Ebenezer Robinson Spiritually Converted Upon Meeting the Saints at Kirtland

Ebenezer Robinson (1816-1891) documented his remarkable spiritual conversion upon arriving at Kirtland and working in the printing office with members of the Church. He wrote: 'We found a people there who, to our surprise, taught them all; and, to our understanding, practiced them. The members of the Church there in that day all seemed to love one another, and take a deep interest in each other's welfare, and it was a pleasure to be with them...It was not long, however, until we became satisfied we were with a people who not only taught, but more perfectly practiced the gospel lessons, than any people we had ever before known.' Robinson came to Kirtland with no faith in their religion, but was converted by the spiritual power and example of the Saints around him. He then experienced a direct manifestation: 'It was not long until our Heavenly Father condescended to manifest to us clearly, by his peaceful spirit, that the gospel, as set forth in the New Testament scriptures and Book of Mormon, which was taught by this people, was true. Straightway, upon receiving this testimony, we felt an intense desire to be baptized.'