John M. Cannon — Deliverance from Prussian Imprisonment

In 1888, while serving as a missionary in the Swiss-German Mission, John M. Cannon was arrested by Prussian authorities in Königsberg for preaching the gospel. During this era, Latter-day Saint missionaries faced intense legal opposition and were often subjected to harsh imprisonment or physical mistreatment in Germany. While held in a cold, damp cell and facing a potentially long sentence, John turned to fervent prayer. He recounted feeling a 'heavenly calm' and a total removal of fear. Despite the typical severity of the Prussian legal system toward 'Mormon' elders, the officials unexpectedly decided to release him and simply order his expulsion from the country. John viewed this sudden change in the authorities' attitude as a direct answer to prayer and a divine intervention to preserve his liberty.