Abstract
This thesis examines the life and work of Thomas Gillespie and the origins of
the Relief Church in eighteenth century Scotland, within the wider context of the
evangelical movement both within and without the Church of Scotland. We begin in
the first chapter by investigating the early influences on Gillespie's life, and seek to
analyse Gillespie's intellectual and spiritual development within the wider context of
Scottish religion. We also look at the profound impact of his brief, but significant,
period of study at Philip Doddridge's theological Academy in Northampton. Finally,
we consider the beginning of his pastoral ministry in Carnock. In the second chapter
we focus on the Cambuslang Revival in 1742, including the significant factors which
contributed to the event, the impact it made upon Evangelicals within the Church of
Scotland, and the divisions it created between Evangelicals in the Church of Scotland
and the Secession Church. The third chapter examines the events surrounding
Gillespie's deposition from the ministry of the Church of Scotland in 1752. This
includes a discussion of the different approaches which members of the Moderate and
Popular parties took towards the issue of patronage, especially as illustrated by the
controversy surrounding the Inverkeithing settlement. Chapter four looks at the two
further disputed pastoral settlements, in Jedburgh and Colinsburgh, which led directly
to the formation of the Presbytery of Relief. In chapter five we examine Gillespie's
preaching and pastoral ministry, and consider the major emphases of his ministry and
the themes which were vitally important to him. Chapter six develops an
interpretation of Gillespie's theology in its relationship to the Reformed Theology of
the Westminster Confession of Faith and the ethos of the Enlightenment. Finally,
chapter seven examines the consolidation of the Relief Church. In examining the state
of the Relief Church at the time of Gillespie's death, we will also consider the reasons
why he had become disillusioned with the movement which had grown to the point
when it was outwith his control and influence, and also why many members of the
Relief Church may have become disillusioned with him.
