Isaac Ambrose’s theology and piety appears to be highly relevant for the
contemporary church. Further, David Tracy asserts that a “classic text” warrants
retrieval and Ambrose’s works readily fit that description. Ambrose’s consistent
message of the benefits of consciously living in union and communion with God and
the closely related themes of heavenly meditation and contemplation and enjoyment
of God can address the deep spiritual hunger of today. Therefore, this thesis is unique
as it breaks new ground in examining more fully the theological foundation as well as
constitutive components of Ambrose’s contemplative-mystical piety. It will
specifically connect contemplation with the earlier spiritual practice of heavenly
meditation that can create a more balanced perspective for living.
It is now possible to summarize the state of research on the contemplative-
mystical piety in Puritanism. Perhaps what is most striking is the lack of a common
voice on this topic. Scholarship is still in its infancy and rarely has any writer
interacted with another writer except for a brief comment. The most extensive and
recent work remains Williams’ “The Puritan Quest for Enjoyment of God.”
Therefore, three strands of research have emerged. The oldest school defines
mysticism narrowly according to the traditional triplex via and except for Rous
locates mysticism in the radical groups of the Quakers and Ranters.^151 A second
stream typically comprised of more confessional Reformed theologians is fearful of
the narrow definition for mysticism. However, when a broader definition resembling
McGinn’s mystical element is used most of these scholars are willing to concede that
(^151) See 14n50, 27n110, 27n112 for (^) Brauer, Maclear, and Watkin.