Series 3 > Minutes of the Synod of Argyll, 1639-1651 (1652-1661) > 1652-1661

xiv
SYNOD OF ARGYLL
freely laid, had been transported from the parish of
Knapdale to Lochaber in October 1658. Lochaber was
the most extensive parish in the province of Argyll. It was
inhabited by a race of wild and lawless and broken men,
‘ provin enemies to religione ’ ; it had neither kirk nor
manse and ‘ never had a minister since the first Reforma¬
tion.’ 1 Time and again through many years Dugald
Campbell had been sent there as a visiting minister, and
had won the affection of the people and the esteem of the
landowners ; almost it might be said, the respect of the
English Governor, Major John Hill. Hill, as became an
officer of the Commonwealth, was also an ardent mission¬
ary ; it might have been he, indeed, who was author of
the dictum that ‘ the only way to bring [the Highlanders]
to civility is to get the Highlands planted with ministers.’
Directly or in round-about fashion the Governor’s experi¬
ences came to Thurloe’s knowledge, and by him were told
to the Protector. Cromwell, profoundly impressed by what
he heard, issued an instruction to his Council in Scotland
to remedy a condition so grievous. The mandate, which
is dated 15th April 1658, is addressed in regal style ‘ to
our well-beloved Council in Scotland.’ Having remarked
on the happy state of the Lowlands where, ‘ for about
the space of one hundred years last past the Gospel
hath been plentifully preached,’ and competent pro¬
vision made for the ministry, the Protector continued,
‘ yet little or no care hath been taken for a very numerous
people inhabiting in the Highlands by the establishing of
ministry or a maintenance, where the greatest part have
scarce heard whether there be an Holy Ghost or not,2
though there be some in several parts, as we are informed,
that hunger and thirst after the means of salvation. . . .
1 Minutes, i. p. 146. The statement was made in 1649 by the Marquess
of Argyll. 2 Acts, xix. 2.