Biography

William Ames was born in Ipswich, England, in 1576. Raised by his uncle in the Puritan church, his education at Cambridge University prepared him to promote Calvinism while arguing against practices of Arminianism. His strong stances caused him to often disagree with the general church establishment. Ames became known as a controversialist. These disagreements eventually led Ames to move to Rotterdam. He continued to debate with proponents of Arminianism, particularly over atonement and predestination. Franeker College hired Ames as a professor of theology. He wrote several books. Two books in particular that impacted the church community were The Marrow of Sacred Divinity (1642) and Conscience (1639), which outlined the doctrine and practices of the church. Many of Ames's writings were centered on Calvinism, moral theology, and predestination. Exposure to cold flood waters in Ames' home led to illness and death in 1633

Wailand Groenendyk
CCEL Staff Writer