We have shown, however, that, before Knox's time, the individual Scot was a thoroughly independent character.
"The man hath more words than the master, and will not be content unless he knows the master's counsel." By March 1558, Knox had returned from Dieppe to Geneva.

In Scotland, since the godly Band of December 1557, events were moving in two directions.

The Church was continuing in a belated and futile attempt at reformation of manners (and wonderfully bad manners they confessedly were), and of education from within.

The Congregation, the Protestants, on the other hand, were preparing openly to defend themselves and their adherents from persecution, an honest, manly, and laudable endeavour, so long as they did not persecute other Christians.

Their preachers--such as Harlaw, Methuen, and Douglas--were publicly active.