Parley Parker Pratt: Penman, Poet, and Publisher

In addition to his callings in the Church, Parley P. Pratt also carried a legacy of producing
doctrinal writings, poems, and hymns that helped spread the gospel.
Most people know Parley Parker Pratt (18071857) for his legacy as an astounding missionary
and church leader. But did you know that he was a writer, poet, and publisher in the early days of
the Church?
Although originally a member of the Reformed Baptist Society, Parley read the Book of Mormon
and was converted. When retelling the story of his conversion, Parley said, [the] spirit of the
Lord was upon me, and I knew and comprehended that the book was true, as plainly and
manifestly as a man comprehends and knows that he exists (see A Testimony Vibrant and
True). Parley recognized the power of written word, so he began sharing the gospel through his
writing.
Parleys writing skills even carried over into music and poetry. He wrote three hymns that were
included in the first LDS hymnal. Next time you are singing hymns from the LDS hymnbook,
check to see who the author isit could be Parley!
He later published 11 more hymns in conjunction with a long narrative poem entitled The
Millennium. It became the first book of LDS poetry. Church leaders recognized his writing talent
and named him editor of the Latter-day Saints Millennial Star, the longest continuous periodical
of the Church, which ran from 1840 to 1970.
Another of Parleys famous works, Voice of Warning (1837), was a model for other LDS writers.
The format for his bookdescriptions of LDS doctrines and biblical references, examples, and
argumentsinspired Church writers for the next century. The book was used as a supplement to
the standard works to spread the message of the gospel.
Today, Parleys written works still inspire and instruct us. How do you spread the gospel?
Source Encyclopedia of Mormonism, The Extraordinary Life of Parley P. Pratt, A Testimony
Vibrant and True
More Information
Learn more about the Millennial Star.
Read or sing some of the hymns of Parley P. Pratt.
Allen Warner, Mormon Insights