fascinating admission that Ambrose longs to join the birds in their continual praise of
God. In light of this it is interesting to speculate why he returned to Preston once he
was ejected in 1662. Perhaps the attraction was Hoghton Tower, and the opportunity
to renew old friendships and perhaps receive a continuation of support from the
Hoghtons.
Geopiety is a term that “covers a broad range of emotional bonds between
man and his terrestrial home.”^233 Ambrose developed a deep affinity for those places
he withdrew to for his annual retreats. His records indicate that not only did he
meditate “in” nature but also “on” it, finding the birds to be his faithful companions in
praising God. Clearly his growing hunger for contemplative experiences sought a
different place without all of the distractions and turmoil of his stressful context in
Preston. Ambrose had tasted enough of the presence of God in Weddicre Woods and
the Darwen River behind Hoghton Tower to recognize that these “thin places” were
essential for his parched soul. While his horizons were restricted by “hurries and
discord” Ambrose still exercised his ministry with compassion to those in need and
dedication to the Presbyterian cause. His enforced visit to London in 1649 was
liberating in clarifying his need for greater solitude and silence. This decision to seek
a more tranquil place is a powerful confirmation of the depth of his contemplative
hunger for God.
Conclusion
This chapter has sought to uncover the contemplative life of Isaac Ambrose as
drawn from his diary and other related materials. The Spiritual Movement Matrix, an
(^233) Tuan, “Geopiety: Attachment to Place,” 12. (^)