urished exceedingly between the Covenant of 1638 and the persecution
which began in 1660. During the persecution, the order of the Church
being broken up, the election and ordination of elders had almost
ceased. Yet, as the regular eldership melted away by death and
defection, there were other sons of the Covenant, who, in spirit,
service, suffering, and leadership, became elders in fact, and were duly
recognized and honored.

The service of the elders in those days appeared in many forms. Captain
Henry Hall, of Haughhead, did splendid work in a variety of ways. He
often placed himself between the enemy and the field-meetings, in
defense of the Covenanters. He was a large man, formidable and fearless.
Many a time, with sword in hand, he rode his dashing charger upon the
king's troops, occasionally breaking their ranks. He was chiefly
distinguished, however, for his willingness to sacrifice all he
possessed, in the interest of the Church. He opened up his house for the
licensure of Richard Cameron, when such a meeting jeopardized his life,
family, and property. He also opened up his farm for field-meetings,
despite the wrath of the king, and the danger of being raided by the
troops. A Communion, held on his grounds, was long remembered for the
gracious work of the Holy Spirit. George Barcley was the minister on
that occasion. The people had come from their rocky retreats and
distant homes in great numbers. The preaching was refreshing, and the
Lord's Table furnished a great feast for hungry souls. The people, not
fully satisfied with the bountiful provisions of the Sabbath, came again
on Monday, and swarmed over the green field, waiting for another
service. During the sermon a shower descended, but the audience did not
seem to mind it. The minister himself was quite pleased, remarking while
the rain was falling, "I am as sensible of the drizzle of the dew of
heaven upon our souls, as of the rain upon our bodies." Elder Hall died
of wounds received while defending Donald Cargill, June 3, 1680.

The elders of those times were profoundly intelligent in the principles
of the Covenant for which they suffered. They were Bible men, who
delighted in the law of God, and drank deeply at the fountain-head of
knowledge. They were experts in the Confession of Faith, the Larger and
Shorter Catechisms, and the Church Covenants. John Nisbet, of Hardhill,
was a hero on many a field, defending minister and people from the
merciless troop