Acts of Special Providence in Missionary Experience: The Spirit of Prophecy; An Elder’s Influence

SPIRIT OF PROPHECY— AN ELDER'S INFLUENCE.

BY ELDER JOSEPH ORTON.

In England, in my very childhood, on reading the New Testa- ment in the hearing of an old gentleman, who could have had no knowl- edge of the restoration of the Gospel in this dispensation, he said, "My lad, you will live to see apostles and prophets on the earth and the gifts and blessings of the Gospel as anciently enjoyed." The aged man was remembered in my early temple labors. In Feb., 1886, having embarked on the S. S. Wisconsin, Guion Line, for a mission to England, on recovery from sea-sickness, I issued works of the Church and pamphlets, bearing on the "Mormon" question, among the ship's passengers. Soon afterwards a gentle- man, politely accosting me, asked, "Are you a 'Mormon' Elder?" I answered "Yes." Continuing he said: "Sir, I must tell you that

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from the time of our leaving New York harbor until I learned that a 'Mormon' Elder was aboard, I feared this vessel would not reach her destination, and I would see my family no more. Now my fear is gone, all doubts have fled." Being the only member of the Church on board, I silently tendered thanks to our Father for the wonderful influence one solitary Elder may possess.

St. George, Utah.