The Foundation

After practicing law for a time, William Blackstone decided to concentrate on teaching. Born on this day in 1723, he gave lectures about common law at Oxford University, the first lectures on English law ever delivered at a university.

His influence expanded after he wrote a commentary. Encyclopedia Britannica describes this as “the best known description of the doctrines of English law” and “the basis of university legal education.” It remains the most influential work on law ever written in English.

His work had such insight because he believed that law had its source in God. He wrote that in creation, God “established certain rules.” He did the same when He created man.

God created “eternal, immutable laws of good and evil.” His laws, in fact, are the source of all natural law: “It is binding over all the globe and all countries, and all times: no human laws are of any validity if contrary to this.”

These principles seemed obvious to Blackstone. However, in recent years, many people have ignored or forgotten them. Developing their own theories, they reject the idea that God gave us eternal principles that always are true, in every situation.

Today, don’t exalt yourself or be dominated by worldly wisdom. Base your life on God and His Word. Remember: He is the Creator. Everything you have comes from Him. Fill your mind with His Word. Trust Him to give you success.