The First VisionThe First Vision““The greatest event that has ever occurred in the worldThe greatest event that has ever occurred in the world,”,” declared President Joseph F. Smith, “since the resurrection of declared President Joseph F. Smith, “since the resurrection of the Son of God from the tomb and his ascension on high, was the Son of God from the tomb and his ascension on high, was the coming of the Father and of the Son to that boy Joseph the coming of the Father and of the Son to that boy Joseph Smith, to prepare the way for the laying of the foundation of His Smith, to prepare the way for the laying of the foundation of His kingdomkingdom --- not the kingdom of man --- never more to cease nor --- not the kingdom of man --- never more to cease nor to be overturned. Having accepted this truth, I find it easy to to be overturned. Having accepted this truth, I find it easy to accept of every other truth that he enunciated and declared accept of every other truth that he enunciated and declared during his mission of fourteen years in the world. He never during his mission of fourteen years in the world. He never taught a doctrine that was not true. taught a doctrine that was not true. He never practiced a He never practiced a doctrine that he was not commanded to practicedoctrine that he was not commanded to practice. He never . He never advocated error. He was not deceived. advocated error. He was not deceived. He saw; he heard; he He saw; he heard; he did as he was commanded by God --- not Joseph Smith. The did as he was commanded by God --- not Joseph Smith. The Lord is responsible for it, and not manLord is responsible for it, and not man” (” (Gospel DoctrineGospel Doctrine, 495-, 495-96).96).

Jesus Christ is the Jehovah of Jesus Christ is the Jehovah of the Red Sea and of Sinai, the the Red Sea and of Sinai, the Resurrected Lord, the Resurrected Lord, the spokesman for the Father in the spokesman for the Father in the theophany at Palmyra --- a theophany at Palmyra --- a Palmyra pageant with a precious Palmyra pageant with a precious audience of one! (Neal A. audience of one! (Neal A. Maxwell, Maxwell, Even As I AmEven As I Am, 120)., 120).

This next mid-twentieth-century expression is from a This next mid-twentieth-century expression is from a candid dean of that beautiful St. Paul’s Cathedral in candid dean of that beautiful St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, London, who reportedly saidwho reportedly said::

All my life I have struggled to find the purpose of living. All my life I have struggled to find the purpose of living. I have tried to answer three questions which always I have tried to answer three questions which always seemed to be fundamental: seemed to be fundamental:

The problem of eternityThe problem of eternityThe problem of human personalityThe problem of human personalityThe problem of evilThe problem of evil

I know as much about after-life as you do --- nothing. I I know as much about after-life as you do --- nothing. I do not even know there is one --- in the same sense do not even know there is one --- in the same sense which the Church teaches it. I have no vision of which the Church teaches it. I have no vision of Heaven or of a welcoming God. I do not know what I Heaven or of a welcoming God. I do not know what I shall find. I must wait and see (shall find. I must wait and see (Daily Express Daily Express 4).4).

The millions who have lived on this planet in the midst The millions who have lived on this planet in the midst of the famine foreseen by Amos, one of hearing the of the famine foreseen by Amos, one of hearing the word of God, word of God, have never known the taste and have never known the taste and nourishment of whole grain gospelnourishment of whole grain gospel (Amos 8:11-12). (Amos 8:11-12).

Instead, they have subsisted on the Instead, they have subsisted on the fast foods of fast foods of philosophyphilosophy. When Jesus spoke of himself as the . When Jesus spoke of himself as the bread of life, it caused some to walk no more with him bread of life, it caused some to walk no more with him (John 6:66). No wonder Jesus said, “Blessed is he, (John 6:66). No wonder Jesus said, “Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me” (Matthew whosoever shall not be offended in me” (Matthew 11:6; see also John 6:61). To which I add, brothers 11:6; see also John 6:61). To which I add, brothers and sisters, “and sisters, “Blessed is he who is not offended by Blessed is he who is not offended by the Restorationthe Restoration!”!”

Elder Neal A. MaxwellElder Neal A. Maxwell

““My Name””

Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught: Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught:

““Young Joseph was told that his name would be ‘both Young Joseph was told that his name would be ‘both good and evil spoken of’ throughout the world (Joseph good and evil spoken of’ throughout the world (Joseph Smith --- History 1:33). Smith --- History 1:33).

Except from a divine source, how audacious a Except from a divine source, how audacious a statement! statement!

