriting that he visited the West Indies four times ; but in 
 what particular years, as he has omitted some of the dates, the 
 writer has not been able to ascertain. He mentions the fact in a 
 memorial presented to the king.
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 300 
 
 these pages, very uncertain. It is equally doubtful 
 whether he visited the West Indies from the continent, 
 prior to his return, or whether he had taken his leave, 
 which eventually proved to be final, on a former occa- 
 sion. It is however certain, that he was at Baltimore 
 about the end of November, 1803 ; and it may be fairly 
 presumed that he did not revisit England until several 
 months had elapsed in the year 1804, at which time he 
 took his leave of the continent, to visit it no more. 
 
 It was during this last visit to the United States, that 
 Dr. Coke repaired to the city of Washington, and 
 preached in the capitol, before the American congress. 
 His discourse was on the wisdom, dignity, and import- 
 ance of the gospel, as contrasted with the spirit of the 
 world. And from the testimony of a gentleman, who 
 took him in his carriage to the capital, it appears that 
 his sermon was considered as both eloquent and 
 sublime. 
 
 Finding, on his return to England, that the missions, 
 both at home and abroad, were in a flourishing condi- 
 tion, he turned his attention to Gibraltar, to which place 
 he had been importuned to send missionaries several 
 years before. Already had the doctrine and discipline 
 of the Methodists made their appearance on this south- 
 ern extremity of Europe, through some pious soldiers 
 who were stationed in that fortress, but with whose 
 solicitations, until the present year, he found it inconve- 
 nient to comply. 
 
 It was in the autumn of 1804, that Mr. M'Mullen, with 
 his wife and an infant daughter, went thither as a mis- 
 sionary. Their voyage was long and dangerous ; but 
 storms and contrary winds were to his family only the 
 beginning of sorrows. After having been driven on the 
 Barbary coast, they reached Gibraltar about the end of 
 September, but found, on their arrival, that the yellow 
 fever was raging among all ranks with unexampled vio- 
 lence. Every thing was in confusion. Consternation 
 everywhere prevailed. The report of death was heard 
 in almost every dwelling ; and every face was covered 
 with horror. 
 
 The child was taken ill almost immediately on their 
 arrival, but survived the disease. On the first of Octo
 
 310 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKB. 
 
 her, Mr. M'Mullen wrote a letter to England, describing 
 the calamities of their condition. With the same fatal 
 disease he was seized on the tenth, and on the eighteenth 
 he was a lifeless corpse. At the time of his decease his 
 wife felt symptoms of the same disorder ; and after lin- 
 gering a little longer than her husband, followed him to 
 the world of spirits, and the house appointed for all 
 living, leaving their surviving orphan in the hands of 
 strangers, in the midst of pestilence, in a foreign land. 
 By the first convenient opportunity Miss M'Mullen was 
 sent to England, and consigned to the care of Dr. Coke. 
 
 This train of disasters was not without its natural 
 effects. To a superficial observer it seemed to wear 
 the frown of Omnipotence. But we know that the 
 way of God is in the whirlwind, and that shades, more 
 or less, accompany all his dispensations. It was not 
 till the year '1808, that another missionary was sent to 
 Gibraltar. His labours were attended with the divine 
 blessing ; and his successors still continue to behold the 
 fruit of their exertions in the cause of God. 
 
 It would be a severe reflection on the character of 
 Dr. Coke, if, while appealing to the benevolence o-f the 
 liberal, in support of the missions, he had been parsimo- 
 nious of his own personal property. But with this 
 inconsistency of character he never can be charged. 
 His property, like his time and life, was at the service 
 of the missions ; and to supply deficiencies in the col- 
 lections which he made, as well as to assist the societies 
 in foreign parts, in completing the chapels which they 
 found it necessary to build, he expended the whole of 
 his patrimonial inheritance. A considerable portion of 
 this was freely given to support the work of God ; and 
 such sums as he lent were advanced on securities, which 
 common prudence would teach men, who calculate on 
 an accumulation of wealth, to reject. But these were 
 advanced, with a strong confidence in God, to promote 
 his cause in the earth ; and on the whole his losses 
 were less considerable than might have been expected. 
 His example and his precepts therefore associated in the 
 appeals which he made ; and God, in both, was pleased 
 to repay his confidence, even in this life, with an ample 
 remuneration.
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 311 
 
 It frequently happens, in the progress of human life, 
 that our movements are influenced by unforeseen events, 
 and that we are conducted to issues which were con- 
 cealed from anticipation. It was from such a train of 
 circumstances that Dr. Coke was introduced to a lady 
 whose unexampled liberality awakened his surprise, and 
 whose benevolent disposition toward the cause of God 
 so far gained his affections from a congeniality of soul, 
 that in the space of a few months she became his wife. 
 The occasion of their meeting was briefly as follows : 
 
 Dr. Coke, while travelling through the country, so- 
 liciting support for the missions, happened in the early 
 part of the year 1805, to visit Bristol. Consulting with 
 Mr. Pawson, whose letter had brought him thither, 
 about the plan of his proceeding through the city, he 
 was strongly urged to call on a Miss Smith, a lady who 
 was at once generous and rich, but who was indisposed, 
 and was then at the Hot Wells, for the recovery of her 
 health. Pleased with the prospect of a donation that 
 would bear some resemblance to the favourable reports 
 of her liberality, which he had heard with pleasure, he 
 repaired in company with Mr. Pawson to her lodgings. 
 Having stated, on being introduced, the occasion of his 
 intrusion, Miss Smith, with a countenance beaming 
 with generosity, immediately subscribed one hundred 
 guineas ; but observed that, as at that moment she had 
 no money to spare, she would thank Dr. Coke to call 
 on her at Bradford, in Wiltshire, to which place she 
 should shortly return, when she would pay him her sub- 
 scription. At the same time she invited him, and Mr. 
 and Mrs. Pawson, to dine with her in Bristol, with which 
 invitation they complied, and found her soul truly alive 
 to God. Such was their first interview, as stated by 
 Dr. Coke, in a letter which is now before the author. 
 
 Astonished at the gift, which became enchanted in its 
 value by the manner in which it was bestowed, Dr. Coke 
 remained, for some moments, absorbed in silent admira- 
 tion, on the discovery of one hundred guineas being 
 added to her name ; and found himself at a loss for lan- 
 guage to express the gratitude of his heart for this evi- 
 dence of her strong attachment to the cause of God. 
 From her conversation while at dinner, and afterward,
 
 312 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 he soon found that the bent of her soul was so far con- 
 genial with that of his own, that they appeared to be 
 mutually affected by the same hopes and fears, and to be 
 actuated by the same powerful principle ; and he began 
 to think her a suitable companion for his- declining years. 
 Calling on her at Bradford, for the payment of her sub- 
 scription, he was fully confirmed in his favourable opi- 
 nion, and more especially so, as, instead of repining at 
 her former liberality, she gave him two hundred guineas, 
 while he expected only one. From this time an ac- 
 quaintance began, which led to their marriage in April, 
 1805. 
 
 As Mis Smith had regularly kept a diary of her ex- 
 perience, and of the passing events which occurred, in 
 the issue of which she was interested, and continued 
 the practice for some considerable time after her mar- 
 riage, it is not to be expected that she would pass over 
 the solemnization of this event in total silence. From 
 her papers, the following paragraphs, written on the 
 day of her marriage, are copied literally, to show the 
 spirit of piety that reigned in her heart, and breathed 
 through the productions of her pen. 
 
 "Monday, April 1, 1805. 
 
 " My most beloved brother in Christ, Dr. Coke, and 
 myself, being clearly and fully convinced, it was our 
 gracious God's holy will and pleasure for us to be 
 united ; and being fully arid entirely satisfied, that we 
 could lay ourselves out much more for the glory of God, 
 and live in a greater degree of devotedness to him in 
 the married than in a single tate ; and that God would 
 be very graciously present with us, and bless us in a 
 peculiar manner ; in consequence of this being made 
 manifest to us from our God, we presented ourselves 
 before him, made a solemn surrender of ourselves to 
 him, and under him to each other, and were solemnly 
 married in the Lord this morning ; our God conde- 
 scended to be very graciously present with us. O our 
 gracious Lord God, accept, we humbly beseech thee, 
 of this solemn surrender we have made of ourselves. 
 Unto thee we give up our whole selves, bodies, souls, 
 and spirits, all we have and all we are, unto thee ; to 
 thee altogether and entirely. O accept of our surrender
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 3l3 
 
 and sacrifice in and through the Son of thy love ! And 
 may we, by the help of thine almighty power and good- 
 ness, show forth thy praise continually, not only with 
 our lips, but in our lives. Lord, help us so to do. Bless 
 my most beloved husband and me, in our new relation 
 to each other. O bless us, bless us, bless us. May we 
 be thine altogether, thine now, henceforth, and for ever- 
 more ! Amen and Amen ! 
 
 ' And O, my dearest Lord, accept of my most grate- 
 ful thanks for providing for me, in thine infinite wisdom 
 and goodness, such a precious follower of thine. Make 
 me a helpmeet worthy of him. Let me not be a hin- 
 derance, but of thy love and mercy a fartherance to him 
 in every work of faith and labour of love : and give us 
 continually such degrees of grace, that whether we live, 
 we may live unto the Lord ; or whether we die, we may 
 die unto the Lord ; so that living and dying we may be 
 thine, O God, eternally thine ! Amen and Amen ! 
 
 " PENELOPE G. COKE." 
 
 This lady, who prior to her marriage had been almost 
 secluded from the world, was the only surviving child 
 of Joseph Smith, Esq., an eminent solicitor of Bradford, 
 in Wiltshire ; who, at his death, had bequeathed to her 
 an ample fortune. This, being at her own disposal, she 
 was ready to devote to the cause of God, and particu- 
 larly so in the missionary department, in which her hus- 
 band was engaged. She accordingly consented to leave 
 the scenes of her secluded retireme'nt, and to travel with 
 him through the kingdom. But her constitution had 
 been so impaired through her father's undue solicitude 
 to preserve her health, that she was ill adapted to bear 
 the fatigues of her new station, or to mix with the nu- 
 merous and diversified strangers to whom she was intro- 
 duced while they were prosecuting their journeys. 
 
 To furnish her with every accommodation while tra- 
 velling, Dr. Coke purchased a plain carriage, in which, 
 without servants, and with hired horses, they travelled 
 from place to place, by such easy stages as her health 
 would allow. But as they had no certain dwelling 
 place, they were compelled to carry with them a greater 
 quantity of hookas, papers, and wearing apparel than 
 might have been necessary in any other situation in 
 
 14
 
 314 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 life. This was sometimes an inconvenience to their 
 friends, at whose houses they occasionally lodged, and 
 an incumbrance to themselves, which many could dis- 
 cover, but none could prevent. 
 
 Thus happy in accommodating themselves to each 
 other's wants and wishes, several years passed away in 
 the autumn of life, in works of charity, and in deeds of 
 benevolence, which gave new charms to their connubial 
 felicity. To the pensioners who lived in a great mea- 
 sure on her bounty, prior to her marriage, Mrs. Coke 
 continued her liberal donations during life ; and after 
 her death, her widowed husband forbade any change to 
 take place in the allotted stipends of such as survived. 
 Her works praised her in the gates ; and her name will 
 be long remembered in Bradford by the poor and the 
 afflicted ; while her example may serve to stimulate 
 others to imitate her virtuous deeds. Her piety was 
 of the most exalted kind. She seemed to enjoy con- 
 stant communion with God, and to breathe on all around 
 her that spirit of love which glowed continually in her 
 heart. 
 
 Of this amiable companion of his toils and years, Dr. 
 Coke was deprived on the 25th of January, 1811. She 
 died at the house of John Holloway, Esq., City-Road, 
 London, after a short illness, and was interred in the 
 family vault of her husband, in the priory church at 
 Brecon, in Wales. A succinct account of. this pious 
 and benevolent woman was published by her disconso- 
 late husband in the Methodist Magazine for the year 
 1812 ; not long after he had honoured her memory with 
 the following epitaph, which is engraven on a marble 
 over her tomb :
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 315 
 
 Near this Place 
 
 Lie the Remains of 
 
 PENELOPE GOULDING COKE, 
 
 DAUGHTER OF JOSEPH SMITH, ESQUIRE, 
 
 late an eminent Attorney, 
 
 at Bradford, in Wiltshire, 
 
 and WIFE of THOMAS COKE, LL.D., 
 
 of the University of Oxford. 
 She was born at Bradford, in 1762, 
 
 was married in April, 1805, 
 and died in London on the 25th of January, 1811. 
 
 She was a Woman 
 In whom the common virtues which adorn her sex 
 
 were eclipsed 
 
 by those more exalted Graces 
 that ornament the Christian Character. 
 
 Through Life 
 
 She was subject to many bodily afflictions, 
 which would have taught her by painful experience 
 
 to feel for the distresses of others, 
 if she had not learned the same Lesson 
 
 from a better Instructer. 
 
 Although her Fortune was ample, 
 
 it was unequal to her liberality ; 
 
 And even this 
 fell short of her ardent desire to do good. 
 
 Humility, Patience, 
 
 Resignation, and Gratitude, 
 
 were the constant Companions 
 
 of her latter years i 
 
 During which time 
 
 She fed the Poor by her Bounty 
 
 and instructed the Rich by her Example. 
 
 Her constant Communion 
 
 with her God 
 
 Rewarded her with present Peace, 
 
 and, in the full Assurance of Faith 
 
 in the Atonement of her Redeemer, 
 
 snd the Sanctifying Influences 
 
 of his blessed Spirit, 
 
 Opened before her a prospect 
 
 Of Everlasting Felicity. 
 
 That a Person 
 
 BO eminently Pious and Useful 
 should be thus snatched away 
 
 in the Prime of Life, 
 From a world in which she was so much wanted, 
 
 is not less mysterious, 
 than if she had been suffered to remain in it. 
 
 Such peculiar 
 
 Dispensations of God 
 
 afford a convincing argument 
 
 in favour of a Future State. 
 
 May those who read this Inscription 
 
 Imitate her* Example, 
 And finally partake of her Eternal Reward.
 
 316 LIFE OF THE RET. DR. COKE. 
 
 To the missions that had been already established, 
 Dr. Coke, soon after his marriage in 1805, began to 
 contemplate the expediency of making an addition. 
 This was to send missionaries into such parts of this 
 kingdom as were not included in any regular circuit, 
 and where the inhabitants scarcely ever visited any 
 place of public worship. In attempting to carry this 
 scheme into effect, he was opposed by many, who con- 
 ceived that the means of support would be inadequate 
 to the magnitude of the undertaking. But his own re- 
 sources encouraged him to persevere. He was there- 
 fore fixed in his purpose, and the point was carried. 
 
 In stating the necessity of establishing this mission, 
 and in marking its origin and progress, Dr. Coke, in the 
 report for the year 18Q8> makes the following obser- 
 vations : 
 
 " When our friends and brethren reflect on the vast 
 extent to which the gospel has been published through 
 this kingdom within the last twenty years, many of them 
 may be led to wonder why these missions should be 
 thought necessary. Bat their astonishment will cease 
 when they are informed that, out of the 11,000 parishes 
 which England and Wales contain, perhaps one-half of 
 them seldom or never hear the gospel. In numerous 
 small towns, villages, and hamlet?, a very considerable 
 part of the inhabitants attend no place of worship what- 
 ever, nor once think of entering a religions edifice, ex- 
 cept when marriages, baptisms, or funerals occur. It is 
 among people of this description that our missions have 
 been chiefly established. 
 
 " Within these last three years God has so blessed 
 these means, that great numbers who had been living 
 without hope and without God in the world, have, 
 through divine grace, been brought to know in whom 
 they have believed. In addition to these, vast numbers 
 have been induced to entertain a relish for the gospel 
 of which they had scarcely before erer had a conception. 
 Among these several new circuits have been formed, 
 and considerable congregations collected. Thirty-five 
 missionaries were appointed by our last conference for 
 this home department ; and we are happy to find from 
 their labours, and those of their predecessors, that the
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 317 
 
 predominant vices are considerably on the decline, and 
 that multitudes flock to the standard of Christ, as doves 
 to the windows." From the year 1808 to the present 
 time, these home missions have been attended with 
 prosperity ; and events have proved that they are need- 
 ful auxiliaries to the regular circuits, by adding to their 
 extent, and by augmenting their number.* 
 
 The expense occasioned by the various missions which 
 were established in Nova Scotia, in the West Indies, in 
 Gibraltar, in Ireland, in Wales, and in the uncultivated 
 parts of this country, was now become a subject of 
 serious moment. Dr. Coke had been instrumental in 
 the establishment of almost all ; and the support of all 
 had rested principally on his personal exertions until 
 the year 1804, at which time public collections in their 
 favour were appointed by conference throughout the 
 connection. Dr. Coke was president of the conference 
 in 1805, when the home missions were established ; and 
 this circumstance, perhaps, in conjunction with that re- 
 spect which was due to him for his past exertions, pre- 
 vented the opposition made to his proposition from being 
 successful ; especially as the property he had acquired 
 by marriage, it was well known, would be ready to 
 supply deficiencies in the public and private contri- 
 butions. 
 
 The history of his life in the years 1806, 1807, and 
 1808, furnishes but few incidents that can claim a place 
 in his biography. During these periods he was pub- 
 licly employed in visiting the societies ; in attending the 
 conferences both in England and Ireland ; in begging 
 from door to door ; and in completing his commentary. 
 In his private hours he endeavoured to estimate the 
 advantages which might probably result from new pub- 
 lications, when his quarto volumes were finished, and 
 in making arrangements for such works as have since 
 made their appearance in the world. 
 
 During the early part of the year 1806, his time was 
 chiefly engrossed with the work which his commentary 
 afforded. But toward the conclusion of the year, he 
 had so far overcome this pressure, that he contemplated 
 
 * These home missions are now considered as circuits, and are 
 supported from another fund.
 
