BLAST AND COUNTERBLAST
I.B. Cowan, Blast and Counterblast: Contemporary Writings on
the Scottish Reformation (The Saltire Society, 1960)
Student Guide
Issue 1: The Reformation of 1560
The nature of the Church in Scotland; attempts at reform; the gr owth of
Protestantism; the Reformation of 1560
The Pre-Reformation Church
These sources describe the decline of the pre -Reformation Church, morally
and spiritually, in the words of authors who were staunch supporters of the
Catholic Church.
Blast and Counterblast, pp. 1–3
The Policy of Reform From Within
Strenuous efforts were made to reform the Church in Scotland from within.
Three provincial councils were held in the decade before the Reformation at
which efforts were made to correct abuses. Archbishop Hamilton’s
‘Catechism’ (1552) and a ‘Godlie Exhortation’ on the Eucharist (1559), also
known as the ‘Twapenny Faith’, also indicate the desire of certain sections of
the clergy not only to set their house in order, but also to effect a moderation
in doctrine.
Blast and Counterblast, pp. 4–7
The Growth of Protestantism
Efforts at reform from within the Church were largely ineffective. The
Church’s financial structure meant that too little income reached or remained
in the parishes. At the same time, the poverty of parish priests made the ideal
of an educated priesthood no more than a pious hope. When coupled with a
genuine growth in Protestantism, despite legislation and trials for heresy, the
failure of the Church to reform itself made the Reformation more likely.
The records of the period describe the steady growth of Protestantism,
culminating in the events of 1559–1560. The sources illustrate the efforts to
suppress the Protestants by an authority whose efforts were constantly
hindered by the political entanglements resulting f rom growing support for
an English rather than a French alliance. Contemporary accounts also
THE AGE OF THE REFORMATION, 1542–1603 (H, HISTORY)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2009
1
BLAST AND COUNTERBLAST
illustrate positive support for the Protestants as seen in iconoclasm and the
popularity of contemporary religious songs and ballads.
Blast and Counterblast, pp. 8–14
The Reformation of 1560
A combination of religious, economic, and political motives assured sufficient
support for the Protestants in 1559, although their success was only assured
when Elizabeth of England intervened in 1560. The French, whose pr esence
had encouraged many Scots to side with the pro -English Protestants, were
expelled from Scotland. On religious and economic issues no such firm
conclusion was reached.
The Mass and the exercise of authority from Rome were forbidden, but little
was done to endow the new Protestant Church or disendow the Catholic
Church. One practical difficulty in this respect was the nobles’ possession of
most monastic lands and revenues.
Blast and Counterblast, pp. 15–16
Issue 2: The Reign of Mary, 1561–1567
Mary’s difficulties in ruling Scotland: religion
The Triumph of Protestantism
Opinions vary as to the strength of the Protestant movement in Scotland in
1560 but what is certain is that the Catholic Church put up little formal
resistance to its rival. Some Catholics remained firm in their faith and tried
to stem the Protestant tide but to no avail. Individuals maintained their
beliefs while examples of group activity can be observed in various places
e.g. some inhabitants of Orkney had Mass said within earsho t of the
Reformed Bishop who was too ill to interfere with their actions.
Lack of leadership weakened the cause of those Scots who would have
preferred the continuance of Catholicism. The enthusiasm aroused by the
Protestant Church in many areas is recorded in contemporary sources.
Blast and Counterblast, pp. 17–19
Moderation in Reform
Church Buildings
The moderation of the Scottish Reformation was one of its most striking
features. The destruction of religious houses, in most but not all cases, was
not due to the Protestants but due to English military operations, neglect in
the pre-Reformation period, and the indifference of later times. The policy of
2
THE AGE OF THE REFORMATION, 1542–1603 (H, HISTORY)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2009
BLAST AND COUNTERBLAST
the Protestants was to purge the churches of all signs of idolatry while
preserving and utilising existing buildings which were necessary for religious
uses. While ecclesiastical ornaments were destroyed or sold, the proceeds of
sales were frequently used to repair churches or to increase the comfort of
parishioners.
Blast and Counterblast, pp. 20–26
Personnel
The Protestants showed considerable tolerance in their treatment of Catholic
clergy. Isolated cases of ill-treatment can be found, but the evidence of
cruelty is often more apparent than real, as in the case of the order for all
adherents of the old faith to be banished from Edinburgh, which was
rescinded almost at once.
It proved impracticable to dispossess the Catholic clergy of their benefices so
they were allowed to retain two-thirds of their revenues for life, while the
Protestant Church was to be maintained from some portion of the remaining
one-third. Monks and friars were equally well treated, being allotted
pensions and allowed to utilise their quarters for rest of their lives.
Concessions made to Catholic clergy on the grounds of old age or ill-health
are frequently recorded in contemporary records.
