The Life Of Rev. Thomas Coke

Front matter

OF THE

REV. THOMAS COKE, LL.D.

INCLUDING IN BET All.

Dedication

To Robert Carr Brackenbury, of Raithby Hall, LincolTishire; Thomas Roberts, King-Street, Bath; and John Hollow ay } City -Road, London, Esquires ; Executors in Trust of the late Reverend Thomas Coke, LL.&.

GENTLEMEN,

I DEWCATE to you this Volume, from a full persuasion, that as intimate friends of the late Rev. Dr. COKE, and guardians of his property, you must feel an interest in his reputation.

Preface

IN sending the following Biographical Sketch into the world, the writer of this volume has no design either to flatter the unreasonable admirers of the deceased, or to gratify his enemies. He has therefore not drawn an artificial picture; but he has followed him through life, and noticed the most distinguishing features 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 connexion 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 fa* vourable 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

A3 viii PREFACE.

judgment of the reader free from prepossession* To the candid and dispassionate, who are willing to make all reasonable allowances for the frailties 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 purpose, 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 Christianity in carrying the light of the gospel among heathen nations ia 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, may seem exceedingly strange. But history and observation unite to inform us, that this has been the lot of almost every public character. " Censure is a tax which every man must pay the public for being eminent;" and we well know that this fine has been constantly 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 cotemporaries 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 conscience, 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 indubitable evidence*,

u My very dear friend Dr, Coke,

"When I consider the solemn offer you made of yourself to the General Conference, and their free and de-

PREFACE. IX

i

liberate acceptance of you as their Episcopos, I must view you as most assuredly bound to this branch of the Methodist 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 1000 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, Feb. Stft, 1797.

P. S, I give you this to remind you, lest you should forget what you have done, and what the General Conference ex-* pects 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 Conference 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. Jn this reply, which is inserted in the fourteenth chapter of this volume, they only consented to lend Dr. Coke for a season*

X PREFACE.

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 ths year 1808, when the American preachers were about to recal 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 Confei'ence in America were induced to suspend their demands. In their reply they say, In compliance with 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 Ireland ; 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 1S09, 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. 5 '

Nor was the tone of their language less affectionate in the year 181S, only a few months before he bade adieu to Europe. Addressing the English Conference, they say, "We need hardly assure you, that we received the appointment of pur dearly beloved brother and president, Dr. Coke, with the best , affections of our hearts ; and that his visit has been profitable and comfortable to cmr souls/* The English Conference, in reply to this address, express themselves in language which

PREFACE.

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."

Such 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 Queteville, 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 isles. To these fimnirs he is not conscious of having received any ackfiiion. Benevolence has therefore fixed the boundaries of gratitude, and here both must terminate.

From the papers to which he has had access, through the kindness of Dr. COKE'S executors, the author might easily have augmented 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 hand-writing of Dr. COKE, now in his possessi9n, he might also have made numerous 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

XU PREFACE.

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 continue to acquire magnitude and importance from the accumulation of years, promise to perpetuate his name, and to adorn it with unfading 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 immortality," 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 believes 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.

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. Page I 13.

Chapter II

Obtains a Curacy at South Petherlon Builds a Gallery Become* acquainted with Mr. Maxfield Seriously affected by "Alleine's Alarm" Reads his Sermons Becomes evangelical in his preaching Church frequented by Dissenters Interview with Mr. Hull 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 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" p. 1427.

Chapter III

First Interview with Mr. Wesley at Taunton Joins the Methodists- Appointed to London Popular among the People Visits the So-

XIV CONTENTS.

cieties Contends with difficulties Bears an active part in procuring the Deed of Delaration 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. p. 2844.

Chapter IV

Mr. Wesley's early visit to America Origin of Methodism in America Mr. Embury, Mr. Strawbridge, and Captain Webb, visit the Continent First 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 warVarious occurrences during the unhappy conflict. p. 4558.

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 ChurchPreparatory 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 vindicated Apostolical Succession not to be proved either from the Church of Alexandria, Antioch, or Home. p. 59 84.

Chapter VI

Dr. Coke sails to America Prominent particulars of the voyage Manner 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 Conference 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 Keply,

CONTENTS. XV

CHAPTER VIL

Analysis of the Episcopal Form of Church Government established in America Progress of Methodism in the United States Dr. Coke's Sermon ou the Godhead of Christ Missionaries sent to Nova Scotia through Dr. Coke's exertions History of Cokeshury College Rules of the Institution Destruction by fire Church and College at BaltimoreFlourishing 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. p. 108 142.

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 Islauds Resolute perseverance of Dr. Adam Clarke amidst persecution Dfe, Coke sails a second time for America Prominent Disasters of their voyage Manner of employing his time on board Superstitious brutality of the Capta'm Tranquil State of Dr. Coke's mind Driven to Antigua.

Chapter IX

Primary introduction of Methodism into the West Indies, by Mr. Gilbert Succeeded by Mr. Baxter, whom Dr. Coke found in Antigua- Visits Dominica, St Vincent's, St. Christopher's, Nevis, and St, Eustatiu* 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 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 in sailing to the Norman Isles Reflections a the general progress of religion. p. 163 191.

