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| Sunday, 29 June 2003 |
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Dr. Coke and Methodist Day - June 29 Voices by RICHARD DWIGHT "God himself has said to me go to Ceylon... I'd rather be set naked on the coast of Ceylon, without clothes and without a friend, than not go there" - Dr. Coke 1813. To Methodists all over the Island, the 29th of June, is a day of thanksgiving and rejoicing. Its significance lay in the historical fact, that it was on this day 189 years ago, that Methodism was brought across, with the landing of the early missionaries on the beaches of Galle and Weligama. Much has been said and written concerning Rev. John Wesley, that revered servant of God, the founder of Methodism. But little or no emphasis is made of the man Dr. Thomas Coke, who was directly responsible in ensuring that Methodism took root in Ceylon, as the country was then known. We will do well therefore with the young in mind, to briefly touch on this man endowed with far-sighted vision. Apart from the Wesley brothers, John and Charles, Coke in his own right was an equally arresting figure during the period 1780 to 1814. We learn that Dr. Thomas Coke was born in 1747 in Brecon, South Wales, and through the years was empowered with a legal mind from Oxford. He was found to be a man with unflagging zeal and fervour. Coke was quite liberal with his purse and gave generously. His over reacting ways, mercurial at times and boundless enthusiasm, cost him his curacy at Somerset. This did lead him to join Wesley in 1777. And right at the outset, when the two first met, Coke had asked Wesley what he should do, if driven from his Parish. The characteristic reply from this great evangelist was 'Go and preach the Gospel to the Whole World.' This was deeply etched in Coke's memory and, the obedience to the guidance received was seen many years later. Dr. Thomas Coke was made use of in different ways and at times was the substitute for the leader Wesley himself, and was also his regular representative at the Irish conference as well. He was regarded as a touring evangelist and with his agile legal brain, was outspoken and stood for that which was right. His 'Plan for the establishment of missions amongst the heathen' published in 1784 without Wesley's authority - Found Wesley for the moment lying low and not sharing in Coke's intemperate enthusiasm. On the contrary Wesley's concern was for America and, Coke at the behest of Wesley was made superintendent of the societies in America on a few occasions. On one such travel, particular Voyage turned out to be disastrous and they were blown off course and Providentially for the West Indies landed in Antigua. Coke, along with his three preachers made a terrific impact in the West Indies and this perhaps is the reason for Methodism being so deep rooted in this part of the World. On resumption of his visit to America and his subsequent return to England - Coke made his report to the British Conference broadening out on his dreadful experience at sea and, his contribution by the hand of God in his unscheduled visit to the West Indies. The Conference was deeply moved and appointed him as 'Superintendent of Foreign Missions.' With time Dr. Coke was getting on in years, he had aged. But there was in him an inner urge to spread God's message of love through Methodism to places like Ceylon, Cape of Good Hope, Java and India. The British Conference turned down his pioneering venture, on the grounds that he was old and not fit to undertake a long hazardous journey in vessels that at times weren't sea worthy. However, the old Dr. Thomas Coke's fearless conviction, challenged them, to leave them defenceless, when he made that great impassioned plea "God Himself has said to me go to Ceylon... I'd rather be set naked on the coast of Ceylon, without clothes and without a friend, than not go there." Having boarded the vessels lady Mellville and Cabellva on the 30th of December 1813 the seven missionaries sailed off on 31st of December 1813 from Portsmouth. Sadly Dr. Coke did not live to see Ceylon. His mission begun, he and Mrs. William Ault died at Sea. Revds James Lunch, Thomas Squance and Benjamin Clough landed in Galle on 29th June 1814, while William Ault and George Erskine entrusted with the baggage drifted to Weligama. Rev. William Harvard broke journey in Bombay for his wife's confinement and the two joined the rest a few weeks later. It's indeed a pity, that the live wire and initiator Coke, did not live to experience his cherished dream as a Methodist, witnessing for Christ in Ceylon. There are times when God's elect are not given to see their Christ centred ambitions being fulfilled here on earth. For just a few days over a month, before the others landed in Ceylon on 29th June 1814, Dr. Coke passed away at sea in May 1814 - Perhaps happy in the thought, that the others were nearing the shores of Ceylon, to carry out his visionary mission for the glory of God, here in the island. As Methodists we are therefore heirs to a great heritage and, the day 29th of June will always be an important one, in the calendar of the Sri Lanka Methodist Church. Symbolic of the matchless sacrificial courage, born out of implicit trust and faith in God by Dr. Thomas Coke and his band of early missionaries. When made aware of all that has taken place in the church since then and now, we are overwhelmed by a deep sense of humility and, gratefully led to sing aloud "Through all the changing scenes of life, in trouble and in Joy, the praises of our God shall still, our hearts and tongues employ" - And so the militant Methodist Church here, will pursue its journey anew, with the reassuring comforting Words of John Wesley "The Best of all is, that God is with us." |
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