The Marrow of Theology
by William Ames

Baker Books, Grand Rapids, MI: 1997, second printing
352 Pages, Paperback
 

The same level that Francis Turretin gives us in his massive 3 volume systematic theology, is equally revealed by William Ames and his one volume Systematics.  Ames was a puritan’s puritan.  He was quoted in colonial America more than Calvin and Luther combined.  He was very influential in the shaping of puritan theology and doctrine.  

In this work, he sets forth in a unique style, systematic theology divided into two sections: Faith and Observance.  Faith dealt with the more “systematic” ideas in parsing out theology, where observance explained the more pietistic nature of theology.  Here Ames outlined all of theology and practice.  He says “Theology is doctrine or teaching of living to God.”  We then see the division of “doctrine and teaching” and then the “practical application” of this in book two under faith. 

It is said that anyone who has a bible and Ames’ work will be an able theologian of the Word of God.  This is undoubtedly true.  It is not that Ames explains every detail as with other Systematics, but that in his numbered and logical style, he sets forth main idea, main points, and attaches Scriptures to them, also explaining those scriptures briefly and concisely in their application of this thought.  In a 352 page book, how could anyone cover such a wealth of material in systematic theology?  Ames accomplishes this by his style.  He expects the reader to be a thinker.  That means everything is not minutely described, but he student of the book may use it as a detailed outline to further study and understand Ames’ teaching.  It is not that the book is a loose outline – it is a very detailed and explained outlines of theology.  It is in paragraph form when Ames found it necessary to write longer on a given topic (which he does frequently) but is it also numbered in successive thought.  Each number build and leads to the next.  I found reading theology this way helpful and interesting, unlike some of the longer more repetitious theological books. 

The reader must be warned – Ames wants the reader to think.  Without thinking his book is waste of time.  But with thinking, the reader will glean mountains.  It takes solemn meditation to understand and apply all he has said.  

The student of theology, after reading some of the basic theological works (like Berkhof’s Systematic Theology) ought then to acquire this book and read it through a few times.  He will be a great theologian who takes up Ames and applies his teachings rightly. 

Some Quotes:
“Faith is the resting of the heart on God, the author of life and eternal salvation, so that we may be saved from all evil through Him and may follow all good. Isaiah 10:20, "Lean upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in faith..."

“The two parts of theology are faith and observance. These two parts are always joined together in use and exercise, but they are distinguished in their nature and in which the rule that govern them.”

“In the exercise of God's efficiency, the decree of God comes first.  This manner of working is the most perfect of all and notably agrees with the divine nature.. The decree of God is his firm decision by which he performs all things through his almighty power according to his counsel. Ephesians 1:11, "He does all things out of the counsel of His own will."

“This subsistence, or manner of being of God is his one essence so far as it has personal properties. The essence is common to the three subsistences. As far as essence is concerned, therefore, the single subsistence is are rightly said to exist of themselves. Nothing is attributed to the essence which cannot be attributed to each subsistence in the matter of essence. But was is attributed partly to each subsistence in the matter of subsistence cannot be attributed to the essence.”

Back to the
Book Reviews