Yet his contemporary religious leaders, then much Yet his contemporary religious leaders, then much better known than Joseph, have faded into the better known than Joseph, have faded into the footnotes of history, while the work of Joseph Smith footnotes of history, while the work of Joseph Smith grows constantly and globally” (C.R., Oct. 1983, 75).grows constantly and globally” (C.R., Oct. 1983, 75).

President Gordon B. Hinckley taught: President Gordon B. Hinckley taught:

““This glorious First Vision…was the parting of This glorious First Vision…was the parting of the curtain to open this, the dispensation of the the curtain to open this, the dispensation of the fullness of times. Nothing on which we base fullness of times. Nothing on which we base our doctrine, nothing we teach, nothing we live our doctrine, nothing we teach, nothing we live by is of greater importance than this initial by is of greater importance than this initial declaration. I submit that if Joseph Smith declaration. I submit that if Joseph Smith talked with God the Father and His Beloved talked with God the Father and His Beloved Son, then all else of which he spoke is true. Son, then all else of which he spoke is true. This is the hinge on which turns the gate that This is the hinge on which turns the gate that leads to the path of salvation and eternal lifeleads to the path of salvation and eternal life” ” (C.R., Oct. 1998, 90-91).(C.R., Oct. 1998, 90-91).

“…“…Is not the persecution itself a witness of the Is not the persecution itself a witness of the reality of the First Visionreality of the First Vision??

Or if it were not true, would the worldly wise Or if it were not true, would the worldly wise and the intellectual religionist today devote their and the intellectual religionist today devote their talents and means to defaming Joseph Smith talents and means to defaming Joseph Smith and the work that bears his imprint? What is it and the work that bears his imprint? What is it to anyone else what we believe unless they in to anyone else what we believe unless they in their unbelief fear lest our doctrines are true their unbelief fear lest our doctrines are true and our practices may have divine approval?” and our practices may have divine approval?” ((A New Witness for the Articles of FaithA New Witness for the Articles of Faith, 8-10)., 8-10).

Elder Bruce R. McConkie, a member of the Quorum of Twelve Elder Bruce R. McConkie, a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, wrote:Apostles, wrote:

Why should so many religionist unite against an unknown youth Why should so many religionist unite against an unknown youth of no renown or standing in the community? of no renown or standing in the community?

Would the whole sectarian world shiver and shake and call for a Would the whole sectarian world shiver and shake and call for a sword if some other unknown fourteen-year-old youth in an sword if some other unknown fourteen-year-old youth in an obscure frontier village should claim that he was visited by obscure frontier village should claim that he was visited by angels and that he saw the Lord? angels and that he saw the Lord?

The problem when Joseph Smith announced such a claim was The problem when Joseph Smith announced such a claim was that it was true and that Lucifer knew of its verity.that it was true and that Lucifer knew of its verity.

Given the tender feelings of this fourteen-year old Given the tender feelings of this fourteen-year old boy, it is little wonder that he should wish to tell his boy, it is little wonder that he should wish to tell his experience to his friends and acquaintances outside experience to his friends and acquaintances outside the family. One can sense his profound the family. One can sense his profound disappointment when, as was recorded by Elders disappointment when, as was recorded by Elders Orson Pratt and Orson Hyde, he “could find none Orson Pratt and Orson Hyde, he “could find none that would believe the heavenly vision” (Allen, that would believe the heavenly vision” (Allen, Improvement EraImprovement Era, Apr. 1970, 11)., Apr. 1970, 11).

His prayer was for personal and tactical guidance. His prayer was for personal and tactical guidance. The response, however, was of global and eternal The response, however, was of global and eternal significance (Neal A. Maxwell, significance (Neal A. Maxwell, EnsignEnsign, May 1992, , May 1992, 37).37).

The Sacred GroveThe Sacred Grove

Joseph told an editor of the New Joseph told an editor of the New York SpectatorYork Spectator::

““I immediately went out into the I immediately went out into the woods where my father had a woods where my father had a clearing, and went to the stump clearing, and went to the stump where I had struck my axe when I where I had struck my axe when I had quit work, and I kneeled down, had quit work, and I kneeled down, and prayedand prayed” (Allen, ” (Allen, Improvement Improvement EraEra, Apr. 1970, 13)., Apr. 1970, 13).

The Sacred GroveThe Sacred Grove

The Sacred GroveThe Sacred Grove

Joseph told the story of his vision to his Joseph told the story of his vision to his family. family.

