John A Vickers (1)

An opportunity to study the actual journal of a witness to the development of Methodism and the Great Mission as understood by the followers of the Wesleys in the late 1700s in the wake of the Revolution. Thomas Coke studied at Oxford as a commoner (shortly after Gibbon), contended against the Deism prevailing on the campus, receiving a Doctor of Laws. Heard Wesley preach, was mortified, and took up the employment of preaching "according to all in his heart". [5] There were times subsequently when Wesley felt abandoned by all but Coke. [6]

This journal presents a vivid picture of the pioneering days of Methodism in America and the West Indies, Portuguese Asia (Coke was a linguist), as well as England and Wales. He preached eloquently against Slavery and provides accounts of being befriended by negroes in the wilderness. [54] He was "persecuted" by a mob for his testimony against enslavement, and providing services for the Blacks, [55] noting Wesley's Thoughts on Slavery [60]. He preached and conducted emancipations in Virginia. [59-60]. He was persecuted in Jamaica--informed after he left that rioters had broken into the chapel "seized on the Bible, took it to the public gallows, and hanged it." [151] He also notes that enslavers are not "awakened" -- for example, Martin Key and his son Tandy "who is a child of Satan", in possession of eighty slaves. [61]. When cowardice rears its head, he wonders if he is "effeminate (shall I call it?)" [65] Many times he was pursued by someone with a gun [87] although more often just threats outside the churches while he preached. He describes the Cherokee as a generous and peaceable people. He often inserts a rejoinder to an amusing story with an optimistic haleluia: "Never surely was more external peace and liberty enjoyed by the church of God or any part of it, since the fall of man, than we enjoy in America." [88]. Or again: "We mutually yielded, and mutually submitted; and the silken cords of love and affection were tied to the horns of the altar for ever." [89] Yet, as he travels, for example in mixed company, he notes "my company manifest as much decency, courtesy, and respect as can be expected from unawakened persons. But God is with me, his weak, sinful worm, glory be to his blessed name." [90] In his journeys, he notes having met only one minister of the church who "enforces the Methodist discipline among his people". [90]… (mer)