Poem Analysis - The Ordination

Robert Burns's "The Ordination" is a boisterous and satirical poem celebrating the appointment of a new minister, Mackinlay, to the Kilmarnock Laigh Kirk. The poem's tone is initially celebratory and jovial, quickly transitioning into scathing satire aimed at dissenting voices and opposing theological viewpoints. Burns uses vivid imagery and colloquial language to create a lively and humorous, yet pointed, critique of religious factions and intellectual pretension within his community. The poem's energy and irreverence are palpable, making it a compelling expression of Burns's social and political sentiments.

Contextual Background: Church Politics in Scotland

Robert Burns lived during a time of significant division within the Church of Scotland. The poem references "Patronage," a system whereby wealthy landowners could appoint ministers, often against the wishes of the congregation. This led to the rise of the "New Lights," ministers who favored a more moderate and rational approach to theology, in contrast to the "Old Lights," who adhered to strict Calvinist doctrines. Burns, often critical of religious hypocrisy and social injustice, aligns himself with the Old Lights in this poem, viewing them as a bulwark against intellectual arrogance and social elitism. The poem's specific references to figures like Robertson and Glencairn highlight the real-world individuals and political dynamics at play.

Celebrating Orthodoxy, Satirizing Dissent

One of the central themes is the triumph of traditional religious views (Orthodoxy) over perceived intellectual threats ("Common-sense," "Learning," "Morality"). Burns personifies these abstract concepts, depicting them as antagonists being driven out of Kilmarnock. The poem uses violent imagery to illustrate this victory; for example, "Heresy is in her pow'r, / And gloriously she'll whang her / Wi' pith this day." This vivid language suggests a forceful suppression of dissenting opinions, highlighting the intense ideological battles within the church.

The Power of Language: A Weapon of Ridicule

Burns masterfully employs language as a tool for satire and ridicule. The poem's use of Scots dialect adds to its authenticity and accessibility, grounding its critique in the everyday experiences of the Kilmarnock community. The names of specific individuals, such as "Robertson" and "Mu'trie," are used to target particular figures who represent opposing viewpoints. The poem doesn't engage in sophisticated philosophical arguments, instead, it resorts to name-calling, mockery, and absurd imagery to discredit its targets. For instance, the comparison of Mu'trie and an unnamed figure to "sic twa drones" and the depiction of "Auld Hornie" (the Devil) catching them, is a potent example of this satirical strategy.

Alcohol and Religious Zeal: An Unholy Alliance

The repeated calls for drink – "pour divine libations," "Come bouse about the porter," "bring the tither mutchkin in" – create a parallel between religious fervor and drunken revelry. This suggests that the celebration of Mackinlay's ordination is fueled as much by enthusiasm as it is by alcohol. The imagery of dancing and fiddling further contributes to this sense of boisterous, almost chaotic, joy. One could interpret this as Burns satirizing the potential for religious enthusiasm to devolve into mere excess and irrationality or as Burns providing a celebration for a decision that is more political than it is spiritual.

Conclusion: A Partisan Victory

"The Ordination" is a lively and satirical snapshot of religious and social conflict in 18th-century Scotland. Through vivid imagery, colloquial language, and pointed ridicule, Burns celebrates the victory of traditional religious views while simultaneously lampooning his opponents. The poem's boisterous tone and exaggerated imagery serve to highlight the intensity of the ideological battles within the Church of Scotland and reveal Burns's own partisan stance in these conflicts. Though humorous, the poem also suggests a potentially darker side to religious fervor, one where dissent is suppressed, and victory is celebrated with more enthusiasm than reason.