William Law, teacher

Although he died on April 9, 1761 the Anglican calendar celebrates the life and death of William Law on April 10.  Law was a priest in the Church of England.  When he would not pledge allegiance to King George I (the first English king from the House of Hanover), the government removed him from his position at Cambridge’s Emmanuel College.  Law had in the past given his pledge to the House of Stuart.  He was a non-juror (a participant in the split in the national churches of England, Scotland and Ireland following the deposition and exile of James II & VII).  Law went on serving as a curate, but the government eventually removed him from that office as well.  He became a tutor and began what turned out to be a prolific writing career.  He wrote about personal piety and mysticism.  Those who credit the influence of Law on their lives and work include Dr. Samuel Johnson, Edward Gibbon, William Wilberforce and John Wesley.  His best-known work is A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life.  He published it in 1729.  This and many other writings continue to be in print.