represented and misrepresented, or a twofold character of Popery. Doubts were excited in his mind, and Air Hay was not of a character to set aside doubts upon an important subject without due investigation.
As the surest means of obtaining correct information regarding the Catholic faith, he resolved to apply to a Catholic priest, and accordingly obtained an introduction to Sir Alexander Seaton, the Jesuit missionary, then resident in Edinburgh. From him he received the information and explanation he desired, and after a lengthened course of instruction was received into the Catholic Church. On the Feast of St Thomas, 21st December 1749, he made his first communion with extraordinary fervour — a fervour in which he happily persevered to the end of his long and useful life.
Mr Hay, in embracing the Catholic faith, had no idea of relinquishing the medical profession. On the contrary, he continued to prosecute his studies with his characteristic vigour, became a member of the Royal Medical Society, and took a lively interest in everything becoming his position. He soon discovered, however, that his prospects of success in life must be materially injured by his change of religion. By the penal laws he was debarred from graduating in the University, and from obtaining the diploma of the Royal College of Surgeons. These restrictions naturally excited a desire of leaving Scotland, and of retiring to some foreign country where he might enjoy liberty of conscience and have the prospect of rising in his profession. With this view he accepted the appointment of surgeon on board a trading-vessel chartered for the Mediterranean.
While in London making the necessary arrangements for his departure, he was introduced to the illustrious Bishop Challoner, who was himself a convert, and could therefore
