Controversial, learned and zealous – John Flint of Lasswade – SFH083

Controversial, learned and zealous – John Flint of Lasswade – SFH083

The long and interesting life of John Flint, encountered many notable theologians. Despite his initial promise and youthful mistakes he proved to be, as Robert Wodrow says, a pious, warm-hearted, useful minister that continued in his commitment to the values of the Covenanters. We visit Lasswade Old Kirk to talk more about this lesser known Covenanting preacher.

“Bringing these persecuted preachings to Lothian” – James Currie and the Moorfoot Conventicles- SFH082

“Bringing these persecuted preachings to Lothian” – James Currie and the Moorfoot Conventicles- SFH082

We are at the remote spot near Mauldslie, close to Gladhouse Reservoir with the Moorfoot Hills as a backdrop. During the first half of 1679 field meetings were held here on the boundary of the Borders and Midlothian. It was a brief window of powerful preaching. James Currie tells us of the dramatic and lasting impact and how they managed to escape being disrupted.

The Man Behind the Memorial – James Currie of Pentland – SFH081

The Man Behind the Memorial – James Currie of Pentland – SFH081

If you have ever viewed and appreciated the Covenanter Martyrs Memorial at Greyfriars Churchyard in Edinburgh, you have James Currie to thank. It is said that Currie indeed sculpted the panel for the memorial himself. But who was he? He himself had experiences of suffering that he could relate and he was a close associate of leading Covenanters. His wife Helen Alexander was another noted Covenanter and the mother of the girl who organised the Children’s Covenant.

Conscience, Obedience and an Unwanted Government – Dalkeith Palace – SFH076

Conscience, Obedience and an Unwanted Government – Dalkeith Palace – SFH076

Politics and government often present complex realities. How do you face a turbulent political situation and an unwanted regime with conscience and principle? We visit the Scottish headquarters of Oliver Cromwell’s regime to consider how Covenanters decided to respond to it. There was much soul searching about the appropriate conscientious obedience they could offer. Was it right to submit to an invading power? Could they preserve principles intact while being peaceable citizens who respected authority? Discover some of their answers in this debate about authority, power and obedience.

This episode made use of historical research by Calum Summerill Wright, Scott Spurlock and John Coffey.