Isaac Ambrose facts for kids

Isaac Ambrose (born in 1604, died January 20, 1664) was an English Puritan minister. He studied at Brasenose College, Oxford, and finished his degree in 1624. In 1627, he became a church leader in St Edmund’s Church, Castleton, Derbyshire. He was one of the king's special preachers in Lancashire starting in 1631. Isaac Ambrose was put in prison twice by government officials. He worked to set up the Presbyterian church system in different towns like Leeds, Preston, and Garstang. However, he was removed from his position in 1662 because he did not follow the official church rules. He also wrote many religious books.

Who Was Isaac Ambrose?

Isaac Ambrose was born in 1604. His father, Richard Ambrose, was a vicar (a type of minister) in Ormskirk. Isaac likely came from a well-known Roman Catholic family in Lowick, Cumbria. He started studying at Brasenose College, Oxford, in 1621 when he was seventeen.

After getting his degree in 1624 and becoming a minister, Ambrose took on a small church role in Castleton, Derbyshire, in 1627. A powerful person named William Russell, the Earl of Bedford, helped him become one of the king's traveling preachers in Lancashire. After living in Garstang for a while, Lady Margaret Hoghton chose him to be the vicar of Preston, Lancashire. He joined the Presbyterian movement. During the time of the Commonwealth of England (when England was a republic), he was part of a famous group. This group was in charge of removing ministers and teachers who were considered "scandalous" or "ignorant."

While Ambrose was in Preston, the Hoghton family became his close friends. Their family woods and a tower near Blackburn gave him quiet places to think and pray. He wrote about these deep thoughts in his diary. Parts of his diary are found in his books Prima Media and Ultima (published in 1650 and 1659). Many people remembered his powerful sermon at Lady Hoghton's funeral for a long time.

Because of the strong feelings during the English Civil War, Ambrose left his large church in Preston in 1654. He became the minister at Garstang. However, in 1662, he was removed from this job. This happened to about two thousand other ministers who refused to follow the new church laws. This event is known as the Great Ejection. His later years were spent quietly with old friends in Preston. He died around January 20, 1664, from a sudden illness.

What Was Isaac Ambrose Like?

As a religious writer, Isaac Ambrose had a very lively and fresh imagination. This was rare among the Puritan Nonconformists (ministers who did not follow the official Church of England). Even people who did not agree with Puritan ideas found his writings moving and beautiful. His book Looking unto Jesus was very popular for many years, much like the writings of John Bunyan.

John Eglington Bailey, who wrote about Ambrose in the Dictionary of National Biography, said that Ambrose was a peaceful person. Even though he signed a strong document called "Harmonious Consent," he was not naturally someone who took sides in arguments. He tried to stay out of the political fights of his time. His kind nature and his sincere way of sharing the gospel made his church members love him. He often spent time alone, especially in May. He would go into the woods of Hoghton Tower and stay there for a month.

Dr. Halley described him as the most thoughtful Puritan in Lancashire. This thoughtful quality is clear in his writings. His books are also full of deep feelings and true devotion. Mr. Hunter pointed out that Ambrose suggested keeping diaries to help people grow in their faith. He also noted that the parts of Ambrose's diary quoted in his book "Media" make us wish the full diary had not been lost.

Books by Isaac Ambrose

• Looking unto Jesus: A View of the Everlasting Gospel; Or, The Soul's Eying of Jesus as Carrying on the Great Work of Man's Salvation, from First to Last
• The Christian Warrior: Wrestling with Sin, Satan, The World and the Flesh
• The well-ordered family : wherein the duties of its various members are described and urged. A small, but very comprehensive piece, suitable to be in the hand of every householder; and may be especially seasonable in the present day

Images for kids

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  Isaac Ambrose.