The secret feeling of my
heart was that I would be willing to crawl around the earth
on my hands and knees, to see such a man as was Peter,
Jeremiah, Moses, or any man that could tell me anything
about God and heaven . . . until I saw Joseph Smith.
Deseret News, Feb. 13, 1861, 393.
Parley P. Pratt, Apostle, 1835–1857
His language [abounded] in original eloquence peculiar to himself—not polished—not studied—not smoothed and softened by education and refined by art; but flowing forth in its own native simplicity, and profusely abounding in variety of subject and manner. He interested and edified, while, at the same time, he amused and entertained his audience; and none listened to him that were ever weary with his discourse. I have even known him to retain a congregation of willing and anxious listeners for many hours together, in the midst of cold or sunshine, rain or wind, while they were laughing at one moment and weeping the next. Even his most bitter enemies were generally overcome, if he could once get their ears.
Autobiography of Parley Parker Pratt, ed. Parley P. Pratt Jr. (1961), 46.
Neal A. Maxwell, Apostle, 1981–2004
So far as we know, much more scripture flowed through the Prophet Joseph than through any other mortal in history.
But for a Small Moment (1986), 17.