His brother William affirmed: His brother William affirmed:

““We all had the most implicit confidence in We all had the most implicit confidence in what he said. He was a truthful boy. what he said. He was a truthful boy. Father and Mother believed him, why Father and Mother believed him, why should not the children?” (should not the children?” (Deseret Deseret Evening NewsEvening News, 20 Jan. 1894, 11)., 20 Jan. 1894, 11).

At first Joseph was reluctant to talk about his At first Joseph was reluctant to talk about his vision. Most of the early converts probably vision. Most of the early converts probably never heard about the 1820 vision.never heard about the 1820 vision.

In 1832 when he described the “First Vision” he In 1832 when he described the “First Vision” he abbreviated the experience. As Joseph abbreviated the experience. As Joseph became more confident, more details came out.became more confident, more details came out.

In 1835, he said that first one personage In 1835, he said that first one personage appeared and then another. In 1838, he appeared and then another. In 1838, he reported that the first pointed to the other and reported that the first pointed to the other and said, “This is my beloved Son, hear Him,” Also, said, “This is my beloved Son, hear Him,” Also, that he was told to join none of the sects.that he was told to join none of the sects.

As late as 1831, he was slow to say much As late as 1831, he was slow to say much about Moroni. He was not interested in about Moroni. He was not interested in notoriety.notoriety.

Joseph did tell a Methodist preacher about the Joseph did tell a Methodist preacher about the First Vision. First Vision.

Newly reborn people customarily talked over Newly reborn people customarily talked over their experiences with a clergyman to test the their experiences with a clergyman to test the validity of the conversionvalidity of the conversion. The preacher . The preacher reacted quickly and negatively, not because of reacted quickly and negatively, not because of the strangeness of Joseph’s story but because the strangeness of Joseph’s story but because of its familiarityof its familiarity. . Subjects of revivals often Subjects of revivals often claimed to have seen visions.claimed to have seen visions.

The Smith Log HouseThe Smith Log House

Smith Family Log HouseSmith Family Log House

The Smith Family Log The Smith Family Log House KitchenHouse Kitchen

The Smith Family Log House The Smith Family Log House UpstairsUpstairs

Etching located at the Smith Etching located at the Smith family farmfamily farm

Palmyra TemplePalmyra Temple

Palmyra Temple from the Sacred GrovePalmyra Temple from the Sacred Grove

Palmyra Temple --- Stained Glass WindowsPalmyra Temple --- Stained Glass Windows

TheophanyTheophany

““Vision of Deity”Vision of Deity”

Joseph did not intend to start his own church, nor did he think that truth was not on the earth.

Not since the resurrection of Jesus Christ had there been such a threat to the devil’s kingdom. Little wonder, then, that Satan was present that morning.

Joseph Had Three QuestionsJoseph Had Three Questions

1. 1. Which of all the churches were trueWhich of all the churches were true??

2. 2. How did he stand before God and could he be forgiven How did he stand before God and could he be forgiven of his sinsof his sins??

Joseph wrote in his personal history that “Joseph wrote in his personal history that “at about the age of at about the age of twelve yearstwelve years, my mind became seriously impressed with regard , my mind became seriously impressed with regard to the all important concerns for the welfare of my immortal soul” to the all important concerns for the welfare of my immortal soul” (“(“Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 4-5).Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 4-5).

3. 3. He was worried about the general condition of He was worried about the general condition of mankind mankind and the world and what he could do about it.and the world and what he could do about it.

How many accounts of the How many accounts of the First Vision are thereFirst Vision are there??

Eight Accounts of the First VisionEight Accounts of the First Vision

1.The 1831-32 account was written by Frederick G. 1.The 1831-32 account was written by Frederick G. Williams and was the earliest account. Williams and was the earliest account.

2.2. The 1835 account was written by The 1835 account was written by Warren CowderyWarren Cowdery (did not remain faithful). It was written to a Jewish (did not remain faithful). It was written to a Jewish minister by the name of Robert Matthias (called minister by the name of Robert Matthias (called Joshua) and was one paragraph long.Joshua) and was one paragraph long.

3. The 1838 account is the one contained in the Pearl of 3. The 1838 account is the one contained in the Pearl of Great Price and is hence accepted as official by the Great Price and is hence accepted as official by the Church. It was written by Church. It was written by James MulhollandJames Mulholland. James . James was a scribe and personal secretary to Joseph Smith was a scribe and personal secretary to Joseph Smith and one of the great souls of this dispensation.and one of the great souls of this dispensation.

