Anonymous Elder's Conversion through Vision and Prayer in Liverpool

“One night I awoke from refreshing slumber, and although it, was very dark outside, everything in my room seemed beautifully radiant, and as I gazed upon what appeared a strange scene, my mind became illuminated, and a sweet, peaceful influence took possession of ray being, unrestrained tears of joy flowed from my eyes, as I realized this was the commencement of an answer to my prayers. Problems, which 1 could not understand before, were made quite plain to me. It seemed as if a panorama passed before my mental vision. I saw that the Church which Jesus Christ had established, with apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc., had been overcome, as it was predicted it should be, and that authority to preach the gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof, owing to a great apostasy, had been taken from the earth; and this was the reason there were so many different sects, each claiming to have authority from God, but not one of them able to substantiate its claim. ... In this frame of mind, it was not difficult for me to see—which I did very plainly—that the Prophet Joseph Smith was the humble instrument used by our Heavenly Father in restoring divine authority to the earth again. — Millennial Star 83:15”