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John Law (bishop) facts for kids

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John Law (1745–1810) was an English mathematician and a leader in the church. He started his career at Christ's College, Cambridge. Later, he became a chaplain in Ireland. He then served as a bishop in different places: Clonfert and Kilmacduagh (1782–1787), Killala and Achonry (1787–1795), and Elphin (1795–1810). He was also a close friend of the famous thinker William Paley.

John Law's Early Life and Education

John Law was born in 1745 in Greystoke, England. His father, Edmund Law, was also a church leader who later became the Bishop of Carlisle. John went to Charterhouse School and then to Christ's College, Cambridge. In 1766, he earned his first degree in mathematics. He did very well, graduating with top honors and ranking as the "second Wrangler." He continued his studies and received his Master of Arts degree in 1769.

John Law's Career and Church Roles

After college, John Law became a Fellow at Christ's College. He also became an Anglican clergyman. For several years, he worked as a teacher and lecturer at Cambridge. In 1773, his father helped him get his first church positions. These included being a vicar in Warkworth and a prebendary in Carlisle.

In 1777, he was made the Archdeacon of Carlisle. In 1782, he moved to Ireland. There, he became a chaplain to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, who was a powerful leader.

Becoming a Bishop

John Law was quickly chosen to be the Bishop of Clonfert and Kilmacduagh in Ireland. He officially became a bishop on September 21, 1782. The same year, he earned his Doctor of Divinity degree. This appointment was a bit of a surprise. It was later said that the Duke of Portland, the Lord Lieutenant, wanted to reward Law for his help in a legal matter.

Friendship with William Paley

John Law was a lifelong friend of William Paley, a well-known philosopher. They wrote letters to each other for many years. They had been friends since their time at Cambridge University. Law taught mathematics, while Paley taught about ideas and morals.

When Law became a bishop, Paley took over his old role as Archdeacon of Carlisle. Law encouraged Paley to turn his Cambridge lectures into a book. This book, The Principles of Moral and Political Philosophy (1785), became very famous. Law even wrote a chapter in the book about respecting God. They often discussed how science could support religious ideas. For example, Law once suggested to Paley that he should include a section on the solar system in his book.

Later Bishoprics

In 1787, Law became the Bishop of Killala and Achonry. He learned that most people in this area were Roman Catholics. He famously said that since it was impossible to make them Protestants, it would be better to help them be "good Catholics." He even paid to print and give out a book called The Sincere Christian's Guide in the Choice of Religion to people in his diocese.

In 1795, he was moved again to become the Bishop of Elphin. He died in Dublin on March 18, 1810. He was buried in the chapel of Trinity College. He had created special prizes for mathematics students at the college.

John Law's Family

On January 17, 1782, John Law married Anne Thomlinson in Carlisle. Anne was a widow, and they did not have any children together.

John Law had several notable brothers:

  • Ewan Law (1747–1829), who was a Member of Parliament.
  • Edward Law, 1st Baron Ellenborough (1750–1818), who became a very important judge in England.
  • George Henry Law (1761–1845), who also became a bishop.
  • Thomas Law (1756–1834), who was a businessman. He lived in India and then in the United States. In the US, he married Eliza Parke Custis, who was the granddaughter of Martha Washington.
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