The Secret and True History of James Kirkton – Greyfriars, Edinburgh – SFH109

The Secret and True History of James Kirkton – Greyfriars, Edinburgh – SFH109

Wrestling an armed kidnapper and going on the run as an outlawed preacher: the personal history of James Kirkton is certainly dramatic. But he was more interested in writing a history of the momentous national events through which he lived. That too is an arresting narrative. Find out more in this episode.

“A Man of Many Meditations” – John Carstairs – SFH097

“A Man of Many Meditations” – John Carstairs – SFH097

We conclude the life of John Carstairs (or Carstares), this remarkable story is not often told. He was not just a man of prayer but also “a man of many meditations”. Also “of great and rare piety; he was full of love; he dwelt, walked, and lived in that fire of love”. We find out how his prayers and meditations could melt the hearts of even the greatest enemies of the Covenanters.

“Such a wife, such a friend, such a counsellor” – Janet Carstairs – SFH095

“Such a wife, such a friend, such a counsellor” – Janet Carstairs – SFH095

What was it like to be married to a persecuted minister? Did the trials put a strain on relationships? We find out first hand from the letters that passed between Janet and John Carstairs (sometimes Carstares) while he was being pursued by the authorities. She would be imprisoned briefly herself for attending a conventicle. Her loving yet courageous words to him are especially moving.

“O what a glory appears here!” – John Carstairs’ Revival Experiences – SFH094

“O what a glory appears here!” – John Carstairs’ Revival Experiences – SFH094

Revival came on two different occasions in the 1650s in the same area by the same preacher. Samuel Rutherford said that John Carstairs had “much of heaven in his bosom”. We find out more about the prayers and preaching of the man who experienced remarkable revival in Cadder and Kirkintilloch.

Cover Image: Cadder: Parish Church cc-by-sa/2.0 – © Martyn Gorman
Below Image of Kirkintilloch Auld Kirk cc-by-sa/4.0 © Roger Griffith

 

 

The Covenanters’ Prison, Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh – SFH046

The Covenanters’ Prison, Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh – SFH046

Matthew Vogan explains a little of the history of two of the buildings in Greyfriars Kirkyard; the Covenanters’ Prison and the mausoleum for George Mackenzie.  “Bluidy Mackenzie,” as the Lord Advocate during the rule of Charles II, was responsible for much of the persecution and execution of the Covenanters.

To dig deeper, visit ScotlandsForgottenHistory.com