Rutherford, that it is difficult “to understand the ideas of Puritan writers without
reference to their principal intellectual source, the Bible itself.”^229
This chapter has reviewed the biblical and theological foundations of spiritual
marriage as the foundation for understanding Ambrose’s “contemplative-mystical
piety.” The usage of spiritual marriage in Bernard and Calvin was examined to better
understand the sources inherited by the Puritans. Scripture played a central role in the
Puritans even as it did for Bernard and Calvin. However, the Puritans revealed a
departure from Calvin both in their greater interest in and more allegorical reading of
the Song of Songs. Since the Puritans perceived their godly marriage in relationship
to their spiritual marriage with Jesus their understanding of intimacy and enjoyment
of sex within marriage was explored. This vibrant intimacy and enjoyment of their
earthly partner was echoed more deeply in their spiritual marriage with Jesus, their
divine Bridegroom. The chapter concluded with a detailed survey of the use of
spiritual marriage in the writings of Isaac Ambrose. It is now time to examine
Ambrose’s spiritual experiences and further explore the evidence of a contemplative-
mystical piety.
(^229) Coffey, Theology and the (^) British Revolutions (^) , 81.