The Presbyterian Church of Scotland, in her palmy days, numbered about 1,000 congregations, each under the care of a session.  The elders may therefore be estimated at 6,000 effective men, when the twenty-eight years’ persecution struck the Covenanters.  The value of this force can never be known, in advising, comforting, defending, and leading the broken congregations of God’s people, amidst the storms that desolated their beloved Zion.

The minister, being assisted and encouraged by a faithful band of elders, was able to do great work in his parish, and the Church flourished 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.