The Bulwark Magazine of the Scottish Reformation Society

April - June 2012 // 75p

April - June 2012 1 The Bulwark The Martyrdom of Magazine of the Scottish Reformation Society The Magdalen Chapel the Blessed 41 Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1JR Tel: 013 1220 1450 Email: [email protected] www.scottishreformationsociety.org.uk Servant of God, Registered charity: SC007755

Chairman Committee Members Walter Mille »» Rev Dr S James Millar »» Mr Norman Fleming John Foxe Vice-chairman »» Rev Maurice Roberts »» Rev John J Murray This account of the martyrdom of Walter Mille or »» Rev Kenneth Macdonald Secretary Myln, formerly priest of Lunan in Angus, on 28th » » » Rev Douglas Somerset » Mr James Dickson April 1558 is taken from John Foxe’s ‘Acts and Treasurer Monuments’. Mille was aged eighty-two at the »» Rev Andrew Coghill time and was the last Protestant martyr before the Reformation. His wife, mentioned in the account, was still alive in 1573. cO-OPEraTIOn OBJEcTS OF ThE SOcIETy In pursuance of its objects, the Society may co- (a) To propagate the evangelical Protestant faith and those principles held in common by Among the rest of the martyrs of , the operate with Churches and with other Societies those Churches and organisations adhering to marvellous constancy of Walter Mille is not to be whose objects are in harmony with its own. the reformation; passed over with silence. Out of whose ashes sprang thousands of his opinion and religion in (b) To diffuse sound and Scriptural teaching on Magazine Editor: Rev Douglas Somerset the distinctive tenets of Protestantism and Scotland, who altogether chose rather to die, then to be any longer overtrodden by the tyranny All literary contributions, books for review and Roman Catholicism; of the foresaid, cruel, ignorant, and beastly papers, should be sent to: (c) To carry on missionary work among Bishops, Abbots, Monks, and Friars, and so The Magdalen Chapel adherents of the latter faith with a view to began the Congregation of Scotland to debate winning them to the doctrines of grace and to 41 Cowgate, Edinburgh the fellowship of the true Gospel; the True Religion of Christ against the Frenchmen EH1 1JR and papists, who sought always to depress and (d) To produce and distribute evangelistic, keep down the same: for it began soon after the religious and other literature in connection with The views expressed in articles are those of martyrdom of Walter Mille, of the which the form the promotion of the Protestant religion; hereafter followeth. Martyrs’ Monument, St Andrews the contributor and may not necessarily reflect those of the Editor or the Committee of the (e) To promote the associating together of men and women, and especially young people, In the year of our Lord, 1558, in the time of Mary doctrine of the Gospel, he returned Society. Scriptural references are from the A.V. for systematic Bible Study and holding of Duchess of Longueville, Queen Regent of Scotland, again into Scotland, and setting aside except where stated otherwise. meetings for the above specified purposes. and the said John Hamilton being Bishop of St all papistry and compelled chastity, Andrews, and Primate of Scotland, this Walter Mille married a wife, which thing made him DESIGNED & PRINTED BY: (who in his youth had been a papist) after that he unto the Bishops of Scotland to be had been in Almaine (Germany), and had heard the suspected of heresy: and after long

www.visionsolutionsni.co.uk Tel: 028 9073 1841 2 The Bulwark April - June 2012 3 watching of him he was taken by two popish the Bishops to be accused, the 20th day Mille. I hold it a blessed band, for Christ for Christ was once offered on the cross for Priests, one called sir George Straqwhen, of April. Being brought unto the church himself maintained it, and approved the man’s trespass, and will never be offered and the other sir Hew Turry, servants to and climbing up to the pulpit, they seeing same, and also made it free to all men: but again, for then he ended all sacrifice. the said Bishop for the time, within the him so weak and feeble of person, partly ye think it not free to you: ye abhor it, and in town of Dysart in Fife, and by age and travail, and the mean time take other men’s wives and Oliph. Thou deniest the office of a Bishop. brought to St Andrews and partly by evil entreatment, daughters, and will not keep the band that imprisoned in the Castle ‘ Dear friends, the that without help he could God hath made. Ye vow chastity, and break Mille. I affirm that they whom ye call Bishops, thereof. cause why I suffer not climb up, they were the same. St Paul had rather marry than do no Bishops’ works, nor use the offices of in despair not to have burn: the which I have done, for God forbad Bishops, (as Paul biddeth writing to Timothy,) He being in prison, this day is not for heard him for weakness never marriage to any man, of what state or but live after their own sensual pleasure and the papists earnestly any crime laid to of voice. But when he degree so ever he were. take no care of the flock, nor yet regard they travailed and laboured to began to speak, he made the word of God, but desire to be honored have seduced him, and my charge but only the church to ring and Oliph. Thou sayest there is not seven and called, my Lords. threatened him with death for the defence of sound again, with so great sacraments. and corporal torments, to the faith of Jesus courage and stoutness, Oliph. Thou speakest against pilgrimage, the intent they would cause that the Christians which Mille. Give me the Lord’s Supper and and callest it a pilgrimage to whoredom. him to recant and forsake Christ....’ were present were Baptism, and take you the rest, and part the truth. But seeing no less rejoiced than them among you: for if there be seven, Mille. I affirm that, and say that it is not they could profit nothing the adversaries were why have you omitted one of them, to wit, commanded in the scripture, and that there thereby, and that he remained still firm confounded and ashamed. marriage, and give yourselves to slanderous is no greater whoredom in no places, than and constant, they laboured to persuade and ungodly whoredom. at your pilgrimages, except it be in common him by fair promises, and offer unto him a He being in the pulpit, and on his knees brothels. monk’s portion for all the days of his life, in at prayer, sir Andrew Oliphant one of the Oliph. Thou art against the blessed the Abbey of Dunfermline, so that he would Bishop’s Priests, commanded him to arise sacrament of the altar, and sayest, that the Oliph. Thou preachest quietly and privately deny the things he had taught, and grant and to answer to his Articles, saying on this is wrong, and is Idolatry. in houses and openly in the fields. that they were heresy: but he continuing in manner: sir Walter Mille, arise and answer to the truth even unto the end, despised their the Articles, for you hold my Lord here over Mille. A Lord or a King sendeth and calleth Mille. Yea man, and on the sea also sailing threatenings and fair promises. long. To whom Walter after he had finished many to a dinner, and when the dinner is in in ship. his prayer, answered saying: we ought to readiness, he causeth to ring a bell, and the Then assembled together the bishops of St obey God more than men, I serve one more men come to the hall, and sit down to be Oliph. Wilt thou not recant thine erroneous Andrews, , Brechin, , and mighty, even the omnipotent Lord: and partakers of the dinner, but the Lord turning opinions, and if thou wilt not, I will pronounce Athens, the Abbots of Dunfermline, Lindores, where you call me sir Walter, they call me his back unto them eateth all himself, and sentence against thee. Balmerino, and Coupar, with Doctors of Walter, and not sir Walter, I have been over mocked them: so do ye. Theology of St Andrews, as John Grierson long one of the Pope’s Knights. Now say Mille. I am accused of my life: I know I Black Friar, and Dean John Winram Sub-prior what thou hast to say. Oliph. Thou deniest the sacrament of the must die once, and therefore as Christ said of St Andrews, William Cranston Provost of altar to be the very body of Christ really in to Judas: Quod facis, fac citius (What thou the old College, with divers others, as sundry These were the Articles whereof he was flesh and blood. doest, do quickly). Ye shall know that I will friars black and gray. These being assembled accused, with his answers unto the same. not recant the truth, for I am corn, I am no and having consulted together, he was taken Mille. The very scripture of God is not to be chaff, I will not be blowen away with the wind out of prison and brought to the metropolitan Oliphant. What think you of Priests’ taken carnally but spiritually, and standeth in nor burst with the flail, but I will abide both. church where he was put in a pulpit before marriage? faith only: and as for the Mass, it is wrong,

