William C. Staines Receives Book of Mormon Testimony While On Mission

William C. Staines documented a remarkable spiritual confirmation of the Book of Mormon while serving a mission to England. He recorded: 'I was speaking to a large congregation, bearing my testimony to the truth of the gospel, when I lifted up the Book of Mormon, saying, "I know that this book I hold in my hand--the Book of Mormon--was translated by the power of God through Joseph Smith, and will go to every nation, kindred, tongue and people, as a testimony of the truth of the gospel." This was the first testimony I had ever had of its truth. On the Tuesday morning following, about six o'clock, while I was reading the third chapter of the second book of Nephi, I felt a remarkably happy feeling come over me, such as no one can explain but those who experience it. Immediately the following was given to me: "Thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant. I was well pleased with your testimony..."' This remarkable manifestation confirmed to Staines the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and strengthened his testimony.