Benjamin Colley
Benjamin Colley [1]
an English Wesleyan minister, was born at Tollerton, near Easingwold, Yorkshire. He united with the Methodists in 1761; and, having received Episcopal ordination, was in that year invited by Wesley to officiate in the Methodist chapels in London, which he did. In 1762 he was "carried away by the enthusiasm of George Bell and Thomas Maxfield." He was soon restored, however, by John Manners; and in July, 1763, was engaged in the work at Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Thereafter, until his death in 1767, he was a faithful and godly worker. Although he deeply regretted his slip, he was ever after subject to strong temptations; and, as Wesley (who believed his backsliding cost him his life) says, "he went heavily all his days." See Atmore, Meth. Memorial, s.v.; Wesley, Journal, November 8, 1767.