 318 LIFH OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 the history of the West Indies ; made preparations foi 
 his history of the Bible ; and got ready for the press his 
 answer to Mr. Nott ; to which we have alluded in an 
 early part of this volume. 
 
 It was on the 7th of June, 1807, that the last sheet of 
 his commentary was finished for the printer. But after 
 this, in order to review the passing events which at that 
 time astonished Europe, and even the whole civilized 
 world, he published an appendix to it, which was after- 
 ward printed in a separate volume, entitled the " Recent 
 Occurrences of Europe," &c. This was followed by 
 an index in the same year, which gave the finishing 
 stroke to his voluminous work. 
 
 In 1808 his System of Philosophy was compiled, but 
 its publication was suspended until a future day. It 
 was his intention, also, during this year, to collect all 
 his journals, both printed and unprinted, to connect 
 them with the most remarkable incidents of his life, 
 and to intersperse them with such anecdotes as would 
 at once amuse and instruct his readers. He was, how- 
 ever, diverted from accomplishing this purpose, by re- 
 ceiving the unpleasant tidings that an act had passed 
 the legislative assembly in Jamaica, which exposed the 
 missionaries in that island to all the violence of colonial 
 persecution. To prevent this law from becoming per- 
 manent by receiving the royal sanction, Dr. Coke once 
 more applied to his friends in power, and received from 
 several some flattering assurances that persecution 
 would not be sanctioned either by his majesty or coun- 
 cil. But, as the act had not yet arrived, nothing at 
 present could be done to relieve those who suffered from 
 its coercive influence. This circumstance afforded him 
 leisure to procure a Welsh translation of his com- 
 mentary on the New Testament, which he began to 
 publish in that language at the close of the year. It 
 was, however, impeded for some time by the improper 
 conduct of a person whom he had employed as a trans- 
 lator. This man took occasion to introduce sentiments 
 that were diametrically opposite to those which he 
 found in the original. 
 
 In the early part of the year 1809, Dr. Coke found it 
 necessary to watch the progress of the Jamaica law,
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 319 
 
 which was now presented for royal sanction. The law 
 in question, after recommending to the proprietors of 
 slaves the instruction of them in the principles of the 
 Christian faith, proceeds with its prohibitory and penal 
 clauses in the following manner : " Provided, never- 
 theless, that the instruction of such slaves shall be con- 
 fined to the doctrines of the Established Church in this 
 island ; and that no Methodist missionary, or other 
 sectary or preacher, shall presume to instruct our 
 slaves, or to receive them into their houses, chapels, 
 or conventicles, of any sort or description, under the 
 penalty of twenty pounds for every slave proved to 
 have been there, and to be recovered in a summary 
 manner before any three justices of the peace ; who, or 
 the majority of whom, are hereby authorized and em- 
 powered to issue their warrant for the recovery of the 
 same, and on refusal of payment to commit the offender 
 or offenders to the county jail until the payment of the 
 said fine or fines, which shall be paid over to the 
 churchwardens of the parish where the offence shall 
 be committed, for the benefit of the poor of such pa- 
 rish. 
 
 "Passed the assembly, this llth of November, 1807. 
 "PHILIP REDWOOD, Speaker. 
 
 " Passed the council, this 27th of November, 1807. 
 " R. ROBERTSON, CL Council. 
 
 " I consent, this 28th of November, 1807. 
 
 "EYRE COOTE." 
 
 Of this law and its concomitant ordinances, together 
 with the manner of their operation and the effects which 
 resulted from them, a detailed account has been pub- 
 lished by Dr. Coke in the second volume of his History 
 of the West Indies. Many months elapsed after this 
 colonial edict was enacted before it made its appear- 
 ance in England. It was withheld so long as the po- 
 litical principles of the constitution of Jamaica would 
 allow, that during the interim it might operate without 
 being ratified, and that the period of its repeal, which 
 its most sanguine supporters were induced from the 
 enormity of its clauses to anticipate, might be protracted 
 as much as possible. And even finally, when it came, 
 it was accompanied by an agent from Jamaica, who
 
 330 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 appeared to be delegated to enforce its clauses, and 
 procure, if possible, the royal approbation. 
 
 Dr. Coke and his friends in the meanwhile were not 
 idle. They presented a petition, as they had done be- 
 fore on similar occasions, " to the king's most excel- 
 lent majesty in council ;" setting forth the advantages 
 which had resulted to the negroes from the establish- 
 ment of the mission in this island, and adverting to the 
 effects which had already been produced by the imprison- 
 ment of the missionaries, the shutting up of the chapels, 
 the dispersion of the pious negroes in society, and anti- 
 cipating consequences still more dreadful, that might be 
 expected to ensue in case this edict should unhappily 
 receive the royal sanction. 
 
 To the right honourable the lords of the committee 
 of privy council for trade and plantations, a memorial 
 of a similar nature was also presented ; and the issue 
 was anticipated with a degree of solicitude which Dr. 
 Coke was able to feel in all its force. He was not 
 without his hopes ; but he was not wholly destitute of 
 fears. He knew the liberal disposition of his majesty 
 and of his royal ancestors ; and in the penetrating dis- 
 cernment of the honourable privy council he placed the 
 most unbounded confidence. But he had to oppose the 
 combined influence of wealth and interest ; and he well 
 knew, from the tardy movements which were made 
 in the abolition of the slave trade, that religion and 
 humanity may have claims which cannot always be 
 heard. 
 
 At an early period of this persecution, before the 
 chapel doors were completely shut, none but men of 
 free condition were permitted to enter, and sentinels 
 were appointed to prevent the slaves from joining the 
 assembly. On some of these occasions the language of 
 the excluded negroes, who crowded around the doors, 
 was truly pathetic ; and it was rendered still more inte- 
 resting from being accompanied with tears. " Massa, 
 me no go to heaven now." " White men keep black 
 men from serving God." " Black man got no soul." 
 " Nobody teach black man now." Such were the ex- 
 pressions as they hovered around the door, or pensively 
 retired from the interdicted spot, We need not envy
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 331 
 
 the feelings of those who could hear these pathetic 
 expressions with composed indifference. If ever the 
 words of Sterne had a meaning when he says, " I heard 
 his chains clank, and the iron entered my soul," it must 
 have been on this melancholy occasion. 
 
 Dr. Coke had now spent sixteen months in London, 
 waiting the decision of the important question which 
 was before his majesty in council. The eventful mo- 
 ment at length arrived, and brought with it the follow- 
 ing letter, which put a final period to the suspense of 
 all: 
 
 " Whitehall, 26th April, 1809. 
 
 " Lord Barthurst presents his compliments to Dr. 
 Coke, and acquaints him that the late act passed in 
 Jamaica, in November, 1807, for the protection, sub- 
 sisting, clothing, and for the better order and govern- 
 ment of slaves, and for other purposes, was this day 
 disallowed by his majesty in council." 
 
 An account of this pleasing decision was immediately 
 transmitted to all the Methodist societies throughout 
 the United Kingdom, and to those also in the colonies 
 abroad, that all might partake of the general joy, and 
 feel the paternal care of the sovereign toward his sub- 
 jects even in the extremity of his empire. On every 
 occasion his present majesty has shown himself an 
 invariable friend to toleration. Our religious rights 
 form our dearest interests ; and, from that uniform re- 
 gard with which they have been protected, both grati- 
 tude and interest combine with our fixed principles to 
 ratify our attachment to the throne. Since these days, 
 the laws have been rendered still more explicit in our 
 favour ; and, from the manner in which their principles 
 have been supported, we are convinced that those who 
 are at the fountain head of power will not suffer them to 
 be infringed. May the spirit as well as the letter of 
 them be transmitted to generations yet unborn. And 
 may those who feel their genial influence perpetuate 
 that loyalty to their sovereign, and that gratitude to 
 God, which it shall be our endeavour to set before them 
 as an example. 
 
 The doors being thus providentially opened for 
 preaching the gospel in every part of Jamaica, except 
 14*
 
 322 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 the town of Kingston, in which place the chapel was 
 still shut by a municipal law, which the repeal of the 
 present edict could not reach, Dr. Coke repaired almost 
 immediately to Ireland. In this voyage both himself 
 and wife were exposed to dangers of the most imminent 
 kind ; and they fully expected, from the severity of the 
 weather, to perish before they could reach the shore. 
 Of this tempest he has taken some notice in his papers ; 
 and Mrs. Coke, though brought up in an extreme of ten- 
 derness, which was calculated to render a delicate con- 
 stitution still more feeble, has recorded in her journals 
 the fortitude with which she was blessed in these mo- 
 ments of unexampled peril. Confident of the divine 
 favour, and relying upon the protecting arm of God, her 
 soul was resigned to the awful dispensation that seemed 
 to await her, while thus standing on the margin of time, 
 with the solemnities of eternity full in view. This is 
 tranquillity which stoicism may boast, but which nothing 
 less than Christ in us the hope of glory can actually 
 inspire. 
 
 Dr. Coke, during this year, published a reply to the 
 Rev. Melville Home, in vindication of himself and 
 brethren, and of their established views of some import- 
 ant doctrines, from several charges brought against 
 them by that gentleman. But of this work we shall take 
 more notice hereafter. Toward the latter part of this 
 year he also formed and executed the design of sending 
 his works into the world in numbers. The sale of them 
 was extensive ; but the expense attending this mode of 
 publication was too extravagant to justify his continu- 
 ance of the practice. Yet amid all these engagements, 
 his grand business was kept continually in view. The 
 support of the missions was his standing employment ; 
 and so far was he successful, after his return from Ire- 
 land, that, from the month of September, 1809, to that 
 of the ensuing January, he collected upward of 1,000/. 
 while begging from door to door. 
 
 It was early in the year 1810, that his attention, and 
 that of all the friends of toleration, was arrested by some 
 propositions of Lord Sidmouth, to introduce a bill into 
 parliament, which, if carried into effect, would have 
 annihilated the itinerant plan of preaching at one stroke.
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 323 
 
 Anticipating the consequences of this bill, the fears of 
 every religious community were seriously alarmed, 
 especially as its object was left undefined, and its prin- 
 ciples were not developed. Dr. Coke, on this occasion, 
 being actuated by that charity which hopeth all things, 
 was not among the foremost to suspect the evil tendency 
 of this bill. And he seems to have been led into this 
 persuasion by the favours which he had previously re- 
 ceived when applying for redress to the same party, and 
 by the complaisance of those statesmen to whom he 
 appealed for an explanation of its design. 
 
 Thus resting in a degree of security, which the occa- 
 sion would hardly justify, Dr. Coke, in the month of 
 May, sent the first numbers of his Cottager's Bible into 
 the world ; and in July this work was followed by seve- 
 ral books and pamphlets of various descriptions. His 
 commentary on the Bible was, however, his standing 
 work. It had already met with an extensive sale, but 
 many copies were still on hand ; and - the attention of 
 the religious public was arrested by Dr. Adam Clarke's 
 justly celebrated work, which was now announced, and 
 in this year made its appearance in the world. 
 
 Anxious to dispose of the copies which remained, and 
 to secure that assistance which the conference had ren- 
 dered to him in former years, Dr. Coke addressed the 
 following circular letter to each of the superintendents 
 of the various circuits in the Methodist connection, on 
 the occasion : 
 
 " Bradford, Yorkshire, Feb. 16, 1810. 
 
 " MY DEAR BROTHER AND FRIEND, I think it my 
 duty, in the present circumstances of things, to lay be- 
 fore you the state of my commentary. In the year 1792, 
 the conference requested me to write or compile a com- 
 mentary on the Bible. When I had so far advanced in 
 the work, that the part finished might be put into the 
 press, my brethren did not judge it proper to enter on 
 so expensive a work, but voted unanimously, that they 
 would undertake to recommend and sell the whole work 
 for me, if I would risk the publication of it ; and that 
 they would take only ten per cent, commission money 
 for the whole. However, on the representation of our 
 worthy friend Mr. Lomas, I made the commission
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 money twenty per cent., paying up the arrears, and 
 thereby gave to the book room not less than a thousand 
 pounds in all. The conference was pleased to honour 
 me twice with a unanimous vote of thanks for that work. 
 
 "I have now about two hundred sets of my com- 
 mentary on the Old Testament on hand, and about 
 twelve hundred sets of my commentary on the New 
 Testament. I have therefore, I think, a claim to your 
 indulgence, and to your assistance for the sale of the 
 remainder of my edition, prior to that of any other per- 
 son whatever. I here except every thing that makes a 
 part of your stock in the book room. I would not 
 choose to oppose any person upon earth. But justice, 
 as well as mercy, seems to be in this instance so clearly 
 on my side, that I have no scruple earnestly to entreat 
 the favour of you to assist me in the sale of the re- 
 mainder of my edition. 
 
 " The allowance for commission is now twenty-five 
 per cent. The division of this I must leave to you and 
 Mr. Blanshard. 
 
 " Whatever worth my commentary may have, you 
 must be acquainted with it. To say any thing on that 
 head would therefore be useless. I must now leave the 
 matter with you, only observing that you will, by com- 
 plying with my request, greatly oblige, my dear brother 
 and friend, 
 
 " Yours affectionately, T. COKE." 
 
 The circulation of this letter was not without its 
 influence on the minds of many of the preachers to 
 whom it was sent ; but the effects resulting from it 
 were not, on the whole, equal to the writer's expecta- 
 tions. He therefore continued to publish his com- 
 mentary, together with some other works, in numbers, 
 sending them into the world by men who travelled 
 through the country on purpose. But this was a mode 
 of publication not only too expensive to be pursued, but 
 in which he frequently found himself wronged by the 
 agents whom he employed, without having any means 
 of redress. 
 
 It was nearly about this time that a proposition was 
 made by the American Methodists to publish a new 
 edition of his commentary on the continent, and to take
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 325 
 
 from him the remaining part of his stock, with which 
 he found himself incumbered. To these proposals Dr. 
 Coke was ready to accede ; but through some inter- 
 vening causes, with which the author is not acquainted, 
 this proposition produced nothing but a gleam of hope, 
 leaving him a prey to agents and travellers, who fre- 
 quently did not sell a sufficient quantity to defray their 
 own expenses. 
 
 The author of this biography, from his habits of inti- 
 macy with Dr. Coke, was not ignorant of these facts. 
 He therefore frequently adverted to them, and desired 
 him to desist from pursuits which must ultimately waste 
 all his property. Deluded, however, with the specious 
 pretences of his robbers, he was not easily to be moved 
 from his purposes. He was then told that it would be 
 less to his disadvantage to employ a man at the door of 
 his warehouse in London, to give his works to the pas- 
 sengers who walked the streets. But even this expos- 
 tulation, which was made in September, was at first 
 made in vain. Dr. Coke was convinced of the fact in 
 November, and acknowledged his obligations for infor- 
 mation which he had not been previously disposed to 
 receive. 
 
 Wearied at length with a mode of publishing his 
 works which common prudence would no longer per- 
 mit him to pursue, Dr. Coke soon afterward took his 
 numbers from agents who had treated him with injustice, 
 and placed his various publications in the hands of 
 Messrs. Nuttal and Fisher, of Liverpool. But to these 
 he was obliged to allow such a considerable per centage 
 as afforded him but little prospect of reimbursement for 
 the property he had advanced from the surplus that 
 was left. In addition to this, the sale was not equal to 
 the expectations he had been led to entertain ; so that 
 this compact continued but for a short season. He 
 therefore, at the ensuing conference, made an offer of 
 all his works, both finished and unfinished, to the Me- 
 thodist connection, at a price which it was scarcely 
 possible for them to refuse. 
 
 His whole stock of literary property at this time, in- 
 cluding a warehouse worth 550Z., amounted, at the trade 
 price, to 10,OOOZ. This he offered for three thousand
 
 .') LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 guineas, to be paid by regular instalments, in seven 
 years. This generous offer was accepted. But think- 
 ing, on calm reflection, that he had been rather too pre- 
 cipitate in his proposal, at his request conference with- 
 drew their claims, and gave him another year to mature 
 his mind on the subject. In this state of suspense his 
 literary concerns lay until the conference of 1812, when 
 the bargain, with some trifling alterations, was fully 
 ratified, and all his works became the property of the 
 Methodist connection. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Introduction, progress, and final overthrow of Lord Sidmouth's 
 bill New interpretation given to the toleration act New tolera- 
 tion act Dr. Coke takes a decided part in all Establishes a mis- 
 sion among the French prisoners Sends missions to Sierra Leone, 
 in Africa First introduction of Methodism into that colony 
 State of the mission Marries Miss Loxdale Death and character 
 of that lady Plans a mission to India Prepares to embark Pro- 
 jects the missionary societies Sanctioned by conference Pro- 
 vision made for himself and associates Designs to be married a 
 third time Connection broken off through the interference of his 
 friends Sails for India Death and funeral solemnities of Mrs. 
 Ault General account of the voyage Death of Dr. Coke Par- 
 ticulars relative to this melancholy event Body committed to the 
 deep Prosperous state of the mission Reflections. 
 
 ALTHOUGH Dr. Coke, when the reports respecting 
 Lord Sidmouth's bill were first in circulation, enter- 
 tained no gloomy apprehensions of its issue, he was 
 awakened from his lethargy when its principles began 
 to be unfolded. He then saw the awful consequences 
 to which it would certainly lead in case it passed into a 
 law ; and was roused into action to oppose its progress 
 by those constitutional means that were then applied 
 with the most unexampled effect. By the operative 
 influence of this law the Methodists would have been 
 more immediately affected than perhaps any other de- 
 nomination of Christians in Britain ; but all parties felt 
 the meditated infringement on their common rights, 
 and liberty of conscience became one common cause. 
 Against the whole economy of the Methodist discipline
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 327 
 
 this bill would have militated ; and nothing but legal 
 persecution, in all probability, would have immediately 
 followed, as soon as it had passed into a law, which 
 would have filled the jails with thousands of loyal sub- 
 jects, of various descriptions, whose characters are an 
 ornament to the country that gave them birth. 
 
