heart, that he opened the fountains of all eyes about him, and caused a flood of tears
in my Chamber, I never saw the like day. All the glory to God.”^139 A number of
significant points emerge from this event. First, Ambrose recognized his own
inadequacy and utter weakness in assisting a struggling person. However, he was
also cognizant of his need to depend upon the guidance of the Holy Spirit to direct his
efforts. Second, wisely he understood that his responsibility was to help the person
depend upon God, not himself. Towards that end, the physician of the soul may need
to urge the person to engage in behavior that might be very painful in the short run.
Finally, Ambrose realized that he is only the conduit or the means. All praise and
credit is directed towards God, the source of this gracious gift of restoration. Three
and a half weeks later on March 29, Ambrose received a letter from this same
minister expressing his gratitude and progress from his time with the Lancashire
divine. In response, Ambrose declares, “[o] our Father, hallowed be thy Name in this
and all things.”^140
Additionally Prima and Ultima were instrumental in the conversion of another
minister. Ambrose reports the joyous news, “[t]his day I was told by a godly Minister
Mr. C. that Mr. B. residing in Glasco, and lighting by Providence on my Book of the
First and Last things, it was a means (as he acknowledged) of his Conversion; at this
time he was ordained Minister by the L. Classis, and reported to be a holy and able
man. Glory and praise to thee, O my Lord and my God.”^141 Not only was Ambrose
able to guide others through his physical presence but also through his writings.
139
140 Ambrose, Media (1650), 75.^
141 Ambrose, Ambrose, MediaMedia (1650), 75. (1650), 77.^