4. The 1840 account was written by 4. The 1840 account was written by Orson PrattOrson Pratt while in England. It was while in England. It was contained in a pamphlet entitled contained in a pamphlet entitled “Remarkable Visions by Joseph Smith.”“Remarkable Visions by Joseph Smith.”

5. The 1842 account was written by 5. The 1842 account was written by Orson HydeOrson Hyde and was very similar to and was very similar to what Orson Pratt had written.what Orson Pratt had written.

6.6. Another 1842 account was written by Another 1842 account was written by Joseph Smith that was part of the Joseph Smith that was part of the

Wentworth Letter send to Chicago.Wentworth Letter send to Chicago.

7. 7. The 1843 account was published in the New The 1843 account was published in the New York Spectator, a newspaper. York Spectator, a newspaper. The editor of the The editor of the Pittsburg GazettePittsburg Gazette paid a visit to Joseph Smith and paid a visit to Joseph Smith and recounted to him the vision for accuracy.recounted to him the vision for accuracy.

8. 8. The May, 1844 account was called the The May, 1844 account was called the Alexander Alexander NeiburNeibur account. It was written the very account. It was written the very day day Joseph Smith told of it to Alexander. It was Joseph Smith told of it to Alexander. It was given given about a month before Joseph was about a month before Joseph was martyred. martyred. Alexander was the German-Jewish dentist Alexander was the German-Jewish dentist that that fixed Joseph’s tooth in Nauvoo that was broken fixed Joseph’s tooth in Nauvoo that was broken

when he was tarred and feathered in Hiram when he was tarred and feathered in Hiram Ohio. Neibur was faithful to the end. The Ohio. Neibur was faithful to the end. The Church Church still has his dental kit. He was the still has his dental kit. He was the great-grandfather great-grandfather of Hugh Nibley. He also of Hugh Nibley. He also made false teeth for made false teeth for Brigham Young.Brigham Young.

The Various Elements of Joseph Smith’s First Vision as recorded in the Eight Contemporary The Various Elements of Joseph Smith’s First Vision as recorded in the Eight Contemporary AccountsAccounts::

1831-321831-32 18351835 1838-391838-39 PrattPratt HydeHyde WentworthWentworth editoreditor NeibaurNeibaur

Religious Excitement x xReligious Excitement x x

Joseph’s concern for x x x x xJoseph’s concern for x x x x x

his soulhis soul

Frustration/ denom. X x x x x x xFrustration/ denom. X x x x x x x

Concern/ mankind xConcern/ mankind x

Quest/ Forgiveness xQuest/ Forgiveness x

Which Church/ True? x x x x x x x xWhich Church/ True? x x x x x x x x

Searching/ Scriptures x x x x x x x xSearching/ Scriptures x x x x x x x x

His prayer x x x x x x x xHis prayer x x x x x x x x

Satan’s presence x x x x xSatan’s presence x x x x x

Appearance of light x x x x x xAppearance of light x x x x x x

Appearance/ Deity x x x x x x x xAppearance/ Deity x x x x x x x x

Separate/ “2” x x x x x x xSeparate/ “2” x x x x x x x

Forgiveness/ Joseph x x xForgiveness/ Joseph x x x

Testimony of Jesus x x x xTestimony of Jesus x x x x

Join no Church x x x x x x xJoin no Church x x x x x x x

Gospel/ to be restored x x xGospel/ to be restored x x x

Joseph/ filled with love x Joseph/ filled with love x

Unsuccessful effort x x x Unsuccessful effort x x x

to Get others to believe to Get others to believe

the Story the Story

What is the Joseph Smith History that is What is the Joseph Smith History that is found in the Pearl of Great Pricefound in the Pearl of Great Price??

It tells of Joseph’s experiences from his early years It tells of Joseph’s experiences from his early years through May 1829. through May 1829.

It was extracted by It was extracted by Elder Franklin D. RichardsElder Franklin D. Richards, who , who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, from a much longer history the Prophet began in 1838. from a much longer history the Prophet began in 1838.

The extract was first published in England in 1851The extract was first published in England in 1851..

The excerpts came from the first five chapters of what The excerpts came from the first five chapters of what eventually became the seven-volume History of the eventually became the seven-volume History of the Church.Church.