 It was early in the month of May, 1811, when this 
 bill was brought into the house of Ibrds. It was read a 
 first time. Its tendency was then perceived in all its 
 bearings. The kingdom became alarmed ; and the 
 public mind was in such a high state of ferment that its 
 supporters began to dread the consequences that would 
 almost inevitably ensue. Petitions from all quarters 
 were instantly called forth with incredible readiness ; 
 and, so far as time would permit, they entered the 
 house like an overwhelming torrent. 
 
 On the llth of May this bill was read a second time. 
 But before the arrival of this day nearly seven hundred 
 petitions were thrown on the table against it. These 
 had swarmed from London and its vicinity ; and multi- 
 tudes more were on their way from the various parts 
 of the nation, signed by myriads who breathed the 
 genuine spirit of constitutional opposition to the mea- 
 sure. Alarmed at the formidable spectacle which these 
 petitions presented, and at the sound of popular opinion, 
 which had scarcely ever been heard in such unity be- 
 fore, the advocates of the bill found themselves most 
 seriously oppressed ; and hesitated to proceed with a 
 measure that had excited such public aversion. Its 
 opposers triumphed in the embarrassments which no 
 artifice could conceal ; and expatiated against the enor- 
 mity of its principles and consequences in strains of 
 argumentative eloquence that were not to be resisted. 
 The fate of the bill having taken this unexpected turn, 
 many who had hitherto remained silent, but from whom 
 support for its clauses was expected, soon gave way, 
 and the voice of its advocates could no longer be heard 
 with any hope of success. At length it was proposed 
 that its third reading should be postponed until that day 
 six months, which, according to the customs of the 
 house, was a proposition that contained its death war- 
 rant. This motion was accordingly put, and carried
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 without a division, and its destiny was ratified. The 
 petitions therefore were of no farther service than 
 either to hold out to posterity an example how to act 
 on any similar occasion, or to furnish parchment to 
 light the funeral pile of the abortive statute. 
 
 Scarcely had the friends of the preceding intolerant 
 bill been defeated, before certain magistrates, who were 
 actuated by the same principles, resorted in various 
 parts of the kingdom to a new expedient. This was to 
 give to the toleration act an intolerant interpretation, 
 and to make it subservient to all the purposes for which 
 the bill of Lord Sidmouth had been designed. This 
 circumstance created no small degree of alarm ; and 
 many consultations were held to concert proper mea- 
 sures to prevent that cloud from gathering around the 
 horizon which, from its appearance, threatened all the 
 dissenters and the Methodists with disasters of no com- 
 mon magnitude. In these consultations Dr. Coke was 
 not silent ; and his readiness to execute the measures 
 proposed was of considerable service to the general 
 cause. It was finally determined that an appeal should 
 be made to parliament for protection against the unwar- 
 rantable interpretations lately put upon that act, which 
 had been invariably understood in a different sense for 
 more than one hundred years. To the prayer of this 
 petition government listened with a favourable ear. A 
 new act was passed in consequence of the application, 
 and those privileges which local authority had endea- 
 voured to curtail, were not only confirmed, but new 
 ones were added to all the former, and religious liberty 
 was solemnly confirmed by the national senate. 
 
 Such were, through the overruling providence of 
 God, the consequences which followed Lord Sidmouth's 
 bill. Nothing less could have been expected from its 
 clauses than that the Methodists would be placed under 
 various restrictions, which must have totally disor- 
 ganized their present economy. This bill was defeated, 
 and a new one of a different tendency substituted in its 
 stead, by which the rights of conscience are guarded 
 against the attempts of all future assailants ; and we 
 hope for ever. In these transactions Dr. Coke took a 
 decided but not so active a part as might have been
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 329 
 
 expected from him, if he had not been compelled to 
 remove to a distant part of the kingdom. Yet, even on 
 this occasion, such was his zeal, his perseverance, and 
 his assiduity, while he had an opportunity of acting, 
 that his name, in conjunction with the names of many 
 others, will be remembered with gratitude when the 
 present generation shall be swept from the face of the 
 earth. 
 
 But amid these diversified concerns, which engrossed 
 the time and attention of Dr. Coke, nothing could divert 
 him from the more permanent purpose of his soul, 
 namely, the support and the extension of foreign mis- 
 sions. In these he was actively engaged from the com- 
 mencement of his public ministry ; in these he continued 
 with unabating fervour through the whole period of his 
 probation ; and in these he finally terminated his mortal 
 career. 
 
 Twenty years had now elapsed since Dr. Coke had 
 visited Paris, with a design to introduce the gospel into 
 that dissolute metropolis. His first efforts had been un- 
 successful ; and the continuance of the war between 
 Great Britain and France had totally prevented him 
 from renewing his attempt. But the same causes that 
 had shut up all friendly intercourse between the con- 
 tending nations, had presented to the eye of benevolence 
 many thousands who were at once living without hope, 
 and without God in the world, in the various prisons of 
 this country, which were croAvded with the captives of 
 war. 
 
 At the English conference of 1809, Mr. Toase, one of 
 the preachers who understood the French language, and 
 spoke it with fluency, was appointed to a circuit on the 
 banks of the Medway. In this river there were ten 
 prison ships, on board of which were 7,000 prisoners of 
 war. While attending to the duties of his circuit, he 
 received an invitation from the captain of one of these 
 ships to come on board and preach to the prisoners. 
 Conceiving it to be a call of Providence, he went, and 
 spent some time in conversing with the prisoners on 
 religious subjects, giving such advice as he thought 
 suitable, and distributing among them some small tracts 
 which he supposed they might be inclined to read. On
 
 330 LIFE OF THE RET. DR. COKE. 
 
 introducing the subject of preaching, he promised to 
 visit them on the ensuing day, and to deliver to them a 
 sermon in their own language, upon condition that they 
 would engage to hear. This proposition was accepted 
 with joy, and the invitation was renewed with an almost 
 universal voice. 
 
 Mr. Toase, accordingly, on the 6th of March, 1810, 
 took his stand on the quarter deck of this prison ship, 
 (the Glory,) and preached to several hundreds, who lis- 
 tened with much attention, and some among them with 
 tears of apparent contrition. At the conclusion of the 
 service, the prisoners expressed much gratitude, and 
 solicited a continuance of the favour which he had thus 
 conferred. With this request he promised to comply, 
 so far as the duties of his circuit would allow ; and in 
 all his subsequent visits their behaviour was much better 
 than might have been expected from men of their cha- 
 racter, and in their condition. This was the origin of 
 the Methodist missions among the French prisoners. 
 
 At the conference of 1810, although Mr. Toase had 
 not been able to preach on board the Glory more than 
 once in three weeks, the prisoners presented a petition, 
 signed by about fifty names, chiefly officers, requesting 
 his reappointment, with which request conference com- 
 plied. On returning to the Glory, he was received with 
 every mark of approbation and respect ; and a wish was 
 expressed by them, that some Bibles and Testaments 
 might be put into circulation among those who could 
 read. This was done ; and to these were added various 
 other books, the whole of which were preserved with 
 care, and read with attention. 
 
 Among those who had regularly attended preaching, 
 and were apparently benefited by the word, some few 
 were taken ill. These were removed to another ship 
 called the Trusty, which was used as a hospital ship. 
 Mr. Toase visited them during their illness, and thus 
 had an opportunity of making himself known to some 
 belonging to almost all the prison ships in the river, 
 especially as he preached on board this ship once every 
 week for some time. " It is truly affecting," says Mr. 
 Toase, " on these occasions, to see those who are able 
 to walk, assemble around the beds of such as cannot be
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 331 
 
 raised, while I stand in the centre, and offer them the 
 glad tidings of salvation. The last time I was with 
 them, I was much affected with the appearance of one, 
 who wept nearly the whole time of the sermon." 
 
 The attachment of the prisoners to preaching on board 
 of these ships, was soon communicated to those of 
 others, and these became animated with a similar desire. 
 This desire awakened the solicitude of Mr. Toase, and 
 presented a field which required more labourers; but 
 these could not be procured without much expense, nor 
 be fully sanctioned until the conference of 1811. In 
 addition to this, there was an obstacle in the way, which 
 it was necessary to remove, in order that the missiona- 
 ries might have free access to the prisoners on all occa- 
 sions. To accomplish thi* end, an application was 
 made to the executive government of the country. This 
 was immediately answered in the most liberal manner ; 
 and, on the arrival of this order, to permit the Methodist 
 missionaries to preach, the commissary general, and all 
 the officers, concurred in the benevolent measure, and 
 declared themselves ready to promote the compassionate 
 design. Nor was this order confined to the prison ships 
 in the Medway. In its extended application, it em- 
 braced the various depots throughout the kingdom, in 
 which about 70,000 men were at this time confined ; so 
 that from this providential beginning an opening pre- 
 sented itself, which, in its effects and consequences, in 
 relation to the empire of France, baffled all calcu- 
 lation. 
 
 At the conference of 1811, the measure of sending 
 missionaries among the prisoners was taken into consi- 
 deration. Its propriety was readily admitted ; but an 
 inability to support the missionaries was an objection 
 which the timid were not able to overcome. But Dr. 
 Coke was not to be alarmed with dangers to which he 
 had been so long accustomed. He was acquainted with 
 the resources he had before him, and his confidence was 
 strong in the divine protection. He therefore, in order 
 to silence all objections, offered to become responsible 
 for the whole amount, relying only on divine Providence 
 and the liberality of the humane and generous public for 
 reimbursement. This was the principle on which the
 
 332 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 missionaries among the French prisoners were esta- 
 blished in the year 1811. 
 
 From the Medway this mission extended to Ports- 
 mouth, to Stapleton, to Norman-cross, to Plymouth, 
 and to Dartmoor ; and in most of these places the pros- 
 pects were highly pleasing, and in some the conse- 
 quences were evidently beneficial. It would be easy to 
 recount various expressions of gratitude which the mis- 
 sionaries received from the prisoners, and to notice the 
 marks of affection displayed by them when they took 
 their leave in cartels during the war. Many of these 
 have been recorded in the missionary reports for the 
 years 1811, 1812, and 1813. But, above all these, the 
 serious impressions which were apparent on the minds 
 of many, and which continued during the period of their 
 confinement, afforded evidence, by the effects resulting 
 from them, that this mission had not been undertaken in 
 vain. 
 
 As this mission could only be considered as in a state 
 of infancy, at the conclusion of the war, it is impossible 
 to say to what extent its advantages might have been 
 carried in the issue of its continuance. God, whose 
 prerogative it is to bring good out of evil, might have 
 made war instrumental in establishing his kingdom of 
 spiritual peace, and have raised from among its captives 
 some heralds to proclaim the everlasting gospel. But 
 evil is not necessary for the accomplishment of any 
 thing that is good. The seed that has been already 
 sown may be even at this moment bearing fruit, and 
 another generation may reap a glorious harvest which 
 is now preparing. Many Bibles have been sent home 
 by these released prisoners ; and it is not improbable 
 that they will continue to be prized and cherished by 
 them, from the singular circumstance of their having 
 been given by strangers, while they were captives in a 
 foreign land. This veneration may be transmitted to 
 their posterity, who may also inherit their affection for 
 Protestants and for the Protestant cause. 
 
 But on the issues of mere possibility it is in vain to 
 peculate. To follow the leadings of Providence is a 
 branch of duty from which it is criminal to depart. A 
 conviction of this truth always rested on Dr. Coke's
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 333 
 
 mind. On this principle he took upon himself the 
 responsibility of this mission, and cheerfully added his 
 endeavours to provide for its support to all his other 
 accumulated labours; being fully convinced that his 
 labour would not be finally in vain in the Lord. 
 
 Europe and America had hitherto engaged most of 
 the active exertions of Dr. Coke ; but these quarters of 
 the globe had not exclusively engrossed his thoughts. 
 He had frequently reflected on the forlorn condition of 
 the Africans in their native land ; and although he had 
 been unsuccessful in one effort, he had long resolved to 
 make another, as soon as circumstances would allow. 
 The abolition of the slave trade, the establishment of 
 the colony at Sierra Leone, and the pressing invitations 
 of some Methodists who resided there, conspired to 
 point out this as a favourable spot; and the year 1811 
 was a time that harmonized with these pleasing occur- 
 rences. 
 
 It is a question which has frequently been asked, 
 " What was the primary occasion that led to the intro- 
 duction of Methodism into this African colony, as no 
 missionaries were ever sent thither until the year 
 1811?" To this question it may not be improper to 
 give a brief reply. 
 
 It has been stated in an early part of this volume 
 that, at the conclusion of the American war, a great 
 number of refugees were compelled to retire from the 
 United States, in consequence of their attachment to 
 England, and to take up their abode in Nova Scotia, 
 which still belonged to the British territories. Among 
 these were many who had been slaves in the United 
 States ; but who, as a reward for their services to the 
 British cause, were carried to Nova Scotia and declared 
 free. Prior to the commencement of hostilities, several 
 of these had been savingly converted to God, through 
 the preaching of the early missionaries who visited the 
 continent. Surviving the horrors of war, they had re- 
 tained their steadfastness, and they fondly cherished a 
 strong attachment to the doctrines and discipline of the 
 Methodists, when they could no longer hear preaching, 
 or meet in any society but among themselves. It was 
 in behalf of these liberated slaves, in conjunction with
 
 334 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 other refugees, that Dr. Coke so strongly interested 
 himself on his early visits to America. It was to these 
 also he was directing his course, in company with other 
 missionaries, when the providence of God compelled 
 them to take refuge in the island of Antigua, in the year 
 1786. 
 
 After these liberated negroes had continued in Nova 
 Scotia some time, it was found that they were unable to 
 bear the rigours of the climate during the severity of 
 winter. Freetown, in Sierra Leone, was at this time in 
 building, and assistance was much wanted to carry on 
 the work. They were, therefore, in the year 1792, to 
 the amount of 1131, taken from Nova Scotia, and car- 
 ried to Sierra Leone, as a climate more congenial to 
 their constitutions. 
 
 Arriving at this colony, they found themselves at 
 liberty to worship God agreeably to the dictates of 
 their own consciences ; while those in power stimulated 
 them to the practice of every moral and social virtue. 
 Thus circumstanced, they established the worship of 
 God among themselves, according to the plan of the 
 Methodists, and earnestly invited others to join them. 
 At this time two or three officiated as preachers, and a 
 few others took the care of the little classes they had 
 formed. As their lives were exemplary, and their 
 preaching regular, though plain, their congregations 
 soon increased, and several new members augmented 
 the original society. And so far was God pleased to 
 bless their simple but sincere endeavours to promote 
 his glory, that they were preserved through succeeding 
 years as lights in a benighted land. 
 
 These pious negroes, though fixed in a distant por- 
 tion of the globe, never forgot that they had friends 
 both in England and America, whose spirits and views 
 were congenial with their own. With these they opened 
 a correspondence, through the vessels which occasionally 
 touched at the colony, and transmitted accounts of the 
 manner in which they proceeded. In process of time 
 they contrived to build a preaching house, which, we 
 have since been informed, was sufficient to contain 
 about four hundred persons. 
 
 During the lapse of nineteen years, Dr. Coke received
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 333 
 
 many letters from them, requesting him to send over a 
 missionary to the colony to second their exertions, and 
 to instruct them more fully in the way of righteous- 
 ness. Of these requests he never lost sight. But the 
 continuance of the slave trade, and the difficulty of pro- 
 curing missionaries who were both able and willing to 
 undertake this arduous work, presented obstacles which 
 could not be overcome until the year 1811. At this 
 time four men, Messrs. Warren, Hayley, Reyner, and 
 Hurst, offered themselves as volunteers for this perilous 
 undertaking. 
 
 These men sailed from Liverpool on the 21st of Sep- 
 tember, 1811, and reached the colony in safety on the 
 12th of November following. The objects which they 
 had primarily in view were to establish schools among 
 the Africans, on the plan of Mr. Lancaster, and to 
 preach the gospel to all who were disposed to hear. 
 On their arrival, they were treated with much respect 
 by the governor, and received with all the ardour of 
 affection by the society that had long waited their 
 arrival. Success for some time attended their exer- 
 tions. Many heard the gospel with much attention, 
 and the children made a considerable proficiency in 
 their learning. Mr. Warren, however, was, after some 
 months, taken from them by death, and a considerable 
 time elapsed before another could be procured to fill 
 his place. During this interim their prospects were 
 rather gloomy, in consequence of the derangement which 
 his death occasioned. The schools still went on ; and 
 so far have they been deemed beneficial to the colony, 
 that the governor has since taken them under his pro- 
 tection, and they still continue prosperous. 
 
 Since the death of Mr. Warren, another missionary 
 has gone to Sierra Leone, to superintend those who 
 remain, and to gather the scattered flock. From the 
 last returns, the number in society amounted to 120 : 
 but little doubt can be entertained, when he becomes 
 established among them, that many will return who had 
 wandered from the fold during this dark and dreary- 
 night, through which they had been obliged to pass. 
 
 It is to the particular exertions of Dr. Coke that this 
 mission, under God, is indebted for its existence. When
 
 336 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 the design which he had formed to establish it was laid 
 before conference, the same fears presented themselves 
 in a formidable magnitude that had operated on former 
 occasions. But Dr. Coke had been too long accustomed 
 to opposition to abandon his undertaking from pecu- 
 niary considerations, merely because it was not so for- 
 tunate as to meet with unanimous concurrence. Pos- 
 sessing the means of carrying his intentions into effect, 
 and being actuated by a principle not less liberal than 
 those means were commanding, he took upon himself 
 the responsibility of the principal part of the first ex- 
 pense. The total sum at this time, though it was con- 
 siderably augmented afterward, amounted to 1100Z., out 
 of which Dr. Coke advanced 600Z. from his own per- 
 sonal property. But money with him was of little con- 
 sideration when a mission was to be either established 
 or supported, which promised to bring glory to God, 
 and to promote the happiness of the human race. To 
 urge him to any missionary undertaking nothing more 
 was necessary than to convince him of these facts. 
 When this was done, decision became prominent in his 
 character ; his fears were dismissed ; and with a de- 
 gree of confidence in God which no common tempest 
 could shake, he proceeded onward in the path of duty ; 
 and, through dint of perseverance, rarely failed to ac- 
 complish purposes which at first view appeared visionary 
 and romantic. But Dr. Coke is dead : and in these de- 
 partments we know not where his successor lives. 
 
