Volume 3 - Electric Scotland

SOUTH UlST. 25
duct and attention to their charges, not only in matters
of religion but in the ordinary concerns of life, as I
noticed in speaking of Barra. A perfect harmony seems
to subsist, as well among the people of the two persua-
sions, as between the Priests and the Presbyterian clergy
nor is it uncommon for the Catholic inhabitants to attend
divine worship in the parish churches. I need scarcely
say that, on neither part, are there any attempts at prose-
lytism ; while it is equally just to add that the Catholics
do not voluntarily quit that persuasion in which they
have been born and bred ; standing, thus, equally removed
from laxity and bigotry. It would have been
well if the world had always acted like these worthy
Highlanders ; reflecting on the number and weight of
the points on which all agree, and on the comparative
insignificance of most of those on which any differ: we
might sometimes do well to reflect on that yet ; but not
now, as this does not suit the present tone of our corre-
spondence.
The modifications of credulity are amusing. In Mar-
tin's time, there was here a valley called Glenslyte,
(and, of course, it is here still,) which was haunted by the
*' spirits of great men." Loud noises, as of these spirits
in conversation, were heard in the air; and if any one en-
tered this place without submitting himself to their will
according to a set form, he became insane. Our narra-
tor is extremely indignant that he could neither laugh
nor persuade the people out of this belief, and is
shocked at their credulity. This incredulous philoso-
pher believes, at the same time, in the second sight,
in pigmies, in brownies, and in elfshots and charms
he believes that a man's toe which was cut at the new
moon, bleeds a drop at every corresponding one, that the
well at Kilbar throws up the seeds of cockles, that a
; :