The prophet
in after-life pretended that an early age he became much concerned about the
salvation of his soul. He went to the religious meetings of many sects to seek information
of the way to heaven; and was everywhere told, “this is the way, walk ye in it.”
He reflected upon the multitude of doctrines and sects, and it occurred to him
that God could be the author of but one doctrine, and own but one church; he
looked amongst all the sects to see which was this one true church of Christ,
but he could not decide; and until he became satisfied, he could not be
contented. His anxious desires lead him diligently to search the scriptures,
and he perused the sacred pages, believing the things that he read. He now saw
that the true way was to enquire of God, and then there was a certainty of
success. He therefore retired to a secret place in a grove near his father’s
house, and kneeling down, began to call upon the Lord; darkness gave way, and
he prayed with fervency of spirit. Whilst he continued praying the light appeared
to be gradually descending towards him; and as it drew nearer it increased in
brightness and magnitude, so that by the time it reached the tops of the trees,
the whole wilderness for quite a distance around, was illuminated in a glorious
and brilliant manner. He expected the leaves of the trees to be consumed, but
seeing no such effect of the light, he was encouraged with the hope to endure
its presence. It descended slowly until he was enveloped in the midst of it.
Immediately he was caught away in a heavenly vision, and saw two glorious
personages alike in their features; and he was now confirmed that his sins were
forgiven. Here we learned that none of the churches then in being, was the church
of God; and received a promise at some future times of the fulness of the
Gospel, and a knowledge of the true doctrine. After this, being still young, he
was entangled in the vanities of the world, of which he sincerely and truly
repented. (Thomas Ford, A History of Illinois, From its Commencement as a State in 1818 to 1847 [Chicago: S. C. Griggs and Co., 1854], 253-54)
For those wondering why I list this as 1847, not
1854, according to the Introduction by General James Shields, Ford passed on
the manuscript to him for publication while Ford was on his deathbed in 1850 (Ibid.,
v). Ford wrote his introduction to the manuscript on April 12, 1847
(ibid., xvii)