 It is a question which has sometimes been agitated 
 among the curious, whether a man, by marrying a 
 second wife, pays, by so doing, a compliment to his 
 first, or throws a delicate reflection on her character. 
 Speculative men may advance plausible arguments on 
 each side that will keep decision for some time in sus- 
 pense ; and perhaps nothing can be finally inferred 
 from the result that will establish a permanent principle. 
 But, whatever may have been the opinions of theorists, 
 no one who ever witnessed the connubial tenderness 
 which existed between Dr. Coke and his first wife, will 
 question his motive in taking a second. 
 
 Mrs. Penelope Coke departed this life on the 25th of 
 January, 1811, and her widowed husband wandered from
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 337 
 
 place to place nearly the whole year, bewailing his con- 
 dition with that manly sorrow which the gospel tole- 
 rates when it is accompanied with resignation and hope. 
 The charms, however, which, in the early part of his life, 
 he had found in solitude, were not now the companions 
 of his solitary state. During six years he had ex- 
 Changed them for the pleasures of social intercourse; 
 and the favourable impressions which the endearing 
 society of his pious partner had made, were too indelible 
 to be effaced. 
 
 To supply this deficiency which death had made in 
 his domestic comforts to fill a vacancy which furnished 
 a grave to his earthly joys and to procure a friend to 
 whom he could unbosom all his cares, and from whom 
 he might receive the balm of friendship through the 
 decline of life, he sought after another object, at once 
 worthy of his affection, his confidence, and his cha- 
 racter. This assemblage of excellences he found in Miss 
 Ann Loxdale, an elderly maiden lady, who resided in 
 Liverpool. 
 
 Miss Loxdale had been of long standing in the Me- 
 thodist connection ; she had frequently corresponded 
 with Mr. Wesley ; and her praise was in all the churches, 
 Her acquirements were numerous ; and her understand- 
 ing, which was naturally vigorous and comphehensive, 
 had received from education a degree of polish which 
 always shed a lustre around her. Her piety was of the 
 most exalted kind ; and her usefulness in visiting the 
 sick, in leading classes, in consoling the disconsolate, 
 and in reproving those who went astray, might serve as 
 a model not unworthy of. imitation by Christians of no 
 common attainments. 
 
 But, notwithstanding this constellation of graces and 
 natural excellences, her health was rather too preca- 
 riou?, and her habits of life too much domesticated, to 
 render her a suitable companion for Dr. Coke, who had 
 no certain dwelling. On this account her friends, who 
 fill some very respectable walks in life, disapproved of 
 the connection she was about to form. Dr. Coke's con- 
 fidential correspondents, who were made acquainted 
 with her intentions, were decidedly of the same opinion ; 
 so that both parties made use of every endeavour to 
 
 15
 
 338 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 prevent their meditated union. But no dissuasions were 
 sufficient to deter them from accomplishing their mutual 
 engagements ; both being fully satisfied of each other's 
 piety, and actuated by one common principle, to diffuse 
 religion and virtue through the world by their precepts 
 and their example. They were accordingly married in 
 the month of December, 1811, and proceeded to the 
 accomplishment of their purposes in the full enjoyment 
 of that connubial felicity which their judgments, their 
 friendship, and their affection had taught them to 
 anticipate. 
 
 But Dr. Coke had once more to learn that all sublu- 
 nary happiness is precarious ; and that sorrow, in every 
 department of life, is the constant companion of mor- 
 tality. This amiable woman was taken from him just 
 as one year after their marriage had completed its revo- 
 lution. She died at York, on the 5th of December, 
 1812, and was buried by the side of his former wife, in 
 their family va)t at Brecon. With their ashes it was 
 his full determination to mingle his own, whenever 
 death should terminate his mortal career, even if this 
 should happen in a remote region of the globe. But 
 with this desire, as we shall shortly discover, it was 
 totally impossible for his friends to comply. 
 
 Cherishing in his bosom a recollection of her name 
 and of her numerous virtues, while on his voyage toward 
 India he transmitted to the author of this volume a copy 
 of the following epitaph, in which he intended to embalm 
 her memory. The letter in which this epitaph was en- 
 closed was dated off Madeira, January 22u% 1814; but, 
 being sent by a ship bound for the Brazils, it did not 
 reach England until the body of the writer had been 
 consigned to the remorseless deep, to demand from 
 another " the generous tear he paid."
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 339 
 
 To record the memory of 
 
 Mrs. ANN COKE, 
 
 Daughter of JOSEPH LOXDALE, Esq., 
 
 of Shrewsbury, in the county of Salop, 
 
 and late Wife of the Reverend THOMAS CORK, 
 
 Doctor of Laws, of the University of Oxford, 
 
 and Common Council-man 
 
 of this Borough, 
 
 This Marble is erected 
 
 By her affectionate Husband. 
 
 Her mental endowments, 
 
 though highly polished by education, 
 
 were ornamented with the deepest Humility, 
 
 which would have rendered her amiable 
 
 without her superior Talents. 
 Her Conversion to God, at an early period, 
 
 taught her, 
 
 by the manner of its accomplishment, 
 to ascribe her Salvation wholly to Grace 
 
 and induced her 
 to exchange the pleasures of the world 
 
 for 
 the permanent enjoyments of Religion. 
 
 Upward of thirty years 
 She continued her connection 
 
 with the METHODISTS, 
 to whom she united herself, 
 
 from an attachment 
 
 which death only could dissolve. 
 
 Among these may be found 
 
 many Witnesses 
 of her eminent CHRISTIAN virtues, 
 
 as well as abundant monuments 
 
 of her holy zeal for the Salvation of Souls. 
 
 Having long experienced that state of 
 
 CHRISTIAN PERFECTION 
 
 which it is the privilege 
 
 of tie Faithful to enjoy. 
 
 Her love toward God 
 
 became so refined as she advanced in years, 
 
 that her removal from earth to Heaven 
 
 was little more than a gentle transition. 
 
 She met Death with holy 
 
 and perfect resignation, 
 
 leaving this world 
 
 in the full assurance of a better, 
 
 on the 5th of December, 1812, 
 
 in the 57th year of her age.
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 Deprived of this only earthly solace of his declining 
 years by the hand of death, within about twelve months 
 after she had become his wife, Dr. Coke, at the. com- 
 mencement of 1813, made a solemn pause, while verging 
 toward the extremity of life ; and, from an insulated 
 eminence, surveyed, in successive order, those portions 
 of his existence which were gone, and anticipated those 
 fleeting moments which seemed yet to await him. 
 
 He had lived to behold missions established in Ire- 
 land ; in Wales ; in the uncultivated parts of England ; 
 in America ; in the West Indies ; at Gibraltar ; and at 
 Sierra Leone. In all these places he had seen pros- 
 perity attend the word which he had thus been made 
 instrumental in planting. These, therefore, no longer 
 required that fostering care which their infant state had 
 rendered necessary ; and, consequently, he found him- 
 self somewhat free from those ealls of duty which, on 
 former occasions, were too imperious to be resisted. 
 
 From his various publications he was also disengaged, 
 by having transferred the whole to conference. Of 
 both wives he had likewise been deprived by the inscru- 
 table dispensations of Heaven, so that he was again free 
 to enter upon any new enterprise that might promise to 
 enlarge the boundaries of Zion. These considerations, 
 in their combined effect, awakened within him a latent 
 desire, which had long slumberetl in his bosom, to turn 
 his thoughts toward the shores of India. 
 
 In the early part of his life Dr. Coke had considered 
 India as a region which afforded an ample field for mis- 
 sionary exertions ; and in the year 1784 he had actually 
 written a letter to a gentleman in India, to make inqui- 
 ries into the state of morals, the influence of idolatry, 
 the difficulties to be encountered, the probable amount 
 of expense, the prospect of success, and the best plan 
 of procedure, in case the establishment of a mission were 
 attempted in Asia. To these inquiries, and to a variety 
 of others closely connected with this general question, 
 he received a very long, very full, and an accurately 
 detailed account, in a letter, dated February 19th, 1785. 
 This letter may be found in the Arminian Magazine for 
 the year 1792. 
 
 The difficulties which this letter faithfully recorded
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 341 
 
 were too formidable to be at that time encountered. 
 And as those places in which missions have since been 
 established presented a more promising field, the con- 
 cerns of Asia were postponed until finance, ability, and 
 leisure should combine to mark the expediency of the 
 arduous enterprise. Engaged in these missions, the 
 intermediate years which passed away left no surplus 
 either of time, of money, or of talent, to justify an un- 
 dertaking of such magnitude. Nor was it until the year 
 1813, when those circumstances united together which 
 have been enumerated, that Dr. Coke thought the 
 period was fully come. 
 
 But although nothing was done toward the esta- 
 blishment of a mission in India till this time, it was a 
 subject that had frequently engrossed his thoughts. On 
 every occasion that presented itself he seized the oppor- 
 tunity to promote inquiries, thus continually augment- 
 ing his stock of information, which was treasured up 
 against the anticipated but distant result. In the year 
 1806, Dr. Coke, being at the house of a pious gentleman 
 in Cornwall, who had resided upward of twenty years 
 in India, unfolded to him the designs which were then 
 ripening in his mind. From this gentleman (Colonel 
 William Sandys) he procured a fund of information, 
 with which he was so highly pleased, that he requested 
 him to state what he had communicated to the mis- 
 sionary committee in London, to prepare them for that 
 work which he fully expected he should one day un- 
 dertake. A statement was accordingly given to the 
 committee by Colonel Sandys, a copy of which is now 
 before the author ; and it is evident, from comparing its 
 recommendations with the facts furnished by the mis- 
 sion when fitted out, that its principles were not without 
 their influence in the arrangements which were finally 
 made. 
 
 In the year 1813, when his resolution to visit India 
 was nearly formed, Dr. Coke opened a correspondence 
 with the late Dr. Buchanan, whose valuable researches 
 in India have made the Christian world his debtor. 
 From this gentleman he also received much additional 
 information, as well as a confirmation of what he had 
 previously received from other quarters, particularly
 
 34$ LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 from Colonel Sandys, Dr. Buchanan's intimate friend, 
 correspondent, and relative. It was through Dr. Bu- 
 chanan that his views were more immediately directed 
 toward the island of Ceylon, the obstacles there being 
 fewer in number, and less in magnitude, than those 
 which must have been encountered in case he had 
 thought of entering immediately among the Hindoos. 
 This was recommended as a preparatory step, that 
 might enable him and his associates to acquire more 
 particular knowledge of the continent, to which the 
 missionaries might repair hereafter, when they had fully 
 established themselves in Ceylon, where part of the 
 inhabitants, not wholly ignorant of Christianity, might 
 be addressed in the languages of Europe. 
 
 Convinced by the representations of Dr. Buchanan, 
 Dr. Coke now fully fixed his mind on a mission to Asia, 
 and considered Ceylon as the grand point to which his 
 views should be primarily directed. To a letter, in 
 which the author of this work endeavoured to dissuade 
 him from his purpose of visiting India, on account of 
 his age ; the shock which his constitution must sustain 
 by a long residence in the torrid zone ; the difficulty of 
 rendering the organs of articulation sufficiently flexible 
 at this time of life to enable him to pronounce a new 
 language ; and finally, his inability to leave behind him 
 a successor that should be at once able and willing to 
 beg from door to door, to support the missions already 
 established, he wrote the following reply : 
 
 . ''Preaching house, Dublin, June 28, 1813. 
 
 " MY VERY DEAR FRIEND, I beg pardon for being 
 so long answering your letter. I have laboured in the 
 begging way since the last conference, more arduously 
 than evei, except about a month or six weeks, when I 
 swam in waves of wo on account of my late precious 
 wife. 
 
 " I am now dead to Europe, and alive for India. God 
 himself has said to me, 'Go to Ceylon.' I am as much 
 convinced of the will of God in this respect as that I 
 breathe ; so fully convinced, that rnethinks I had rather 
 be set naked on the 'coast of Ceylon, without clothes, 
 and without a friend, than not go there. The Portu- 
 guese language is much spoken all around the coast of
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 343 
 
 Ceylon, and indeed all along the coast of India. Ac- 
 cording to Dr. Buchanan, there are 500,000 Christians 
 (nominal Christians at least) in Ceylon : and there are 
 now only two ministers to take care of them. I am 
 learning the Portuguese language continually, and am 
 perfectly certain I shall conquer it before I land in 
 Ceylon. The fleets sail in October and January. If 
 the conference employ me to raise the money for the 
 outset, I shall not be able to sail till January. I shall 
 bear my own expenses of course. I'll request you to 
 speak to the preachers, to see whether a preacher or 
 two can be procured, who will consent to travel with 
 me. I shall probably be here until this day fortnight, 
 then I set off for Liverpool." 
 
 It is plain from the preceding extract, that Dr. Coke 
 had not, in the month of June, procured any associates 
 to engage with him in this important mission. It is 
 also to be inferred, from the manner of his expressions, 
 that it was his design to embark for A.*ia, if no one 
 could be found to accompany him thither. We cannot, 
 however, suppose, under sucb circumstances, that it 
 was his intention to remain in India alone. He might 
 have gone thither to make observations ou the spot, 
 that, on returning to England, he might be better able 
 to judge of the number and qualifications of such 
 missionaries as should afterward be induced to em- 
 bark. 
 
 Prior to this time, he had taken into his serious con- 
 sideration the state to which the missions, on his leaving 
 England, would be reduced for want of pecuniary assist- 
 ance. This was a subject which frequently occupied his 
 thoughts, from the first moment that he had recently 
 turned his attention toward Asia. To provide for their 
 support, even during his absence, and in case of his 
 decease, whether at home or abroad, he had projected 
 the plan of establishing missionary societies throughout 
 the kingdom, and had calculated upon the practicability 
 and utility of the measure some time before any attempts 
 were made to carry the plan into actual effect. It is 
 not probable that he had anticipated the benefits which 
 have already resulted from the institution in all their 
 extent; but that he had contemplated the design with
 
 344 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 the most ardent pleasure, his own handwriting, now in 
 the author's possession, furnishes a decisive proof. 
 
 At the conference of 1813, which was held at Liver- 
 pool, Dr. Coke introduced his design to visit India, 
 stating at large the providential concurrence of circum- 
 stances which had appeared, the favourable disposition 
 which some men in power had manifested toward the 
 mission, and the reasons which had finally led him to 
 visit the eastern regions of the globe. At the same 
 time he introduced to the conference six men whom he 
 had procured to accompany him, and share in his toils. 
 Of these volunteers in the cause of God, James Lynch, 
 William Ault, George Erskine, William M. Harvard, 
 and Thomas Squance were already travelling preachers, 
 and to these were added two approved local preachers, 
 whose names were Benjamin Clou gh and John M'Kenny. 
 
 The connection at this conference being deeply in- 
 volved in debt, Dr. Coke was well aware that the old 
 objection, which he had for many years been compelled 
 to encounter, and occasionally to stifle with an act of 
 generosity, would again be raised. And it seemed pro- 
 bable, from the embarrassments which existed, that his 
 design to visit India would be wholly defeated, unless 
 he could find some decisive method to impose silence 
 upon the tongue of opposition, so far as pecuniary 
 assistance and domestic claims were engaged in the 
 issue. To meet this he boldly and generously offered 
 to bear, from his own private fortune, the whole ex- 
 pense of the outfit, to the amount of six thousand pounds, 
 if that sum should be thought necessary. 
 
 The preachers assembled in conference, who could 
 not but approve of the measure, even while they doubted 
 the ability of the connection to bear the expense of this 
 additional mission, were awed into silence at this noble 
 act of unexampled generosity. It was therefore finally 
 determined that a mission, under the superintendence 
 of Dr. Coke, should repair to Asia, that the seven mis- 
 sionaries proposed should be accepted, that 3,2911. 
 should be borrowed of Dr. Coke, to be reimbursed, and 
 that such assistance should be immediately rendered to 
 the noble undertaking as their circumstances would 
 allow. It was furthermore resolved that, in the distri-
 
 OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 345 
 
 bution of their labours, one of these should remain at 
 the Cape of Good Hope, three should settle in Ceylon, 
 one should repair to Java, and the other two should 
 travel with Dr. Coke, in such places and in such ways 
 as his judgment, and existing circumstances, might 
 direct. Such was the determination of conference ; 
 but subsequent events rendered some alterations in 
 these arrangements necessary. 
 
 Affairs having proceeded thus for, Dr. Coke, soon 
 after conference, repaired to London with his associate 
 missionaries, to make arrangements and serious pre- 
 parations for their departure. His first care was to pro- 
 cure a able tutor, who could fully instruct them in the 
 Portuguese language, so far as their time would allow, 
 and furnish them with directions to complete their know- 
 ledge in its idiom and pronunciation during their voyage. 
 With a large assortment of clothes, books, and other 
 articles necessary for their comfort, during their intended 
 residence in the regions they were about to visit, they 
 were fully provided. In addition to this, Mr. Harvard 
 and Mr. Squance, being acquainted with the printing 
 business, a printing press, with its various appendages, 
 together with types and the necessary apparatus, was 
 likewise purchased, and united to the general stock. 
 For these various articles an ample allowance was made 
 by conference ; but that nothing might be wanting to 
 their accommodations in a foreign land, their stores were 
 additionally augmented by the bounty of Dr. Coke. 
 
