Review

Picture the moors and glens of Scotland. Now picture a humble, yet devoted people, as they gather to share the only thing worth dying for. Such were the Scottish Covenanters of the 17th century. Faced with fierce persecution carried out by English dragoons that were made up chiefly of prisoners and scoundrels, sent by a king who demanded that every knee shall bow to him in all things earthly and heavenly; these brave and committed men and women left a legacy that inspires all who hear of them.

After gaining exposure on RBC ministry’s “Day of Discovery” program, a project was begun to put into words and music the heartfelt passion and courage displayed during that time. Discovery House executive producer Brian Felten was knocked out by songs from the writing team of Scott Krippayne, Steve Siler, and Tony Wood. Studying the Covenanters by reading books such as “Fair Sunshine” and “Sweet Believing”, they wrote all but one of the songs captured here on this album. Joining Krippayne, who has written dozens of songs for contemporary Christian artists such as Point of Grace, Sandi Patty and Rebecca St. James, as well as recording four albums on his own, are Matthew Ward (2nd Chapter of Acts), Charles Billingsley (Newsong) and Shannon Wexelberg (Maranatha! Praise Band).

I would characterize this as a devotional album. In the liner notes there are short dedications for each song. My wife and I were taking a day trip and she read the story before each song came on. Before the CD was half through I was filled with awe and wonder as I reflected on what it must be like to live a life where your faith and belief come with a dear price.

Here is a snippet from “Sweet Company”: “Dedicated to the memory of Archibald Alison… while standing at the gallows… (he) spoke out boldly of the hope of joining the great chorus of witnesses who waited expectantly at heaven’s gates for their comrade: ‘What think ye of Heaven and Glory that is at the back of the Cross? The hope of this makes me look upon pale death as a lovely messenger to me. I bless the Lord for my lot this day… Friends, give our Lord credit; He is aye good, but O! He is good in a day of trial and He will be sweet company through the ages of Eternity’”.

The songs are well crafted, meaningful, delivered in excellent voice and deeply moving. This is a compelling set of songs that will yield several “hits” for the radio, but its impact will be felt far more by those who drink it in, finding themselves questioning their own stance. How dear do we hold our lives? Jesus said blessed are they who will be persecuted for righteousness. Will we stand up to that persecution like our Scottish brethren? Don’t be fooled by the title. While there is some of the haunting Uillean pipes and Pennywhistle that have come to define the “Celtic musical genre”, the album is not replete with them. Don’t buy it for the pipes… buy it for the inspiration.

I realize I haven’t given you much to go on regarding the songs, (trust me… they are well done) it’s just that the imagery you’ll be left with after listening to this is one of a nation rallied as one under the banner of Jesus… and how that may come in our own time.

Review by John Ausmus