| 197 years since I obeyed the requirements of the gospel, and since that time, I have often had to bear my testimony to the truth of it; I do so still, and declare, that to this time, I have seen nothing to shake my confidence. Whether on water or on land, in a storm or in calm, in England or America, in the world or in Nauvoo, I have neither seen nor heard, anything to cause me to have a doubt, respecting the doctrines taught by the Latter Day Saints. The elders, in general, I have found to be men who fear God and work righteousness. Nauvoo must, in every respect, exceed the expectations of any man who has any knowledge of things at all. Joseph, Smith is the wisest, and most charitably disposed man I ever heard of, and I believe, that God ever made; and that he is a prophet of God, I have no manner of doubt on my mind. And I solemnly declare before God, that I believe in my heart, that all the tales derogatory to his character, or the saints in general, are as false as those invented in the days of the Savior, "his disciples came and stole him away while we slept." Therefore, let all my friends look on this as my solemn testimony.-I rejoice in the gospel being revealed-I rejoice in the work of the Lord, and pray that the truth may go forth as the morning; the honest in heart be gathered out, and a people prepared to meet the Lord at his coming.
I subscribe myself your affectionate brother,
John Greenhow.
For the Times & Seasons.
A Visit to Nauvoo.
By Samuel A. Prior, a Methodist Minister.
Mr. Editor:--I feel somewhat unwilling to go from this city, until I have returned my sincere thanks for the kind treatment I have received from all with whom I have had any intercourse, since I first came into this place. I must confess that I left home with no very favorable opinions of the Latter Day Saints.--I have had the misfortune to live always among that class of people who look upon a Mormon as being of quite another race, from the rest of mankind, and holding no affinity to the human family. My ears had been so often assailed by the tales of their vice and immorality, that I could not but reflect, in spite of my determination to remain unprejudiced, that I should witness many scenes detrimental to the christian character, if not offensive to society. My friends crowded around me, giving me many cautions against the art and duplicity of that deluded sect, as they called them and intreated me to observe them closely, and learn the true state of their community. I set out on foot, making my arrangements to continue there until I was satisfied what kind of beings the Mormons were. It was something over sixty miles, and on the road I often had time to reflect upon the errand of my journey,. and fancy to myself the condition in which I expected to find them.
On my arriving at Carthage, I accidentally met an old, and much beloved friend, who was himself, a member of the church. Having been apprised of my design in visiting the church of Latter Day Saints, he very kindly offered to accompany me to Nauvoo, the city of the prophet, but stated that he would be compelled to visit a little town called Macedonia, before he could go up, and wanted me to go with him, as it was only eight miles distant. I kept up a lively discourse upon the subject of Mormonism, and the ready and appropriate answers he gave to the numerous questions I put to him, convinced me that their doctrine was not as bad as I had anticipated. At Macedonia I was kindly received by Mr. Andrews who, being informed by my friend, who and what I was, cordially received me, bidding me welcome to his humble abode, with all the feelings of a long absent, though respected brother. This reception, so vastly different from what I had expected, totally enamoured [enamored] me, and put to blush all my former anticipations of cold, harsh, and morose expressions, which I expected to meet from all who became acquainted with my calling and station in life. I found Mr. Andrews a man of general intelligence, of good moral notions, and correct religious ideas. Although I could not agree with him in all points, yet I found him liberal and open hearted, far beyond my fondest expectations. The next day at 11 o'clock, I had the honor for the first time in my life, to hear the prophet preach; a notice of which had been circulated the evening before. I will not attempt to describe the various feelings of my bosom as I took my seat in a conspicuous place in the congregation, who were waiting in breathless silence for his appearance. While he tarried, I had plenty of time to revolve in my mind, the character and common report of that truly singular personage. I fancied that I should behold a countenance sad and sorrowful, yet containing the fiery marks of rage and exasperation-I supposed that I should be enabled to discover in him some of those thoughtful and reserve features, those mystic and sarcastic glances which I had fancied the ancient sages to possess. I expected to see that fearful faltering look of conscious shame, which, from what I had heard of him, he might be expected to evince. He appeared at last-but how was I disappointed, when, instead of the heads and horns of the beast, and false prophet, I beheld
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