Coles, George

Coles, George, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for many years a journalist. He was born in England, June 2, 1792; converted at twelve; became a local preacher in 1814; emigrated to America in 1818, and immediately entered the itinerant ministry in the New York Conference. He was an "effective preacher" for thirty-three years, and on the 1st of May, 1858, he died in New York. He was an invalid more than half of his Life, yet eminently cheerful and useful. Though his advantages of education while young were limited, he was nevertheless a very well-read man, and for twelve years was eminently successful as assistant editor of the Christian Advocate and Journal, and three years sole editor of the Sunday- school Advocate and Sunday-school books. Among his published works are The Antidote (18mo), Lectures to Children (18mo), Scripture Concordance (18mo), My youthful Days (18mo), My first seven Years in America (18mo), and Heroines of Methodism (12mo). Mr. Coles was a sincere and simple-hearted Christian gentleman, loving all, by all beloved. As a preacher, although not powerful, he was clear, instructive, persuasive, and eminently consolatory. "His journal, which was carefully kept for nearly fifty years, shows how he longed to live and labor for God." His death was peaceful and beautiful. — Minutes of Conferences, 1858, p. 148.