We therefore
suffered the vessel to depart without us, and trusted the skies for
another wind.
Mr. Maclean of Col, having a very numerous family, has, for some
time past, resided at Aberdeen, that he may superintend their
education, and leaves the young gentleman, our friend, to govern
his dominions, with the full power of a Highland Chief. By the
absence of the Laird's family, our entertainment was made more
difficult, because the house was in a great degree disfurnished;
but young Col's kindness and activity supplied all defects, and
procured us more than sufficient accommodation.
Here I first mounted a little Highland steed; and if there had been
many spectators, should have been somewhat ashamed of my figure in
the march. The horses of the Islands, as of other barren
countries, are very low: they are indeed musculous and strong,
beyond what their size gives reason for expecting; but a bulky man
upon one of their backs makes a very disproportionate appearance.
From the habitation of Captain Maclean, we went to Grissipol, but
called by the way on Mr. Hector Maclean, the Minister of Col, whom
we found in a hut, that is, a house of only one floor, but with
windows and chimney, and not inelegantly furnished. Mr. Maclean
has the reputation of great learning: he is seventy-seven years
old, but not infirm, with a look of venerable dignity, excelling
what I remember in any other man.
His conversation was not unsuitable to his appearance. I lost some
of his good-will, by treating a heretical writer with more regard
than, in his opinion, a heretick could deserve. I honoured his
orthodoxy, and did not much censure his asperity. A man who has
settled his opinions, does not love to have the tranquillity of his
conviction disturbed; and at seventy-seven it is time to be in
earnest.
Mention was made of the Earse translation of the New Testament,
which has been lately published, and of which the learned Mr.
Macqueen of Sky spoke with commendation; but Mr. Maclean said he
did not use it, because he could make the text more intelligible to
his auditors by an extemporary version. From this I inferred, that
the language of the translation was not the language of the Isle of
Col.
He has no publick edifice for the exercise of his ministry; and can
officiate to no greater number, than a room can contain; and the
room of a hut is not very large.
