Summer, 1791 — to Whom (?)
ASB_VOL3.PDF, PDF page 132
When did Asbury find out about Coke’s letter to Bishop White? Drinkhouse, a most unfriendly critic, has the following theory that Asbury knew about the letter when he said good-bye to Coke at New Castle, Delaware. White’s reply was sent to Philip Rogers, and he handed it to Asbury. Asbury evidently thought he had the right to open an important letter addressed to Coke. Drinkhouse thinks that Asbury knew of it before Coke left because he did not return to Baltimore until the end of November. However, Coke says in 1808 that he told Asbury at New Castle, Delaware, before leaving for England. (Letters, 383.)
Summer, 17911
[TO WHOM (?)]2
I cannot confide in ecclesiastics passing through the degrees and intrigues of a university, as I trust to a ploughman.
[FRANCIS ASBURY]3
Edward J. Drinkhouse,
History of Methodist Reform and Methodist Protestant Church, I, 259
Notes (3)
- Drinkhouse indicates that it was written between May and September. ↩
- It is not known to whom it was written. Drinkhouse says that it was from “a full two years file in the writer’s possession.” It would be interesting to know what became of this file. The letter refers to Coke. ↩
- A letter from Coke to Asbury is printed in Drinkhouse, History of Methodist Reform, 413. (See also 398—414.) The letter speaks for itself, as follows: ISLE OF JERSEY, ON THE COAST OF FRANCE September 23, 1791 Dear Friend: I have written many letters to you, but have received none from you. I have written so much to you concerning the imprudence I was led into in preaching Mr. Wesley’s funeral sermon, that I shall say no more at present on that head. I also dwelt on some other things which you might construe as unkindliness to you.… Will you appoint a place for me to meet you in the month of November of next year? I mean, will you inform me what part of the continent you will be in at that time? Why don’t you send me your minutes? Why don’t you write me?… Come, let everything contrary to love and friendship die away and be no more forever. You must make allowance for me, considering the great influence Mr. Wesley had on my mind, and his great prejudice toward you.… I am determined to write to you every opportunity till I sail for America, let your neglect toward me be ever so great, or ever so much deserved by me. Adieu. Pray at least, For Your Truly Faithful Friend and affectionate brother, Thomas Coke Edward J. Drinkhouse, History of Methodist Reform and Methodist Protestant Church, I, 413 ↩