hole subject was of a spiritual nature, not within the cognisance of
civil courts; and he proved also, that the church of the Jews both
possessed and exercised the power of spiritual censures. The effect of
Gillespie's speech was so great, as not only to convince the Assembly, but
also to astonish and confound Seldon himself, who is reported to have
exclaimed in a tone of bitter mortification, "That young man, by this
single speech, has swept away the learning and labour of ten years of my
life!" Those who were clustered together in the passage near the door,
remembering Gillespie's expression when he was attempting to enter, said
one to another, "It was well that we admitted the _pinning_, otherwise the
building would have fallen." Even his Scottish brethren, although well
acquainted with his great abilities, were surprised with his masterly
analysis of Selden's argument, and looked into his note-book, expecting
there to find the outline of the summary which he had given. Their
surprise was certainly not diminished when they found that he had written
nothing but, _Da lucem, Domine_, Lord give light,--and similar brief
petitions for the direction of that divine Head and King of the church,
whose crown-rights he was about to defend.

Various other anecdotes have been recorded respecting Gillespie's singular
skill and ability in debate; but the preceding is at once the most
striking and the best authenticated, and may suffice to prove his
eminence, both in learning and in power of argument, among the Westminster
Divines.(2)

The first part of the task in which the Westminster Assembly was engaged,
was the framing of a Directory for Public Worship. This having been
completed about the close of the year 1644, the General Assembly of the
Church of Scotland met on the 23d of January, 1645, to take this Directory
into consideration, and to give it their sanction, should it be found
satisfactory. Baillie and Gillespie were sent to Scotland, to be present
at the Assembly, that they might introduce the subject, and give any
explanation that might appear necessary, and to do everything in their
power to procure for it the desired approbation. In this they were
completely successful, and the Assembly passed an act sanctioning the
Directory,--that act having been written, as Baillie informs us, by
Gillespie. Having accomplished the object of their mission, they returned
to London, where Gillespie was speedily engaged in the Erastian