St Giles p. 58

 

Andrews, and died unmarried 19th Aug. 1646. Next to the Church, Henderson's greatest service was devoted to the University of Edinburgh. " He was the ablest educationist and the man of clearest insight of all who had to do with the college since its foundation. He saw what was wanted, and had the energy and the tact necessary for securing it. It would have been an inestimable advantage for the universities of Scotland if his life could have been prolonged for twenty years" (Grant's Univ. of Edinburgh, i., 209). Publications - The Remonstrance of the Nobility, etc., within the Kingdom of Scotland, vindicating them and their Proceedings from the Crimes wherewith they are charged by the late, Proclamation in England (1639); The Government and Order of the Church of Scotland (Edinburgh, 1641; another edition, 1690); Speech delivered immediately before the taking of the Covenant by the house of Commons and Assembly of Divines (Edinburgh, 1643); Three single Sermons preached before the Houses of Parliament (London, 1644, 1644, 1645); The Bishops' Doom (Edinburgh, 1762); Declaration upon his Deathbed [concerning King Charles] (1648); Sermons, Prayers, and Pulpit Addresses, edited from the original MSS. by R. Thomson Martin (Edinburgh, 1867). -[Life and Times, by John Aiton, D.D.; Baillie's Lett.; Christ. Mag., x.; Wodrow's Anal. and Hist.; Acts Parl., v.; Grant's Univ., i.; Livingston's Charac.; Burnet's, Stevenson's, and Cook's Hists.; Tombst., Edin. Counc. and Test. Reg., Reid's Westm. Divines, Turner's Scot. Secess., Lockerby's Life of J. Brown, M'Crie's Life, Pringle Thomson's Alexander Henderson, Dict. Nat. Biog.]

 

1647 GEORGE GILLESPIE, born 21st Jan. 1613, son of John G., min. of Kirkcaldy; studied at St Andrews, and is said to have graduated M.A. 1629, though the date is probably that on which he entered the University; bursar of the Presb. of Kirkcaldy. He became chaplain to John, Viscount Kenmure; to John, Earl of Cassilis, and tutor to his son,

James, Lord Kennedy; ord. to Wemyss 26th April 1638; had calls to Aberdeen and St Andrews; trans. to Greyfriars, Edinburgh, 23rd Sept. 16:42. He was a member of the Westminster Assembly of Divines, 1643, and though the youngest member, by his learning, zeal, and sound judgment, gave essential assistance in the preparation of the Directory and Confession of Faith. He took final leave of Westminster 10th July 1647, and presented the Confession of Faith to the General Assembly on 4th Aug., obtaining its ratification. This disposes of the legend which connects him with the Shorter Catechism, which was not begun till 5th Aug. Dr Hew Scott. mentions the fable that Gillespie drew it up "in the course of a single night." He was elected to this charge by the Town Council 22nd Sept. 1647, and adm. shortly after; Moderator of Assembly 12th July 1648; died at Kirkcaldy 16th Dec. 1648. He marr. Margaret Murray, who had 21000 sterling voted by Parliament immediately after his death, for the support of herself and family, but, owing to the distractions of the time, it was never paid. His children were-Robert, bapt. 15th May 1643 (received ordination from the "outed" ministers; was imprisoned in the Bass for preaching at conventicles (1673); subsequently went to England, and died, his widow and children being recommended by Parliament to the royal- bounty, 17th July 1695); George, bapt. 20th May 1644; Archibald, died in 1659; Elizabeth (marr. James Oswald, merchant in Edinburgh, afterwards of Fingleton). Publications-A Dispute against the English Popish Ceremonies obtruded upon the Church of Scotland (1637; another edition, 1844); An Assertion of the Church Covenant of Scotland (1641); Dialogue between a Civilian and a Divine, concerning the Present Condition of the Church of England (London, 1644); A Recrimination in Defence of Presbyterianism (London, 1644); Nihil Respondes (London, 1645); The True Resolution of a Present Controversy concerning Liberty of Conscience (London, 1645); Wholesome Severity reconciled with Christian Liberty (London, 1645); Aaron's Rod Blossoming

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