LAW, WILLIAM

Law, William: translation

( 1686-1761 )

William Law, a minister in the Church of England who wrote several classics of Protestant spiritual literature, was born at King's Cliffe, Northamptonshire. He became a fellow of Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and was ordained in 1711.

When George I (of the House of Hanover) succeeded to the throne in 1714, Law felt unable to take the required oath of allegiance to the new Hanoverian dynasty. As a nonjuror, he was unable to work as a university instructor or a parish minister. He became a private tutor for historian Edward Gibbon.After 10 years he retired.

Denied access to pulpit and lecture hall, Law turned to writing; he produced a series of books includingChristian Perfection, the Spirit of Love, the Spirit of Prayer, and, his most influential,A Serious Call To a Devout and Holy Life(1728). The thesis of theCallis that God, though he forgives disobedience, calls us to obedience and to a life completely centered in him.

Law's works were just being published as John Wesley was maturing and launching Methodism. He developed a great appreciation for Law's writings, especially his treatise onChristian Perfection, and recommended them to his preachers.

Law died on April 9, 1761.

■ William Law,The Life and Works of William Law, 10 vols. (London: Thoemmes Continuum, 2000); ,A Practical Treatise upon Christian Perfection(London: William & John Innys, 1726); ,A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life.Adapted to the State and Condition of All Orders of Christians(London: William Innys, 1729)

■ Arthur Keith Walker,William Law: His Life and Work(London: SPCK, 1973).