a contemplative-mystical piety does indeed exist within Puritanism.^152 The third
school of thought is the emerging collection of scholars who believe that
contemplative-mystical piety is fully present across the mainstream of Puritanism.^153
The present author would place himself in this third school. Once again it must be
reiterated that there has been minimal conversation between any of the above writers
on this topic.
Writings of Isaac Ambrose
Ambrose was a fairly productive writer for his day though he can hardly
compare with the prolific pens of Richard Baxter and John Owen. Both Prima and
Ultima were published in 1640. Prima had the sub-title, The First Things or
Regeneration Sermons^154 and Ultima, The Last Things or Meditation Sermons which
as its title implies is devoted to death, judgment, the terrors of hell, and preparing for
heaven.^155 While these two works were issued only in a first edition, there were
minor changes that appeared in subsequent printings. These variations will be noted
though out this thesis when they are relevant to the discussion. Media, which was
first issued in 1650, was subtitled, The Means, Duties, Ordinances, both Secret,
Private and Publike, for Continuance and Increase of a Godly Life, (once begun,) Till
(^152) See 20n80, 27n110, 27n112 for Andrew Davies, Welch, Coffey, and Cook. Dever
also reflects this position but it is difficult to assess if he would accept the principles
of a contemplative (^153) See 14n50 above fo-mystical piety.r Nuttall, Stoeffler, Dewey Wallace, Belden Lane, and de
Reuver. Though Williams misreads Wakefield, he would fit in this category as well
as Williams herself. Though Chan insists on employing the narrow definition of
mysticism his research validates the reality of contemplative-mystic piety in moderate
Puritanism. 154
Ambrose, Prima (1640), t.p. The 1650 printing revised the title to The Doctrine of
Regeneration, the New Birth, the Very Beginning of a Godly Life 155.
Meditations on Life, Death, Judgment, Hell, Right Purgatory, and Heaven Ambrose, Ultima (1640), t.p. The 1650 printing expanded the title to Certain.