The Works of Mr. George Gillespie (Vol. 1 of 2)

"The Works of Mr. George Gillespie (Vol. 1 of 2)" by George Gillespie is a compilation of theological arguments and debates from the 1600s. The book dives into Gillespie's strong support for the Presbyterian way of running the Church of Scotland, especially against Episcopal customs, or what he called "English Popish Ceremonies." The beginning portions of the book show how important Gillespie was in religious discussions back then, outlining his young life, schooling, and strong fight against the rule of bishops in the church. This fight led to his well-known book, "A Dispute Against the English Popish Ceremonies" in 1637. The book showcases Gillespie's journey through an important religious meeting called the Westminster Assembly. There, readers see his key arguments about church rule, pushing for religious freedom and the high importance of the Bible. The book's early parts set the stage for a detailed look at if church ceremonies are needed, helpful, legal, and neutral, giving insight into the conflict between different religious ideas of the time.