While the previous examples exhibit Ambrose’s spiritual guidance to other
ministers, the following incident pertains to a woman from his congregation. On
March 1, 1647 he writes, “[t]his day Mistris C. sent for me, expressing that my
sermons of Eternity had struck her with fear and trembling, and that she was troubled
in Conscience, and desired to be informed in Gods ways: I advised her, and prayed
with her; many a tear came from her: The Lord by his Spirit work in her a thorough
and saving Conversion.”^142 Once again the importance of the Holy Spirit is evident.
Further, this occasion as well as numerous others from his diary confirms Ambrose’s
words regarding the importance of being a Barnabas to those who were in distress,
“Christians should not triumph over them that are on the ground, and thrown down by
a temptation, but rather they should sit by them on the same flat, and mourn with
them and for them, and feel some of their weight.”^143 Ambrose gives witness to this
contemplative practice of sitting with a person at the time of great need, watching and
waiting with them for God to work within their lives, “ R. M. sent for me again, and
drawing to his end, he proclaimed God’s goodness, and sweetness, and mercy, which
were his last words; and after, in the midst of our Prayers, he gave up the ghost.”^144
This practice illustrates the critical skill of patience to perceive the presence of God,
whether directly or through another person.
All of the above examples reflect more of the Barnabas’ attitude. However,
there is one additional experience from Ambrose’s diary that resembles the
Boenerges’ approach. This situation incarnates Charles Cohen’s understanding of the
(^142) Ambrose, Media (^) (1650), 74 (^) - 5.
(^143) Ambrose, Media (1657), 341.
(^144) Ambrose, Media (1650), 76, cf. The initial reference of Ambrose’s visit to R.M. on
June 26, 1647. trapped in desertion. MediaMedia (1650), 76. See also the July 1, 1648 visit with a woman (1657), 188.