4 The Bulwark April - June 2012 5 and more increase: so that the spirit the New and Old Testament unto us, of GOD working miraculously in him, for which as the faithful martyrs have made it manifest to the people that offered themselves gladly before, his cause and Articles were just and being assured after the death of their he innocently put down. bodies of eternal felicity, so this day I praise God that he hath called me Now when all things were ready of his mercy among the rest of his for his death and he conveyed with servants, to seal up his truth with armed men to the fire, Oliphant bad my life: which as I have received it of him pass to the stake: and he said, him, so willingly I offer it to his glory. Nay, but wilt thou put me up with thy Therefore as you will escape the hand and take part of my death, thou eternal death, be no more seduced shalt see me pass up gladly, for by with the lies of Priests, Monks, Friars, the law of God I am forbidden to put Priors, Abbots, Bishops, and the rest hands upon myself. Then Oliphant of the sect of Antichrist, but depend put him up with his hand, and he only upon Jesus Christ and his ascended gladly, saying: Introibo mercy, that ye may be delivered from ad altare Dei (I will go unto the altar condemnation.’ of God), and desired that he might have place to speak to the people, All that while there was great mourning the which Oliphant and other of the and lamentation of the multitude, burners denied, saying that he had for they perceiving his patience, spoken over much, for the Bishops stoutness, and boldness, constancy, were altogether offended that the and hardiness, were not only moved Lunan Parish Church matter was so long continued. Then and stirred up, but their hearts also some of the young men committed were so inflamed, that he was the These things rehearsed they of purpose, charged, would in no wise take upon him so both the burners, and the Bishops last martyr that died in Scotland for with other light trifles, to augment their final ungodly an office. Yea the whole town was their masters to the devil, saying that the Religion. After his prayer, he was accusation, and then sir Andrew Oliphant so offended with his unjust condemnation, they believed that they should lament hoisted up on the stake, and being in pronounced sentence against him that he that the Bishop’s servants could not get for that day, and desired the said Walter the fire, he said: Lord have mercy on should be delivered to the temporal judge, their money so much as one cord to tie him to speak what he pleased. And me: Pray people while there is time; and punished as an heretick, which was to to the stake, or a tar barrel to burn him, but so after he had made his humble and so constantly departed. be burnt. were constrained to cut the cords of their supplication to God on his knees, he master’s own pavilion to serve their turn. arose, and standing upon the coals After this, by the just judgement Notwithstanding his boldness and constancy said on this wise. of God, in the same place where moved so the hearts of many, that the Nevertheless one servant of the Bishop’s, Walter Mille was burnt, the Images Bishop’s Steward of his regality, Provost of more ignorant and cruel then the rest, called ‘Dear friends, the cause why I suffer of the great Church of the Abbey, the town called Patrick Learmond, refused Alexander Somerville, enterprising the office this day is not for any crime laid to my which passed both in number and to be his temporal judge: to whom it of a temporal judge in that part, conveyed him charge (albeit I be a miserable sinner costliness, were burnt in time of appertained if the cause had been just. Also to the fire, where against all natural reason of before God) but only for the defence reformation. the Bishop’s Chamberlain being therewith man, his boldness and hardiness did more of the faith of Jesus Christ, set forth in

6 The Bulwark April - June 2012 7 and say: “I... swear by Almighty God that Rabbis have been appointed to the House The Church I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to of Lords as Lords Temporal in recent times; Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, her heirs and however no Roman Catholic clergyman has successors, according to law. So help me ever been appointed. Roman Catholics who of God.” have received ‘Holy Orders’ are forbidden by their Church’s Canon Law from holding and Politics Restrictions on adherents of non-Christian offices connected with the government of religions and atheists sitting in Parliament any state other than the Vatican so it is Rev David Blunt were lifted by the Jews Relief Act of 1858 unlikely that any Roman Catholic cleric will This article is the second in a series by Rev David and the Oaths Acts of 1888: such individuals ever sit in Parliament. Blunt on the Church of Rome and British Society. may swear the Oath holding a copy of the Old Testament if they are Jewish, or the The Catholic Herald stated that the number Despite its current reputation, politics sufficiently to allow Parliament to pass the Koran if they are Muslim, and so on, or of Roman Catholic MPs voted in at the must be viewed as an honourable calling. Roman Catholic Relief Act, giving Roman make a solemn affirmation instead. Yet all General Election in 2010 rose from 64 to Properly it has to do with the running of a Catholics in the United Kingdom virtually members must still affirm their allegiance 68. At just over 10% of the House this is country, both in its internal affairs and its equal civil rights, including the right to hold to the Sovereign and those who refuse a similar figure to the proportion of Roman relations with other countries. While certain most public offices and to sit as members to do so are unable to take their seats in Catholics in the population. (The number of strands of present-day evangelicalism are of Parliament. Parliament, notwithstanding their election. Roman Catholic Members of the Scottish wary of getting involved in politics, the This is one reason why Sinn Fein members Parliament is not known but the percentage Roman has never felt any There was some doubt as to whether a do not take their seats. is likely to be higher as the proportion of such inhibition; indeed she often appears Roman Catholic could occupy the office Roman Catholics in the population is higher to be more of a political organisation than of Lord Chancellor but this was removed Since the passing of the House of Commons at around 17%.) Until forty years ago the she is anything else. We will look here at by an Act in 1974 which provided that if a (Clergy Disqualification) Act in 2001 the presence of Roman Catholics in the Cabinet parliament and government. Roman Catholic was appointed to the post only clergy to remain disqualified from was a rarity but it is now routine. In 1999 then arrangements could be made for the membership of the Commons are Church John Reid became the firstR oman Catholic I. Parliament Chancellor’s ecclesiastical functions relating of England bishops. As a result of this Act, to serve as Secretary of State for Scotland to the Church of England to be carried David Cairns, who as a former Roman and in 2000 Michael Martin became the In countries which embraced the out by another Minister. The same would Catholic priest would also have been barred first Roman Catholic since the Reformation Reformation, Roman Catholics were presumably apply if there were ever to be a under previous legislation, was able to take to serve as Speaker of the Commons. commonly denied civil and political rights Roman Catholic Prime Minister. his seat the following month when elected Tony Blair waited until he had left office to on the grounds that their allegiance was as MP for Greenock and Inverclyde. announce his conversion but how long will it to the Pope rather than the monarch. In I.1 The Oath of Allegiance be before we have a serving Prime Minister England non-Anglicans were prevented Protestant Christianity still enjoys a privileged The twenty-six most senior bishops of the who is openly a practising Romanist? from holding public office by the first place in the Westminster Parliament. Church of England (the Lords Spiritual) Test Act in 1673 and Roman Catholics Sittings in both Houses begin with prayers, have seats as of right in the House of Lords, Members of the devolved Scottish were specifically prevented from sitting in led by Anglican clergy, which in the Lords although plans to reform the House are likely Parliament or MSPs are required to take the Parliament by the second Test Act of 1678. include a reading from the Book of Psalms. to see the number reduced. By convention Oath of Allegiance or make an affirmation From the late eighteenth century there The Oath of Allegiance which members of they do not vote on matters of law or state. of allegiance to the Sovereign in the same was a process of ‘Catholic Emancipation’ both Houses must swear when they take The Church of Scotland is not represented way as at Westminster. The Kirking of the throughout Great Britain and Ireland and their seat generally requires them to hold a as of right. Ecclesiastical figures from Parliament, which occurs every four years, by 1829 the political climate had changed copy of the New Testament in their hand various Christian denominations and Chief takes the form of a multi-faith service. At

