CHAPTER XH.

LIFE OF WILLIAM AMES.

WE have no account of the birth of William Ames, or of his native country, except that John Whiting mentions him as being of Somersetshire. In his youth he was of a cheerful temper, and fond of the society of those of similar dispositions; but, in the gay and unguarded indulgencies of this inclination, he was often disquieted in his mind; and, in consequence, became a closer follower of the priests and teachers. He also exercised himself diligently in reading the Holy Scriptures, which, though it is a practice very excellent in itself, was not sufficient to bring him to true peace of mind with the Lord.

Though he was of a quick understanding, and capable of deducing much argument from the Scriptures; yet he appears, for a time, not to have

been favoured with the Key of David, which only can unlock and open that rich treasury, and furnish from those abundant stores, the food convenient for the seeking, hungry soul.

In this unsatisfied condition of mind, he entered into religious communion with the Baptist society, and became a teacher among them. At this period he was more strict and careful of his conduct, and endeavoured to avoid the committing of sins; yet he found that the root from whence they sprung was alive in him; and when he met with any thing contrary to his own will and mind, anger soon prevailed. Few appear to have been more fully and clearly taught the doctrine of the blessed Redeemer of men, when he said: "Without me ye can do nothing."

He could speak of justification, sanctification, and cleansing by the blood of Jesus, but was sensible he had not attained that pure washing; and even perceived that he was no true member of Christ, because he had not experienced regeneration. Thus he learned that a high profession was of no avail, and that something beyond it was essential, to enable him to attain a happy state and condition.

Though the subject of this Memoir was thus clearly sensible of one thing still lacking; and, on

committing sin, felt in himself a swift witness, a monitor that struck him with terror; yet he did not comprehend what it was which in mercy thus disquieted his soul.

In addition to the ministerial office which he had taken upon himself, he likewise engaged as an officer in the army. In this capacity he was of a strict life himself, and kept his soldiers under a severe discipline; and when any of them were guilty of immorality on the first day of the week, he presently had them put under confinement and restraint.

At length, in the year 1655, whilst Edward Burrough and Francis Howgill were at Cork in Ireland, he heard one or both of them preach, declaring that what convinceth man of sin, is the Light of Christ, which enlighteneth every man that cometh into the world. This doctrine entered so deeply into his heart, that he embraced it, from firm conviction of its being the Truth; and walking with great circumspection and fear before the Lord, he found, that by diligent atttention to that Divine principle which inwardly reproved and condemned him for evil, he came to be delivered from the power of sin, and to witness sanctification.

He entered into the Society of the despised Quakers, and continuing in the way of godliness,

he himself became a zealous preacher of that doctrine which had so deeply penetrated his own heart.

In the year 1657, we find him at Amsterdam, in company with a person of the name of Humble Thatcher, who does not appear to have been ever fully in cómmunion with our religious society. It seems, from the circumstance of their being companions, and from William Ames being a man of extraordinary courage and boldness, that they were taken up, on suspicion of having placed a paper on the door of the English meeting-house, in that city; but of this charge William declared himself innocent; and also that he knew not who was the author of the paper. This happened at the time when so many false reports were in print, concerning James Nayler, which probably occasioned the magistrates to be more apprehensive respecting them; and sending for William Ames and his companion to appear before them, they were commanded to depart the town in twentyfour hours.

Persuaded of their own innocency, these courageous and resolute men did not think proper to obey the command. The next day, from a conscientious scruple, not putting off their hats wheu hefore the magistrates, they were falsely considered

as not owning the subordination due to rulers; and after being kept in custody for some days, they were at night led through the Regulars gate, and banished out of the town.

William Ames judging that he had committed no evil, returned the next day into the city, and passed the great market-place called the Danı. On this occasion it is said that some of the magistrates saw him and observed: "Lo! there is the Quaker; if we had a mind now to make martyrs, here would be an opportunity for it." But it seems, as there was no proof of their baving done any evil, the magistrates deemed it safest to wink at his return.

He staid some time in the city, and the doctrine which he preached found some entrance, even among a few of the collegians. At this time also his ministry proved convincing to Jacob Williamson Sewel, of Utrecht, free citizen and surgeon, resident at Amsterdam, and Judith Zinspenning his wife, who were the parents of William Sewel, the historian of our society, and a lexicographer. These, with two or three more, were the first of our religious persuasion at Amsterdam.

In the preface to William Sewel's History, he mentions William Ames as having had considerable