Blast and Counterblast, pp. 26–29
Issue 3: James VI and the Relationship between Monarch and
Kirk
The struggle for control of the Kirk; from regency to personal rule;
differing views about the roles of the monarch and Kirk
The Programme of 1560
The ‘First Book of Discipline’, although neve r officially approved, indicated
the programme which the Reformers would have liked to have seen
implemented, in terms of both organisation and discipline in the Protestant
Kirk, as well as in their ideals of organised education, and poor relief.
Blast and Counterblast, pp. 30-36
The Organisation of the Church
General Assembly
Little is said in the ‘First Book of Discipline’ about any body comparable to
the General Assembly. As far as Knox was concerned, had it not been for the
Scots having a Catholic queen, England’s example would have been followed
and the Godly prince accepted as head of the Church of Scotland. Instead the
THE AGE OF THE REFORMATION, 1542–1603 (H, HISTORY)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2009
3
BLAST AND COUNTERBLAST
idea of a General Assembly which, on behalf of the whole Christian
community, would mirror in its composition the Three Estates or godly
magistracy, appears to have met the requirements of the Protestant
reformers. With the rise of extreme or ‘Melvillian’ Presbyterianism and its
division of church and state the composition of the General Assembly became
essentially clerical and claims were made that the authority of the Church
was greater than that of the state in ecclesiastical matters.
Blast and Counterblast, pp. 37–39
Bishops and Superintendents
The ‘First Book of Discipline’ placed the organisation of the Protestant
Church in the hands of superintendents. What is disputed is whether or not
the office of superintendent was intended to be a permanent one or not.
Contemporary evidence suggests that either the office was to be permanent or
a short term measure until bishops were appointed.
Knox does not appear to have objected to the office of superintendent as
such, and his later objections to bishops, in place of superintendents, appe ar
to have arisen from his doubts about the suitability of the proposed holders of
the office, rather than any antipathy to the office of bishop. Knox eventually
agreed to the restoration of bishops, following the settlement at Leith in
1571–1572, and it was not until the acceptance of the ‘Second Book of
Discipline’ that the office of bishop was condemned by many Protestants.
Blast and Counterblast, pp. 40–44
The Kirk Session
Before the Reformation was effected the Protestants possessed a rudimentary
organisation at congregation level and with the success of the movement it
was decided that this organisation should be extended to all reformed
parishes. This body, known as the Kirk Session, consisted of elders and
deacons who were to be elected annually (the doctrine of once an elder,
always an elder, only appeared with the ‘Second Book of Discipline’). The
Session punished moral lapses, especially those not normally punishable by
civil courts, and while the Protestants would have welcomed the support of
the secular authorities in this respect, they exercised the right of fining,
imprisoning and excommunicating offenders against their authority.
Blast and Counterblast, pp. 44–46
The Ministry
The Admission of Ministers
The Protestants laid great stress on the consent of the elders and
congregation in the admission of Ministers to office. Equal emphasis was
given to the necessity for thorough examination of candidates for the
Ministry.
4
THE AGE OF THE REFORMATION, 1542–1603 (H, HISTORY)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2009
BLAST AND COUNTERBLAST
The ‘First Book of Discipline’ suggested that the laying on of hands at the
ordination of a Minister was to cease. In practice the ceremony appears to
have been retained, although some Protestants continued to contend that the
laying on of hands was not essential, ‘but ceremonial and indifferent’.
Blast and Counterblast, pp. 47–48
The Sustenance of the Ministry
The poverty of ministry in the immediate post-Reformation period is one of
the most striking features of the new Church. However, not all ministers were
poverty-stricken. By the end of the sixteenth century most ministers were
reasonably well off. Also, a minister’s means could not be measured in terms
of money alone, and the produce of the glebe ensured that the minister would
not go hungry.
Blast and Counterblast, pp. 49–50
Ecclesiastical Dress
Protestant ministers managed to dress to advantage and the General
Assembly’s concern over this matter shows that the Protestant Church had
not entirely escaped from the problems which had beset the Catholic Church.
Blast and Counterblast, p. 51
Issue 4: The Impact of the Reformation on Scotland to 1603
The social, cultural and educational impact of the Reformation on
Scotland to 1603
The Programme of 1560
The ‘First Book of Discipline’, although never officially approved, indicates
the programme which the Protestants would have liked to have seen
implemented, both in terms of organisation and discipline in the new Church,
and their associated ideals of organised education and poor relief. Practical
considerations largely prevented its implementation and the achievement of
its ideals was to prove in many areas incapable of realisation.
Education
One of the most serious criticisms levelled against the pre -Reformation
Church was its failure to provide an educated priesthood. Therefore it is not
surprising that the Protestants laid great stress upon education and insisted
that all Ministers should be examined as to their qualifications. Particular
emphasis was laid upon literacy and the use of books.
