William Law

William Law – Life, Theology, and Famous Quotes

Explore the life, spiritual writings, and enduring influence of William Law (1686–1761), the English clergyman and mystic—his biography, theological themes, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

William Law was an English Church of England priest, theologian, and mystical writer whose spiritual works influenced Christians in the evangelical revival and beyond. He was born in 1686 and died on 9 April 1761.

Though he lost academic ecclesiastical position due to his refusal to swear allegiance to George I, Law continued as a private teacher, pastor, and prolific author. A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life (1729), The Spirit of Prayer, The Way to Divine Knowledge, and The Spirit of Love.

In what follows, we examine his life, theological contributions, legacy, and some of his most striking quotations.

Early Life and Education

William Law was born in King’s Cliffe, Northamptonshire, in 1686.

In 1705, Law entered Emmanuel College, Cambridge as a sizar (i.e. a student receiving assistance).

In 1711, he was ordained as a priest and elected a fellow of Emmanuel College.

However, with the accession of George I in 1714, Law’s conscience would not allow him to swear the oaths of allegiance and abjuration (required for public office under the new Hanoverian regime). As a result, he was deprived of his fellowship at Cambridge.

After losing his college position, Law continued ministry privately or as a curate, later teaching privately and writing extensively.

In 1740, Law returned to King’s Cliffe, where he inherited a house and small property.

Theology, Writings & Contributions

William Law’s theological vision touches devotional Christianity, moral transformation, and mysticism. His works influenced figures such as John Wesley, Charles Wesley, Samuel Johnson, and others in the evangelical revival.

Major Works

Some of Law’s principal works include:

• A Practical Treatise Upon Christian Perfection (1726)

• A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life (1729) — his most famous and widely read work

• The Spirit of Prayer (1749–1750)

• The Way to Divine Knowledge (1752) — partly a defense against critics accusing him of enthusiasm, and partly a guide to understanding Jakob Böhme's mysticism

• The Spirit of Love (1752–1754)

He also engaged in theological controversy (e.g. A Demonstration of the Gross and Fundamental Errors … of a late Book called a Plain Account … of the Lord’s Supper, 1737) and corresponded with other Christian writers.

Later in life, Law became deeply influenced by the German mystic Jakob Böhme and made translations of Böhme’s works.

Themes & Emphases

Devotion and Holiness in Everyday Life

From A Serious Call, Law urged that true Christianity is not limited to ritual, but must permeate “every part of life.” He advocated that all ordinary actions be offered to God, with a spirit of humility, sacrifice, and devotion.

Inner Transformation & Regeneration

Law insisted that Christianity demands internal regeneration, not merely external behavior. Moral reformation must spring from a conversion of heart, rooted in surrender to God.

Mysticism & Union with God

Under Böhme’s influence, Law embraced a mystical vocabulary: light and darkness, divine love, spiritual knowledge beyond mere reason. He presented a vision where the soul gradually draws near to God by resisting self-will, opening to divine life, and living by the Spirit rather than the flesh or world.

Critique of Self and Worldly Desires

He viewed the self (i.e. self-will, egoism) as root of sin, error, and separation from God. He encouraged mortification of selfish desires, humility, disinterested love, and turning away from worldly attachments.

Prayer and Spiritual Discipline

Law emphasized that prayer is not mere petition, but a lifelong discipline and communion with God. He presented prayer as the greatest secret to a holy and happy life.

Legacy and Influence

William Law's impact spans Christian spirituality, the evangelical revival, and mystical theology.

• His A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life was widely read in the 18th and 19th centuries and informed the piety of evangelical Christians.

• He influenced John Wesley and Charles Wesley, though they later diverged from some of his mystical emphases.

• His friendship and mentorship extended to literary and intellectual figures — Samuel Johnson and Edward Gibbon recognized his influence.

• His later mystical works (via Böhme) anticipated themes in the Perennial Philosophy. Indeed, Aldous Huxley quoted Law in The Perennial Philosophy, seeing parallels across Christian mysticism and Eastern thought.

Though not always embraced by mainstream Anglicanism, Law remains an important figure in Christian devotional literature and mystic traditions.

Famous Quotes of William Law

Here are some of William Law’s memorable quotes, reflecting his theology and spiritual insights:

• “He who has learned to pray has learned the greatest secret of a holy and happy life.”

• “Self is the root, the tree, and the branches of all the evils of our fallen state.”

• “If you have not chosen the Kingdom of God first, it will in the end make no difference what you have chosen instead.”

• “We must alter our lives in order to alter our hearts, for it is impossible to live one way and pray another.”

• “Perfection does not consist in any singular state or condition of life, or in any particular set of duties, but in holy and religious conduct of ourselves in every state of Life.”

• “Nothing hath separated us from God but our own will, or rather our own will is our separation from God.”

• “Love has no errors, for all errors are the want for love.”

• “No education can be of true advantage to young women but that which trains them up in humble industry, in great plainness of living, in exact modesty of dress.”

• “Be intent upon the perfection of the present day.”

These lines encapsulate Law’s insistence on interior transformation, humility, love, spiritual discipline, and the primacy of God’s kingdom.

Lessons from William Law

1. Devotion in all things
   Law teaches that holiness is not reserved for liturgy or solitary prayer, but must suffuse daily life—how one works, speaks, lives.

2. Mortify self-will
   The deepest barrier between God and soul is self-centeredness. Spiritual growth requires relinquishing the ego’s control.

3. Consistency of life and prayer
   One cannot live one way and expect prayer alone to transform the heart—action and inner posture must align.

4. Union over mere belief
   While doctrine is important, Law emphasizes the experiential union with God that transcends mere intellectual assent.

5. Patience in spiritual growth
   The journey toward divine knowledge and love is gradual. One must grow step by step, day by day.

Conclusion

William Law (1686 – April 9, 1761) stands as a distinctive figure in English spiritual history. Though he forfeited official clerical status due to conscientious objection, he found a more profound ministry in private teaching, pastoral counsel, and writing. His legacy lies not in ecclesiastical honors but in the depth and clarity of his devotional and mystical theology.

His works continue to inspire those seeking a Christian life not merely of outward observance but of inward transformation, union with God, and humble devotion. If you like, I can prepare a timeline of his writings, or a comparative analysis of Law vs. John Wesley. Do you want me to do that?