many a time assisted me in the Preaching of his Word boldly to the Enemy, both
above ordinary, and far above my self.”^184 Earlier that same year on May 15 he
provides the context for this growing problem, “I first Preached against all
Superstitious vanities, and particularly against the Cross in Baptism: This was the
first occasion of the peoples general discontent, ever since when some of them have
been irreconcileable: Now begun the divisions of Church and State. Reformation
proves an hard work. I received strong consolation afterwards out of Psal. 37. v. 32,
33,34. and out of Psal. 57. throughout.”^185 With such an intentional change of focus
in his preaching it is not surprising that Ambrose frequently cites the importance of
Scripture as a means for his encouragement and experience of God.
However, in light of the above experiences readers need to recognize that
Ambrose understood the destructive nature of conflict and sought to avoid
controversy. His irenic spirit desired unity and sought to look for the best, even in
those with whom he disagreed.^186 He cautions readers to avoid engaging in
controversial points because they serve to “discompose our spirits, waste our zeale,
our love, our delight in Jesus” and also work as an “interruption and diversion of our
contemplations.”^187 Later in War with Devils he provides these additional reasons for
avoiding conflict, “[t]ake heed of spending, or rather mis-spending your precious time
and thoughts in needless Controversies, in doubtfall disputations.... None are more
(^184) Ambrose, Media (^) (1650), 72. (^)
(^185) Ambrose, Media (1650), 71-2.
(^186) Ambrose, Communion with Angels, Prolegomena [8-9], 199, 289. Additionally
Ambrose provided a list of twenty-eight practices to encourage “Unity and Amity
amongst Christians.” Media (1657), 367-8. Dewey Wallace maintains one of the key
qualities of a Puritan saint was an irenic spirit. “Image of Saintliness Puritan
Hagiography,” 36. 187
10 Ambrose, 96, etc. on avoiding controversy.Looking Unto Jesus, 64, 75 (incorrectly numbered as 65), 702, 707,