Epitaphs of Saints

It seems we have abandoned the tradition of inscribing thoughtful epitaphs, which illumine the life of the deceased. In days gone by, tombstones contained more biographical than geneological information; they might highlight accomplishments, interests, beliefs or bear witness to a life well-lived. More often than not, they expressed testimony to the grace of God.

Here are a couple of my favorites, which have caused me to consider "What would other people say about me if I died...how would they sum up my life?" OR "How do I WANT to be remembered?" I've toyed with the idea of composing my own (as Ben Franklin did), but haven't done it yet...we'll see.

JOHN NEWTON

John Newton, Clerk,

once an infidel and libertine,

a servant of slaves in Africa,

was, by the rich mercy

of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,

preserved, restored, pardoned,

and appointed to preach the faith

he had long labored to destroy.

AMOS FORTUNE

Sacred

to the memory of

Amos Fortune

who was born free in Africa,

a slave in America

he purchased liberty

professed Christianity

lived reputably

and died hopefully

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

The body of

B. Franklin, Printer

(Like the Cover of an Old Book

Its Contents torn Out

And Stript of its Lettering and Gilding)

Lies Here, Food for Worms.

But the Work shall not be Lost;

For it will (as he Believ'd) Appear once More

In a New and More Elegant Edition

Revised and Corrected

By the Author.