8 The Bulwark April - June 2012 9 the most recent event in 2011 the Roman for Wales or AMs must also take the Oath to the Sovereign when they take office. warn.” As Supreme Governor of the Church Catholic of Glasgow Mario Conti or affirm their allegiance to the Sovereign. Since 2001 a policeman in Northern Ireland of England the Sovereign also formally somewhat hypocritically used his speech to There is no such requirement for members of is no longer required to swear by Almighty appoints bishops and who are urge MSPs to unite against bigotry. When the devolved Northern Ireland Assembly or God to “truly serve our Sovereign Lady the chosen by the Prime Minister, who is in turn the Parliament is sitting, the first item of MLAs however; indeed there is not even any Queen” and that he will not while holding the advised by a committee of Church leaders business on Wednesdays is usually ‘Time form of voluntary oath prescribed for those office “belong to any association, society, called the Crown Nominations Commission. for Reflection’ at which a speaker addresses who may wish to swear one. Instead there or confederacy formed for or engaged in (We should indicate that we cannot approve members for up to four minutes, sharing a is a ‘Pledge of Office’ in which members any seditious purpose” but instead must of this or certain other aspects of the personal perspective on issues of faith. In promise, among other things, “to serve declare and affirm, among other things, to Anglican establishment whereby the state contrast to the Westminster Parliament, all the people of Northern Ireland equally, uphold “fundamental human rights” and has a supremacy over the Church in purely to accord “equal respect to all individuals spiritual matters.) and their traditions and beliefs...”. Is this the shape of things to come throughout the The potential for mischief to follow if either United Kingdom? or both of these great offices of state, Monarch and Prime Minister, were to be I.2 The State Opening occupied by Roman Catholics is all too The longstanding threat to our Protestant obvious. May it never come to pass! throne and constitution is something we are reminded of at the State Opening of II. Government Parliament which marks the beginning of each new session. Before the Opening, There have been numerous visits by the cellars of the Palace of Westminster Prime Ministers to Popes in recent years, are searched as they have been yearly suggesting that Rome’s influence upon our since the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, a failed nation’s politics is increasing. What is the attempt by English Roman Catholics to history behind this? blow up the Houses of Parliament and kill the Protestant King James I (VI of Scotland) II.1 Relations with Rome Northern Ireland Assembly buildings and the aristocracy. The Members of both Diplomatic relations between England and Houses then assemble in the House of the papacy were broken off in 1534 and it Lords chamber and the Sovereign reads was not until 1914 that the United Kingdom the speakers are chosen from various and to act in accordance with the general out the legislative programme prepared by re-established formal diplomatic relations religious traditions in proportion to their obligations on government to promote the Government. with the so-called ‘Holy See’, appointing strengths as determined by the Scottish equality and prevent discrimination”, and an ambassador; for its part the Holy See census. This arrangement no doubt agrees “to promote the interests of the whole The Sovereign has the function of dissolving appointed an Apostolic Delegation to with the modern view that all faiths are to community represented in the Northern Parliament at the request of the Prime Great Britain, raising this to the rank of an be regarded as equal – which in practice Ireland Assembly towards the goal of a Minister and after a general election of Apostolic Nunciature in 1982. The term means that they are hardly regarded at all. shared future.” inviting the leader of the main party to form a ‘see’ refers to a bishop’s official seat and It does not of course agree with Scotland’s government. Less visibly, the Prime Minister also the area over which his authority is reformation heritage. We mentioned in our previous article that has weekly audiences with the Sovereign, exercised. Uniquely the so-called ‘Bishop of many who hold important positions in society whose functions are constitutionally limited, Rome’ claims to have universal jurisdiction Members of the devolved National Assembly are required to take an Oath of Allegiance viz. “to advise, to be consulted, and to and that not only in spiritual matters but

10 The Bulwark April - June 2012 11 also in temporal, as Daniel foresaw: “The secretary to Prime Minister Tony Blair, and in its formation, inspired by the ideals of their Parliament and its various institutions. fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom who had once considered the priesthood, faith. The union of Europe was their target, Currently the Presidents of the Parliament, upon earth, which shall be diverse from was appointed. Blair has said since that it following the failure of Hitler, Mussolini, and the European Council, and the European all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole was “stupid” to refuse to have someone in Franco. One of the architects of the scheme Commission are all from the EPP. earth, and shall tread it down, and break it this post who shares the Roman Catholic was the French statesman Robert Schuman in pieces” (Dan. 7:23). faith. We would say rather that it is foolish who is now being touted as the ‘Father of The majority of people in the EU are Roman to have anyone in such a position who does Europe’; unsurprisingly the present Pope Catholics, and Protestants are probably less The Pope is the ruler of both the Holy See, not adhere to the Protestant Reformed an ecclesiastical entity, and the Vatican Religion established by law in our country City, a political entity. The State of Vatican and that it might be wiser not to have City was established in 1929 when a anyone in the position at all. treaty was signed between the Holy See and the Fascist dictator Mussolini. Unlike Campbell continued in the post until early any other state, the Vatican City does not 2011. He maintained that he was both exist to support its people but to provide “British and Irish” and was not “going to a territorial base for the Roman Catholic exaggerate one identity at the expense Church or, as the treaty puts it, “for the of the other”. What other country would purpose of assuring the absolute and tolerate this in one of its ambassadors?! visible independence of the Holy See” and He said correctly of the Roman Catholic “to guarantee its indisputable sovereignty Church: “This is an entity with a defined in international matters”. At just over 100 head that speaks to at least 17.5 per cent acres and with a population of a little over of the world’s population, and many more 800 it may be the world’s smallest state but beyond, one of the world’s key global its significance is far greater than its size: opinion-formers. ...this organisation is one of it provides the papacy with the temporal the biggest, if not the biggest.” The current sovereignty it craves and with a logic for ambassador Nigel Baker, who was once the political benefits it enjoys. The Holy See assistant private secretary to the Prince of European Parliament building is recognised as having legal personality Wales, has an Anglican background but his under international law and currently enjoys wife is a ‘devout’ Roman Catholic. diplomatic relations with 179 states; it is has endorsed the idea that he should be than 20% of the total. We believe that Rome also a permanent observer at the United II.2 The European Union beatified and ultimately declared a saint. is at work through the EU to weaken the Nations. From its small beginnings the European Protestant countries of Europe, especially Union (EU) has become a major political Roman Catholic influence in the EU is our own. Once a country is in the system it In 1917 the Foreign Office issued a power embracing twenty-seven countries exercised largely through the so-called becomes subservient to the EU institutions memorandum saying that Her Majesty’s and with all the trappings and authority of a ‘Christian Democrat’ parties which began to in Brussels and loses its sovereignty. As Ambassador to the Holy See “should not sovereign state. There is an EU army, police appear at the end of the Second World War. the EU has expanded eastward Rome be filled with unreasoning awe of the Pope”. force, court system, bank, currency, tax, Based on Roman Catholic social teaching has been trying hard to woo the Orthodox There was a policy not to fill the post with a anthem, and flag. regarding the role of the state these parties Churches. She wants to make the EU the Roman Catholic but this changed in 2005 founded the European People’s Party in greatest Roman Catholic power the world when Francis Campbell from Northern Although the EU is officially a secular body, 1976 which has since become the largest has ever seen. In reality, the EU is the Holy Ireland, a former policy adviser and private Roman Catholic laymen were instrumental and most influential group in the European Roman Empire resurrected from the dead.

