In consequence of the disputes, the Bishops assembled and agreed, that the use of the Scottish Office should be permitted to those who wished it: and they expressed their hope, that as the two offices were substantially the same, all disturbance might be prevented.[1] The calm, however, did not long continue; for the communion became broken into parties respecting the Usages and the appointment of Bishops. In 1731 a concordate was arranged, by which they agreed, "That we shall only make use of the Scottish or English Liturgies in the public divine service, nor shall we disturb the peace of the Church, by introducing into the public worship any of the ancient usages, concerning which there has been lately a difference amongst us, and that we shall censure any of our Clergy that shall act otherwise." They agreed also, that no one should be appointed a Bishop but with the consent of the majority of the other Bishops: that on the demise of a Bishop, the Presbyters should not elect another without a mandate from the Primus, acting with the consent of his brethren: and that the Primus, whose duty it should be to assemble and preside over the meetings of the Clergy, should be chosen by a majority. By the ancient Usages, they meant Immersion in Baptism, Chrism in Confirmation, and Anointing the Sick, with some other practices, which were not retained in the Scottish Book. In general by the Usages were understood the four practices, which have been so frequently noticed: but these were retained in the Scottish Office, which by this concordate was allowed. In this agreement, therefore, the additional cere-
- ↑ Skinner, ii. 633, 634. A Defence of the Communion Office, &c. Preface xx.