 Among the missionaries who were now prepared to 
 embark, Mr. Ault and Mr. Harvard were married ; and 
 their wives had engaged to accompany them into the 
 eastern hemisphere. Dr. Coke, who was at this time a 
 widower, had felt the inconveniences of his solitary con- 
 dition, even while residing in his native land. These, 
 he conceived, would be greatly augmented when, in a 
 foreign country, he should be removed from the solaces 
 which civilized life and European manners afforded. 
 Possessed of property that was amply sufficient to sup- 
 port himself and a partner who might be willing to enter 
 into his views, and travel with him in India, he once 
 more turned his thoughts toward the marriage state. 
 Piety, zeal, activity, an enterprising spirit, and a pleasing 
 
 15*
 
 346 LIFE OF THE REV. PR. COKE. 
 
 address, joined to a suitable age, were the primary qua- 
 lifications which he sought. This assemblage of excel- 
 lences he found, or thought he had found, in a lady, 
 who through a train of previous circumstances had pre- 
 sented herself to his notice. His proposals of marriage 
 to her were accepted. But, prior to their union, a know- 
 ledge of his intention reaching some of his friends, who 
 thought the connection he was about to form rather 
 improper, they interfered, and, by their persevering 
 remonstrances, ultimately frustrated his design. 
 
 Dr. Coke and his companions continued in London. 
 attentively studying the Portuguese language, and mak- 
 ing other arrangements for their departure, until the 10th 
 of December, when they found it necessary to repair to 
 Portsmouth, to be in readiness to embark, as they had 
 taken their passage on board of two ships belonging to 
 the fleet; the Lady Melville, commanded by Captain 
 Lochner ; and the Cabalva, commanded by Captain 
 Birch. Dr. Coke, with Mr. Harvard, his wife, and Mr. 
 Clough, were stationed in the latter, and all the others 
 in the former. It certainly would have been desirable, 
 if they eould all have embarked in one ship, but neither 
 the Lady Melville nor the Cabalva could receive them 
 without incommoding other passengers ; and to have 
 taken another ship, in which all could; be accommodated, 
 would hare cost them an additional sum of 900Z. for 
 their passage. 
 
 They continued at Portsmouth until the 30th, when, 
 taking leave of their affectionate and hospitable friends 
 on shore, and of each other, the parties separated to 
 meet no move, till they greet each other in the world of 
 spirits. Very early the next morning they weighed 
 anchor, and put to sea under the influence of a favour- 
 able breeze, and amid the prayers of the pious* who 
 witnessed their final departure from their native shores. 
 ** Our fleet," says Dr. Coke, " when we set sail, con- 
 sisted of a line of battle ship, of 74 guns, two frigates, a 
 sloop of war, six regular Indiamen, two country India- 
 men (ships built in India) and about twenty-five smaller 
 merchantmen." Several of these merchantmen were 
 bound for different parts of the world, and only sailed in
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 347 
 
 company to certain latitudes, to avail themselves of the 
 protection which the convoy afforded. 
 
 The Cabalva contained about five hundred souls. Of 
 these, two hundred were soldiers, about fifty were Las- 
 cars, and twenty-six, including passengers, the captain, 
 and his officers, occupied the cabin. Strictly attentive 
 to every remarkable event that occurred, Dr. Coke kept 
 a regular journal, which, from the time of their depar- 
 ture down to the 21st of February, 1814, has been trans- 
 mitted to England. It is Hot unlikely that he continued 
 this journal from February till the time of his death, but 
 of this no account has been received. 
 
 On Saturday, January 1, 1814, they proceeded down 
 the channel, but finding the winds variable, their pro- 
 gress was rather slow. During the following day, they 
 hovered on the coast of Cornwall, and rather expected 
 that they should put into Falmouth harbour, toward 
 which the commodore directed their course. But on 
 receiving from the shore those despatches which he 
 %vanted, their fleet was turned toward the ocean, and 
 about eight at night they bade a long farewell to the 
 Lizard lighthouse. On the 4th, they entered the Bay of 
 Biscay, and were exposed to storms with but little inter- 
 mission until the 24th. During thse gales several 
 ships were separated from the fleet, some of which had 
 sustained considerable damage ; and one of the frigates 
 was ordered to go in pursuit of them, and wait to eon- 
 duct them on their voyage. 
 
 On the 9th of February, Mrs. Ault, who had been 
 much indisposed before she embarked, and who was 
 assured by a physician that a voyage into some part of 
 the torrid zone was the only probable means of preserv- 
 ing her life, bade adieu to the present world, with a 
 strong confidence in God, through the atoning sacrifice 
 of Christ, and a calm resignation to his divine will. On 
 the following day her body was committed to the deep, 
 in latitude 3 deg. 14 min. north, and longitude 22 deg. 
 10 min. west, there to wait till the sea shall yield up her 
 dead. Previous to her death she was sensible of her 
 approaching dissolution. But instead of expressing any 
 desire to be carried to India to be interred, she requested 
 that her mortal remains might be deposited in the ocean.
 
 348 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 This was accordingly done, accompanied with a solemn 
 ceremony, which Dr. Coke, from on board the Cabalva, 
 thus describes : 
 
 " February 10. As we were all at breakfast, an offi- 
 cer of our ship came in, and informed us that several 
 ships had hoisted their flag half-mast high, as a signal of 
 death. Our signal was immediately hoisted ; while our 
 whole company, who had previously known of Mrs. 
 Ault's illness, concluded that the signals were raised on 
 account of her death. This proved to be the case. The 
 signals all continued half-mast high, till about half an 
 hour before sunset, when the Lady Melville lifted up her 
 death signal top-mast high, which was followed by all 
 the fleet. This was a signal that the officiating minister 
 (who was Mr. Squance) had begun to read the 15th 
 chapter of the 1st Epistle to the Corinthians. And when 
 the Lady Melville dropped her signal, the rest of the 
 fleet followed her example, and thus ended the cere- 
 mony." 
 
 On the 5th of March, Mr. Squance, being unwell, came, 
 at Dr. Coke's particular desire, on board the Cabalva, 
 where he continued until the 15th of April, when he re- 
 turned in nearly the same state of health. About the 
 20th, they passed the Cape of Good Hope, but the fleet 
 did not touch at this southern extremity of the continent. 
 The commodore only visited Table Bay, taking with 
 him such letters as the passengers were disposed to 
 forward to England from this port. 
 
 In passing the Cape they were exposed to violent 
 storms, during which, and through the voyage, several 
 sailors fell overboard, and were drowned ; the severity 
 of the weather preventing those on board from render- 
 ing them any assistance. On the 20th of April, during 
 a brisk gale, a sailor on board the Lady Melville fell 
 down the hatchway, and fractured his skull. Another 
 fell overboard from the Neptune, and was drowned. 
 And another from the maintopmast of the Elphinstone 
 fell into the sea, and met with a similar fate. 
 
 On the 23d they passed the Island of Bourbon, and 
 though about twelve leagues from the shore, they dis- 
 tinctly saw, with the naked eye, the flames issuing from 
 a volcano. Sometimes the blaze appeared stationary
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 349 
 
 for a short season ; and then, as the mountain was 
 high, it resembled a comet shining in the distant hea- 
 vens. At other times, the eye was arrested by a stream 
 of fire, moving with inconceivable velocity in sportive 
 corruscations, and occasionally changing in its various 
 hues, from gleams of brilliancy to a dismal and lurid 
 gloom. On the 24th tehy passed the Isle of France ; 
 and on the 27th they were within five miles of the little 
 Isle of Gallega, yet no soundings could be found with a 
 line of fifty fathoms. 
 
 But they were now brought to the margin of an event 
 which was of too much magnitude, and was too deeply 
 interesting to all the missionaries, to allow them time 
 to make observations on any thing besides. This event 
 was nothing less than the sudden and unexpected death 
 of Dr. Coke. Cheerful, and animated with the mission 
 which now was full in prospect before him, he had 
 enjoyed a good share of health during all the former 
 part of their voyage. And instead of having any pre- 
 sentiment of his death, he was ready, on most occasions, 
 to comfort those whose spirits sunk under the violence 
 of continued storms. Even to the last day of his life 
 his exertions in his study were unremitted, to prepare 
 himself for those missionary labours on which he had 
 already entered* and of which he beheld the happy 
 effects by a pleasing anticipation. But his work was 
 done ; and his days were brought to an end, like a tale 
 that is told. 
 
 On the first of May, he just hinted that he found him- 
 self somewhat indisposed, but his complaint was of so 
 trifling a nature that neither himself nor his companions 
 viewed it in any serious light. On the 2d of May he con- 
 tinued much the same ; his indisposition was not wholly 
 removed, but he did not perceive it to increase. He 
 conversed as usual, and walked the deck at his accus- 
 tomed hour. In the evening, as he was about to retire 
 to rest, he requested Mr. Clough to give him from their 
 chest a little opening medicine. With this request Mr. 
 Clough instantly complied, offering at the same time to 
 sit up with him during the night. But this offer was 
 refused by Dr. Coke, who did not think himself so 
 much indisposed as to render such attention necessary.
 
 350 LIFE OF THE RET. DR. COKE. 
 
 He, therefore, on retiring to rest, took his fellow mis- 
 sionaries by the hand, and, in his usual manner, com* 
 mended them to God. This was the last time his voice 
 was ever heard. 
 
 To improve his moments to the utmost, it had been 
 his constant practice, while on board, to rise every morn- 
 ing at half past five ; and to prevent him from sleeping 
 beyond his accustomed time, the servant, who attended 
 him, had received orders to call him from his bed at 
 the appointed hour. On the morning of the 3d of May 
 the servant knocked, as usual, at his cabin door. But 
 after several efforts, being unable to procure any reply, 
 he ventured to open the door. This being done, he 
 discovered, to his utter astonishment, the mortal re- 
 mains of Dr. Coke, lifeless, cold, and nearly stiff, 
 stretched upon the cabin floor. 
 
 The servant, on making this discovery, hastened to 
 the apartment of Captain Bireh, making him first ac- 
 quainted with the melancholy tidings. Captain Birch, 
 on hearing of the event, Immediately sent for Mr. 
 Clough, and communicated to him the awful informa- 
 tion. Mr. Clough instantly hastened to Mr. Harvard, 
 and imparted to him the tale of wo. Both then pro- 
 ceeded to the cabin of Dr. Coke, and saw that the 
 catastrophe, which they would gladly have disbelieved, 
 was mournfully true. 
 
 The corpse by this tfme had been taken from the 
 floor, and laid on the bed ; but from the placidity which 
 rested on the countenance it did HO* seem to have been 
 agitated by ay convulsive throes. The head appeared 
 to be a little turned toward one ghowWer ; bt with this 
 exception, no distortion whatever was visible. As soon 
 as the agitation, which the sudden shook had occa- 
 sioned, had a little subsided, they requested the surgeon 
 of the ship to examine the body. With this request he 
 readily complied ; and the resuh of his examination 
 was, the probability that his death was occasioned by a 
 fit of apoplexy, to which, from the make of his body, 
 and the nature of his constitution, he appeared to have 
 been somewhat predisposed. But of this fact no satis- 
 factory evidence can be either expected or obtained, as 
 he died suddenly and lom.
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 351 
 
 It was supposed by those on board that he must have 
 risen from his bed, either to procure something that 
 was not within his reach, or to call assistance, as he 
 found his indisposition to increase ; but that the stroke 
 coming suddenly on him with irresistible violence, he 
 fell immediately on the floor, and instantly expired in 
 that position in which he was found by the servant. It 
 is furthermore presumed that his death must have hap- 
 pened about midnight. If it had been much earlier, his 
 fall must have been heard by some in the adjoining 
 cabins, who had not retired long to- rest ; and if it had 
 been later, his body could not have been stiff and cold. 
 Divided from his cabin only by a thin wainscot partition 
 were the cabins of Captain Birch and Mr. Harvard ; 
 but as neither of these heard the least noise from his 
 apartment, it is fairly to be presumed that he expired 
 without a struggle or a groan. 
 
 As the Lady Melville was at no great distance, and 
 the weather was serene, Captain Birch kindly offered to 
 Messrs. Harvard and Clough a boat, to transmit the 
 melancholy tidings to the missionaries on board that 
 ship. A note was accordingly written by Mr. Harvard 
 to the brethren on board, and another from Captain 
 Birch to Captain Lochner, stating the awful fact, and 
 requesting the missionaries to hasten to the Cabalva, 
 and join in the mournful consultation. On receiving 
 their note the missionaries gazed on each other in 
 speechless amazement, scarcely presuming to credit the 
 intelligence which its lines had imparted, or to believe 
 the evidence of their eyes. They were, however, soon 
 roused from this natural delirium by the surgeon of the 
 Lady Melville, who entered their cabin with the note 
 of Captain Birch to Captain Lochner in his hand, 
 announcing to them with unquestionable certainty that 
 Dr. Coke was actually dead. 
 
 Expiring hope being now deprived of every subter- 
 fuge, the mournful band repaired on board to mingle 
 their tears with those who were already weeping there. 
 Their first meeting was rather speechless than silent ; 
 and the sensations of their bosoms at the sight of each 
 other no language can fully express. Their own situa- 
 tion was now rendered truly forlorn : but the tide of
 
 352 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 sorrow, on which they were borne by their present 
 calamity, swallowed up every other consideration, thus 
 leaving to them no room for reflections on their private 
 concerns. 
 
 When the first transports of their grief had somewhat 
 subsided, they held a consultation together to contrive 
 in what manner they might preserve the body ; and, in 
 compliance with Dr. Coke's will, restore it to England, 
 that it might be interred at Brecon with his wives. But 
 as nothing could be done without the concurrence of 
 Captain Birch, they agreed to wait on him, and state 
 ihe particular wish which their deceased father in the 
 Lord had frequently expressed. Messrs. Ault and 
 Clough undertook this task, and, on being introduced, 
 communicated their message. To every thing they 
 urged he paid the most scrupulous attention, and ex- 
 pressed his earnest desire to comply with their wishes, 
 so far as prudence and propriety would admit. But, on 
 the present occasion, he thought the difficulties against 
 preserving the body to be so numerous and so formi- 
 dable, that their request amounted to little less than a 
 moral impossibility. 
 
 Being disappointed in their hopes, in the same pro- 
 portion that they were convinced by his arguments, 
 Messrs. Ault and Clough then withdrew, to commu- 
 nicate to their associates in sorrow the observations 
 which Captain Birch had made. A consultation was 
 immediately held ; and, after deliberately weighing all 
 that had been and might be urged on both sides, they 
 finally concluded that it would be prudent to submit to 
 the captain's opinion, and suffer the body of Dr. Coke 
 to be committed to the deep. 
 
 On communicating this reluctant acquiescence to the 
 captain, he seemed highly pleased with their determi- 
 nation, and requested them to pursue any plan they 
 might think proper in celebrating his funeral solemni- 
 ties. But as this was a point on which they had not 
 deliberated, it became necessary for them again to with- 
 draw to hold another consultation. Their ship was 
 now within about two degrees of the equator, and the 
 intenseness of the heat rendered it improper for them 
 to preserve the body, which would soon become putrid
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 353 
 
 in a cabin, contiguous to which several passengers must 
 sleep. It was therefore resolved that his obsequies 
 should take place on the evening of the same day. 
 
 Before they had communicated this intention to the 
 captain, he sent them a polite note, requesting to know 
 how they meant to proceed ; and at the same time ex- 
 pressed his desire " to show every token of respect to 
 the memory of so worthy and excellent a man." He 
 was soon made acquainted with their determination ; 
 and approving of the measures they intended to pursue, 
 every thing was got ready with all prudent expedition, 
 to the entire satisfaction of all the officers and passen- 
 gers on board. The funeral rites were conducted in 
 the following manner : 
 
 The carpenters employed made a large, thick, deal 
 coffin, leaving, as usual on such occasions, holes in the 
 bottom, that the air being expressed by the entrance of 
 the water, might not prevent the body from sinking. 
 In this coffin the body was decently laid ; and, to acce- 
 lerate its descent, four cannon balls, tied up in four bags, 
 were introduced, two at the head and two at the feet of 
 the corpse. The cover being nailed down, the coffin 
 was brought upon deck a little before five o'clock, and 
 laid on the leeward gangway, on the starboard side, 
 where it remained for some time, covered over with 
 signal flags. The awning being spread, the soldiers 
 were drawn up in rank on deck, when the tolling of the 
 ship's bell called together the passengers and crew, so 
 that the deck was quite crowded with solemn and silent 
 spectators, who seemed much affected with the scene of 
 mortality they were then called to witness. Mr. Har- 
 vard then read the burial service, and the body was 
 consigned to its watery grave in silent solemnity, to be 
 seen no more till " the trumpet shall sound and the 
 dead shall be raised incorruptible." 
 
 The funeral service being concluded, Mr. Ault, before 
 the people retired, delivered an address on the affecting 
 occasion of their assembling together. In this address 
 he adverted to the character, zeal, perseverance, respect- 
 ability, activity, and public usefulness of the deceased, 
 and lamented the loss which the present mission had 
 sustained, by being for ever deprived of his talents and
 
 354 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 counsels. From the sudden and unexpected stroke 
 which had launched into eternity one of their compa- 
 nions, who but yesterday had walked the deck from 
 which he had now been plunged into the ocean, and was 
 at this moment descending into caverns which no plum- 
 met had ever reached, he took occasion to remind them 
 of the uncertainty of human life, and to enforce the ne- 
 cessity of being prepared for an unexpected summons. 
 Having finished his address, Mr. Lynch read a funeral 
 hymn, from the 53d page of Mr. "Wesley's collection, 
 beginning with these words, " Hark, a voice divides 
 the sky, Happy are the faithful dead." He then con- 
 cluded with a solemn prayer, that God would render this 
 melancholy visitation a blessing to every soul. The 
 whole service was awfully interesting and deepjy im- 
 pressive. Several were visibly affected ; and all con- 
 ducted themselves with the utmost propriety. But to 
 render serious impressions lasting must be the work of 
 God. 
 
