By 1697 the Presbyterian form of Protestantism was in the ascendancy in much of Scotland, secure as the authoritative form of religious governance. It had been keen to flex its muscles over recent years, and would become characterised by an overbearing attempt to control the lives of ordinary worshipers, and discipline those who were deemed to be backsliders in a moral sense.

Belief in the devil, as a real and vital force in the world, was taken very seriously by many clergy. The devil not only threatened the psychological experience of the individual believer on a daily basis. He could recruit witches in order to attack the Godly community. The devil, it was believed, was especially angered by the very existence of the Godly, and desired nothing more than to address this affront to his mission on earth.

Many clergy believed that the devil was angry with Paisley, and wider Renfrewshire. This was a backhanded compliment, a reflection of the spiritual purity of the area, and the good work being carried out by the Lord's ministers. The experience of the young girl, Christian Shaw, was itself written up as a spiritual battle between the forces of Good and Evil. Of course, the young girl, through the grace of God imparted to her and those who supported her, won through in the end.