is not the only time that Ambrose employs this type of language. Previously in
describing his understanding of communion with Christ he declared, “[o]h it’s an
happy thing to have Christ dwell in our hearts, and for us to lodge in Christs bosome!
Oh its an happy thing to maintaine a reciprocal communication of affairs betwixt
Christ and our souls!”^219 For those Puritans encountered in this study this language of
reposing in Christ’s bosom appears unusual.^220 This imagery has a medieval sound to
it and parallels Bernard of Clairvaux in speaking of Jesus, “he lets the soul which
contemplates repose on his breast.”^221 Apparently the Bible is the primary inspiration
for Ambrose’s usage of this language. In the first example Ambrose cites Canticles
6:3 and in the Looking Unto Jesus illustration mentioned earlier he draws upon
Canticles 2:4 and also Peter’s Transfiguration experience. Reposing in Christ’s
bosom suggests a relationship of deep intimacy and contentment of resting in Christ’s
presence. Often relationships between two people reach their greatest depth when
their voices are silent and they are united by the delight and enjoyment of each other.
Ambrose reflects this pattern in his reposing with Jesus.
The above references clearly indicate the joy and delight that a person could
experience in spiritual marriage. Williams asserts that the phrase “joy unspeakable
and full of glory” which is from 1 Peter 1:8, was a common referent “used to describe
ecstasy, which virtually became code-words for intense delight.”^222 Chapter 1
introduced Simon Chan’s assessment that those Puritans who practiced greater
(^219) Ambrose, Looking Unto Jesus (^) , 40, cf. 1004.
(^220) Rutherford speaks of “sleeping in the bosom of the Almighty.” Letters, 34, cf.
251, 560. Baxter invites readers to lay their hearts “to rest, as in the bosom of
Christ.” Saints Everlasting Rest, 330. cf. 85n158 above. None of these examples
reach the depth of intimacy of Ambrose. 221
222 Bernard, Williams, “Puritan Enjoyment of God,” 116.SCC 51.10, cf. 51.5.^