Matthew Hale as Theologian and Natural Law Theorist David S. Sytsma In Great Christian Jurists in English History, ed. Mark Hill QC and R.H. Helmholz (Cambridge University Press, 2017), pp. 163-186 Abstract Sir Matthew Hale (1609-1676) is one of the most celebrated jurists of English common law. Although Hale has long been justly revered for his contributions to common law, he was also a great polymath, and his interests ranged across a wide spectrum of theological and philosophical topics. The present essay introduces the importance of Matthew Hale’s Christian faith for his life in general, as well as his legal thought. The essay first highlights the importance of Hale’s Christian faith in his life, before turning to a survey of his theological writings. It then demonstrates the importance of Hale’s theology for his vocation as judge. It concludes with an examination of his theory of natural law which was foundational to his legal thought. Hale’s natural-law theory, which forms a crucial bridge linking his theological beliefs to his legal thought, merits far more attention than the sparse treatments it has received to date. Outline • Introduction • Hale’s Life and Religious Development • Theological Writings o Exegetical Works o Doctrinal Works o Theological Ethics and Natural Law o Polemical Works o Devotional Works o Correspondence • Theological Reflections on the Office of Judge • Natural Law Theory • Conclusion https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108125901.010