"The first act of religion, therefore, concerns those things which are communicated to us from God. The other concerns those things which we yield to God"

William Ames, a considerable figure in the development of Reformed faith, uses a profound insight into the nature of spiritual acts in this quote. His division of religious acts into 2 main categories reflects a deeply doctrinal understanding of the relationship in between humankind and the divine.

The "first act of faith", as Ames notes, pertains to "those things which are interacted to us from God". This suggests that the initial motion in spiritual life is a magnificent initiative. These interactions can be understood as the revelations from God, which might consist of spiritual texts, divine inspiration, or the natural order, as many theologians analyze development as a type of divine interaction. This conception stresses the grace of God as an essential part in spiritual experience. Before any human response, there is a recommendation of what has been divinely imparted. This divine-to-human communication forms the foundation of religious awareness and understanding, providing the understanding and inspiration upon which faith is constructed.

The "other" act Ames describes concerns "those things which we accept God". This represents the human reaction to magnificent grace. Yielding recommends an active, mindful submission or using to God, reflective of worship, obedience, and devotion. It includes practices of praise, ethical living, prayer, and the myriad ways believers express their faith and gratitude towards God. This action is an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and an expression of the covenant relationship between God and humankind. It entails the followers' dedication to live out the precepts of their faith in acknowledgment of what has actually been gotten from God.

Ames's dichotomy highlights a vibrant interaction in between divine action and human response. It encapsulates the essence of spiritual life as a continuous dialogue where God initially reaches out to humankind, and humanity, in turn, responds with faithfulness. This interplay highlights a relationship built on grace and appreciation, where the divine effort calls forth a participatory and mutual human engagement with the spiritual.