I know it isn’t Fast Sunday, but we’re getting so many first-time visitors to Keepa this weekend that I want to give them a taste of what is commonly found here. This post is a compilation of the brief 1908 testimonies submitted by the “scattered Saints” (those not in regularly organized stakes and wards), chiefly in the United States, to the missionary magazine Liahona (quite a different thing from the current international Church magazine of that name). Those Saints did not often have the opportunity to bear testimony before a congregation and many hundreds of them accepted an invitation to do it on paper. I publish a column of them every month, usually on Fast Sunday.

Kentucky.

Owing to the prejudice of my father, I am not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but God has blessed me with a knowledge that it is the Church of Christ and that we can enjoy the same blessings that the ancient saints did if we will only live worthy of obtaining them. – Thurman Ison, Ky.

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By the Spirit of God I know that what the world calls “Mormonism” is indeed the true gospel of Christ with all its gifts, powers and blessings, and that all who obey it shall have this testimony. I know Joseph Smith was a prophet of the living God, and that the Book of Mormon is the divine word. – Ellen J. Howerton, Isonville, Ky.

Massachusetts.

I joined the church nine years ago. I am not sorry that I am a “Mormon,” for I know theirs is the genuine Church of Jesus Christ and that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God. – Nancy Annis, Mass.

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My father passed away Dec. 15, and my mother was very low at the time, but through the aid of the Lord’s servants she was spared that she may see the rest of her family join the church. For we know it is the true church. I take great interest in the Journal. – Harriet King, Mass.

Michigan.

I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, called as was Moses, to open up the dispensation of the fullness of the times, as also his legal successor. I also know that the Priesthood of Christ is had in the church. And I am glad to have had the chance of embracing the truth. – James Fisher, Mich.

Mississippi.

I know the gospel is true and that Joseph Smith was a prophet of the Lord; also that the Book of Mormon is the divine word and that the plan of salvation is now preached in its fullness. – L.F. White, Miss.

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Because it has been manifested to me by the Holy Ghost. I know the gospel is true, that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that the Book of Mormon is His word. – J.M. White, Miss.

Massachusetts.

I know that the Lord chose the Prophet Joseph Smith to proclaim His gospel in its purity in these latter days. I know this gospel is true, also the Book of Mormon. – Mrs. M.G. White, Mass.

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My testimony: I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of the Lord; I know that the Book of Mormon is a word from God; I know that the gospel is true and that the elders are preaching it in its purity. I am a “Mormon” boy. – Edgar White, Mass.

Mississippi.

I can say that the Lord has blessed me since Elders A.L. Brodinck and F. Tracy baptized myself and sister, Jane Hemphill, Mar. 29, 1908. I have felt better than ever before. I joined the M.E. church when small, and the Baptists at 16, but was not satisfied. I have known of the elders for 11 years. I have wanted to join the church before but my husband objected. His reason was that he had heard so much on the “Mormons.” But I read the Bible to him, and discussed it with him, till he concluded there was a great deal of falsehoods told of them. I showed him that the “Mormons” was all the denomination that was following the scripture. And now I can say that the Spirit of God dwells with me and I feel I have done something pleasing in His sight, and am trying to live as near right as I can. – Mrs. L.J. Lambert, Miss.

North Carolina.

I am the least of all Saints, unworthy of the name, but thankful to say I know the gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true and that it is the power of God to them that believe and accept it. I also believe Joseph Smith was a Prophet of the Almighty; had he not been he could not have accomplished what he did. May the Lord bless all to see and understand. – Isaac M. Ray, N.C.

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I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true, for I asked Him to show me the straight way and He did, and I was baptized into the Church. – Mamie D. Ray.

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I was born in Columbus county, N.C. I was a member of the Baptist church at the time I learned of the “Mormon” elders, I investigated the gospel as advocated by them. I have now been a member of the Church about six years and I know it is the only true one on earth. – Lucinda Ray, N.C.

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At an early age I became mindful of my salvation, and desirous to know which of the religious sects was right. Through fasting and prayer, and a thorough investigation, I gained a testimony that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (of which I have now been a member one year) possessed the true gospel. – Nettie Ray, N.C.

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I feel that I can say as Paul of old that I know the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus is the power of God unto salvation, unto all them that believe and obey it. I know that Joseph Smith was indeed a prophet of God, and that he received from an angel, the plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated. This is my testimony in the name of Jesus. – J.M. Joiner, N.C.

New York.

I was led to investigate the “Mormon” belief by hearing of their miraculous cures; and when sickness entered our family, I was led by divine inspiration to send for the elders. I addressed the “Mormon” mission. They came and administered. Both of the afflicted ones recovered, though one was given up to die of heart disease. Convinced of the truth I was baptized June 14, 1907. – Caroline Ward, N.Y.

Oklahoma.

Why I am a Latter-day Saint is because of the simplicity of their teachings, they being in accord with the doctrines of our Savior. Also the Spirit of the Lord bears witness to my soul that it is the work of God, and that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of the Highest. – Wm. H. Kizer, Okla.

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There have been miraculous healings in my family, but that is not to compare with the peace and comfort one gets from obeying and living the gospel. Why I am a Latter-day Saint is because the gospel is true. The Spirit of Truth testifies this to my spirit. Compare the teachings set forth by our people, to those of the sectarian world, then compare both with Christ’s. – Ida Kizer, Okla.

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I know that the gospel taught by the Latter-day Saints is genuine, and is the power of God unto salvation to them that believe and obey it. I know Joseph Smith was God’s prophet sent to build up and establish the Church and Kingdom of God. I know that the elders are true servants of the Lord sent to preach this message to all the world. I know the Book of Mormon is the divine word. – B.F. Barker, Okla.

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I believe your Church is a true Church of God, and that the Book of Mormon is His word. I also believe Joseph Smith was a prophet of the Lord. Best wishes to the church. – Garret Barker, Okla.

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The gospel of the Latter-day Saints is true. I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet and that the Book of Mormon is a revelation from God. – Mary Barker, Okla.

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It is a pleasure to bear this testimony. I believe your Church is right, and the only one that is right. I accept every word in the Book of Mormon, and believe Joseph Smith was a prophet. – Dora Barker, Okla.

— Miss Louisa and Miss Bertha Barker testifies to about the same effect as the three above.

Ohio.

I can say I know that the gospel as revealed through the prophet Joseph Smith is true, also the Book of Mormon. I have received many blessings since I belonged to the Church of Latter-day Saints. God bless the Liahona. I love to read it. – Sarah A. Nye, O.

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I know that this latter-day gospel is true; I believe Joseph Smith was a true prophet. And the more I witness the Latter-day Saints persecuted, the stronger “Mormon” it makes me. God bless the church of Jesus Christ and all who belong to it. – Ida M. Beloat, O.

Oregon.

I believed the gospel the first time I heard it, and I obeyed it. I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet and that the Book of Mormon is true. I know this is the true plan of salvation that is taught by the Saints. I know I have passed from death into life because I love the people of God. I received this knowledge by prayer. I am 81 years old, was baptized in 1855 and would not give up the truth for the world. – Mrs. Louisa Ann Bayorth, Ore.

South Carolina.

It is a deep pleasure to me to testify of the truthfulness of the gospel, for I know it is true. I have seen the signs follow the believers; I have been healed and have seen others healed. I know Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and I realize that the only way to be saved is to obey the principles of the divine plan. – Sallie Medlin, S.C.

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I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and I know we will have to obey the message brought by him in order to be saved in the Celestial Kingdom. I have been blessed more since I accepted the gospel than ever before. – Amanda Freeman, S.C.