completion of the journey.^18 Further, this period has often been called the “Twelfth-
Century Renaissance” that among other things emphasized, “divine and human love
[that] was expressed in subjective mysticism and in courtly love.” Additionally a new
awareness of the individual and interpersonal relationships, a growing appreciation of
humanness, including the humanity of Christ, and new spiritual forms emerged.^19
Undoubtedly the most significant person towering over the twelfth-century was
Bernard of Clairvaux.
Isaac Ambrose as well as many other Puritans exhibited a great fondness for
Bernard of Clairvaux.^20 Bernard’s eighty-six sermons from the Song of Songs are far
ranging and only a few illustrations can be offered. In one particularly significant
reference Bernard writes:
’Arise my love, my bride, and come.’ The bridegroom draws attention to the
greatness of his love by repeating words of love.... Never yet, as far as I
recall, has he mentioned the bride openly in this whole work, except when she
goes to the vineyards and draws near the wine of love. When she will have
attained to it and become perfect she will celebrate a spiritual marriage; and they shall become two, not in one flesh but in one spirit, as the apostle says:
‘He who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.’^21
Bernard alerts his readers to a number of key principles. God, the divine Bridegroom,
takes the initiative in calling individuals into spiritual marriage. This is a reminder
that grace was important for Bernard. Further, it is clear that this is a process; union
is something that needs to be attained. This passage also employs 1 Corinthians 6:17
(^18) McGinn, “Love, Knowledge and Unio Mystica,” 61 (^) - 2.
(^19) Sheldrake, Brief History of Spirituality, 77. cf. McGinn, “Western Christianity,”
32320 - 9.
The literature on Bernard is immense. Two general introductions are McGinn,
Growth of Mysticism, 158 - 224 and Tamburello, Bernard of Clairvaux, Essential
Writings. On Bernard’s understanding of unio mystica see Tamburello, Union with
Christ; Gilson, Mystical Theology of Bernard; Casey, Athirst for God, esp. 191- 208
and de Reuver, (^21) Bernard, SCCSweet Communion 61:1. , 27-60.