from the numerous illustrations cited to support the reality that he was deeply
transformed by his contemplative visits with God.
Contemporary readers might question Ambrose’s practice of an annual month-
long retreat. This is all the more surprising since unlike Bernard and earlier monastic
Christians who followed this pattern as a way of life Ambrose was married and had
three children.^58 However, Ambrose asserts that he felt called and even compelled to
make these annual retreats. He draws upon the experience of Jesus being driven into
the wilderness as an important model for him to emulate. He contends,
In this respect, I know not but the wilderness might be an advantage to
Christ’s design: In this solitary place, he could not but breathe out more pure
inspiration; heaven usually is more open, and God usually more familiar and
frequentbe; but if I have found anything of God, or of his grace, I may thank a wood, a in his visits in such places. I know not what others’ experiences may
wilderness, a desert, a solitary place, for its accommodation; and have I not a
blessed pattern here before me?^59
Earlier in a May 16, 1648 diary entry he provides another motivation for this practice,
“I came to Weddicre, to renew my engagements and loves with my Lord and my God
this Spring also: My ground is that of Cant. 2.11,12. Come my beloved, let us go
forth into the fields, etc. there will I give thee my loves. The bridegroom of our souls
(said Bernard) is bashful, and more frequently visits his bride in the solitary
places.”^60 Therefore, according to Ambrose Christ provides a double motivation;
both in his actual practice of retreating to the wilderness and the bridal reminder from
58
his annual retreats hi Ambrose married his wife Judith probably in 1633. In 1641 when Ambrose began s oldest child, Rachel, would have been six and a half years old.
In addition, he had two sons, Augustine and Richard. Smith, Records of Preston
Church 59 , 225.
Ambrose, Looking Unto Jesus, 235. Oliver Heywood, a fellow Lancashire Puritan,
acknowledges the benefit of withdrawing when he counsels; “[a] man shal best enjoy
himself alone: Solitary recesses are of singular advantage, both for getting and
increasing grace.” 60 Heart Treasure, 93.
his annual retreat on May 13, 1651. Ambrose, Media (1650), 78-9. Ambrose duplicates this entry as tMedia (1657), 88. he justification for