12 The Bulwark April - June 2012 13 III. The Future that while the Union of the Parliaments of 1707 would be dissolved the Union of The Scots Confession Christ rebuked the Pharisees and the the Crowns of 1603 – a personal union Sadducees for their inability to discern “the between the Scots Crown and the English (Confessio Scotica) of 1560 signs of the times” (Matt. 16:3) and we Crown – would be maintained. Thus, “the must not be guilty of that. If we see things Head of State shall be Queen Elizabeth and Lachlan W. Webster correctly then Rome will soon be looking her successors as determined by the law of Lachlan Webster is a Divinity student with the Presbyterian Church of Ireland beyond the confines of the EU to some sort Scotland, acting in right of Scotland.” of New World Order in which the papacy will have even greater sway. The only sensible However if the monarch is to hold title On 17th August 1560, Scotland entered (The Story of the Scottish Reformation, course for our country is to leave the EU according the law of Scotland then a new era in its history. On that day, the 1960) argues: “Men like Luther, Calvin and as quickly as possible and to avoid all such presumably an independent Scottish Parliament of Scotland accepted the new Knox had to arise before a real Reformation confederacies in the future. Parliament could at some point alter the Confession of Faith, ‘The Scots Confession’. could be produced”. Whilst Luther and law of Scotland as it relates to succession This hurriedly-written document containing Calvin were leaders in the reformation William Symington wrote: “It is the duty to the throne, specifically by removing the just twenty-five articles was to be the first within Europe, John Knox was to become of a nation, as such, enjoying the light of proscriptions under the Act of Settlement subordinate standard of the Reformed the leader of the Scottish Reformation. revelation, in virtue of its moral subjection barring Roman Catholics from inheriting to the Messiah, legally to recognise, favour, the Crown, as the First Minister Alex Church in Scotland. Written with the and support, the true religion.” Protestant Salmond favours. But such a step, unless purpose of letting “friend and foe alike know The Reformation in Scotland was by no Christianity is established in our country accompanied by corresponding action what the truth was”, this document clearly means an overnight occurrence. The today, albeit imperfectly, and our zeal for this at Westminster and elsewhere in the set out “summaries of the basic doctrines Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church principle must be maintained: we cannot Commonwealth (which is unlikely) would of the Reformed Church.” says that “although some of the way was allow our nation to adopt a sort of religious surely lead to an attempted rewriting of prepared for reform in the early 1400s; the neutrality in which monarchy, parliament the Coronation Oath in Scotland to remove 1. Historical Background reformation came in waves with the first and government show no preference for the monarch’s pledge to uphold the wave of ‘Reformation proper’ hitting in Protestant Christianity over other religions Protestant Reformed Religion in Scotland. Prior to the events of late 1560, the Church the early 1500s”. The culmination of this or over irreligion. The truth is however that Moreover we understand that the SNP is of Scotland, as with the Church in much first wave was the martyrdom of Patrick the United Kingdom has been drifting from committed to holding a referendum during of Europe, had followed in the practices Hamilton who was “burned at the stake in St its constitutional moorings for many years the first independent Parliament on whether and the doctrines of the Church of Rome. Andrews in 1528 for advocacy of Lutheran and needs to wake up before a catastrophe Scotland should retain the monarchy or These practices and doctrines were seen principles, and his death increased the occurs. There is a major threat just ahead. become a republic. If things follow the latter by some to have departed significantly number of reformers”. course then Protestants will weep – but from the ways of the early Church, causing Some sort of referendum on independence Rome will rejoice. people to question “what authority there is Political turbulence within Scotland, for Scotland is likely to take place soon. for them”. As a result, attempts were made England, and France played a large part If the eventual outcome is independence We must watch these developments from inside the Roman Catholic Church in the lead-up to the events of late 1560. what will the Scotland of the future look and pray that we may be preserved as a to bring about reformation in the hope of The tipping-point however came with the like? A document entitled ‘A Constitution Protestant country. There are few indeed banishing corruption, false doctrine, and death of Queen Regent Mary of Guise for a Free Scotland’ published by the today who seem to grasp the issues involved unbiblical practices. who had governed Scotland in the name Scottish National Party in 2002 makes no and their truly momentous significance. Our of her absent daughter, Mary Queen of reference to any establishment of religion in encouragement as ever is that “the Lord Such attempts to bring about internal Scots. Mary of Guise was a champion of a future independent Scotland. It indicates God omnipotent reigneth” (Rev. 19:6). reform largely failed, and, as A. M. Renwick the Roman church and there had been

14 The Bulwark April - June 2012 15 ongoing struggles between her supporters Douglas, John Row, John Willock, and thinking which points to the Confession’s Hazlett comments that “The Confession is and those who desired the Reformation John Knox. being a work in progress over a far longer very much a document of and for the times which she vehemently opposed. period of time. During his period of exile in in Scotland”. These two suggestions fit The period of time it took these men to continental Europe, Knox, who was widely well together: it is perfectly conceivable to Upon her death, Scottish Protestant complete the twenty-five articles is an accepted as the key leader in the group think that the six men used their knowledge leaders seized the opportunity to petition area which raises some questions. Many of authors, would have been familiar with and experience of other confessions to the Scottish Parliament to act swiftly and historians accept that the whole document several of the Protestant Confessions which write a new document specifically to suit bring about Reformation in the land. The was “drawn up in only four days”; however it had been drawn up there. the situation Scotland found itself in at that Parliament agreed to commission certain is hard to believe that the Scots Confession moment in history. of the prominent ministers to produce a which played such a major role in the It is hard to imagine that a man who so statement of the Protestant Christian faith. Scottish Reformation was completed in deeply desired to see reformation in his 4. Analysis of the Document own country would not have given serious (Key Areas) thought to the contents of a Confession of Faith. Led by Knox, the group would The document itself contains twenty-five therefore have come to the task with a articles or paragraphs which deal with great deal of background knowledge and different elements or doctrines of the experience of creeds. As such, it is more reformed faith. Of these, twelve deal with realistic to think of these four days as being what Burleigh (A Church History of Scotland, the culmination of months, if not years, 1960) describes as “basic doctrines of the of thought. Even so it is still a major feat Catholic faith” which are “entirely orthodox of achievement to prepare such a vital and in keeping with the Catholic creeds” document in such a short space of time. and are therefore relatively uncontroversial. These include such doctrines as the Trinity, 3. Other Confessions Creation, the Incarnation, the Resurrection, and the Ascension. Knox’s knowledge of other Reformation Confessions does however lead us to ask The document does however contain the question, ‘Why did they not propose several controversial areas which directly the adoption of another confession challenge the doctrines and teachings of the instead of writing a new one for Scotland?’ Roman church. The first, addressed both

