Ordination Certificate of Thomas Coke
1750-1800 / Certificate / Document / John Wesley / Methodism / Ministers, Preachers & Associates / Organic / Vellum / Wax / World Parish
Vellum; ink; wax
Signed by John Wesley, 1784
In 1784, John Wesley ordained Thomas Coke as a minister to work in America, although Wesley, as an Anglican minister, did not have the authority to do so. This act contributed to the widening gulf between Methodists and the Church of England. After his ordination, Coke left for America and, with Francis Asbury, became a founder of the American Methodist Church.
Meanwhile, Charles Wesley was more loyal to the Anglican Church and was unhappy with anything John did to move Methodism farther away from it. Charles was furious when John ordained Coke and wrote scathingly:
"So easily are Bishop's made
By man or woman's whim.
Wesley his hands on Coke has laid,
But who laid hands on him?"
Signed by John Wesley, 1784
In 1784, John Wesley ordained Thomas Coke as a minister to work in America, although Wesley, as an Anglican minister, did not have the authority to do so. This act contributed to the widening gulf between Methodists and the Church of England. After his ordination, Coke left for America and, with Francis Asbury, became a founder of the American Methodist Church.
Meanwhile, Charles Wesley was more loyal to the Anglican Church and was unhappy with anything John did to move Methodism farther away from it. Charles was furious when John ordained Coke and wrote scathingly:
"So easily are Bishop's made
By man or woman's whim.
Wesley his hands on Coke has laid,
But who laid hands on him?"
