Deaths on April 9

William Law, English priest and theologian (b. 1686)

William Law (1686 – April 9, 1761) stands as a significant figure in 18th-century English religious thought, a Church of England priest whose profound spiritual writings and unyielding personal conviction left an indelible mark on his era and beyond. Born into a devout family, Law pursued an academic path, studying at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he eventually became a fellow. His early career promised a conventional trajectory within the Anglican Church, marked by intellectual rigor and a strong commitment to his faith.

The Non-Juror Crisis and a Conscientious Stand

Law’s promising academic and ecclesiastical career, however, was dramatically curtailed by a deep matter of conscience that reflected a tumultuous period in British history. Following the death of Queen Anne in 1714, the British throne passed to George I, the first monarch of the House of Hanover, under the terms of the Act of Settlement. This dynastic shift required all clergy, academics, and public officials to swear a new oath of allegiance to the new king. For Law, who had previously affirmed his loyalty to the deposed House of Stuart and held deeply rooted beliefs in the sanctity of an original oath and the divine right of kings, this new oath presented an irreconcilable conflict with his principles.

He belonged to a movement known as the Non-Jurors, a group of High Church Anglican clergy and laity who refused to swear allegiance to the new Protestant monarchs who had succeeded the Catholic James II after the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Law, having come of age during this protracted dynastic dispute, is often referred to as a "second-generation non-juror," continuing a stance rooted in deeply held theological and political convictions. His steadfast refusal to compromise his conscience led to the forfeiture of his fellowship at Emmanuel College in 1716, effectively ending his path within the mainstream academic and ecclesiastical structures of the time.

A Life Dedicated to Private Ministry and Prolific Writing

Despite this significant professional setback, Law’s commitment to his spiritual calling remained unwavering. For a period, he continued his ministry as a simple priest, or curate, in his native area. However, as the political landscape hardened and the requirement for the oath became ubiquitous even for such roles, this too became unsustainable. Undeterred, Law transitioned into a life of private teaching, serving for a time as a tutor to Edward Gibbon senior, the father of the famous historian. More importantly, he devoted himself extensively to writing. This period allowed him to channel his profound theological insights and mystical inclinations into a series of influential works that would define his legacy.

Enduring Influence Across Diverse Spheres

It was through these writings that Law's personal integrity, combined with his unique blend of practical piety and mystical theology, began to exert a powerful influence, becoming a spiritual guide for many and impacting diverse intellectual and religious currents of his era. His emphasis on inner transformation, self-denial, and the pursuit of a Christ-like life resonated deeply with the burgeoning evangelical movement, inspiring figures like John and Charles Wesley, the founders of Methodism, and George Whitefield, who sought a revival of spiritual fervor within the Church of England.

Remarkably, his influence extended beyond devout circles to prominent Enlightenment thinkers. Dr. Samuel Johnson, the celebrated lexicographer and literary figure, held Law's writings in high regard, particularly for their moral earnestness and clear prose, even if he did not fully embrace Law’s more mystical elements. Similarly, the renowned historian Edward Gibbon, though known for his rationalism and skepticism, acknowledged Law’s profound intellectual and moral force, having grown up under the influence of his teachings.

Perhaps one of the most poignant examples of Law's enduring impact can be seen in William Wilberforce (1759–1833). In 1784, the young politician and burgeoning philanthropist, who would later become the tireless leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade, experienced a profound spiritual awakening after reading Law's seminal work, A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life (first published in 1729). This book, which eloquently advocated for a life entirely dedicated to God, played a pivotal role in solidifying Wilberforce's conviction to devote his life to Christian service and social reform, changing the course of British history.

A Lasting Legacy

William Law's spiritual writings, with their timeless appeal to personal piety, moral rigor, and a deep, experiential faith, continue to be read and cherished. They remain readily available in print today, a testament to their lasting relevance and power to inspire across generations, offering a challenging yet comforting vision of the Christian life.

Frequently Asked Questions About William Law

What does "Non-Juror" mean in the context of William Law?

A Non-Juror was a person, particularly a clergyman, who refused to swear an oath of allegiance to the new monarch following the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and the subsequent Hanoverian succession. They believed the previous monarch (the Stuart line) was the legitimate ruler and that their original oath to that line remained binding.

Why did William Law refuse the oath to King George I?

William Law refused the oath out of a deep matter of conscience, adhering to the principles of the Non-Juror movement. He had previously sworn allegiance to the House of Stuart and considered King George I, the first Hanoverian monarch, to be an illegitimate successor, thereby believing he could not in good conscience swear a new oath.

What was the significance of Law's book, A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life?

Published in 1729, this book is Law's most famous work. It is a powerful and practical guide advocating for a life of complete devotion to God, emphasizing inner piety, self-denial, and a conscious pursuit of holiness in everyday life. Its compelling arguments deeply influenced figures like William Wilberforce, John Wesley, and Samuel Johnson, inspiring profound spiritual awakenings and commitments to Christian service.

How did William Law influence the evangelical movement?

Law's writings, particularly A Serious Call, greatly emphasized personal holiness, inner transformation, and a fervent, experiential faith, which resonated deeply with the nascent evangelical movement. His focus on practical piety and the pursuit of a devout life directly inspired early evangelical leaders such as John and Charles Wesley, contributing significantly to the movement's spiritual foundation.

Did Enlightenment thinkers like Dr. Samuel Johnson and Edward Gibbon agree with Law's mystical views?

While figures like Dr. Samuel Johnson and Edward Gibbon admired Law's moral earnestness, intellectual rigor, and eloquent prose, they did not necessarily embrace his more mystical theological views. Johnson appreciated Law's emphasis on moral discipline and the seriousness of religious commitment, while Gibbon, despite his skepticism, acknowledged the profound intellectual and moral influence Law had on him during his youth. Their appreciation often stemmed from Law’s clarity of thought and his powerful advocacy for a virtuous life, even if they diverged on specific theological or mystical interpretations.

Are William Law's writings still relevant today?

Yes, William Law's spiritual writings remain highly relevant and continue to be in print. Their timeless appeal lies in their profound insights into the human spirit, their call to a deeper, more intentional faith, and their practical guidance for living a devout and meaningful life. They continue to inspire readers seeking spiritual depth and moral clarity in contemporary times.