Mystic. Non-Juror
In recent times the Church of England has compiled a calendar of holy men and women who are commemorated as ‘Lesser Festivals and Holy Days’. Among these is Willaim Law (1686-1761), the son of a grocer who was educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, of which he became a fellow. He was ordained in 1711 but on the death of Queen Anne he refused the oath of allegiance to George I and remained a Non-juror for the rest of his life living in almost monastic simplicity and seclusion. He is best known for his writings which have earned him the title mystic. Among them is A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life which profoundly influenced both John and Charles Wesley. His three letters In Defence of Church Principles are probably the most brilliant in English Church history and remain a triumphant vindication of the Church of England.
Collect
Heavenly Father, the reward and goal of all who seek you; Grant that as your servant William Law pierced the veil of sense and found you, so we, through the help of your grace, may come to know you even as you know us. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Christopher Jobson
Feature Image: sir-henry-raeburn-william-law-of-elvinston-1714-1806-gg-6795-kunsthistorisches-c99357, PD.