He certainly did not learn from his master, Calvin, to hold such festivals in abhorrence; for it was in consequence of the strenuous exertions of Calvin that Christmas was, after an interval of some years, again observed by the citizens of Geneva, [265] But there had arisen in Scotland Calvinists who were to Calvin what Calvin was to Laud.

To these austere fanatics a holiday was an object of positive disgust and hatred.

They long continued in their solemn manifestoes to reckon it among the sins which would one day bring down some fearful judgment on the land that the Court of Session took a vacation in the last week of December, [266] On Christmas day, therefore, the Covenanters held armed musters by concert in many parts of the western shires.

Each band marched to the nearest manse, and sacked the cellar and larder of the minister, which at that season were probably better stocked than usual.

The priest of Baal was reviled and insulted, sometimes beaten, sometimes ducked.