Henry Coley
1633–1694 · England · Reformation
Henry Coley (1633-1694) was an English Protestant divine and hymn writer who served in various clerical capacities during the Restoration period. Active in the established Church of England, Coley contributed to the development of English devotional literature through his hymns and catechetical works. His writings exemplified the Anglican tradition of the late seventeenth century, emphasizing accessible devotional instruction for lay believers. Though not as widely remembered as his contemporaries, Coley's hymnic output reflected the theological concerns and worship practices of Restoration Protestantism. His works remain part of the broader historical record of English church music and devotional writing during this formative period in hymnody.