An answer to a letter of a Jesuit named Tyrie, be John KnoxAn answer to a letter of a Iesuit named Tyrie, be Iohne Knox

When Master Tyrie shall accuse in special, wherein the Congregationis in Germany, differ amongst them selves, and that we differ from them: then shall we show our Judgements, whether the difference be of such importance, as it ought to dissolve the unity of the Kirk. The confession of our faith & the order of our Kirk, is patent to all that list to read the same, when either he or any other shall oppugn any one or two heads of the same, so long as God pleases to retain in this miserable life, such as of his mercy he hes made his Ministers to blow the trumpet of his judgements to this most wicked generation: nether he nor any other that please to upon them selves to our confession, shall long crave an answer, an answer we say of any one or two heads which they please to oppugn. For Master Tyrie ought to understand, that the preaching Ministers within the Realm of Scotland, are oxen, ever labouring under the Yoke: and that into the husbandry of the Lord. And therefore they can ⟨image 38⟩have no time vacant from their necessary cures, to compass countries with the Jesuits (who are subject to none other yoke then to that of their own election) to espy what faults they can find amongst the Congregations. As we have no vacantes (we say) to consider all trifles that offend delicate men, who can acknowledge no Kirk, but that which in all points be absolute and perfect: so albeit that both •e did consider them, and condemn them, yet we usurp no authority abou• our brethren: but remit all men to their own judge. And do reverence all Congregationis, who do agree with us in the principals of our faith: as the particular Kirks of Jesus Christ: albeit that in all ceremonies there be not uniformity: yea, & albeit that in some heads of doctrine also, there appear repugnance, yet will we not break brotherly concord, providing that we agree in the principals. Principals we call those heads of doctrine, without the confession & consent whereof, the Kirk was not planted. Be these few words Master Tyrie (if he be wise) may understand what we mean, & so we proceed to the conclusion of his letter.