 This solemn event took place on the 3d of May, 1814, 
 in latitude 2 deg. 29 min. south, and in longitude 59 deg. 
 29 min. east from London. 
 
 The missionaries, having thus discharged the last sad 
 rites of grateful affection to the mortal remains of Dr. 
 Coke, were now at liberty to reflect on the peculiarity 
 of their own situation. They were at this time nearly 
 in the middle of the Indian Ocean, without a single 
 known friend on board, to render them that assistance 
 which all would want, as soon as they landed on a for- 
 eign shore, to which they were wafted by auspicious 
 breezes. This was a subject which afforded room for 
 much painful apprehension. Whether any provision 
 had been made for their future support, in case such a 
 calamity as had now happened should take place, they 
 had no means of knowing, but by examining the papers 
 which Dr. Coke had left ; and to all of these they could 
 not have access, until the ships reached the place of their 
 destination. In addition to this, the passengers belong- 
 ing to the Lady Melville were instantly to repair on 
 board that ship, without the most distant prospect of 
 conversing again with those on board the Cabalva, until 
 they should cast anchor in Bombay. Such was the state
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 355 
 
 of suspense in' which they took leave of each other, and 
 in which they remained until the 21st of May, when they 
 reached their destined port in safety. 
 
 On meeting together at Bombay, they were fully con- 
 vinced, from searching Dr. Coke's papers, that no pro- 
 vision had been made for their support in case of his 
 decease. This appeared at first to be a melancholy 
 discovery. But God, whose overruling providence fre- 
 quently makes painful dispensations subservient to his 
 gracious designs, caused their distress to become the 
 basis of their support. Instead of giving way to una- 
 vailing sorrow, they drew up a plain statement of their 
 case, and presented it to Captain Birch, from whose 
 benevolent conduct they had already received every 
 mark of attention which dignified friendship could 
 bestow. 
 
 Being ready to espouse their cause, Captain Birch 
 introduced them to Thomas Money, Esq., a gentleman 
 in Bombay, who on hearing from him a statement of 
 their case, generously offered to advance them money on 
 the credit of the Methodist connection. This was a 
 favourable circumstance. They had also in their pos- 
 session a letter of recommendation which Dr. Coke had 
 procured from some friend in England, addressed to this 
 same gentleman. On reading this letter he declared 
 himself their friend, and would have accompanied them 
 to the governor, if his health would have permitted. 
 
 The task of introducing them to the governor, Sir 
 Evan Nepean, was undertaken by Captain Birch, who 
 stated their case with the same degree of friendship 
 which he had invariably manifested. To his excellency 
 the governor they had several letters of recommendation 
 from some gentlemen of the highest respectability in 
 England. Pleased with these recommendations, and 
 sympathizing with them in their distress, he ordered a 
 house to be prepared for their accommodation in the 
 fort. But on finding this to be already occupied, he 
 generously offered them suitable accommodations about 
 five miles in the country. Of this they gladly availed 
 themselves, during their residence in Bombay. But on 
 finding a ship about to sail for Ceylon, five were obliged 
 to hold themselves in readiness for their departure.
 
 356 LITE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 The attention, however, which they received from his 
 excellency the governor, from Captain Birch, and from 
 Thomas Money, Esq., raised them to a degree of credit 
 and respectability, far above what they could have ex- 
 pected among entire strangers ; and perhaps, even su- 
 perior to what they would have experienced if Dr. Coke 
 had lived to conduct them without the aid of these pro- 
 vidential friends. From Captain Birch they received 
 400Z., which Dr. Coke had lodged in his hands before 
 they left England. This sum they deposited with Mr. 
 Money, in Bombay, taking with them letters of credit on 
 his agents in Ceylon, and with these the favour of seve- 
 ral gentlemen, who appeared to compassionate their 
 case, and to interest themselves in their welfare, and in 
 the prosperity of the mission. 
 
 Of their arrival at Ceylon and their subsequent pro- 
 ceedings, detailed accounts have been given in the nume- 
 rous letters they have sent to England. Many of these 
 letters have been published in the Methodist Magazines, 
 and they are probably in the hands of most persons who 
 read this volume. The prospect of their success became 
 pleasing as soon as they had entered on their labours ; 
 and, from the most recent accounts that have been re- 
 ceived, the favourable aspect of things had not been in 
 the least diminished. Among the heathen, several had 
 espoused the cause of Christianity, in defiance of the 
 dangers to which their lives were exposed, in departing 
 from the idolatry of their ancestors. A learned priest, 
 of high respectability and great authority, had openly 
 acknowledged himself their friend, and become an as- 
 sistant in their labours. On the hearts of many a work 
 of grace was discoverable ; and the children, who had 
 attended the schools they had established, promised fair 
 to make a considerable proficiency in European learn- 
 ing. Several English gentlemen, also, holding official 
 situations in India, had invariably showed themselves 
 friendly to the cause in which they were engaged, and 
 had promised to protect them so long as they rendered 
 themselves deserving of protection ; and beyond this, 
 favour would be a vice. 
 
 In the preceding parts of this volume, we have had 
 several occasions to introduce the conduct of the captains
 
 LIFE OF THE RfcV. DR. COKE. 357 
 
 with whom Dr. Coke crossed the Atlantic. Of some of 
 these our accounts have been favourable ; but of others, 
 the dictates of truth demanded a different statement. 
 Both to Captain Lochner and to Captain Birch a tribute 
 of more than common acknowledgment is due. 
 
 On board of the Lady Melville, from their first entrance 
 into the ship, the missionaries established morning and 
 evening prayer ; and their meetings were well attended 
 by the soldiers, particularly in the evenings ; and on 
 Sunday evening their cabin was nearly filled. This 
 was soon known to the military and ship's officers, who, 
 in the month of January sent them a note, intimating 
 that, if it were agreeable, they would gladly attend their 
 evening prayers. On their acceding to this request, 
 their room was found too small to contain the people. 
 The next Sunday they were requested to accept the use 
 of the large cabin, as several other gentlemen and some 
 ladies intended to join them in their devotions, and lo 
 attend the lecture which was to be delivered. On this 
 occasion the captain and most of the passengers were 
 present, but unhappily the soldiers and sailors were ex- 
 cluded. On the following Sunday, as one of the officers 
 was indisposed, they were requested to stand in the 
 steerage. This was a place in which all might be ac- 
 commodated, and here they continued to preach without 
 any interruption, until their voyage was completed. 
 
 It was Dr. Coke's intention, on being established in 
 the Cabalva, to deliver one sermon, if not more, every 
 Sunday. This intention he expressed early in January, 
 and the next day, being Sunday, was appointed for his 
 preaching. But the weather proving unfavourable, he 
 could not stand on the deck, as he designed ; and re- 
 ceiving no invitation afterward, he turned his attention 
 to the soldiers and sailors, praying with them, exhorting 
 them to flee from the wrath to come, and recommending 
 to them the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 To be thus wholly prevented from introducing the 
 gospel among his fellow cabin-passengers, was to him a 
 subject of painful reflection ; especially as there was no 
 apparent cause for the negative refusal of his offer. But 
 it is not improbable that he was privately informed after 
 some time from what source it proceeded. " 1 believe,**
 
 358 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 says Dr. Coke, when speaking to Mr. Clough on the 
 occasion, " that Captain Birch has his reasons for it." 
 And when Dr. Coke was taken from them, the captain 
 did not hesitate to say that " it had frequently been a 
 matter of pain to him, to hinder so excellent and valu- 
 able a man from doing all the good in his power." " I 
 cannot," says he, " express the regard and respect 
 which I have entertained for Dr. Coke since I have had 
 the honour and very great pleasure of knowing him." 
 
 But under all these circumstances, in a letter which 
 was written not long after the six missionaries reached 
 Bombay, when they had an opportunity of witnessing 
 his friendly and benevolent disposition, and which bears 
 the signatures of all, they acknowledge in terms of 
 peculiar gratitude the obligations which he laid them 
 under. 
 
 " We feel both duty and gratitude constrain us," 
 they observe to their friends in England, " to inform 
 you that, under God, the favourable reception we met 
 with in Bombay, and our escaping the troubles which 
 we dreaded, are principally owing to Captain Birch. 
 During the whole of the time that our late father and 
 friend was with him, he evidenced the utmost respect 
 for him ; and his regard for his memory was even still 
 more so, if possible, after his death. He felt as a tender 
 friend for us all, he even partook of our feelings, and 
 always assured us that we had not so much to fear as 
 he thought we dreaded. His report of us to his excel- 
 lency the governor, to Mr. Money, and to many other 
 gentlemen, before an evil report or an unfair statement 
 of our case could circulate, prevented troubles, ex- 
 penses, and afflictions, into which we must otherwise 
 have fallen. Besides, his proposing to advance us 400Z. 
 raised our credit. And we are decidedly of opinion 
 that he justly merits the warmest thanks either of the 
 committee or the conference ; as we are certain that 
 his generous mind is above every other kind of ac- 
 knowledgment." 
 
 We know not that this testimony of grateful respect 
 has ever met, or will ever meet, the eye of Captain 
 Birch, or any of his family; neither do we know that 
 it will be pleasing to him to find his deeds of private
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 359 
 
 benevolence exposed to the public eye. But we must 
 have been deceived in his character if we should here- 
 after find him offended, to think he has been favourable 
 to men in distress, who have virtue enough to be 
 grateful. 
 
 The ultimate effects of this mission to India are yet 
 too much in their infancy, and of too much magnitude, 
 to be anticipated. In opening the dooi and in preparing 
 the way, the hand of divine Providence is discoverable. 
 In the death of Dr. Coke we behold indeed a cloud 
 which is too dense for any thing but the eye of faith to 
 penetrate. Viewed as an insulated fact, it would seem 
 to mark the divine disapprobation ; but in connection 
 with the consequences which have already followed, in 
 some respects his loss has been more than counter- 
 balanced. Through that event some friends have been 
 raised up, whom the want of occasions to display their 
 benevolence would have rendered totally unknown : 
 among these may be reckoned several whose names 
 have been mentioned, and many whose names have 
 been omitted. 
 
 To this affliction may be added the death of Mrs. 
 Ault during the voyage ; but this was an event for 
 which all were prepared long before they left England. 
 Another, of much more considerable magnitude to the 
 mission, has since taken place in the death of her hus- 
 band Mr. Ault. He died as he had lived ; and, after a 
 short residence in India, followed the souls of his asso- 
 ciates into a world of spirits, in calm resignation to the 
 will of God, and with a joy that was unspeakable and 
 full of glory. 
 
 Independently of these circumstances, the mission, 
 from the moment of its departure to our latest account, 
 has been followed by the smile of Heaven. And we are 
 well assured that the same power which has removed 
 these instruments, can raise up others, and prepare 
 them for their work. The ultimate success of the gos- 
 pel cannot depend upon the life of a single man. Mor- 
 tals rise, and fluctuate, and die. Human agency is an 
 instrument in the hands of Omnipotence ; but the divine 
 dispensations move in a far more extensive circle. In 
 all these respects " the grass withereth, and the flower
 
 360 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 fadeth : but the word of our God shall stand for 
 ever." 
 
 The same unsearchable wisdom which permitted the 
 martyrdom of Stephen, called forth Saul of Tarsus to 
 supply his place. Already has God, who removed Dr. 
 Coke from his labour to his reward, raised up in Ceylon 
 a priest of Budhoo, and enabled him to embrace Chris- 
 tianity, and we trust to feel its power in his heart. 
 This man, from his learning, character, authority, and 
 respectability, should he continue faithful to the grace 
 given, will probably be, according to human calcula- 
 tions, of more essential service to the interests of 
 Christianity in India, than any ten divines that Europe 
 can produce. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 The author's first particular acquaintance with Dr. Coke 
 Compact between them Character of Dr. Coke's commentary 
 Account of his Recent Occurrences of Europe History of the 
 West Indies History of the Bible Cottager's Bible Life of 
 Christ Letters in reply to the Rev. Mr. Home Duties of a 
 minister Sermon on the death of Mr. Wesley Life of Mr. 
 Wesley Person of Dr. Coke Natural temper Understanding 
 Learning Talents as a preacher Ease in company Domestic 
 habits Rank among his brethren Influence in conference De- 
 fects Zeal, activity, piety, usefulness, liberality Anecdotes of 
 his attachment to the welfare of the missions Farewell sermon 
 Conclusion. 
 
 IF the organs of articulation were the only medium 
 of communicating thought, the death of all public cha- 
 racters would soon deprive the world of their instruc- 
 tions. We might indeed for a short season bear in 
 mind the excellence of their example ; and on some 
 occasions consult our memories on what they had de- 
 livered, and thus derive advantage both from imitation 
 and recollection. But these, means would fade with the 
 progress of time ; and, when the first generation should 
 be swept aside, little beside their names would be suf- 
 fered to remain. It is not, however, in this manner 
 that the benefactors of the human race arc destined to
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 361 
 
 perish. Hence Dr. Coke still lives in his writings, and 
 in the effects of his ministry ; and from these his name 
 Avould have descended to posterity, associated with an 
 assemblage of virtues, if his biographer had been 
 unborn. 
 
 Very early in the year 1805, the author of these 
 pages became more particularly acquainted with Dr. 
 Coke than he had been before. At this time his com- 
 mentary on the Bible was verging toward a close, and 
 his History of the West Indies had acquired an im- 
 bodied form. Being constantly engaged in soliciting 
 support for the missions, and finding their claims upon 
 his exertions to increase daily, he lodged some papers 
 in the author's hands, requesting him to examine them 
 with attention, to notice defects, to expunge redun- 
 dances, and to give on some occasions a new feature 
 to expression. All this was accordingly done ; and in 
 many instances his recommendations were fully adopted. 
 This intercourse subsisted for several years, and he 
 received from Dr. Coke a pecuniary remuneration, in 
 proportion to the time that was expended in his service. 
 
 To what extent this assistance grew the world is not 
 interested in knowing. The death of Dr. Coke has 
 made the author " the sole depository of the secret," 
 and it is his full intention at present that " it shall perish 
 with him." Though one is a resident of time, and the 
 other an inhabitant of eternity ; though the body of one 
 still breathes in Cornwall, and that of the other con- 
 sumes in some solitary cavern beneath the Indian 
 Ocean, the compact still remains undissolved, and will 
 probably so remain until their spirits meet in an eternal 
 world. 
 
 From motives to which the author will not give a 
 name, many questions have been asked, in consequence 
 of the preceding compact, which, in the eye of igno- 
 rance, would seem to terminate to Dr. Coke's dis- 
 advantage. In a letter which is now before the writer, 
 this sentiment is expressed in the following words : 
 " What effrontery must any person be possessed of, 
 who imposes upon the public, by publishing books or 
 tracts in his own name, though written by another, or 
 not ingenuously giving the honour to whom honour is 
 16
 
 362 X.IFE OF THE REV. DR. CORK. 
 
 due." To this family of questions, propositions, and 
 apostrophes, Dr. Coke, in a letter How in the author's 
 possession, has furnished a satisfactory reply. In the 
 year 1811, when this letter was written, he proposed to 
 incorporate the author's name with his own ; but in the 
 title pages of works that had already appeared this 
 could not be done. In such, however, as were then 
 designed to be published, it is probable that this incor- 
 poration would have taken place, if a change in the 
 mode of his proceedings had not rendered it impracti- 
 cable, by the disposal of his works to the conference ; 
 and consequently by suspending the plans which he 
 had in contemplation. Let such as charge him with 
 " effrontery" say what, under existing circumstances, 
 they would have expected him to do more. 
 ' But these considerations will neither give intrinsic 
 merit to his works or deprive them of it. They must 
 stand or fall by their independent excellences or defects. 
 To perfect originality he makes but few pretensions in 
 any of 'his publications; and "none can compass more 
 than they intend." His commentary on the Bible, 
 which is by far the most voluminous of all his works, is 
 confessedly a compilation, and as such he sent it into 
 the world, announcing on the wrapper of almost every 
 number, that " he had only been like the bee, culling 
 honey* from every flower." Of its genuine excellence 
 no doubt has hardly ever been expressed. It is ac- 
 knowledged by a distinguished commentator of the 
 present day, to have been primarily drawn from " the 
 best commentary on the sacred writings that was ever 
 published by either Catholic or Protestant." The 
 esteem in which it was held by the Methodist confer- 
 ence, may be gathered from the vote, of thanks which 
 Dr. Coke twice received from that body of divines. 
 
 It may perhaps be considered among the deficiencies 
 of this work, that the marginal readings are omitted ; 
 and among its redundancies, that it is carried to an 
 immoderate length. It extends through six large quarto 
 volumes, which, by increasing its expense, places it 
 above the reach of many purchasers. The liberal 
 terms, however, on which Dr. Coke sold his works to 
 the conference, have enabled them to offer this com-
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 363 
 
 mentary as much below its genuine value as it is 
 beneath its original price. It is correctly printed, and 
 all the matter is judiciously arranged. Throughout the 
 whole, the consistency of its character is carefully pre- 
 served ; and even the exposition, inferences, and re- 
 flections, partake of more variety than might have been 
 expected. Through all its pages there is a vigorous 
 pulse of animated piety to be always perceived. And 
 while it elucidates difficulties with critical annotations, 
 it never fails to inculcate, in terms of nervous perspi- 
 cuity, the necessity of experimental and practical god- 
 liness. 
 
 For the divinity of the Saviour, and the supernatural 
 agency of the Holy Spirit, the whole work is a decided 
 advocate. Its dissertations are both numerous and va- 
 rious ; embracing, in some part or other, almost every 
 doctrine and every precept, in which piety can claim an 
 interest, without being perplexed with unintelligible cri- 
 ticisms, or bewildered in the labyrinths of metaphysics. 
 It contains " a little library of divinity, worthy of being 
 transmitted to posterity." 
 