The Joseph Smith --- History became scripture in The Joseph Smith --- History became scripture in 1880 when the Pearl of Great Price was canonized as 1880 when the Pearl of Great Price was canonized as one of the standard works of the Church.one of the standard works of the Church.

Oliver Cowdery wrote eight letters about Joseph’s Oliver Cowdery wrote eight letters about Joseph’s early visions, which were published in the Latter Day early visions, which were published in the Latter Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate in 1834-35.Saints’ Messenger and Advocate in 1834-35.

Joseph Smith commenced work on a history between Joseph Smith commenced work on a history between July and November of 1832. Finally in June of 1839, July and November of 1832. Finally in June of 1839, Joseph undertook the work again.Joseph undertook the work again.

After settling with his family in Far West, After settling with his family in Far West, Missouri, Joseph, “with the assistance of Missouri, Joseph, “with the assistance of Sidney Rigdon… embarked on the Sidney Rigdon… embarked on the ambitious project of writing a history of the ambitious project of writing a history of the Church from its beginning… The history of Church from its beginning… The history of Joseph Smith and the early events of the Joseph Smith and the early events of the Restoration now found in the Pearl of Restoration now found in the Pearl of Great Price were a product of this project Great Price were a product of this project begun in April 1838” (begun in April 1838” (Church History in Church History in the Fullness of Timesthe Fullness of Times, 187)., 187).

The First Vision on April 6The First Vision on April 6thth??

Three General Authorities have made a case that the Three General Authorities have made a case that the first vision took place on April 6first vision took place on April 6 thth. .

If it is true there would have been no leaves on the If it is true there would have been no leaves on the trees. Leaves generally begin to grow in the second trees. Leaves generally begin to grow in the second week of Mayweek of May..

1. Charles Nibley (C.R., October 1929, 26-27). 1. Charles Nibley (C.R., October 1929, 26-27).

2. Bruce R. McConkie2. Bruce R. McConkie

3. Francis Lyman3. Francis Lyman

Facts about the First VisionFacts about the First VisionAll eight accounts of the First Vision are good All eight accounts of the First Vision are good accounts.accounts.

Three of the eight accounts stated that at least Three of the eight accounts stated that at least one person (God the father) came first and then one person (God the father) came first and then the other (Jesus Christ) one followed.the other (Jesus Christ) one followed.

In one account it said that Joseph saw many In one account it said that Joseph saw many angels. This should not surprise us as he knew angels. This should not surprise us as he knew them all (them all (D&C 128:21D&C 128:21).).

Joseph had been pondering his Joseph had been pondering his religious circumstances since he religious circumstances since he was twelvewas twelve. It was not a sudden . It was not a sudden thing for him to go into the grove.thing for him to go into the grove.

Joseph later taught that if we had Joseph later taught that if we had enough faith, we would go and ask enough faith, we would go and ask the person who knew the most the person who knew the most about it and they would appearabout it and they would appear..

Reverend George Lane, a travelling Reverend George Lane, a travelling Methodist MinisterMethodist Minister

James 1:5James 1:5

Written to Joseph SmithWritten to Joseph Smith??

Look carefully at James 1:1Look carefully at James 1:1

Reverend George LaneReverend George Lane of the Methodist Church preached a of the Methodist Church preached a sermon on: sermon on:

““What Church should I joinWhat Church should I join?”?”

He taught that the burden was to ask God, using as his text, He taught that the burden was to ask God, using as his text, ““James 1:5James 1:5,” “If any man lacks wisdom let him ask of God who ,” “If any man lacks wisdom let him ask of God who giveth to all men liberally.” giveth to all men liberally.”

Reverend Lane may very well be deserving of our thanksReverend Lane may very well be deserving of our thanks!!

What do we learn from What do we learn from the 1the 1stst Vision Vision??

The Godhead is distinct and separate beings.The Godhead is distinct and separate beings.

The reality of Satan.The reality of Satan.

Revelation still happens.Revelation still happens.

God knows us by name.God knows us by name.

No true church, a restoration of all things would be necessary.No true church, a restoration of all things would be necessary.

Ephesians 4:5 --- One Lord, one faith, one baptism.Ephesians 4:5 --- One Lord, one faith, one baptism.

