William Law (1686–1761)

William Law in this work reminds me of Leo Tolstoy in his late writings. Both of them write with a limpid style, both make moral arguments that are undeniably logical and rational, both make severe and incisive criticisms of Christendom, and not surprisingly, both were excommunicated.

If a Christian reader tries to see things through Law's eyes, he would find himself in a dream world, where people, himself included, live in a way that defies logic and reason, either sleepwalking through the show more day never knowing where they were going, or habitually engaging in various kinds of activities that are beneficial to none but harmful to all.

The reader is then perhaps confronted with an uncomfortable choice: Either Law is a crackbrained writer, or something is seriously wrong with my way of life. If that is the case, the condescending and sarcastic, though urbanely controlled, tone in the introduction written by the Reverend Charles Bigg, DD is quite understandable.

(To judge for yourself, read an excerpt of "Serious Call"at Nemo's Library. It is representative of Law's writing and ideas.) show less

William Law's message can be summarized in a single question, If Christians could hold fast to the tenets of the Faith when professing it was dangerous, why are they lax now, when being a Christian is safe and easy? The rest, as the saying goes, is commentary.

Any Christian who does not read this book is shrinking from a severe challenge to his comfort and complacency.

William Law, the 18th-century Anglican priest who heavily influenced the theology of John and Charles Wesley, lambastes pious hypocrisy and the corruption of the church in A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life, the latest reissue in Vintage's Spiritual Classics series. Law's prose is fresh and vivid as he illustrates the holy Christian life as one lived wholly for God. His thoughts on prayer, personal holiness and service to the poor will resonate with many contemporary readers.

This is a wonderful introduction to William Law, an English mystic of the 18th century, These selections show what a good guide he is: deep, sensible, perceptive, wise, loving. Morrison's commentary is helpful.