midst of us.”^161 Another “soul feeding” day was August 16, 1648, just one day before
the Battle of Preston that would end the second Civil War. Ambrose reports,
A Fast was upon the occasion observed in Manchester. In my preparation
unto it (reading the Bible) I light upon Isa. 49.17.--- 5 1.12, 13. After the duty
begun, the Lord kept my heart up as in a flame: The day was sweetly
observed, but the Conclusion of it (when Mr. sweet; his Prayer was so working, that I believe it melted all hearts: and for Angier prayed) was exceedingly
my own, it pleased the Lord so to soften it, and break it, that (so far as I can
remember) it was never in such a melting frame in any publike Ordinance
before.^162
This same event is mentioned in John Angier’s diary.^163
However, of all of the many references that Ambrose makes to fasting, the one
that reflects the greatest experiential nature and “soul curing” power upon his faith
occurred on October 4, 1647, “[t]his day I was called by some discontented Brethren
to a private Fast: I construed this as good news from Heaven, was obedient unto it,
and joyned with them. Some sparkles of former love still remained in every one of
us: not withstanding former breaches, I trust God will by degrees unite our hearts
more and more.”^164 Assessing these experiences, fast days were occasions for
Ambrose’s heart to be converted, melted, and ravished, for his affections to be
moved, to experience the presence of Christ, and to be motivated to seek
reconciliation in broken relationships.
Family worship was another significant communal discipline. On May 3,
1648 Ambrose writes, “[w]e had sudden news of some Cavaliers driven out of
Scotland, and drawing towards us: At morning, in order of our Family-duty, we read
(^161) Ambrose, Media (^) (1650), 71. (^)
(^162) Ambrose, Media (1650), 80.
(^163164) Heywood, Narrative of John Angier, 42-3.
Ambrose, Media (1650), 77.