 At the conclusion of this voluminous work, he pub- 
 lished an appendix, confining his views chiefly to such 
 prophecies as appeared to be then fulfilling on the agi- 
 tated theatre of the world, or as yet remained to receive 
 their accomplishment. This was afterward detached 
 from the commentary, and printed in a separate volume ; 
 and as such it still remains, under the title of " The 
 Recent Occurrences of Europe, considered in relation to 
 such prophecies as are now fulfilling, or remain yet to 
 be fulfilled." In this little volume a comprehensive 
 survey is taken of passing events. It retrospects the 
 past, it anticipates the future, and gathers from the 
 most judicious authors such observations as serve to 
 throw light on incidents that are involved in obscurity. 
 To readers who are pleased to anticipate the wonderful 
 events which may probably be expected to visit the 
 world, before the final consummation of its history, this 
 work must be peculiarly interesting. 
 
 In his History of the West Indies, which is now com- 
 plete in three 8vo volumes, it was originally Dr. Coke's 
 design to be chiefly indebted to Bryan Edwards, Esq.,
 
 364 LIFE OF THE RET. DR. COKE. 
 
 and his arrangements were made accordingly. But 
 that gentleman, being a strenuous advocate for negro 
 slavery, while Dr. Coke was its avowed enemy, placed 
 them on ground where the liberty which the latter in- 
 tended to take, might induce the former to demand 
 something more than the acknowledgment of an obli- 
 gation. 
 
 But these considerations did not operate in all their 
 force, until the preface and some part of the first volume 
 were printed, in which Dr. Coke has acknowledged 
 liberties which he afterward refused to take. The per- 
 secution to which the Methodist missionaries were ex- 
 posed in Jamaica from the planters, whose interests Mr. 
 Edwards was always ready to espouse, he having large 
 possessions in the island, compelled Dr. Coke to appeal 
 to his majesty in council, to prevent the colonial perse- 
 cuting edicts from receiving the royal sanction. Being 
 therefore apprehensive lest those who opposed the in- 
 troduction of the gospel among the slaves, might avail 
 themselves of the liberties he had taken with Mr. Ed- 
 wards' work, and seek revenge in a prosecution, he 
 determined to expunge from his manuscript almost every 
 quotation that had been previously inserted from his 
 volumes. This was done, and the deficiencies were 
 supplied from other sources. 
 
 In common with other histories, these volumes con- 
 tain a general description of this vast archipelago, in its 
 climate, soil, productions, fertility, and geographical 
 relations. They give the character and prevailing cus- 
 toms which distinguished the ancient inhabitants when 
 Columbus landed on their shores. They trace the most 
 memorable historical events which these islands have 
 witnessed, either from the earthquakes, tornadoes, or 
 volcanoes of nature, or the calamities, perhaps not less 
 terrible and destructive in their effects and conse- 
 quences, which have resulted from the horrors of war. 
 These details are interspersed with pious and moral re- 
 flections ; which, though disgusting to the carnal mind, 
 will heighten to a serious reader the entertainment they 
 afford. 
 
 In these volumes, Dr. Coke has recorded the first 
 dawnings of the Sun of righteousness in these insulated
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 365 
 
 regions. In each island in which any missionaries have 
 been established, the progress of the gospel is distinctly 
 traced ; and the happy effects resulting from the insti- 
 tution of missions, which it was the principal business 
 of his life to support and extend, are marked with fea- 
 tures too strong to be either mistaken or effaced. 
 
 In the History of the Bible it was Dr. Coke's inten- 
 tion to include all Saurin's beautiful and elegant dis- 
 sertations, which were already translated and prepared 
 for incorporation. From this source, and from other 
 sources, every thing necessary for the completion of that 
 work was arranged ; and little doubt can be entertained 
 by the author, that if it had been finished, it would have 
 been both instructive and highly interesting. It was 
 found, however, after some numbers had been published, 
 that the profits arising from the sale- were not sufficient 
 to justify the risk of its continuance. In consequence 
 of this it was suspended for a season, and, from the 
 transfer of all his literary property to the conference, 
 was finally abandoned. 
 
 His Cottager's Bible was designed to contain nothing 
 more than the sacred text, and some practical reflections 
 at the end of each chapter. This work also, after all 
 the reflections had been prepared, and many numbers 
 published, was suspended in a manner similar to the 
 preceding ; but it has since been resumed, and finished 
 by the Methodist book committee. 
 
 To his amendment, enlargement, and correction of 
 the Life of Christ, an heroic poem, which he republished 
 in the year 1809 from the original work of the Rev. 
 Samuel Wesley, Mr. Wesley's father, the preface which 
 is prefixed imparts all the information that can be rea- 
 sonably expected on the occasion. In this preface we 
 are informed in what state he found it, what enlarge- 
 ments and corrections it has undergone, and what in- 
 duced him to reprint it. It is probable that this work 
 has met with no inconsiderable sale, and that it has been 
 favourably received with the public. Both the style and 
 the versification have certainly received very consider- 
 able improvements. Most of the obsolete expressions 
 are expunged, and a degree of harmony is imparted to the 
 numbers, of which the original edition could not boast.
 
 366 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 In the year 1810, he published six letters, addressed 
 to the Methodist societies, in defence of the great doc- 
 trine of justification by faith, and the witness of the 
 Spirit. Announcing that publication to the world, he 
 makes the following observations : " These letters were 
 occasioned by an attack made in the year 1809, on the 
 author and his esteemed associates in their ministerial 
 capacity, as it respects these grand points, by the Rev- 
 Melville Home, minister of Christ church, Macclesfield. 
 
 "In his attack, Mr. Home has contended that Mr. 
 Wesley did actually renounce his primary definition of 
 justifying faith, and that it was also abandoned by Mr. 
 Fletcher ; and finally he asserts that the direct witness 
 of the Spirit has no foundation in the word of God. 
 The design of these letters is to controvert Mr. Home's 
 position, to examine his arguments, and to point out his 
 mistakes. And finally, to prove that neither Mr. Wes- 
 ley nor Mr. Fletcher did renounce the definition of jus- 
 tifying faith in question ; and that the doctrine of a 
 direct witness of the Spirit, as inculcated by the Me- 
 thodists, admits of a scriptural and rational defence." 
 
 His reason for thus publicly noticing Mr. Home's 
 publication, and the principles upon which his answer 
 is conducted, are thus stated in the preface : " It is pos- 
 sible that Mr. Home's book may fall into the hands of 
 some whom the specious appearance of his observations 
 and extracts may deceive. And these extracts will be 
 more likely to impose on the unwary, by being taken 
 from the writings of Mr. Wesley and Mr. Fletcher, and 
 delivered in nearly their own words ; while the connec- 
 tions, from which they have been broken, have been 
 carefully concealed. 
 
 " To pass over in total silence conduct so justly re- 
 prehensible, would be in a measure to plead guilty to 
 the charges exhibited. It might be construed into an 
 acknowledgment that our doctrines were not defensible ; 
 it might encourage others to augment the number of 
 false accusations, from a full persuasion that they should 
 escape with impunity ; and induce our enemies to tri- 
 umph in the discovery of heresies which never existed 
 but in their own imagination. On the contrary, to no- 
 tice every paragraph with a distinct reply ; to descend
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COEE. 367 
 
 to all the minutiae of involuntary error, or inconsiderate 
 misrepresentation, and trace each branch to its cause 
 and consequence, would be to impose respect on a book 
 which had forfeited all title to honourable regard, 
 
 "These opposite considerations have induced the 
 author to pursue a middle path between these two ex- 
 tremes ; so that, without implicitly submitting to either, 
 he might derive an advantage from both, and turn his 
 attention more immediately to the doctrines in question. 
 By adopting this method, he is furnished with an oppor- 
 tunity of stating at large the real sentiments of these 
 venerable men, who honoured him with their friendship 
 while living, and whose memory he reveres now they 
 are dead ; and of placing before the reader some of the 
 arguments by which those doctrines are supported, and 
 which as Methodists we mutually embrace. In doing 
 this, he trusts that, while he glances obliquely at the 
 debate, and makes a few excursions in the field of con- 
 troversy, he pursues a more imporant object. 
 
 ** To elucidate and defend the leading doctrines of 
 the gospel, rather than to repel the charges and insinu- 
 ations of Mr. Home, has been the author's primary 
 motive. If, therefore, he has been successful in his 
 efforts, as truth from its own nature is immutable, so 
 these letters, he hopes, may be perused with advantage, 
 when he shall be able to write no more." 
 
 With the professions made in this preface, the sub- 
 stance of the volume seems to be perfectly corre- 
 spondent. The doctrines in question are examined in 
 reference both to reason and Scripture ; and the argu- 
 ments drawn from these sources are such as Mr. Home 
 has not thought it prudent to attack. The objections to 
 the doctrines are met without subterfuge or evasion ; 
 and the replies are so far specific and perspicuous, as 
 the nature of the subject might reasonably lead us to 
 expect. It has been reviewed in the Methodist Maga- 
 zine for the year 1811, and strongly recommended to 
 public notice. Into the hands of many it has already 
 found its way, and has afforded satisfaction, by fairly 
 removing some formidable difficulties with which seve- 
 ral pious persons have been perplexed. In many of its 
 pages the operations of divine grace on the heart are
 
 368 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 traced with much exactness ; and in pages 75-77, the 
 identical act of faith, which unites the penitent soul to 
 the Saviour of the world, and which seems to give a 
 specific character to the moment in which the act of 
 justification takes place, is illustrated by a happy simile, 
 of a house on fire, and its terrified inhabitants escaping 
 from the flames. 
 
 On the duties of a minister of the gospel, Dr. Coke 
 published four discourses in the year 1798. These 
 were afterward reprinted in 1811, with a preface that 
 gives a short analysis of their substance. In this it is 
 acknowledged that he was indebted to two celebrated 
 French authou for many of the leading thoughts with 
 which these discourses are enriched. But from what- 
 ever source they were derived the materials are highly 
 valuable ; and we discover in the selection of them a 
 mind not less susceptible of the importance of the 
 ministerial office, than those of the foreign divines 
 were to whose writings he appealed. The materials, 
 which are intrinsically excellent, are arranged with 
 much judgment and care, and the character is unfolded 
 in a masterly manner. The delineations are evidently 
 such as the Scriptures warrant ; but by looking from 
 those to some modern divines, we learn how vastly 
 short many who are applauded fall of that primitive 
 standard which was known in the apostolic age. Of 
 this fact Dr. Coke was well aware ; he therefore ob- 
 serves that " his aim has not been so much to describe 
 what a minister of the gospel is, as what he ought 
 to be." 
 
 In addition to the above works, Dr. Coke published 
 several sermons and detached pieces, many of which 
 are still in print ; but some few can hardly be procured. 
 On the Godhead of Christ, on the witness of the Spirit, 
 and on the death of Mr. Wesley, he published three 
 distinct sermons, each of which has its appropriate ex- 
 cellences. But of these, the length to which this 
 volume is extended will not permit us to give a distinct 
 analysis. 
 
 In these views, whether we consider the sentiments 
 which he expressed to have originated with himself or 
 wjth others, he has, by adopting them, informed the
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 369 
 
 world that they are congenial with his own. Thus, 
 though personally dead, he still speaks in his numerous 
 pages, and presents to the eye what his tongue can no 
 more declare. Throughout the whole, his works dis- 
 cover a mind invariably intent upon extending the Re- 
 deemer's kingdom, upon warning sinners of their danger, 
 and upon building up believers in their most holy faith. 
 The Life of Mr. Wesley, written and published con- 
 jointly between Dr. Coke and Mr. Henry Moore, can 
 only in a partial manner be reckoned among his works. 
 "What part of this volume fell to his individual share the 
 author does not pretend to know. It is not improbable, 
 from the multiplicity of Dr. Coke's engagements at the 
 time it was composed, that the principal part devolved 
 on Mr. Moore ; but that, on being examined, it was 
 sanctioned by the doctor's approbation. But by whom- 
 soever it was written, it certainly gives a fair delineation 
 of Mr. Wesley's life and character. It is less diffusive 
 and less comprehensive than Dr. Whitehead's : and 
 little else could be reasonably expected, when the latter 
 secured to himself all the documents that were neces- 
 sary to give completion to the work. Nothing, how- 
 ever, essential to the developement of that extraordinary 
 man's character is included in the volumes of Dr. White- 
 head which is omitted in the work of Mr. Moore and 
 Dr. Coke. 
 
 In this volume the same principles are predominant 
 that are conspicuous in all Dr. Coke's avowed publi- 
 cations. From invective, acrimony, and asperity, all 
 his pages are happity free. The truths which he incul- 
 cated are supported by reason and Scripture, without 
 the least tincture of that severity of language which is 
 sometimes adopted as a substitute for argumentation. 
 This is a distinguishing feature in all his publications ; 
 and it clearly discovers the tranquillity of his mind 
 when, secluded from the world, he pursued in his study 
 his natural train of thought unbroken by interruption. 
 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 hair bordered on black, until his 
 16*
 
 370 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 declining years, when it became sprinkled with the 
 hoar of age. His face was particularly handsome. A 
 peculiar freshness, through every stage of life, dis- 
 tinguished his countenance, which was generally ani- 
 mated with an engaging smile. These, in their com- 
 bined effect, gave to the whole a degree of expressive 
 softness, that refined the masculine features, without 
 reducing them to a state of effeminacy. His voice cor- 
 responded with his appearance. It was soft, engaging, 
 and melodious ; and, unless carried beyond its natural 
 tone, when it became rather harsh and dissonant, it 
 rarely failed to captivate those who heard it. To his 
 enthusiastic admirers he seemed to want nothing but 
 wings to become an angel. 
 
 The animation which beamed in his countenance was 
 rf striking index of his natural disposition. Warm, 
 sanguine, and confident, he rarely hesitated in a state 
 of indecision ; and, having fixed his resolution, he was 
 not to be deterred in the execution of his purposes by 
 the apprehension of meeting a lion in the way. Re- 
 ceiving, at an early period of his life, some serious 
 impressions, which ultimately led him to God, the 
 energies of his mind were unremittingly exerted to pro- 
 mote the diffusion of vital religion, and to recommend 
 the Saviour of the world. But his uncommon activity 
 frequently led him to carry hts schemes into effect be- 
 fore they were ripe for execution ; and, as a natural 
 consequence, the same sanguine disposition, which 
 induced a promptitude of action, exposed him to the 
 charge of indiscretion. 
 
 His understanding, though naturally good, was not 
 to be ranked among the higher orders of human intel- 
 lect. It was comprehensive, but not profound ; and 
 was better calculated to produce respect, than to excite 
 amazement. Among common spirits, that take their 
 stand in life near the mediocrity of human existence, it 
 shone with a superlative degree of lustre. To these it 
 was placed at a convenient distance, which preserved 
 its brilliancy, without rendering it either dazzling or 
 dull. 
 
 In early life his learning and literary acquirements 
 were considerable ; but the department in the church
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 371 
 
 which he was afterward called to fill, so far engrossed 
 his time as to allow him no opportunity to make any 
 proficiency in those recondite sciences which he ardently 
 loved. To him public usefulness was of higher value 
 than literary attainments ; and he only attended to the 
 cultivatioa of philology, criticism, oratory, logic, and 
 metaphysics, so far as was necessary to qualify him for 
 that circle in which it was his lot to move. 
 
 As a preacher, his talents were always displayed to 
 the greatest advantage when he applied himself to the 
 hearts of his hearers ; and at this point he seemed inva- 
 riably to aim. Their chief diversity consisted in un- 
 folding, recommending, and enforcing the love of God ; 
 in displaying to advantage the necessity of a Saviour ; 
 in expatiating on the nature and importance of experi- 
 mental religion ; and in urging believers to make still 
 higher attainments in the divine life. The divinity of 
 Christ, and the direct witness of the Spirit, were topics 
 on which he delighted much to dwell. On each of these 
 he enlarged in strains of the most affecting animation ; 
 and in a style that, being at once declamatory, nervous, 
 impressive, and familiar, was calculated to awaken the 
 attention, and affect the heart. His public address, 
 however, was too rapid for the tardy movements of 
 sober, theological discussion. Into a detail of argument 
 he seldom entered ; but he supplied the deficiency by a 
 copious appeal, which he generally made to Scripture 
 authority, with which his mind was abundantly stored. 
 Having been long convinced of the important truths of 
 the gospel, by proofs and evidences that led to conclu- 
 sions in which his mind found repose, he delivered their 
 results without their process, in a tone of confidence 
 which corresponded with his own convictions. This 
 method of addressing his audience frequently operated 
 to his own disadvantage, by exposing him to the charge 
 of dealing in bold assertions, in the support of which he 
 advanced no satisfactory reasons. In many instances 
 this charge was true ; but it was only true in the same 
 proportion as he rested upon his declaration a greater 
 weight than it was able to bear, while separated from 
 those arguments of which it was susceptible. And it 
 was only to those he thus appeared to disadvantage, who
 
 372 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 beheld the conclusions broken from their premises, and 
 who knew not how to trace the connective links which 
 were necessary to give completion to his views. 
 
 Being a full believer in the divinity of Christ, he con- 
 sidered those speculative theories by which it was 
 opposed, as efforts to undermine the fundamental doc- 
 trines of the gospel. Against Arianism and Socinianism 
 he therefore waged perpetual war ; and in the warmth 
 of his zeal, his language, on these occasions, was some- 
 times harsh, severe, and unguarded, and better calculated 
 to awaken irritation, than to produce conviction. On 
 the fashionable vices which prevailed, his expressions 
 were also occasionally quaint and offensive ; and his 
 comparisons and modes of illustration were not always 
 selected with sufficient care. But even with" these 
 blemishes in his public addresses, he was generally 
 popular ; and he rarely failed to collect crowded au- 
 diences among the fashionable and the gay, on whom 
 his strictures fell with the greatest degree of se- 
 verity. 
 
