ABSTRACT
John Knox the historian saw the Scottish Reformation, in its early years, as a swift spiritual renewal with dramatic social implications. Recalling 1558, he wrote: And this our weak begynnyng God did so bless, that within few monethis the hartes of many war so strenthned, that we sought to have the face of a Church amanges us, and open crymes to be punished without respect of persone. The distribution of Easter Communion tokens in St Andrews in 1560 - an innovation necessitated by the new disciplinary system was marred when John Law allegedly expressed his hope that 'the Divell knok owt Johne Knox barnes [brains], for, when he wald se him hanget, he wald gett his sacrament'. Critics of the new system like Law seem to have held Knox personally responsible for its creation. While this may have flattered the ego of the man himself it was not really accurate.
