See here for background.
Illinois.
I am pleased to say I have a testimony that the gospel as taught by the Latter-day Saints is true; also that the Book of Mormon is true; also that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. I gained these testimonies by obedience to the principles of the gospel. I have seen the sick healed by the elders, and the power of God manifested several times. I hope and pray that I may ever be able to retain these testimonies. – W.D. Barricklow, Coffeen, Ill.
Indiana.
An invitation to say that I am a Latter-day Saint, and a reader of dear Liahona! How truly named our messenger is, a guide. I heard the gospel when I was very young; believed it and was baptized when only fifteen years old. The half dozen years since have been a struggle upward, but each effort increases my knowledge and faith. Opposition keeps us alive. The gospel of Jesus Christ saves us from our environment and helps us to rise above the false ideas of modern religious systems. – Hulda Hofer, R. 4, Ft. Wayne, Ind.
Kansas.
Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: I will bear unto you my testimony. I truly know that this is the Church of Christ, that the gospel taught by it is the everlasting gospel restored to earth as promised of old, and that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of the living God. We will receive blessings for the commandments we keep. – Etheyl Shockey, Buffalo, Kansas.
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The Savior laid down the way His Church should be organized and revealed it to the Prophet Joseph Smith, and he organized the Church of Jesus Christ here on this earth. I do know myself, and not on the faith of others, that this is the true Church of Jesus Christ, that the gospel taught by this Church is the everlasting gospel restored to earth, and that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of the living God. The authorities of this Church are divinely vested with the holy priesthood. – Amanda Shockey, Buffalo, Kansas.
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Sister M.E. Fetrow, of Eldorado, Kansas, writes at some length, telling of her first meeting with elders, and of her subsequent experience and baptism. On first reading the Book of Mormon she could not understand it, but she prayed many times to the Lord that she might be able to understand it. At length one night, after praying very earnestly upon the subject, and after retiring, she received a very striking testimony that that book was the word of God.
Kentucky.
I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and have been for several years, and I bear my testimony that it is the only true Church of Christ on the earth, that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God to lay the foundation thereof, and that he taught the true gospel of Christ. My wife and I live in a rough place and the enemy is all around us, so that we hardly dare speak of the so-called “Mormon” Church. We are both members, and she bears the same testimony. We lately buried one of our children, and ask the prayers of the Saints. – F.P. Faircloth, Dove, Ky.
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I bear my testimony that I know this latter-day gospel is true, and that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God. Some might say that I only believe it, but I know it is the truth. All doubts have been taken away, for I have an assurance within my soul. I was baptized June 27, 1907. – Mrs. Sarah R. Mullins, Bradfordsville, Ky.
Louisiana.
Yes, I have a testimony to bear to the world of the true gospel. When I first heard the elders I wanted to be baptized. One of the sisters told me to ask the Lord to let me know if I was right, and He would let me know. I was not then acquainted with the gospel. I knelt night and morning and asked the Lord to let me know whether it would be right for me to join this Church. I received an answer in a dream, and this is my testimony: The gospel as taught by the Latter-day Saints is true, Joseph Smith was a prophet of the living God, and Jesus Christ is the Christ. – Mary Hudson, Hamburg. La.
Missouri.
The revelations by the Prophet Joseph Smith in the Doctrine and Covenants and Book of Mormon send forth a better form of religion for the good of the world. These are for a “time,” with others to follow according to our capacity to receive. To “hold fast that which is good” is wisdom; to “let go when higher light is proven, is the order of High Heaven. – John A. Lant, 1313 Tracy Ave., Kansas City, Mo.
Mississippi.
I believe the gospel as taught by the Latter-day Saints is the true plan of Salvation. I believe the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I believe that Joseph Smith was a true prophet. It is my desire to be baptized that I may be a follower of Jesus Christ. – Mrs. S.E. Hughes, Meridian, Miss.
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I will bear my testimony the best I can trusting it may strengthen my faith and benefit others. I know the gospel taught by the Latter-day Saints is true. It is in harmony with the scriptures, being built upon revelation, with apostles and prophets. Joseph Smith was a true prophet. Man never wrote or spoke as he did unless inspired. – Rebecca Shirley, West Point, Miss.
