in the Scotch College, he was ordained priest, and immediately set out for the scene of his future labours, accompanied by the Rev. Messrs John Geddes and William Guthrie. They travelled through France and embarked at Dunkirk; but knowing that the greatest vigilance was exercised by the British Government to prevent the ingress of Catholic priests, they avoided the principal ports, and landed at Burntisland on the eve of the Assumption, 1759. Next day they presented themselves to Bishop Smith at Edinburgh, and Mr Hay was appointed to assist Bishop Grant, coadjutor in the important mission of Preshome, Banffshire. Here he began his missionary career, and laboured for eight years with untiring zeal in the work of the ministry — preaching, administering the sacraments, and promoting ever}pious practice among the faithful.
On the death of Bishop Smith, in 1767, Mr Hay was appointed to accompany Bishop Grant, now Vicar Apostolic, to Edinburgh, to arrange the papers of the deceased prelate. This he executed to the satisfaction of all concerned, discharging at the same time the duties of procurator of the mission, and serving the congregation.
Bishop Grant, whose constitution had been shattered by rigorous confinement in the prison of Inverness, soon perceived that his increasing infirmities rendered the nomination of a coadjutor and successor necessary, and he felt no hesitation in making his selection. The piety, learning, and ability of Mr Hay recommended him as the person eminently qualified for the arduous and difficult position. Bishop Grant therefore procured his appointment, and, assisted by Drs Hugh and John M'Donald, consecrated him Bishop of Daulia (in partibus) at Scalan on Trinity Sunday, the 19th May 1769.
From that day the whole burden of the Vicariate may be