XVI CONTENTS*

Chapter X

Dr. Coke sails for Barbadoes Proceedings on his Arrival Establish* meat of a Mission Repairs to St. Vincent's Visits the Caribbs Reflections on savage life Repairs to Dominica The work prosper* in Antigua, and in St. Christopher's Remarks on a persecuting Edict passed in St. Eustatius 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 travelling Picturesque Scenery Nocturnal fires Progress of Religion in Georgia Resolution to build Wesley College Prosperous State of Religion 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 th* Heathen world. p. 192215.

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 Indies Persecution in Barbadoes Visits Grenada, dnd 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 Continent Dangers of the Voyage Visitt the Catawba Indians Description of their Dress and Habitations- Happy effects of distributing Tracts General Increase of Religion Receives tidings of Mr. Wesley's Death Return* to England.

CHAPTER XIL

Dr. Coke hurt at the ungenerous Treatment received on his arrival Consoled by a letter from Mr. Asbury Affairs at the Conference succeeding Mr. Wesley's death, conducted in peace Difficultly

CONTEKTS. XVII

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 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 Privateer. p. 233253*

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 Missionaries 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 affair in 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 Foulah Mission- Progress of this Mission, and cause of its failure Reflection on this unfortunate adventure. p. 254272.

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 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 his settling 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 establishment of Missions among the Irish Proposes an union of tbe Methodists with the Church of England* Letter to the Bishop of London Bishop's Reply Scheme proves

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Contents

abortive Protection procured by Dr. Coke for the Methodists, during the Irish rebellion 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 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. p. 873 SI 1.

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*Mnllen 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 Pidmonth's Bill- Cottager's Bible published in Numbers Circular Letter to all tine Strpermtendants Weary of employing travellers to sell his works Disposes of all his literary property to the Conference.

Chapter I

Design of Biography Birth, family, and early education of Dr. Coke Divine Providence, both general and parti* cular, asserted Removes to Oxford Profligacy of the Col* legians Becomes an Infidel Reflections on the influence of Infidelity in Colleges General behaviour Influence of Conscience Base conduct of a Clergyman Effects of read* ing Sherlock's Discourses, and Wltherspoon on Regener&<* tion Chosen Common Council-man, and Cfiief Magistrate of Brecon Deluded with promises of Church preferment Graduates, and procures hh Diploma First preaching-* State of his Mind, and tenderness of Conscience,

JL HE design of Biography is to instruct the living, by such a narrative of personal facts, as will raise a monument 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 conspicuous, as to excite attentive admiration; to have been so beneficial, as to demand a tribute of gratitude ; and so excellent, when due allow*- ances 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

B fascinate the deluded world with splendid talents, though unadorned by virtue; ignobly demanding the trumpet of fame, for a train of successful exploits, that are tarnished with crimes of the deepest die. Heiice it unfortunately and frequently happens, that

V What better far to oblhiou were consign'd, Is hung on high, to poison half mankind."

The statesman, the poet, the historian, the philosopher, 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 th#r Write of reflection too complicated, to justify such an expectation. Distinct characters shine in different spheres ; . but, if cotttducted 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 teacliefc her to wear ; the Historian may lead us back through departed ages, and, introduce us to the manners of the mighty dead; and the Philo&opher may assist us in exploring the hidden recesses of Nature, in. 'leading us from visible effect* to invisible causes, and he may finally conduct us to the primitive Agent, that must necessarily be both infinite and eternal. These characters chiefly confine our views to the present state of existence ; but the Divine unfolds before us the interesting 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 entertaining than that of Biographical narrative ; but its utility must in no small degree depend upon the character of him who becomes the subject of historical relation. 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 virtue, may become an example to thousands, who may view Him as a pattern worthy of imitation; and bis history may diffuse virtues through various walks of life, to which our calculations can never reach."*

Little did Dr. COKE -think, when publishing the preceding paragraph, that these sentences would ever be transplanted into a Biographical account of himself. But the feet serves to illustrate the principle which they contain, as well as to propagate the important and instructive lesson which they inculcate* And under tbe 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 bap* tized on the 5th ^ of the following month. His father's name was Bartholomew Coke. This gentleman was an eminent surgeon, in Brecon. He was of high respectability, and se veral times filled the office of .Chief Magistrate of the town, with much credit to himself 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 Thoma*,

Goto'* Px*&U* to the Life of Christ, p. 10.

B 2

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 parents watched over his infant days with more than common solicitude, and devised the most liberal plans for his education.

But before any of these schemes could be carried into ex* ecution, his father was summoned away by the call of death, so that the education of his darling child devolved on the widowed mother, who survived her husband many years. Mrs. Coke lived to see his connexion 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 passing 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 particularly fond of dancing. This attachment, towards the period of his re* xnoval from Brecon, exposed him to much company ; and as he was peculiarly handsome, he became an object of admiration among the thoughtless 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 indiscretion, wholly destitute of the fear of God, nor ignorant of his super*

REV. DR, COKE.

intending Providence. To tins 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 together. He who superintends the whole, must necessarily 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 be destroyed, which is an absurdity not less palpable, than to conceive that the "body may remain unmutilated, although many of its essential parts are actually annihilated. Of this connexion 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.