John Knox Both Renwick and Hazlett (The Scots in the Prologue and later in the Articles, is Confession 1560: Context, Complexion the position which Scripture has within the and Critique, 1987) explore this issue; Church. In this light it is important to note that such a short period of time. Some historians however neither reaches a definitive the only direct reference used within these 2. Authorship and Timeframe including Renwick question this timeframe: conclusion. Upon analysis of the texts of Articles is Scripture itself. Although we have “It is true that, as far back as April, they may the various confessions, Renwick suggests already seen that it is clear that Scripture Although often thought of as solely the work have received hints as to the desirability of that knowledge of these “no doubt helped was not the only source to influence this of John Knox, the Scots Confession was preparing it”. the Scottish Reformers”, and that “while the document, it is vital to understand why in fact the work of six men who all shared Scots Confession agreed generally with the Scripture is the only quoted source. The the Christian name, John. These men were Renwick’s assertion appears to be a other Creeds of the Reformed Churches, Reformers had been greatly concerned John Winram, John Spottiswood, John credible one; however this is not the only it had its own special characteristics”. at the way in which the Roman Catholic

16 The Bulwark April - June 2012 17 Church so readily placed tradition above accepted that God himself chose his people standard expected of the reformed Scripture and in doing so, tightly controlled to be saved before the beginning of time church while at the same time directly the interpretation of Scripture. Article 19 and that it was he who saved them and challenging the status of the Roman of the Confession directly challenges this not any works of their own or by others on Catholic Church. when it states: “We affirm, therefore, that their behalf. The authors of the Confession those who say the Scriptures have no other therefore desired the complete “abolition The Reformers’ understanding of authority save that which they have received of the mass” as “God alone was able to the role of the civil magistrate is also from the kirk are blasphemous against God save his people”, not any priest, bishop, or addressed within the Confession and injurious to the true kirk.” pontiff. in Article 24: “Moreover, to Kings, Princes, Rulers and Magistrates, we It is however important to recognise that Mass was not the only Roman Catholic affirm that chiefly and most principally this was not only a criticism and challenge ceremony which the Reformers tackled in the conservation and purgation of the to others. The authors of the Confession the Scots Confession. A general challenge religion appertains; so that not only were in no doubt of their own fallibility and to the practices of the Church is made in they are appointed for civil policy, desired that this document itself must be Article 14 where we read: “And evil works, but also for maintenance of the true in keeping with the teachings of Scripture. we affirm, not only those that expressly religion, and for suppressing of idolatry This is explicitly declared in the Prologue are done against God’s commandment, and superstition whatsoever.” where we read: “If any man will note in but those also that, in matters of religion this our confession any article or sentence and worshipping of God, have no other This explicit linking of the Church and repugning to God’s holy word, that it assurance but the invention and opinion state was not without controversy. The would please him of his gentleness, and of man: which God from the beginning has Reformers clearly believed that the for Christian charity’s sake, to admonish ever rejected.” This broad statement was role of the civil magistrate had been us of the same in writing; and we, of our written to set out the necessity of a solid ordained by God and that the subjects honour and fidelity, do promise unto him scriptural basis for all acts of worship within of that magistrate must hold them in satisfaction from the mouth of God (that is, the Reformed Church. reverent esteem. Burleigh comments from his holy scriptures), or else reformation on some recent questioning of Knox’s of that which he shall prove to be amiss.” Article 18 courts controversy when the role in this section of the document Reformers set down what they believe to when he writes: “This article has The doctrine of election in Article 8 was also be the three marks of the true Church. A seemed to some writers to be so alien an extremely controversial subject which true Church is one which 1) rightly preaches from the views of Knox that they have went completely against the teachings of the Word of God; 2) rightly administers the suggested Maitland of Lethington had the Roman Catholic Church. By stating that sacraments; and, 3) rightly administers a hand in it.” It is however unrealistic the “same Eternal God and Father, who of discipline within the Kirk according to the to think that Knox would then have mere grace elected us in Christ Jesus his written Word of God. Rogers directly links taken the document and appealed Son, before the foundation of the world”, the marks of the true Church with the that it be accepted by Parliament if it Rogers (The Presbyterian Creeds, 1985) doctrine of election when he writes: “Not all had in any way gone against his own argues that Knox was specifically denying in the visible Church necessarily belong to convictions. Burleigh also points out the sacrificial character of the mass. The the true Church. God’s grace and not human that this view of the civil magistrates key for the Reformers was that individuals action was finally the basis for salvation and was “Pure Calvinism” and as such trusted in Christ alone and his grace by incorporation into God’s community.” Again would have been viewed favourably faith for salvation. This was a position which the Confession was both setting down the Mary Queen of Scots by Knox.

18 The Bulwark April - June 2012 19 5. Calvin and the Scots some of his obsignatorial utterances.” is a significant contrast of Confession style between the former Undoubtedly Calvin’s theology did have a and the latter Confessions. Knox was heavily influenced by JohnC alvin major influence on the Scots Confession, Sheldon (History of the during his time in exile in Geneva where he but the argument over which areas he Christian Church, Volume described studying under Calvin as, “the did or did not influence must not blur the 3) highlights this contrast most perfect school of Christ that ever was purpose of the document. The purpose when he writes of the on earth since the days of the Apostles.” was not to see how best Calvinism could Scots Confession that; Because of his high regard for his tutor, be implemented in Scotland but rather how “The confession, as a many now equate Calvin with Knox and best reformed theology in its purest biblical whole, is more acceptable therefore see the Scots Confession as a sense could be realised. As John Row said, to the softened dogmatism purely Calvinistic document. Taylor (The “They took not their pattern from any Kirk of our time than its Conflicting Doctrines of the Scottish in the world; no, not from Geneva itself; but substitute, the elaborate Reformation, 1962) expresses this widely laying God’s Word before them, they made doctrinal exposition by the held view when he writes: “With the reformation according thereunto, both in Westminster Assembly.” Confession of Faith, Calvinism in Scotland doctrine first, and then in discipline.” was made official, explicit and complete, 8. Conclusion since this confession contains the first full 6. Reception of the Confession Scottish statement of the doctrines of John The significance of the role Knox.” Upon completion, the finished document of the Scots Confession was presented to the Scottish Parliament on must not be obscured by Hazlett, however, is not comfortable with the 17th of August 1560. Little opposition the fact that it was only this thinking and reaches a rather different was expressed during the parliamentary Woman listening to the Word of God used for a total of just conclusion. In challenging the traditional reading and as Renwick notes: “Although under ninety years. Whilst view, he demonstrates that Calvin’s influence the Archbishop of St. Andrews (Primate), by Parliament, “seven years were to pass among scholars the Scots varies throughout the document, arguing with the Bishops of Dunkeld and Dunblane, before royal assent was given to furnish Confession is often seen as an inferior that there are sections of the Confession together with some of the inferior clergy of the the Confession with legality, due to Queen document to its successor, it is important to which are “less than Calvin (predestination), Roman Church were present, representing Mary’s loyalty to the Old Church.” remember that the Westminster Confession more than Calvin (discipline as third mark the Spiritual Estate, Parliament adopted the is a progeny of its predecessor. As such, of the church, an unhatched covenant Confession with great enthusiasm.” 7. Westminster Confession “all persons of the Reformed faith should theology), against Calvin (the duties of of Faith find it profitable to study the Scottish active resistance to a Catholic Sovereign), Knox himself later refers to the surprisingly Confession of 1560.” Read in the context and a distortion of Calvin (regeneration at feeble opposition they received from the The Scots Confession remained the of its original historical circumstances, the expense of justification).” McEwen, champions of the Roman Catholic Church Confession of Faith of the Church of the Scots Confession reveals the burning however, perhaps out of patriotic allegiance, when he wrote of their response: “yet for Scotland from its adoption by the Scottish passion for reformation that was in the arrives at the middle ground in the argument their dissenting [they] could produce no Parliament in 1560 until it was superseded heart of the Reformers. Whilst it may lack when he writes (John Knox and His Gifts better reason but, ‘We will believe as our by the Westminster Confession of Faith in the studious precision and depth of later to Scotland, 1960): “Knox and the Scots fathers believed.’ The bishops (papistical, 1647. The adoption of the new Confession, confessions, the Scots Confession is best Confession start with Calvin at his best, and we mean), spake nothing.” however “was in no way a repudiation of viewed less as a scholarly work and more go beyond him to something still better; and the previous testimony of the Church”. as an outpouring of the heart. never do they descend to the bareness of Despite the Confession’s prompt ratification Although theologically very similar, there

