"The relative property of the Son is to be begotten, that is, so to proceed from the Father as to be a participant of the same essence and perfectly carry on the Father's nature"

The quote by William Ames goes over the doctrinal principle of the relationship between the Father and the Son within the Holy Trinity in Christian teaching. Ames aims to illuminate the unique position of the Son, Jesus Christ, in relation to God the Father. Understanding this relationship requires diving into the historical arguments on the nature of the Trinity.

To start with, Ames mentions "the relative home of the Son is to be begotten". In theological terms, "begotten" is used to explain the distinct method the Son is produced by the Father. Contrary to human understanding, where begetting suggests a start and hence a production, in this context, it suggests that the Son is of the exact same substance or essence as the Father, existing permanently and without a point of origin. This concept is crucial to identifying the Son's divinity and consubstantiality with the Father, verifying that the Son was not a created being.

The expression "so to follow the Father as to be a participant of the exact same essence" underscores the principle of homoousios, a term established by the Nicene Creed, symbolizing that the Son shares the very same magnificent essence with the Father. This means there is no department in their divine nature, stressing the equality and unity between the Father and the Son. The concept of sharing the exact same essence counters Arianism, an early heresy which recommended that the Son was secondary to the Father.

Last but not least, Ames specifies that the Son "perfectly carry on the Father's nature". This expression suggests that the Son embodies and manifests the magnificent characteristics completely, acting in unity with the Father's will and purpose. This aspect of Ames' declaration assesses the Son's role in redemption history, highlighting that the Son's actions on Earth are a direct expression of the Father's nature and intent.

In general, Ames' quote reflects a deeply rooted understanding of the Trinity, highlighting the unique yet equivalent standing of the Son within the Godhead, verifying standard Christian teachings on the oneness of God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.