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A Sketch of the Christian's Catechism
Williams Ames (1576–1633) was an influential English Puritan. After fleeing England in 1610 for a freer academic and ecclesiastical life in the Netherlands, he was appointed professor of theology at Franeker University in 1622. A Sketch of the Christian’s Catechism is the result of his lectures through the Heidelberg Catechism at that institution.
Ames’s method in this book is not an analysis of the Catechism itself. Rather, he chooses a particular text of Scripture that supports the main thoughts for a given Lord’s Day. While the exposition is directly from the Bible, Ames’s doctrinal conclusions interact with the corresponding Questions and Answers of Heidelberg.
Joel R. Beeke and Todd M. Rester’s introduction provides valuable background on Ames and his work. Rester’s fresh translation from the Latin opens several avenues of interest for modern day English readers. Historians of 16th and 17th century thought will value the critical English translation of a much neglected text, and the fact that it demonstrates the interaction between English Puritanism and the Dutch Further Reformation. Reformed pastors will also take interest in this, as it provides another important resource on a classic doctrinal standard.
Ames’s method in this book is not an analysis of the Catechism itself. Rather, he chooses a particular text of Scripture that supports the main thoughts for a given Lord’s Day. While the exposition is directly from the Bible, Ames’s doctrinal conclusions interact with the corresponding Questions and Answers of Heidelberg.
Joel R. Beeke and Todd M. Rester’s introduction provides valuable background on Ames and his work. Rester’s fresh translation from the Latin opens several avenues of interest for modern day English readers. Historians of 16th and 17th century thought will value the critical English translation of a much neglected text, and the fact that it demonstrates the interaction between English Puritanism and the Dutch Further Reformation. Reformed pastors will also take interest in this, as it provides another important resource on a classic doctrinal standard.
- GenresChristianity
484 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2008
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About the author
William Ames
78 books9 followersWilliam Ames (/eɪmz/; Latin: Guilielmus Amesius; 1576 – 14 November 1633) was an English Protestant divine, philosopher, and controversialist. He spent much time in the Netherlands, and is noted for his involvement in the controversy between the Calvinists and the Arminians.
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November 20, 2014
Instead of being the typical "commentary" on a catechism, this book is a series of sermons (52 - one for each Lord's Day), which handles the main point of the corresponding "Lord's Day" questions of the Heidelberg Catechism. It is an outstanding volume. The sermons on the Lord's Prayer contain some of the most astute doctrinal observations I have ever read. Ames is an incredible theologian and preacher. Highly recommended!
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