20 The Bulwark April - June 2012 21 Book Review support of pre-Reformation Romanism A Protestant at once feels that there is Lost Interiors: looks unconvincing to a cold Protestant something wrong with this argument: surely The Furnishings of Scottish Churches eye. Mr Holmes himself observes that the measure of a religion’s strength is not McRoberts ‘tends to grasp at the slightest the beauty of its works of art but the extent in the Later Middle Ages hint of native artistic talent and fill up to which people believe its doctrines. In with positive conjecture the many gaps , St Machar Cathedral may have David McRoberts and Stephen Mark Holmes in the evidence’; and a similar tendency had a beautiful wooden ceiling and pulpit to grasp injudiciously at every scrap that but come 1559-60 there were remarkably The Aquhorties Press (Scottish Catholic Archives) 2012, might be favourable to Romanism can few people sufficiently convinced of the paperback, pp.xxi+250, paperback, £20 be found in some doctrines of Rome ISBN 978 0 95575 915 4 other recent Roman even to make a stand Catholic historians of for them, and fewer We are not recommending Salmond’s endorsement stained glass in the the period. still prepared to suffer this book to our readers but of the work must be less Magdalen Chapel. any loss. The same simply commenting on it gratifying to the Scottish One of the principal was true in many other because it raises a number Catholic Archives now A large part of McRoberts’ evidences for the parts of the country. of interesting points. The that he has so completely agenda in these lectures weakness of the Roman heart of the book consists committed himself to the was the rehabilitation of the Church in Scotland was The position of of six Rhind Lectures on the homosexual agenda. This Roman Catholic Church her abrupt downfall Romanism in Scotland subject of the contents of is one of the hazards of in Scotland prior to the in 1559-60. When in 1559 seems rather Scottish churches up to the flattering politicians. Reformation. Her faults had a building suddenly to have resembled Reformation, delivered in been mercilessly exposed collapses then either that of Communism March 1970 by Monsignor As a work of scholarship by David Hay Fleming there was something in the USSR in 1991 David McRoberts (1912- the book is impressive sixty years earlier in his unsound about it or and perhaps in China 1978). These lectures were (though the reviewer Reformation in Scotland; else the Divine hand in the present day— felt to be of merit, but the is hardly competent to and the attempt in this work brought it down. one had to join the intention of publishing comment, having devoted and in numerous related Roman Catholic and ‘party’ to get ahead them was frustrated by little attention to pre- publications was to undo secular historians are but few had a strong McRoberts’ ill-health and Reformation crosiers, altars, that damage by minimizing reluctant to concede Bishop Stewart’s pulpit conviction regarding subsequent death. They mazers, ciboria, and rood and transferring the blame either of these alternatives but the ‘ideology’. When have now been edited in screens). The endnotes, for Rome’s faults and by they struggle to provide any other plausible Romanism collapsed in 1560, most of great detail by Stephen provided by Mr Holmes, are dwelling as far as possible explanation for the astonishing success the priests appear to have acquiesced in Mark Holmes who is thorough and must have on her supposed strengths. of Protestantism. Part of the revisionist the situation. Some became Protestant ‘the assistant priest at entailed immense research. The reviewer is all in favour argument has been that Romanism was ministers but most simply became ‘state Old St Paul’s Episcopal Furthermore, there are of an accurate assessment not moribund in Scotland before 1560, pensioners’, receiving a proportion of their Chapel, Edinburgh’. An nearly two hundred of Romanism before the and the thesis of the present book is that pre-Reformation income. Very few are ‘all-embracing’ forward is colour illustrations, and Reformation and has no the churches and cathedrals of Scotland recorded as doing anything afterwards to supplied by Alex Salmond, virtually every object that wish that people should be displayed a rich artistic, architectural, and further the interests of Romanism. ‘It was complete with a picture is mentioned is illustrated. painted worse than they musical culture which proves that there a good racket while it lasted,’ seems to of him, which seems On p.21 there are pictures really were, but much of was a vigour and vibrancy in Romanism have been the attitude. somewhat excessive. Mr of the pre-Reformation the evidence presented in at the time.

