The Shorter Writings of George Gillespie, Volume 1

by George Gillespie

Gillespie is best known for his two major works on worship and the relationship between church and state, A Dispute Against the English Popish Ceremonies (1637) and Aaron's Rod Blossoming (1646). The first is in print in a recent critical edition, while the latter, Gillespie's largest single work, and a masterpiece in Scottish ecclesiastical theology (James Walker), awaits such careful treatment. However, in addition to his two main works, Gillespie's shorter writings and sermons amount to material twenty percent larger than the two larger works combined and includes his more succinct and some of his best writing. This three-volume set will present all of Gillespie's known shorter works, carefully edited for the most accurate texts, including newly transcribed manuscript material and writings not included in the 19th century edition of his works. Volume 1. This first of three projected volumes in the Naphtali Press Special Editions series. Volume 1 includes, An Assertion of the Government of the Church of Scotland, which in two parts covers the office of ruling elder and the warrant for and authority of assemblies of the church above the local session of elders, a work 'remarkable for its thoroughness and is moderation' (James Walker); and it includes four anonymously published tracts known to be by Gillespie, which includes perhaps his most controversial work, Wholesome Severity Reconciled with Christian Liberty. Also appearing will be brief notes from the sermon Gillespie preached soon after arriving in London for the Westminster Assembly on the topic of Why Christmas Day ought not to be Observed.

350 pages, Hardcover

Published August 2, 2021

About the author

George Gillespie was a Scottish Presbyterian theologian. His A Dispute Against the English Popish Ceremonies Obtruded on the Church of Scotland (1637) reflected the fervour of the Presbyterians who rallied to the Covenant in the period leading up to the Bishops' Wars.

His father was John Gillespie, minister of Kirkcaldy. He studied at St. Andrews University, and is said to have graduated M.A. in 1629, though the date is probably that on which he entered the University. He became bursar of the Presbytery of Kirkcaldy, chaplain to John, Viscount Kenmure; to John, Earl of Cassilis, and tutor to his son, James, Lord Kennedy. He was ordained to Wemyss on 26th April 1638. He had calls to Aberdeen and St. Andrews. He was translated to Greyfriars, Edinburgh, in September 1642.

He was a member of the Westminster Assembly of Divines, 1643, and though the youngest member gave important assistance in the preparation of the Directory and Confession of Faith. He took final leave of Westminster on 10th July 1647, and presented the Confession of Faith to the General Assembly on 4th August, obtaining its ratification. He was elected to St. Giles, Edinburgh by the Town Council 22nd September 1647, and admitted shortly after that. He was elected Moderator of Assembly 12th July 1648.