Quotes by William Ames

Active creation is conceived as a transitive action in which there is always presupposed an object about which the agent is concerned; it is virtually but not formally transitive because it makes, not presupposes, an object. (William Ames)

Everyone who understands the nature of God rightly necessarily knows that God is to be believed and hoped in, that he is to be loved and called upon, and to be heard in all things. (William Ames)

Faith is the virtue by which, clinging-to the faithfulness of God, we lean upon him, so that we may obtain what he gives to us. (William Ames)

For this is our most perfect duty and yet least known to us by nature: Whatever we conceive or will should be joined with the good of our neighbor. (William Ames)

From faith, hope, and love, the virtues of religion referring to God, there arises a double act which bears on the spiritual communion exercised between God and us; the hearing of the word and prayer. (William Ames)

Hearing the word is the devout receiving of the will of God. (William Ames)

Hence the end of the world should be awaited with all longing by all believers. (William Ames)

In contentment and joy are found the height and perfection of all love towards our neighbor. (William Ames)

Nothing exists from eternity but God, and God is not the matter or a part of any creature, but only the maker. (William Ames)

Sanctification is not to be understood here as a separation from ordinary use or consecration to some special use, although this meaning is often present in Scripture, sometimes referring to outward and sometimes to inward or effectual separation. (William Ames)