Cecily Zamora
William Law, an English clergyman and writer, is known for his theological and mystic writings that have influenced many, including Enlightenment thinkers such as Samuel Johnson and Edward Gibbon. Law's works include 'A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life', in which he emphasizes the importance of choosing the Kingdom of God first and foremost. Law's writings also reflect his belief in the power of prayer and his commitment to living out his faith in daily life, encouraging Christians to demonstrate their love for God through their actions by caring for the sick, the naked, and the imprisoned, as well as loving their enemies. Law's quote, often misattributed to Wesley, Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can, encapsulates his philosophy of leading a pious and devoted life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Author | William Law |
| Profession | Clergyman |
| Birth Year | 1686 |
| Death Year | 1761 |
| Notable Works | A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life, The Grounds and Reasons of Christian Regeneration, The Spirit of Love and The Spirit of Prayer, The Complete Works of William Law |
| Themes | Prayer, Faith, Love, Goodness, Humility, Self-Denial, Thankfulness |
| Influence | Influenced the evangelistic movement of his day and Enlightenment thinkers such as Samuel Johnson and Edward Gibbon |
| Misattribution | The quote "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can..." is often misattributed to John Wesley but may be linked to William Law |
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What You'll Learn
Prayer and work
For Law, prayer was not just an act of worship but a transformative force that enabled people to love their enemies and do good to all. He believed that true prayer should profoundly affect daily life, and that it was not enough to simply go through the motions without feeling or intention. Law saw prayer as a means to connect with God and draw closer to Him, and by doing so, one could live a life of holiness and devotion.
Law also recognised the importance of work, or action, in living out one's faith. He stressed that Christians should not merely pray for the Spirit of God but also embody that Spirit in their actions, demonstrating their faith through love, humility, and care for others. Law encouraged Christians to live according to the teachings of Jesus in their daily lives, showing gratitude, wisdom, holiness, and love for enemies.
In his writing, Law emphasised that God is an "eternal Will to all Goodness", and as such, Christians should strive to do good in all they do. He encouraged Christians to use their gifts for the common good and to imitate God by showing kindness and relief to those in need, regardless of their perceived worthiness. Law's teachings on prayer and work reflect his belief in the importance of a life of devotion and service, centred on a deep connection with God.
Law's influence extended beyond his lifetime, with writers citing his works as a reminder of the importance of integrating prayer and work in their own lives. By emphasising the interconnectedness of prayer and work, Law offered a holistic approach to faith, encouraging Christians to seek both spiritual transformation and active service in the world.
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God's will and human will
William Law, an English clergyman and writer, is known for his works such as 'A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life' and 'The Spirit of Love and The Spirit of Prayer'. Law's writings reflect his deep commitment to prayer and living out his faith in daily life, influencing both the evangelistic movement of his time and Enlightenment thinkers.
In his writings, Law emphasizes the importance of aligning one's will with God's will. He asserts that true Christianity is a continual dependence on God through Christ for all life, light, and virtue. Law suggests that choosing anything other than the Kingdom of God will ultimately be insignificant. This idea is further supported by his quote: "If you have not chosen the Kingdom of God first, it will in the end make no difference what you have chosen instead."
Law believed that God is inherently a will to all goodness and that this goodness is expressed through the Spirit of Love. He writes, "God, as considered in himself in his Holy Being, before anything is brought forth by him or out of him, is only an eternal Will to all Goodness." Law encourages people to imitate God's goodness by doing good to others, especially those who are considered the greatest sinners. He states, "Do good, my son, first of all to those who most deserve it; but remember to do good to all."
Additionally, Law highlights the role of prayer in aligning human will with God's will. He suggests that prayer should not be mere "lip labor" but should transform one's inner personality, enabling them to love their enemies and do good to all people. Law emphasizes the importance of integrating spiritual life with daily life, ensuring that one's prayers and actions are aligned with God's will.
Law also discusses the idea of self-denial and humility as aspects of Christian duty. He suggests that Christians should demonstrate their love for God through their everyday actions, such as caring for the sick, the naked, and the imprisoned. By doing so, Christians can show their newness in Christ to the world and follow Christ in their daily lives. Law emphasizes that true Christianity involves a universal holiness in every part of life, turning worldly enjoyments into means of piety and devotion to God.
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The nature of sin
William Law, in his work 'A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life', delves into the nature of sin and its implications for humanity. Law sees sin as a "dark, disordered fire of our soul", a force that resides within us and can lead to either heaven or hell, depending on how it is understood and addressed. This interpretation aligns with the concept of the "old man" or the "old self", which represents our sinful nature.
The arrival of Mosaic law, as discussed by Paul in the New Testament, did not diminish sin but instead empowered and inflamed it. This is because sin, in its essence, is not merely transgression but a lack of the glory of God. It is a force that takes something holy, just, and good, such as the law, and twists it for evil purposes. This understanding of sin as a powerful, personified force is evident in the writings of Bill Gillham, who refers to it as "Mr. Sin", dwelling within individuals and driving them to satisfy their bodily needs and desires.
The Augustinian perspective on original sin identifies it with concupiscence, or 'hurtful desire', suggesting that it persists even after baptism and erodes the freedom to do good. This view was challenged by Anselm of Canterbury, who defined original sin as the "privation of the righteousness that every man ought to possess", separating it from concupiscence. Thomas Aquinas further nuanced this idea, distinguishing between the supernatural gifts of Adam before the fall and his natural abilities.