 But, although his language against those principles 
 which he thought to be erroneous was, in public, de- 
 livered in terms of peculiar energy, his manners were 
 highly polished ; and in private life his address was 
 peculiarly polite and obliging. Accustomed to behold 
 the world in all its varied forms, he could enter any 
 company without timidity, and find himself alike at ease; 
 when pleading before senators for liberty to propagate 
 the gospel in the West Indies, and when soliciting six- 
 pence for the support of the work at the door of the 
 humble cottager. To every one he was alike easy of 
 access ; so that the most exalted became familiar, and 
 the most bashful grew confident in his presence, after 
 the interchange of a few expressions. 
 
 In domestic life he was cheerful, animated, and free ; 
 and rarely failed to be communicative, unless he sus- 
 pected that he was assailed with questions from impro- 
 per motives. He was particularly calculated to keep 
 alive conversation in the diversified forms which it as- 
 sumed ; since, from his incessant travels, his acquaint- 
 ance with the world, and his knowledge of the human 
 character, he was furnished with an ample store of
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 373 
 
 anecdotes, which were always sure to captivate, to 
 amuse, and to instruct. 
 
 Among his brethren in the ministry his influence was 
 considerable. On public questions that were agitated, 
 his opinion was always sure to command respect. His 
 expressions were graceful and animated ; and while the 
 energies of his soul beamed in his countenance, his lan- 
 guage rarely failed to captivate, even where his argu- 
 ments were insufficient to produce conviction. With 
 public business he was well acquainted ; and, in all his 
 arrangements of affairs that were designed for popular 
 inspection, he aimed at order in every part. To the 
 laws of his country he was no stranger ; and of the 
 principles of the British constitution he was an inva- 
 riable admirer. 
 
 In conference he was eloquent, commanding, polite, 
 easy, comprehensive, and energetic. But he had been 
 so long accustomed to opposition, that perseverance be- 
 came necessary for him to carry his purposes into effect. 
 This he possessed in an uncommon degree ; and in most 
 instances it never forsook him until his efforts were 
 crowned with success. On these, and on many other 
 occasions, he has been accused of giving way to a spirit 
 of irritation. But this charge is only just under certain 
 restrictions. And even where it is applicable, much 
 allowance must be made for the trying circumstances in 
 which he was placed, and for the multiplicity of jarring 
 interests, which it was scarcely possible for any man to 
 reconcile, but the claims of which it was incumbent on 
 him to adjust. Convinced of his error, he was more 
 ready to make an acknowledgment, and to beg pardon 
 for his deviation from the rigid rules of decorum, than 
 he had been to furnish an occasion for either. And the 
 peculiar grace with which this was done, rarely failed 
 to disarm resentment, and to procure for him the vene- 
 ration and esteem of those whom he had opposed. To 
 the propagation of genuine religion his time and talents 
 were particularly devoted ; and it was only when he 
 conceived that the diffusion of the gospel was about to 
 be placed under parsimonious restraints, that he mani- 
 fested a high degree of culpable impatience. Profuse 
 and improvident in expending in the cause of God his
 
 374 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 own fortune, and the various sums he had collected 
 from a generous public, restrictions were found neces- 
 sary to produce the best and most permanent effect. 
 These were frequently imposed by conference to check 
 the ardour of his natural disposition, and to prevent the 
 consequences of his instinctive precipitancy. It is in 
 these branches of his conduct that we perceive the most 
 reprehensible features of his character. And if from 
 the aggregate amount we subtract his irritability his 
 profusion of money his Improvidence his precipi- 
 tancy, and his occasionally severe expressions in the 
 pulpit, nothing of magnitude will remain which his 
 scrutinizing survivors would not be proud to own. 
 
 Of his zeal and activity in spreading among the 
 heathen the unsearchable riches of Christ, no evidence 
 can be more decisive than the travels, voyages, jour- 
 neys, perils, and difficulties, which his life affords. " In 
 labours more abundant," is a motto that has been 
 almost proverbially prefixed to his name since death 
 has closed his eyes. Beside crossing the Atlantic 
 eighteen times, and performing various other subordi- 
 nate voyages, his journeys while on shore were almost 
 without a parallel. On the American continent he 
 travelled with the offers of salvation from " the Missis- 
 sippi to the bay of Penobscot, and from the Chesapeake 
 to the waters of Ohio."* 
 
 " For nearly thirty years," says Dr. Clarke, " the 
 late indefatigable and regretted Dr. Thomas Coke con- 
 ducted those missions (the Methodists') abroad, under 
 the direction of the Methodist conference, and by his 
 rare and scarcely paralleled labours, and those con- 
 nected with him in that work, many thousands of souls 
 have been brought to the knowledge of God who bought 
 them. He gave his life to this work it was his meat 
 and his drink and the convulsive effort that terminated 
 his days was a missionary exertion to take the gospel 
 to the heathens of Serendib."t 
 
 In preparing for this last mission, in which he termi- 
 
 * Mr. Marsden's notes on " Lines on the Death of Thomas Coke, 
 LL.D.," p. 17. 
 
 t Dr. A. Clarke on the Introduction of the Gospel into Britain, 
 p. 30.
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 373 
 
 nated his earthly career, the infirmities of age seem to 
 have given way to the vigour of returning youth. And 
 so intent was he upon the execution of an undertaking 
 which he was fully assured was from God, that the dial 
 of life, like that of Ahaz, appeared to have gone back- 
 ward ten degrees. But, like Moses, although he was 
 permitted to approach the promised land, he was not 
 suffered to enter it ; and, like the patriarchal legislator, 
 "no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day." 
 
 The zeal by which he was actuated was not a tran- 
 sient blaze, but a brilliant and unremitting flame. Its 
 vigour, which through life played about his spirit, was 
 neither to be subdued by difficulty nor enfeebled by 
 age. This unconquerable activity was attributed by his 
 enemies to ambition ; by the world to enthusiasm ; but 
 by himself and his pious friends it was ascribed to the 
 power of divine grace. From whatever cause it pro- 
 ceeded, it was a vigorous pulse that gave stability and 
 permanency to the designs of his life, and that furnished 
 him with an elevation of soul which nothing but a full 
 persuasion of the divine favour and presence could 
 inspire. 
 
 If this were a mistake, it was such a mistake as raised 
 error into an exalted virtue, and placed delusion among 
 the most noble ornaments of human nature. To speak 
 evil of an absent person it never betrayed him. It was 
 a powerful spring of action ; and even the devious con- 
 sequences which sometimes apparently resulted from it, 
 partook of infirmity without involving moral guilt. A 
 principle like this, by what name soever it may be 
 called, must levy upon philosophy the tax of vene- 
 ration, and exact from infidelity a tribute of respect. 
 Following him through life, it threw a lustre even over 
 his infirmities, and taught many to admire, who could 
 not be induced to imitate his example. 
 
 Of his genuine piety and devotedness to God he fur- 
 nished all the evidence which either reason or revelation 
 has taught us to expect in this region of mortality. 
 This was not an evidence arising from a momentary 
 gust of rapture, or from the imposing glare of voluntary 
 humility. It is to be found in all his writings it is to 
 be discovered in all his letters it was to be gathered
 
 376 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 from the spirit which enlivened all his public discourses 
 and it is recorded in various parts of his journals, in 
 those incidental expressions which register his deep 
 and uninterrupted communion with God. A constant 
 sense of the divine favour supported him under all the 
 trials, the dangers, and the difficulties of life ; and 
 prompted him, on almost all occasions, to recommend 
 to others an experimental knowledge of an indwelling 
 God. This was one of the glorious topics on which his 
 soul delighted to dwell. Here he was always at home ; 
 and his eloquence never appeared to such advantage as 
 when his tongue expatiated on the love of God, and 
 Christ in us the hope of glory. 
 
 But it is not merely from the uniform tenor of what 
 he professed to experience, nor from the correspondent 
 spirit which breathed through his writings and his 
 public discourses, that the evWence in favour of his 
 genuine piety has arisen. In his outward conduct he 
 manifested the fruits of that internal principle which 
 influenced his heart. Through a long, a laborious, 
 and a diversified life, it will be difficult for even malice 
 itself to fix upon him a charge of moral turpitude, that 
 shall at once involve the action and the motive. Expe- 
 rimental religion can only be known to its possessor 
 and to God. It is only by the outward fruits resulting 
 from it that it can be proved in the eyes of mortals to 
 be genuine ; and where these are not to be found the 
 internal principle appears in a very suspicious light. It 
 was the felicity of Dr. Coke to furnish evidence of both ; 
 to enjoy a sense of the divine favour in Jus soul, and 
 to display the energy of this principle in the various 
 actions of benevolence and self-denial which marked 
 his useful and valuable life. 
 
 In behalf of his general usefulness, the numerous 
 missions which, through the divine blessing, have been 
 established under his auspices in various parts of the 
 world, and the means by which they have been sup- 
 ported, bear a most decisive testimony. This fact is 
 acknowledged by the voice of the British conference, in 
 the Minutes for the year 1815, in the following words : 
 " From 1786, Dr. Coke had the principal direction of 
 our missions, and to this glorious cause he entirely
 
 LIFE OF THE RET. DR. COKE. 377 
 
 yielded up all his time, strength, and talents. It has 
 been truly stated that, for many years, * he stooped to 
 the very drudgery of charity, and gratuitously plead the 
 cause of a perishing world from door to door.' Under 
 his influence missions were established in almost every 
 English island in the West Indies. The flame of his 
 missionary zeal burst forth on British America. Me- 
 thodist 'societies were also formed by him, or under his 
 superintendence, in Nova Scotia, New-Brunswick, and 
 the islands on the eastern coast of the American conti- 
 nent, and subsequently in the Bahamas and Bermuda ; 
 and to the coast of Africa also he directed his zealous 
 efforts." 
 
 To speak of his liberality would be a superfluous task, 
 when we have already admitted that a spirit of pro- 
 fusion might be reckoned among the foibles which 
 diversify his character. To the pensioners among the 
 poor, who had been supported by the bounty of his first 
 wife, he continued, as already remarked, the regular 
 stipends to the day of his death. Toward the chapels, 
 and the dwelling houses for the foreign missionaries, 
 he made large contributions ; and expended a consider- 
 able sum in addition to what conference allowed on the 
 outfit of that mission to Asia, in which he ended his 
 days. And finally, the property which at his departure 
 from England he consigned over to his executors in 
 trust, he has bequeathed, exclusively of two legacies, 
 to the ultimate support of that general cause in a strong 
 attachment to which he both lived and died. This pro- 
 perty he has given to " a certain benefit society, insti- 
 tuted by the conference of the people called Method- 
 ists, late in connection with the Rev. John Wesley, 
 deceased, called 'The Itinerant Methodist Preachers' 
 Annuity.' " 
 
 In submitting to the drudgery of charity, he suffered 
 no opportunity to escape his notice that could furnish 
 him with the most distant prospect of pecuniary aid for 
 the missions. And although he occasionally met with 
 treatment which did not correspond with the politeness 
 of his address, yet at other times his applications were 
 successful where his friends had anticipated nothing but 
 repulsive insult. A singular incident of this description
 
 378 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 occurred only a few years since at Stonehouse, near 
 Plymouth. 
 
 Calling one day on the captain of a man-of-war, who 
 resided there, he introduced the case of the negroes in 
 such an affecting manner as to prevail upon him to give 
 him a sum much larger than he expected. This he 
 gratefully received and retired. The captain, who knew 
 nothing of Dr. Coke, happened, in the course of the 
 day, to call on a gentleman who had long resided in the 
 place, and to whom Dr. Coke had frequently made suc- 
 cessful applications. After conversing together for some 
 time, " Pray sir," said the captain, " do. you know any 
 thing of a little fellow who calls himself Dr. Coke, and 
 who is going about begging money for missionaries to 
 be sent among the slaves ?" " I know him well," was 
 the reply. " He seems," rejoined the captain, " to be 
 a heavenly minded little devil. He coaxed me out of 
 two guineas this morning." 
 
 It was a favourite maxim with Dr. Coke, as well as 
 with Sir Robert Walpole, that every man might be pur- 
 chased, if the person intending to buy him could find 
 his price. Whether this be a libel on human nature, as 
 some have contended, forms no part of the present 
 inquiry ; but it is certain that Dr. Coke in adopting it 
 was far from being singular. One day, having advanced 
 this position before a crowded congregation, he was 
 requested, on the conclusion of the service, by some 
 persons present who belonged to a town about six miles 
 distant, to visit their place and preach. His route 
 being fixed in his own mind, and this town not lying in 
 his way, he refused to comply with their request. Be- 
 ing unwilling to abandon their object from a solitary 
 repulse, they consulted together to contrive how they 
 should proceed in their second attack so as to ensure 
 success. In this consultation it was observed by one, 
 " The doctor told us in his sermon that every man was 
 to be purchased, if the buyer could find his price. Let 
 us tell him that if he will come, we will hold ourselves 
 responsible for a good collection for the missions. Per- 
 haps this may purchase him." His friends, assenting 
 to his proposition, agreed to make the attempt, and the 
 writer of this anecdote was delegated by them to intro-
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 379 
 
 duce their contrivance to Dr. Coke. On hearing the 
 manner in which they had applied his own principle to 
 himself, he could not but smile. He paused for a few 
 moments, and then with joy sparkling in his eyes ex- 
 claimed, " They have hit upon it most effectually. This 
 is exactly my price ; and I will endeavour to go to- 
 morrow." He went accordingly, and was so well 
 pleased with the collection, that in most of his future 
 visits Mevagissey, in Cornwall, was included in his 
 route. 
 
 In all his public exertions and private applications 
 the welfare of the missions was predominant in his 
 thought. To the extension and support of these his 
 time, his talents, his fortune, and his life were alike 
 devoted. When about to embark on his last voyage he 
 was not insensible of the dangers to which he must 
 necessarily be exposed ; nor did he leave his native 
 land without some anticipations of the disasters which 
 might await both him and his associates on their 
 tedious voyage and on a foreign shore. These antici- 
 pations he expressed in a sermon which he delivered 
 not many days before he ascended the stately bark 
 from which his body was committed to the deep. In 
 the concluding paragraphs of this sermon, which it was 
 his intention to publish if time would have permitted, 
 his thoughts were evidently directed to those awful 
 realities which he has since been called to experience. 
 And although nothing of presentiment can be inferred 
 from his expressions, he took leave of his audience in 
 the language of departure and of final farewell. 
 
 " Relying," he observed, " on the promise of Him 
 who has said Now is the accepted time, now is the day 
 of salvation,' we go forth in the name of God, trusting 
 solely to him for the success which we hope to realize. 
 It is in your power to be coworkers together with us 
 and with God. Let me, therefore, entreat you, as you 
 wish well to the cause of Christ, to render this great 
 work some pecuniary assistance in the present instance ; 
 and, on future occasions, when our brethren shall solicit 
 your contributions, do not withhold your hand. 
 
 " This is, perhaps, the last time that I shall ever have 
 an opportunity of addressing you. Within a few day*
 
 380 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 
 
 we shall bid adieu to England ; and probably for ever. 
 In the meanwhile let me entreat you to regard your 
 own souls, and to use diligence to make your calling 
 and election sure. Temptations are at home, as well as 
 abroad. The emissaries of Satan are in every place ; 
 so that we are no longer safe than while we keep close 
 to God. 
 
 " For my own part I am fully persuaded that we, 
 who are about to leave you, are in the path of duty ; 
 and I am perfectly convinced that God will bless our 
 labours, although to what extent and in what manner 
 may be unknown. We are in the hands of Omnipo- 
 tence, and under the divine protection ; and here we 
 repose in safety and peace. 
 
 " It is of little consequence whether we take our 
 flight to glory from the land of our nativity, from the 
 trackless ocean, or the shores of Ceylon. ' I cannot go 
 where universal love not smiles around, and where he 
 vital breathes there must be joy.' Above all, let us 
 crave an interest in your prayers ; not only for our per- 
 sonal safety, but for the success of our mission ; for 
 without the divine blessing the most favourable omens 
 must prove abortive. 
 
 ** Let me furthermore beseech you not to estimate the 
 probability of our success by the insignificance of the 
 instruments. The work is of God. There was a time 
 when Christianity itself had, in all human probability, 
 less to hope. The powers which now favour us were 
 then hostile to it ; and yet in three hundred years it 
 rose upon the ruins of pagan establishments. Who can 
 say that a similar event may not take place among the 
 millions of India, whose future generations shall rise up 
 and call us blessed. 
 
 "We can appeal to Heaven for the purity of our 
 motives, and we look into eternity for our final reward. 
 Full of this conviction, we trust that God, having made 
 us instrumental in turning the hearts of the disobedient 
 to the wisdom of the just, will give us our part in the 
 first resurrection, that on us the second death may have 
 no power." 
 
 We have no right to say that the language of the pre- 
 ceding extract was prophetic ; but when we compare
 
 LIFE OF THE REV. DR. COKE. 381 
 
 the events which have since taken place, with these 
 remarkable anticipations of them, we cannot but con- 
 clude that the coincidence is extraordinary. It is obvious 
 from these passages that the impression on his mind to 
 visit India retained its full strength to the moment of 
 his departure ; and that, from the period of its earliest 
 influence, he was fully convinced it came from God. 
 Admitting this to be fact, the death of Dr. Coke, before 
 his arrival at India, is involved in impenetrable mystery ; 
 and we cannot imagine his persuasion to be delusive ; 
 the glorious effects to which it has given occasion, and 
 which are now exemplified in Ceylon, contain a full 
 answer to all suggestions of that nature. 
 
 On the laws of an invisible world we have no right to 
 speculate ; and after admitting that justice, wisdom, 
 truth, and mercy are inseparable from the economy of 
 God, we must be content to trust him, where we cannot 
 trace his ways. Wherever we look we find ourselves 
 encircled with obscurities. In tracing Dr. Coke to his 
 grave, we see the church deprived of a burning and a 
 shining light, but the reasons are concealed from us. 
 Here then we must impose silence on our inquiries, and 
 wait with patient resignation until the shadows of time 
 shall be dispelled by the light of eternity. 
 
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