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According to your request for testimonies I will give mine. I cannot say I know anything by the Holy Ghost, but I believe that Joseph Smith was a true prophet just as firmly as I do that there is a God, or a Christ; and I think I would be willing to give my life for the truth if needs be. – R.C. Ezekiel, Silver City, Miss. Mrs. M.A. Smith unites in this testimony.
North Carolina.
I can bear my testimony that the gospel is true. Joseph Smith has done more good for mankind than any other man since Christ. The Book of Mormon is a true record of ancient America: it fulfills its own prophecies when it is taken to the Gentiles, for they say, as it foretells they would, “The Bible is enough for me.” – R.T. Sanders, Hampstead, N.C.
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The gospel as taught by the Latter-day Saints is true. I do not doubt it in the least. I have embraced it and do not desire to part from it. I can say, as Paul said, it is the power of God unto salvation to all them that will believe. May the Lord bless those who have accepted it, and help us all to remain faithful and endure to the end, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen. – Hilary Radford, Kenley, N.C.
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In a letter too long to give in full, Sister Mary V. Caison, of Supply, N.C., relates items of her experience, expresses her pleasure in reading Liahona, the Elders’ Journal, says that she, her husband and her daughter were baptized 15 years ago, that he died Dec. 6, 1900, in his 81st year, and that there are only two other saints in that place. She says: “We are thankful that we have embraced the true gospel of Christ.”
New York.
I enjoy reading Liahona The Elders’ Journal very much. I wish the people would help the elders more. I am ever ready to help them; my door is always open to them. I hope some will labor in this part of the state the coming summer. If there were more elders among the people I do not think there would be so many unhappy homes. I met two elders last summer and I am sure they were the best Christians I ever saw. – Mary Borden, Clintonville , N.Y.
Nebraska.
I was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Oct. 9, 1887. Shortly after that I was away from home doing some work for a neighbor. When I returned, I found our babe limp in the arms of its mother, with its head divided in four parts at the crown, caused by croup. My wife and sister-in-law were almost frantic with grief and asked me: “What shall we do?” A voice said to me: “Send for the elders,” and I promptly obeyed. The child was immediately healed. I know the gospel is true and that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. – John A. Steele, Catesville, Neb.
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I want to join the many who will bear their testimonies to the truth of the gospel. I know that the gospel that is taught by the Latter-day Saints is the gospel that was taught by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. – Lizzie Steele, Catesfield, Neb.
Oklahoma.
I desire to testify to all the world that through the Holy Ghost I know that Jesus is the Christ, that Joseph Smith was a prophet of the Most High God, and was divinely commissioned to restore the apostolic Church and he everlasting gospel to the earth again in this the dispensation of the fullness of times. – Abraham Stiles Beeler, Marlow, Oklahoma.
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I wish to bear my testimony to the truth of the gospel promulgated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know by the testimony of the spirit that the Book of Mormon is the inspired word of the Lord, and also that Joseph Smith was a prophet of the living God. – Mrs. Amanda Belle Beeler, Marlow, Okla.
Pennsylvania.
I have been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints four years, and have had a number of dreams which have been fulfilled, and have received manifestations of the spirit. Thee things give me a strong testimony of the divinity of Joseph Smith’s mission and the work he established under Jesus Christ. – Alphonsus McCabe, Hawley, Pa.
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I have been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for twelve years, and have been miraculously healed by he elders. My disease puzzled the doctors. Some said one thing and some said something else; but all failed to help me. But after the elders administered to me I began to get better, and I have not been troubled since. Therefore my testimony is a strong one. – Mrs. McCabe, Hawley, Pa.
South Carolina.
In bearing testimony I can say that I know the gospel is true, as I know that I live; and I know, too, that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of the Lord. I know the gospel is true by the many cases of healing of the sick in myself and family. This is my testimony in the name of Jesus. Amen. – Ida M. Lamb, Charleston, S.C.
Thank you Ardis, this is quickly becoming a favorite feature for me. Those Sister Missionaries must have been among some of the first called – it’s neat to see a small acknowledgement of their labors. A few testimonies suggest how isolated some of these members were, even from the missionaries laboring in their field. But most of all I enjoy the simple testimonies.
So glad to see this from you, Seth, to know that you enjoy these. I notice as I type them that while so many repeat the same themes, there is individuality in their wording — perhaps because of their general isolation, these “scattered saints” have not fallen into the habit of repeating each others’ standardized phrases. That adds to the sense of sincerity, for me.