We have learned about them in Sunday School, seminary, and through historic documents—courageous, righteous men and women who helped build the early Church. What did these faithful Latter-day Saints choose to have written on their gravestones when their mortal life was over? Here are eight epitaphs of well-known Latter-day Saints.
1. Parley P. Pratt
The morning breaks, the shadows flee;
Lo, Zion’s standard is unfurled!
The dawning of a brighter day,
Majestic rises on the world.
(From Hymns, no. 1, written by Parley P. Pratt)
2. W.W. Phelps
There is no end to matter
There is no end to space
There is no end to spirit
There is no end to race
There is no end to glory
There is no end to love
There is no end to being
There is no death above.
(From Hymns, no. 284, written by W.W. Phelps)
3. Porter Rockwell
He was brave & loyal to his faith, true to the prophet Jos. Smith,
A promise made him by the prophet thro obedience it was fulfilled.
4. Orson Pratt
My body sleeps for a moment, but my testimony lives and shall endure forever.
5. Eliza R. Snow
In friendship mem’ry let me live:
I know no selfish wish beside—
I ask no more; yet, O forgive
This impulse of instinctive pride.
The silent pulse of memory
That beats to the unuttered tone
Of tenderness, is more to me
Than the insignia of a stone.
6. Daniel H. Wells
It is inter-woven into my character
Never to betray a friend or brother
My country, my religion, or my God.
7. Zina D.H. Young
Charity never faileth.
8. James E. Talmage
Within the Gospel of Jesus Christ there is room and place for every truth thus far learned by man or yet to be made known.
The Mormon Book of Lists distills hundreds of interesting facts about Latter-day Saints into 12 categories of lists: Church history, General Authorities, missionaries, scriptures, and contemporary theses such as women, art, entertainment, and athletes. Use this facts-in-a-jiffy book for "gospel games," to enliven lessons and talks, and for sheer pleasure reading. Available as an eBook.
