Page:Worksofrightrevb00strauoft.djvu/29

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alms, and gave medical advice to the sick poor who could not procure a physician.

Not long after his promotion to the episcopate, the Catholics in the island of Uist were subjected to a cruel persecution. One of the principal proprietors of the island, wishing to eradicate the ancient faith, served notice of ejectment upon all the Catholics on his estate, leaving them the choice of apostasy or eviction. The poor people at once adopted the only alternative which conscience allowed, and were ruthlessly driven from their homes. The misery of the persecuted and suffering islanders aroused the active sympathy of Bishop Hay. He made a powerful and successful appeal on their behalf to the charity of the Catholics of Great Britain, and by this means enabled them to cross over to North America. They were accompanied in their forced exile by Mr Macdonald of Glenaladale, who sold his property in Scotland, and generously devoted himself to the protection of his poor countrymen. Thus commenced that system of emigration which eventually depopulated many parts of the Highlands, and laid the foundation of a powerful and prosperous Catholic colony in North America. The brave exiles transmitted their faith to their descendants, and taught them to revere the memory of their benefactor. Bishop Hay.

Bishop Hay first appeared as an author in 1771, in a spirited detection of the errors contained in a sermon published by a celebrated Presbyterian minister of Aberdeen. This was followed by his Letters on Usury and Interest, in which he throws much light on a difficult subject, and reconciles the practice of taking interest with the doctrine of the Scriptures. The dispute upon the subject of miracles between Dr Middleton and his antagonists, induced Bishop Hay to write his Scripture Doctrine of Miracles Displayed, which is, perhaps, the best work that has ap-