22 The Bulwark April - June 2012 23 Furthermore, not only do works of art not the superstitions and corruptions one soul is of more value than constitute religion but they do not even of succeeding centuries. many lecterns and fonts. The aid it to any significant extent. Some of Reformation should be a continued the things discussed in this book, such Another aspect that the book cause of thankfulness and rejoicing. as the wooden ceilings, are harmless brings out, unwittingly, is the extent As John Row says in his comments and even beautiful, but the idea that the to which the Church of Rome was on the progress of the Reformation pleasure that they give is of a spiritual dependent on these works of art in 1559-60: nature is a delusion. John Knox drawing for her strength. The Reformers comfort from Christ in the galleys, and struck her a shrewd blow simply ‘So the Reformation passed throwing the Madonna into the water, by depriving her of a multitude of forward daily; needless kirks and showed infinitely more spirituality than physical objects. The processions idolatrous, profane, sumptuous the aesthete enraptured with a wooden and ceremonies of Rome gained buildings were demolished; and ceiling. Many of the other artefacts in the their effect from the sumptuous I think it was true what Mr Knox book, however, are idolatrous; and some robes, altar cloths, banners, said, “Down with these crows’ of them are positively repulsive, such as ancient gold eucharists encrusted nests, else the crows will build in the Aberdeen Madonna and Child now in with jewels, etc., etc. When these them again.” And was there any Brussels (p.126). The sooner such things were taken away, the rituals wrong there? I will not justify all are pulverized the better. We are thankful appeared pointless and the spell particular things done at that time, that so few of them have survived. was broken. in casting down some kirks which would have been useful for God’s The importance given to works of art shows The effect of this accumulation service, in taking away bells, and one of the reasons why the Reformation of wealth in the churches was to rugging down such ornaments Ceiling of St Machar Cathedral was so necessary. Many writers, including impoverish the rest of the nation as might make the doers of that Mr Holmes, have conceded the need ‘for and to foster resentment against the great commodity worldly rich; One of the things that this book brings out reform of the Church’ in the early sixteenth Church. There is some discussion for can any think that in such a is the absurdly high and unscriptural place century, but often the reform envisaged of this in the book (pp.9, 198) but great alteration in a kingdom every that the Church of Rome gives to outward would merely have been outward and it is rather set aside. It is significant man did everything rightly? Yet, things such as art and music. For some would have left the doctrines (and, of that in Stirling, the money obtained in the general, I say, in the work people, the appreciation of these things, course, the priceless works of art) intact. from selling the treasures of the of Reformation, the rooting out dressed up with a Christian veneer, virtually The idea is that a general ‘clean-up’ parish church in 1561 was spent of idolatry and the planting of the on repairs to the pavements, and in sincerity of the Gospel was chiefly is their religion. But true religion does not was necessary, and was perhaps even Aberdeen it was spent on repairing looked unto; insomuch that the consist in the enjoyment of ecclesiastical being attempted, but that unfortunately the Brig of Balgownie and the faithful servants of God, who were art and ‘glorious polyphonic church music’. John Knox came along with his ‘radical’ Reformation and spoiled everything. Such harbour pier. Money well spent, we the first preachers of his blessed It involves the Bible, and Christ crucified, an idea fails to appreciate that the doctrines would think. Word in this kingdom, had little and faith in him. Faith can exist without of Romanism and Protestantism are utterly mind of themselves or how they works of art; and a delight in art and church might be entertained; but pansed contrary to each other. The Reformation The thrust of the book is to mourn over the cultural loss sustained by [considered] how this great work music can exist without faith. As Wycliffe was necessary because it was a return Scotland at the Reformation, but might be effectuated to God’s glory, said, ‘three or four proud rogues’ in a choir to the Word of God and to the Christian such sorrow is misplaced. Many and the salvation of his people’s ‘knacking the most devout service’ do not religion as instituted by Christ, before the souls were saved at the time, and souls.’ constitute the spiritual worship of God. purity of the Church was buried under all

24 The Bulwark April - June 2012 25 Book Review gain a comprehensive knowledge of the The Scottish Reformation Scottish Reformation. One significant fact to which Hay Fleming refers is the presence David Hay Fleming of Protestant preachers in Aberdeen as Reformation Press on behalf of the Scottish Reformation Society, early as December 1559 (p.93) and one Isle of Lewis Branch, 2011 can see from subsequent writings on the 143pp, paperback, £6.99 + postage Reformation such as David McRoberts, ISBN 978 1 87255 605 5 Essays on the Scottish Reformation, 1513- 1625 (1962, p.438), Gordon Donaldson, Among his many works, David Hay Fleming first edition was ‘Aberdeen University and the Reformation’, (1849-1931), the eminent Scottish historian, published by the (1974, p.135), and Ian Cowan, The Scottish was involved in three publications with Scottish Reformation Society in 1903 Reformation (1982, p.118) that numerous rather similar titles. The first, The Scottish and subsequent editions appeared in 1904, historians have been unaware of this fact Reformation: Its Epochs, Episodes, 1905, 1909, 1918, 1921, 1922, 1926, 1927, and have made statements inconsistent Leaders, and Distinctive Characteristics, 1928, and 1937, with two separate editions with it. Through reading Hay Fleming, was the Baird Lecture for 1899 given by in 1960 (the information on this point is Protestant schoolchildren have been better Alexander Mitchell, emeritus Professor of slightly inaccurate in the present edition; as informed on this point than professional Church History at St Andrews. Mitchell died it was, indeed, in both the 1960 editions). historians! The ‘boycott’ of Hay Fleming soon afterwards and his friend Hay Fleming We are not aware of any revision in these (see Bulwark April-June 2010) by historians saw the work through the press in 1900. It editions, which is a tribute to Hay Fleming’s who have disliked his Protestantism has is a valuable and interesting publication and original accuracy. The pagination appears to had unfortunate consequences. contains some useful original documents. have been identical until very slight changes were made in the 1960 editions (all editions David Hay Fleming This present edition is enhanced with maps, A larger work, by Hay Fleming himself, before the present one have viii+112pp.). illustrations, photographs, a biographical was published in 1910 with the title The compact yet detailed. If one wishes to know preface by Roy Middleton, and explanatory Reformation in Scotland. This comprised The main purpose of the book was to provide how the Reformation was progressing in, material which has been added to the text. lectures, very much expanded, that Hay a brief, straightforward account of the events say, November 1559 then this book is the We wish it a wide circulation. The earlier Fleming had delivered a couple of years earlier of the Reformation. The first chapter (moved quickest way to find out. editions sold 18,000 copies by 1909 and at Princeton Theological Seminary in New to an appendix in the present edition) 36,000 copies by 1928 (though being flimsily Jersey. It considers in detail the ‘Causes’, describes the pre-Reformation Church; the It was not Hay Fleming’s purpose to state his made they are scarce on the secondhand ‘Characteristics’, and ‘Consequences’ of second chapter tells the story of Patrick innumerable sources in this book, and many book market). These days a Protestant book the Reformation and its 600-odd pages Hamilton, George Wishart and the other pre- readers will be glad at the relative absence is doing well if it sells a thousand copies. We form a mine of information on the subject. Reformation martyrs; the next four chapters of footnotes, but from another point of believe, however, that the Lord will revive It remains the most satisfactory discussion describe the stirring events of 1558-60; and view it is a pity that he did not provide this his work in Scotland once again and then of the Reformation from a Protestant the final chapter gives a short description of information. It would be a useful service for there will be renewed interest in the great perspective. the Reformed Church just after 1560. While Protestantism if someone were to go through blessings, recorded here, that he gave to the other parts are full of interest, the great this book identifying the sources for all the the country at the Reformation. A few years earlier, however, Hay Fleming merit of the book lies in the four chapters on statements; and in the process they would had published a much smaller work The 1558-60. These provide the fullest summary Scottish Reformation which was intended that we have seen of the various events as a handbook for schoolchildren. The and they contrive to be simultaneously

