Joseph Orton's spiritual guidance in choosing the true church

“I was born in Birmingham, England, in the year 1845. My parents were members of the Church of England, and I was brought up in that faith. When I grew to manhood, I began to think for myself on religious matters, and I felt a desire to know which of the many churches was the true one. I attended the services of various denominations, but none of them satisfied the cravings of my soul. I felt that there was something lacking, but I could not tell what it was. In the year 1887, I heard that a lecture was to be given in Birmingham against the 'Mormons,' and at the same time I heard that the 'Mormons' were to hold a meeting in another part of the town. I felt a desire to attend both, but I did not know which one to choose. I went to my room and prayed to God to direct me. While I was praying, I felt a calm, serene feeling come over me, and I felt that I should go to the 'Mormon' meeting. I went, and while I was listening to the speaker, I felt a power that I had never felt before. My spirit became calm, yes, indescribably serene, sacred agreement with God was kept. On that memorable night I was perfectly satisfied the primitive church had gone into apostacy, for which cause the resplendent light, together with the extraordinary powers and gifts of the true Apostolic Church were withdrawn from the earth to be restored in all their effulgence and efficacy “in the dispensation of the fulness of times,” and that that prophecy was now fulfilled—that glorious era was at hand.”

— Joseph Orton, Millennial Star 49:43