The theology of Jehovah's Witnesses holds that all humans are born sinners due to the inheritance of sin, corruption, and death from Adam. This belief is rooted in the narrative of Adam and Eve's disobedience to God, influenced by the Devil, resulting in a transmission of a sinful nature to their offspring. However, it is important to note that not all Christian traditions agree with this interpretation, and some, like the Greek Fathers, emphasize the belief in free will even in a fallen world.
In conclusion, William Law's understanding of sin as a force within the soul that can lead to either heaven or hell resonates with various theological perspectives on the nature of sin. The exploration of original sin, the impact of Mosaic law, and the personification of sin as "Mr. Sin" all contribute to a complex understanding of humanity's relationship with sin and the ongoing struggle between good and evil.
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The role of the church
William Law's views on the role of the church are informed by his broader theological beliefs. Law, an English clergyman and writer, is known for his emphasis on the importance of living out one's faith in daily life and for his commitment to prayer. He believed that true Christianity entails a "continual dependence upon God through Christ for all life, light, and virtue." This dependence on God, according to Law, should manifest in practical ways, such as caring for the sick, the naked, and the imprisoned, and loving one's enemies.
Law's concept of "self" is crucial to understanding his views on the church. He argues that "Self can have no motion but what is selfish," implying that human nature is inherently selfish and in need of divine intervention. This intervention comes through the Spirit of Love, which Law sees as the "Truth and Reality of God in the Soul." When individuals allow this Spirit to transform them, they can then love God and their neighbours as themselves, fulfilling Christ's commandments.
The church, in Law's perspective, is a community of believers who strive to live according to Jesus' teachings. It is a place where people are called to deny themselves, demonstrate humility, and express love for others. Law critiques those who focus solely on attending church while neglecting their ethical duties outlined in the Gospels, such as caring for the less fortunate. He emphasizes that true religion is not about mere adherence to doctrine but about imitating God's goodness and extending it to others.
Moreover, Law believed that the church should be a place of spiritual transformation. He writes, "From Morning to Night keep Jesus in thy Heart, long for Nothing, desire Nothing, hope for Nothing, but to have all this within Thee changed into the Spirit and Temper of the Holy Jesus." Law encourages individuals to meditate on heavenly things and to allow their thoughts and actions to be guided by their contemplation of God. The church, therefore, becomes a space where individuals are challenged to align their lives with Christ-like virtues.
Law's writings had a significant influence on the evangelistic movement of his day, as well as Enlightenment thinkers. His ideas on the role of the church continue to resonate with those who seek to integrate their spiritual lives with their daily actions, finding a balance between prayer and work.
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Love and goodness
William Law's writings are a testament to his unwavering belief in the power of prayer and his commitment to living out his faith in daily life. Law understood that true prayer extends beyond the altar, transforming individuals and enabling them to love their enemies and do good to all. He emphasized the importance of integrating spiritual life with daily life, a harmonious balance that he referred to as "ora et labora" (prayer and work).
Law's concept of love is deeply intertwined with his religious beliefs. He saw love as the essence of true religion, stating, "For Love is the one only Blessing and Goodness, and God of Nature; and you have no true Religion, are no Worshiper of the one true God, but in and by that Spirit of Love, which is God himself living and working in you." Law believed that loving God and one's neighbor was the foundation of true wisdom and goodness, and that this love should manifest in our actions toward others.
According to Law, our earthly existence should be characterized by self-denial, humility, and care for the sick, the naked, and the imprisoned. He encouraged his followers to demonstrate love for their enemies and to be thankful, wise, and holy in their daily lives. Law's teachings on love and goodness are deeply rooted in his interpretation of Christianity, which he describes as "a universal holiness in every part of life, a heavenly wisdom in all our actions, not conforming to the spirit and temper of the world but turning all worldly enjoyments into means of piety and devotion to God."
Law also recognized the importance of gratitude in our relationship with God, stating, "God smiles when we praise and thank Him continually. Few things feel better than receiving heartfelt praise and appreciation from someone else. God loves it, too." He further emphasizes this point by saying, "Could you work miracles, you could not do more for yourself than by this thankful spirit, for it turns all that it touches into happiness."
William Law's teachings on love and goodness offer a guide for leading a pious and devoted life. By integrating spiritual practices with daily life, loving God and neighbors, and expressing gratitude, Law's philosophy provides a path toward personal growth and a deeper connection with the divine.
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Frequently asked questions
William Law was a Church of England priest and writer who lived from 1686 to 1761. He is known for his works on theology and mysticism, which influenced the evangelistic movement of his time as well as Enlightenment thinkers such as Samuel Johnson and Edward Gibbon.
The quote is often misattributed to John Wesley, but it was actually written by William Law.
William Law believed in the importance of prayer and living out one's faith in daily life. He emphasized the need for self-denial, humility, and love for enemies as part of a Christian's everyday life.
William Law's writing influenced the evangelistic movement of his day, as well as Enlightenment thinkers such as Samuel Johnson and Edward Gibbon. His work also inspired people like Kevin M. Watson, who wrote about Law's quote, "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can."
