William Law, born in 1686 in King’s Cliffe, Northamptonshire, England, was a renowned English Anglican priest and Christian mystic. Throughout his career, he authored influential works like “A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life” (1729), which inspired figures such as John Wesley and shaped the Methodist movement. Law’s notable achievements include his role as a non-juror writer, advocating for spiritual devotion and self-examination in the face of societal changes. His writings offer timeless insights into faith and morality. The quotes featured here are drawn from his books and letters, focusing on themes of life. Below is a curated list of 15 quotes by William Law about life, showcasing his profound wisdom.
15 William Law Quotes
1. “Life is a continual course of instruction, and every part of it calls us to our duty.” (Book, “A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life,” 1729)
2. “The true value of life is not in what we get, but in what we become.” (Book, “The Spirit of Prayer,” 1749)
3. “Life without devotion is like a journey without a map; it wanders aimlessly.” (Book, “A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life,” 1729)
4. “In every moment of life, we are either growing in grace or declining in virtue.” (Book, “The Way to Divine Knowledge,” 1752)
5. “Life’s greatest treasure is the soul’s communion with God, which brings true peace.” (Book, “The Spirit of Love,” 1752)
6. “To live well is to live in constant remembrance of our mortality and God’s eternity.” (Book, “A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life,” 1729)
7. “Life is a school where humility is the first lesson and charity the last.” (Attributed to letters, n.d.)
8. “The purpose of life is not to escape suffering, but to find God in it.” (Book, “The Spirit of Prayer,” 1749)
9. “Life’s joys are fleeting, but the pursuit of holiness endures forever.” (Book, “A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life,” 1729)
10. “In life, we must choose between the shadows of the world and the light of divine truth.” (Book, “The Way to Divine Knowledge,” 1752)
11. “Life is a gift meant for service, not for self-indulgence.” (Book, “The Spirit of Love,” 1752)
12. “True life begins when we die to self and live for God alone.” (Book, “A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life,” 1729)
13. “Life’s trials are the forge where character is shaped and faith is strengthened.” (Attributed to letters, n.d.)
14. “To waste life is to ignore the call of the soul to higher things.” (Book, “The Spirit of Prayer,” 1749)
15. “Life is a sacred trust, to be lived with reverence and in the fear of God.” (Book, “The Way to Divine Knowledge,” 1752)
These quotes reveal William Law’s deep insight into life’s spiritual essence, emphasizing devotion, self-reflection, and the pursuit of holiness amid challenges. They portray him as a guide for living purposefully, blending wisdom with faith to inspire enduring values. Overall, Law’s words encourage a reflective approach to existence, reminding us of timeless truths. We invite you to share your thoughts or favorite quote in the comments below—let’s discuss how these insights resonate today.