Scottish theologian George Gillespie was born - On this day in history

Scottish theologian George Gillespie was born on 21 January 1613 in Kirkcaldy. Gillespie was the son of a minister and he entered church life through work as a domestic chaplain to the 1st Viscount Kenmure and later the 6th Earl of Cassilis.

In 1638, he preached a sermon against royal inteference in ecclesiastical matters, a theme which was to continue throughout his career. He became one of the members of the Westminster Assembly, as a representative for Scotland, where he discussed church government and worship. He died of consumption on 17 December 1648.