Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

James and Mary Ford, eds. Every Day in the Year. 1902.

February 21

Epitaph: David Halliday

By Anonymous

In the churchyard of the parish of Balmaghie in the stewartry of Kirkcudbright are the gravestones of three persons who fell victim to the boot-and-saddle mission sent into Scotland under the last Stuarts. One of these rude monuments bear the following inscription:

“Here lyes David Halliday, portioner of Mayfield, who was shot upon the 21st of February, 1685, and David Halliday, once in Glengape, who was likewise shot upon the 11th of July, 1685, for their adherence to the principles of Scotland’s Covenanted Reformation.”

BENEATH this stone two David Hallidays

Do lie, whose souls now sing their Master’s praise.

To know, if curious passengers desire,

For what, by whom, and how they did expire;

They did oppose this Nation’s perjury,

Nor could they join with lordly Prelacy.

Indulging favors from Christ’s enemies

Quenched not their zeal. This monument then cries,

These were the causes not to be forgot,

Why they by lag so wickedly were shot;

One name, one cause, one grave, one heaven to tie

Their souls to that one God Eternally.