26 The Bulwark April - June 2012 27 Book Review a good job, avoiding both vagueness and tendency of downplaying the spiritual side of The Covenanters excessive detail. The historical timeline at the Covenanters and attempting to portray Claire Watts the front of the book and the glossary of them as Socialists or Scottish Nationalists. terms are also useful in this regard. National Museums of Scotland, 2011, Although it is not written from a Reformed 40+viii pp, paperback, £5.99 The illustrations, many from contemporary perspective, this book will serve as a useful ISBN 978 1 90526 738 5 sources, are well chosen and assist in introduction to the subject for youngsters bringing the period to life. The book includes who like history and it will hopefully inspire In better days, the story of the Covenanters boxes with short snippets of information them to investigate the life stories of some and their sufferings for the Crown Rights of In comparison with, which will help to maintain the young reader’s of the Scots Worthies. Perhaps the Scottish Christ was a popular subject for children’s for instance, the interest. There is also a list of suggested Reformation Society might consider the books produced by Scottish publishers, of stories of Robert the Bruce or activities at the end of the book. Perhaps possibility of producing an illustrated book the type often given as school prizes. Sadly, the Jacobites, the history of the Covenanting this work could have been made more lively for young people on the struggle for Christ’s in recent years even Christian publishers period is rather complex for the average and also more edifying by recounting some Crown and Covenant. If such a project of children’s books have shown little or no child and includes many terms unfamiliar to more of the famous incidents and scenes were to be undertaken, the present writer, interest in the period. It is therefore particularly the modern reader. Even many adults (the of the times. Although there are one or two recalling his own favourite books as a young encouraging to see a secular publisher present writer included) often find it difficult unfortunate slips—for instance the Solway history fan, would commend the anecdotal commission a work on the subject. This full to retain in their mind the precise sequence Martyrs singing “hymns” and the Reformers style of writing so well exemplified by H. E. colour, profusely illustrated book is one of a of events. Nevertheless Claire Watts, who opposing Romanism because it was “out Marshall’s Our Island Story, as the most new series on Scottish history published by is an experienced writer of children’s books of date”—the author has produced an appropriate to retain the interest of the the National Museums of Scotland. and a Sabbath school teacher, has done accurate and balanced account. She is young reader. obviously sympathetic to the cause of the John Smith, Aberdeen Covenanters and happily avoids the modern

Scottish Reformation Society 2012 AGm Saturday 15th September 2012 Magdalen Chapel

Speaker: Rev Gavin Beers Free Church (Continuing), Ayr Subject: ‘The Ulster-Scottish Connexion’

Further details will be available in due course (DV). Northwater Bridge, North Esk, on which the Dunnottar Covenanters were imprisoned for a night

28 The Bulwark April - June 2012 29 very positive response from our friends and Connecticut, USA) is available at the price of supporters. For this stage in the year, a far £7.95 (including postage and packing). This Society and higher proportion of those who take “bulk” can either be ordered directly from the Society, orders for The Bulwark are now getting in or through the Lulu website www.lulu.com. touch to confirm or adjust their numbers, Branch News and are contributing donations or payments Volume 2 of the Scottish Reformation Society towards the cost of such orders. Also in terms Historical Journal can be obtained from of individual membership 2012 has already the Society at the price of £9.95 (including seen an encouraging increase in new members postage and packing) or ordered through the Glasgow Branch Meeting Office of the Scottish Charities Register), and (as opposed to simply “renewals”) whilst nearly Lulu website www.lulu.com. It contains the The Glasgow Branch of the Society has this has been achieved earlier in the year than 80% of last year’s Membership have already following articles: resumed activities and the first public meeting was possible last year. This is one of many renewed so far, most with additional donations, ‘The Constitutional Principle of the Scottish of the new series has been arranged for Friday causes for thankfulness to the Lord, who has all of which has greatly helped the Society’s Reformation: 1547-1648’ by M Winzer 25th May at the Reformed Baptist Church, 4 certainly blessed the work of the past year and financial position. Herschell Street, Anniesland, Glasgow, G13 enabled the Society’s slow but steady financial ‘Robert Bruce in Inverness’ by D 1HR, at 7.30pm (DV). The speaker will be Rev. improvement to continue. As a charity, the Society is not seeking to Somerset Alan J. Macgregor on a reformation-related make “profits” but it does seek to exercise ‘Walter Ker and the Sweet Singers’ by D topic (title to be confirmed). For the second year running, most sources of responsible stewardship for the resources that Somerset income were up on that of the previous year, the Lord has given. Everything that the Society ‘Alexander Shields, the Revolution The Glasgow Branch has also set up a new the main exception being that in 2010 the undertakes, whether in terms of its meetings, Settlement and the Unity of the Visible website: www.srsglasgow.org.uk. Anyone Society benefitted from a one-off AV T refund of its publishing and publicity, or the maintenance Church’ by M Vogan interested in being added to the mailing £7,000 which obviously could not be repeated of the Magdalen Chapel headquarters, will ‘Notes on the Literary Labours of the list should contact the Secretary at info@ in 2011. With expenditure being down for a and does involve expenditure, and whilst that Apostle of the North’ by D Somerset srsglasgow.org.uk. second consecutive year, this combination cannot always be exceeded by the Society’s ‘Robert Shanks of Buckie (1798-1884)’ by of improving income coupled with reduced income, the Lord has certainly provided, and J Smith expenditure has helped to reduce further the the Committee has every reason to be both Society’s financial deficit, which at the end of thankful and positive as it continues to pursue ‘Professor James MacGregor and the Case Dunnottar Castle 2011 stood at just over £3,000. It is important the Society’s aims and objectives. of William Robertson Smith’ by J Keddie The annual conventicle at Dunnottar Castle, for people to understand that “deficit” is not Andrew Coghill (Treasurer) ‘Resistance to the 1892 Declaratory Act in near Stonehaven, has been arranged “debt” – the Society is not in debt, indeed it Argyllshire’ by N Campbell for Saturday 26th May at 3pm (DV). The continues to meet all is financial commitments ‘The Chisholmites of Achmore’ by N speaker is Rev James Abernethy (Burghead). faithfully and timeously, but expenditure Campbell The entrance fee for the Castle is £5. The continues to exceed income, although this Recent Society Publications conventicle commemorates the imprisonment ‘Additional Data on Giving Out the Line in too must be set in the context of the Society’s The Scottish Reformation: by David Hay of about 160 Covenanters there for several English’ by N Campbell improving financial position. In 2011 the deficit Fleming has recently been published by months in the summer of 1685. was just over £3,000. In 2010 it was over Reformation Press on behalf of the Lewis Copies of Volume 1 are also available at the £7,000, and in 2009 it was nearly £22,000, so Branch of the Society. See separate review on same price. Alternatively, most of the articles there has been significant progress and much pp.26-27 for details. Copies can be obtained from Volume 1 can now be downloaded in pdf to be thankful for to the Lord. from the Society or from the publisher: www. Financial Update form from the website www.biblicalstudies. reformationpress.co.uk. org.uk. The Annual Accounts for 2011 were submitted The Society’s reluctant increase of the to the Committee Meeting of 7th February subscription rates for 2012, both for annual Trembling for the Ark: James Begg and Samuel Rutherford: An Introduction to His and unanimously approved. They have now membership (from £5 to £7) and for the the Free Church of Scotland by James W. Theology, edited by Matthew Vogan, will be been audited and submitted to OSCR (The Bulwark (from £5 to £8 p.a.), has received a Campbell (Orthodox Presbyterian minister in published shortly (DV).

30 The Bulwark April - June 2012 31 CONTENTS

Walter Mille of Lunan 3 John Foxe

The Church of Rome and Politics 8 Rev David Blunt

The Scots Confession (Confessio Scotica) of 1560 15 Lachlan W. Webster

Book Reviews 22

Society and Branch News 30

Membership & Bulwark Subscriptions

All correspondence regarding Membership and Bulwark subscriptions should be sent to the Membership Secretary, Mrs Deborah Coghill, Millhouse, 53A Garrabost, Point, Isle of Lewis, HS2 0PF.

The subscription is £7 per annum for membership of the Society and £8 per annum for the Bulwark. Membership forms can be obtained from the Membership Secretary, or the Magdalen Chapel, or downloaded from the internet:

www.scottishreformationsociety.org.uk/downloads/SRS_Membership_Form.pdf

Front cover: Gravestone of Covenanters in Dunnottar Churchyard

32 The Bulwark