_necessity_, their _expediency_, their _lawfulness_,
and their _indifferency_, with such extensiveness of learning and
acuteness and power of reasoning, as completely to demolish all the
arguments of all his prelatical antagonists. The effect produced by this
singularly able work may be conjectured from the fact, that within a few
months after its publication, a proclamation was issued by the Privy
Council, at the instigation of the bishops, commanding all the copies of
it that could be found to be called in and burned. Such was the only
answer that all the learned Scottish prelates could give to a treatise,
written by a youth who was only in his twenty-fifth year when it appeared.
The language of Baillie shows the estimation in which that learned, but
timid and cautious man, held Gillespie's youthful work. "This same youth
is now given out also, by those that should know, for the author of the
'English Popish Ceremonies,' whereof we all do marvel; for, though he had
gotten the papers, and help of the chief of that side, yet the very
composition would seem to be far above such an age. But, if that book be
truly of his making, I admire the man, though I mislike much of his
matter; yea, I think he may prove amongst the best wits of this isle."

So far as argument was concerned, the controversy was ended by Gillespie's
work, as no answer was ever attempted by the prelates. But the contest,
which began as one of power against principle, ere long became one of
power against power. In vain did the King attempt to overawe the firm
minds of the Presbyterians. In vain did the bishops issue their commands
to the ministers to use the Liturgy. These commands were universally
disobeyed; for the spirit of Scotland was now fairly roused--a spirit which
has often learned to conquer, but never to yield. It was to be expected
that Gillespie would not be allowed to remain much longer in comparative
obscurity, after his remarkable abilities had become known. The church and
parish of Wemyss being at that time vacant, the congregation, to whom he
had been known from his infancy, "made supplication" that he might be
their minister. This request was granted, "maugre St Andrew's beard," as
Baillie says; that is, in spite of the opposition made by Spotswood,
Archbishop of St Andrews, who knew enough of the young man to regard him
with equal fear and hatred. He was ordained by the Presbytery of Kirkcaldy
on the 26th of April, 1638, the celebrated