Law, William (1686–1761)

Law's brief academic and ecclesiastical career came to an end in 1716 when he refused to abjure allegiance to the lineage of James, upon George I taking the throne of England. He focused his energy from that point on devotional writings, among which Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life (1728) and Practical Treatise upon Christian Perfection (1726) greatly influenced JW during his formative years. JW corresponded with Law appreciatively in the early 1730s. After JW's evangelical conversion in 1738, their correspondence became more critical in tone. See ODNB; and Vickers, Dictionary, 198.