The Protestants had ambitious plans for the provision of educational
facilities. Although Medieval Scotland possessed three universities there was
much room for improvement in the provision of schools, while university
THE AGE OF THE REFORMATION, 1542–1603 (H, HISTORY)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2009
5
BLAST AND COUNTERBLAST
education urgently required an overhaul. Lack of finance proved to be an
insurmountable obstacle to the realisation of these ambitious plans. Most of
the funds the Protestants had earmarked for education fell into other hands,
although certain revenues from friaries and prebends were utilised by schools
and universities, eventually.
Blast and Counterblast, pp. 30–34
Poor Relief
One of the many duties largely neglected by the pre -Reformation Church had
been that of provision for the poor, while many of the Catholic clergy and
religious appeared to grow wealthy. The element played its part in the growth
of Protestant opinions and one of the most significant acts of 1559 had been
the appearance of the ‘Beggars’ Summons’ which threatened the
dispossession of the friars.
The Protestants had ambitious plans to provide for the poor from the
revenues of the old church but vested interests thwarted their ambitions. All
that was achieved in this direction was largely due to piecemeal
arrangements, and while the revenues from some friaries were used to meet
this necessity this proved to be totally inadequate.
Blast and Counterblast, pp. 34–36
Divine Service
The Protestants expected that Divine Service would be conducted on week
days as well as Sundays, but the principal services would be held on Sundays.
Morning and afternoon were to be devoted to worship, but the second session
would be primarily devoted to teaching the catechism.
Every effort was made to ensure that no possible diversions existed that could
prevent congregations from attending weekday and Sunday services.
Blast and Counterblast, pp. 52–54
Psalms and Music
The Protestants decided to remove all organs from places of worship in order
to cleanse parish churches of all ‘monumentis of idolatrye’. However, there is
evidence that instrumental music continued to play a part in services, on
more than one occasion.
Congregations undoubtedly knew their psalter and its harmonies, and this
knowledge was increased by the enforcement of acts relating to the
possession of Psalm Books and Bibles. The General Assembly exercised strict
supervision over the printing of these books.
Blast and Counterblast, pp. 55–58
6
THE AGE OF THE REFORMATION, 1542–1603 (H, HISTORY)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2009
BLAST AND COUNTERBLAST
Communion
The Protestants insisted that the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was a feast
rather than a sacrifice and that the celebration was to take place only on
Sundays and then only when there was a preacher present. Th e Sacrament
was not to be distributed in any place apart from a parish church.
The Catholic practice of Morning Communion was retained with celebrations
taking place at a very early hour. As a reaction against the Catholic practice
of taking Communion at Easter alone, the Protestants advocated more
frequent celebrations of the feast. The large quantities of wine used indicate
that large numbers of communicants participated in these celebrations.
Congregation members were only admitted to these celebrations on the
production of a token. On occasions the large number of communicants meant
that the distribution of Communion was spread over two Sundays.
Blast and Counterblast, pp. 58–63
Baptism
All baptisms in the new church had to be held in parish churches . The
Catholic Church had admitted the validity of lay baptism in exceptional
circumstances but the Protestants would not allow this under any
circumstances. All baptisms had to be administered in church at a time of
public preaching. Godfathers were very much in evidence in these baptismal
services, and Godmothers were not unknown in the earliest days of the
Reformed Church.
Blast and Counterblast, pp64–65
Marriage
As in the Catholic Church marriages in the Protestant Church were always
celebrated in parish churches. Banns continued to be published three times in
the parish church(es) of both parties before the marriage but certain
relaxations were allowed on the question of marriage within the forbidden
degrees.
Marriages were solemnised mostly on Sunday mornings, although there were
exceptions so long as ‘preaching was joined thereto’. Marriage celebrations
resulted in a great deal of merrymaking and Kirk Sessions were constantly
occupied in their attempts to keep the festivities within bounds.
Blast and Counterblast, pp. 66–67
Burial
The Protestants forbade burials within churches and the burial of the dead
was to be carried out without any kind of ceremony. Neither reform appears
to have been immediately successful. The proposal that Ministers keep death
registers met with limited success.
Blast and Counterblast, pp. 68–69
THE AGE OF THE REFORMATION, 1542–1603 (H, HISTORY)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2009
7
BLAST AND COUNTERBLAST
Festivals
Plays
The Protestant banned the celebration of Festivals and Saints’ Days as they
believed that they had little or no scriptural authority. However, the opinion
of the people was not in step with that of the Church and many traditional
festivals continued to be observed, although not necessarily from religious
motives. The continued abstention from meat in Lent and on Fridays is worth
noting, although the motivation was now economic rather than religious.
Blast and Counterblast, pp. 70–76
8
THE AGE OF THE REFORMATION, 1542–1603 (H, HISTORY)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2009