Of this numberlefs memorials and monuments remain. To thefe primaeval temple 
the people came, not only on folemn occafions to fhare the oblations of the al tar} 
but, at ftated periods, attended the fame facred fane, to receive the oracles of Eq u *^ 
and Truth, which decided all their contefts, adjufted their jarring interefts, and 
fettled their feveral pleas. 
On a mount, nearly oppofite to the Caftle, the remains of one of thefe very 
ancient circles of mafty ftones was, by evangelical appropriation, confecrated t0 
Chriftian ufe. The place was formerly called Bejkford LAW , a term frequency 
bellowed on the place of the Druidical court ; and is Hill named Ine-altere, the pl a ° e 
of an altar, a term equally applicable to both inllitutions. The facred build> n » s 
were gradually encreafed to a kind of monaftery. A large metal crucifix was n° c 
long fince dug from among the ruins. 
But, after the building of the caftle, the San&uary of Chriftian Sacrifice ^ 
transferred to a place adjacent, in order that veneration for the holy rites folemniz ed 
there might add religious dignity to the honourable fecurity and peace which th e 
power of the poffefibrs gave them to enjoy in that fplendid refidence. By 0 
infcription, engraven on ftone, in Saxon characters, which makes part of a curio llS 
facramental monument of that fanftuary, the building was dedicated to God> ^ 
Lord Alexander Ogilvie, and Lady Elizabeth Gordon, his Ipoufe, anno 1^51. 
The remains of a grove of well-grown timber, fpreading from the Caftle down t® 
the banks of the rivulet which waters the valley, ftill greatly adds to the beauty °' 
the place. Many of thefe trees are of enormous fize, and fpeak the length of y earS 
which they have ftood. One majeftic alb meafures more than twenty feet » n 
circumference, and is called St. John’s Tree. A well there alfo preferves the n^ e 
of that illuftrious Evangelift. 
Of the wonderful virtues of that holy well, which Iprings from the rock of th e 
adjacent bank and the remarkable difcoveries of latent truth, made in a reti rern e ®^ 
among the overfhadowing trees — the traditionary annals of the country are full* 
Thefe are not altogether vifionary ; for when, in thofe folemn fhades, the 
Fathers held high conference with the initiated on the fublime niyfteries of * ' 
received the full confeftions of the candidates, and gave them the water of ablblud°|j 
from the confecrated fpring, it w'ould infpire the veneration of the populace, 0 
deepen their awe for thefe facred abodes. The influence by thefe means obtain 
over their minds, ufefully co-operated with the dawning light of the juft meafur eS 0 
legislation, for foftenmg the turbulent fpirit, and harmonizing all ranks of ^ 
relilh the reftraints requifite and proper to maintain the order and peace of 
community. 
In this manner the barons called in the aid of religion and its inftitution s 
extend their legal fway, and -found its fan&ions guard their authority with 
virtual effefl than the terror of their arms. This may in part account for the 
phenomena of the plate, tc a place of worlhip, and a caftle, fo perfectly contig u ° uS ’ 
that, as with one influence, they feem to have enhanced the value of the furroun^ 1 ^ 
country.” 
