The Shorter Writings of George Gillespie, Volume 2

Description

Theologian George Gillespie (1613-1648) served as one of the Scottish church’s representatives at the Westminster Assembly. While his two major works on worship and the relationship between church and state are highly regarded, Gillespie’s shorter writings have not been circulated since their original publishing. Naphtali Press’s Special Edition of The Shorter Writings of George Gillespie brings these valuable works into the hands of today’s readers. Volume two contains Gillespie’s controversial writings against Erastianism and his principles for how the government should relate to the Church.

Contents

Preface

Sermons in London, 1643–1645

Why Christmas Day ought not to be Observed (1643)
Sermon Preached Before the House of Commons (1644)
Sermon Preached Before the House of Lords (1645)

Anti-Erastian Tracts

Preface
The Erastian Controversy, William M. Hetherington
Rise, Growth, Decay, & Reviving of Erastianism
A Brotherly Examination
Nihil Respondes
Malè Audis

Acts of the General Assembly, Edinburgh, February 1645

Preface
Act Approving The Directory for Public Worship
A Solemn And Seasonable Warning

Acts of the General Assembly, Edinburgh, August 1647

Preface
Speech Before the General Assembly
A Declaration and Brotherly Exhortation
CXI Propositions

Anti-Engagement Writings, 1648

Prefacey
Sermon on Psalm 2:10–12 Before the Scottish Parliamenty
The Humble Representationy
The Answer of the Commissioners to the Estates

Letter to the Commission, Testimony, & Latter Will

Endorsements

“Chris Coldwell … has been untiring—and remarkably successful—in his efforts to further and foster new research in the post-Reformation period. His own productions have found their way into the hands of more than one thankful historian in Cambridge and into many libraries around the world.”
—Chad Van Dixhoorn, PhD

“George Gillespie lived a short life, but one of great significance. For half of his just mere ten years of public ministry, he participated in and contributed to the Second Reformation in Scotland, and the other half he spent in London helping to create a confession of faith and catechism that would mark the high point of Reformed confessionalism. In participating in the Westminster Assembly, he contributed greatly to these confessional documents that the church still uses widely today. He was a profound and precise thinker, marked by devotion to the Lord and His church. This new edition of Gillespie’s shorter writings invites readers to dig into works that are lesser known today yet highly valuable. The miscellaneous questions alone (v. 3) will repay any time invested in them. Helping us understand theology and practice generally, and seventeenth-century Scottish Presbyterianism particularly, this set will serve the church well in by promoting a broader picture of one strand of thought that fed into influenced the Westminster Standards, and by providing insights into Scripture that can feed our souls.”
—Ryan M. McGraw, academic dean and Morton H. Smith Professor of Systematic Theology, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

About the Author

Theologian George Gillespie (1613-1648) served as one of the Scottish church’s representatives at the Westminster Assembly. 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).