A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy LifeThis examination of the Christian life constitutes one of the most remarkable books of devotion ever written. William Law's book dates from 1728, a decade before England's great evangelical revival, during which it exercised a significant influence on the movement's leaders. A Serious Call has been praised by readers as varied as Samuel Johnson, Edward Gibbon, and John Wesley. "If Mr. Law finds a spark of piety in a reader's mind, he will soon kindle it into a flame," declared Gibbon, and Wesley pronounced Law's work as one of the books that formed his "explicit resolve to be all devoted to God." Three hundred years after its initial publication, this volume continues to win accolades from modern readers who appreciate its guidelines on prayer, personal holiness, and charity. Simple but profound, it features brief chapters that make it particularly suitable for daily devotions. |
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actions amongst angels Apostles benefit blessed Lord body CHAP charity Christ Christian Christian perfection Church clothes common consider creatures degree desire devotion divine divine grace doctrines dress drink duty Edward Gibbon enjoyment envy eternal everything exercise eyes figure fill find fine first fit folly give glory God’s Gospel greatest guilt happiness heart heaven heavenly holy holy orders honour humble humility idleness indulgence infinite infirmities instances intend King’s labour Law’s live look man’s manner mind Miranda nature necessity neglect never ourselves particular passions perfection persons piety pious plain pleasures poor praise pray prayers pride proper Psalm reason reflections religion render repentance rules sacrifice saints Scripture self-denial sensuality Serious Call singing sins soul spirit strict Succus sufficiently suppose Susurrus tempers things thou thoughts true vanity virtue wholly unto William Law wisdom wise worldly worship