>>>Where might one be able to find and read the debates leading up to the adoption of the First Amendment, that one might discover the spirit in said debates and be increased in knowledge of this matter?<<<
Try here:
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/amlaw/lwed.html
There are several sources: the Journals of the Continental Congress; Elliot's Debates; Farrand's Records; and the Letters of the Delegates of Congress.
Note that the so-called "1st Amendment" was created via a consolidation of several amendments; and it was submitted to the states as the third Amendment. It became the 1st Amendment by default after the original 1st and 2nd Amendments failed ratification by the states.