The Powers of DarknessThe Powers of Darkness

Speaking of Joseph’s Smith’s experience with Satan, Speaking of Joseph’s Smith’s experience with Satan, Elder Spencer W. Kimball, then a member of the Elder Spencer W. Kimball, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught: Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught:

““The powers of darkness preceded the light. When The powers of darkness preceded the light. When (Joseph Smith) knelt in solitude in the silent forest, his (Joseph Smith) knelt in solitude in the silent forest, his earnest prayer brought on a battle royal which earnest prayer brought on a battle royal which threatened his destruction. For centuries, Lucifer with threatened his destruction. For centuries, Lucifer with unlimited dominion had fettered men’s minds. He unlimited dominion had fettered men’s minds. He could ill-afford to lose his satanic hold. This threatened could ill-afford to lose his satanic hold. This threatened his unlimited dominion” (C.R., Apr. 1964, 98).his unlimited dominion” (C.R., Apr. 1964, 98).

A Pillar of LightA Pillar of Light

Elder Orson Pratt wrote that the pillar of light young Joseph saw Elder Orson Pratt wrote that the pillar of light young Joseph saw descended gradually, increasing in brightness so that “by the descended gradually, increasing in brightness so that “by the time it reached the tops of the trees the whole wilderness, for time it reached the tops of the trees the whole wilderness, for some distance around, was illuminated in a most glorious and some distance around, was illuminated in a most glorious and brilliant manner. brilliant manner. He expected to have seen the leaves and He expected to have seen the leaves and boughs of the trees consumedboughs of the trees consumed, as soon as the light came in , as soon as the light came in contact with them…. It continued descending slowly, until it contact with them…. It continued descending slowly, until it rested upon the earth, and he was enveloped in the midst of it.rested upon the earth, and he was enveloped in the midst of it.

“…“…When it first came upon him, it produced a peculiar When it first came upon him, it produced a peculiar sensation throughout his whole system; and, immediately, his sensation throughout his whole system; and, immediately, his mind was caught away from the natural objects with which he mind was caught away from the natural objects with which he was surrounded; and he was enwrapped in a heavenly vision” was surrounded; and he was enwrapped in a heavenly vision” (Allen, (Allen, Improvement EraImprovement Era, Apr. 1970, 10)., Apr. 1970, 10).

““Join none of themJoin none of them””

Speaking of the Lord’s statement about other Speaking of the Lord’s statement about other churches in Joseph Smith --- History 1:19, Elder churches in Joseph Smith --- History 1:19, Elder Boyd K. Packer, a member of the Quorum of the Boyd K. Packer, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, explained: Twelve Apostles, explained:

““Now this is not to say that the churches, all of them, Now this is not to say that the churches, all of them, are without some truth. They have some truth --- are without some truth. They have some truth --- some of them very much of it. They have a form of some of them very much of it. They have a form of godliness. Often the clergy and adherents are not godliness. Often the clergy and adherents are not without dedication, and many of them practice without dedication, and many of them practice remarkably well the virtues of Christianity. They are remarkably well the virtues of Christianity. They are nonetheless, incomplete” (C.R., Oct. 1971, 8).nonetheless, incomplete” (C.R., Oct. 1971, 8).

““Many Other ThingsMany Other Things””

President Ezra Taft Benson said that “at no time did Joseph President Ezra Taft Benson said that “at no time did Joseph reveal everything he learned in the First Vision” (reveal everything he learned in the First Vision” (The Teachings The Teachings of Ezra Taft Bensonof Ezra Taft Benson (1988), 112). (1988), 112).

We do, however, learn from the Prophet Joseph Smith that We do, however, learn from the Prophet Joseph Smith that during the First Vision the Savior told him that “the fullness of during the First Vision the Savior told him that “the fullness of the Gospel should at some future time be made known unto the Gospel should at some future time be made known unto him” (him” (HCHC, 4:536). , 4:536).

In addition, he was told “many other things” that he was unable In addition, he was told “many other things” that he was unable to write. to write.

During this Time PeriodDuring this Time PeriodThe Baptist were the largest religious group in the The Baptist were the largest religious group in the area.area.

The Methodist were the fastest growing.The Methodist were the fastest growing.

RevivalsRevivals::

Lots of screamingLots of screaming Grog shops (alcohol)Grog shops (alcohol)

MerchandizingMerchandizing About 1,000 people About 1,000 people attendedattended

Lasted all day and nightLasted all day and night

Joseph Smith called “revivals” a circusJoseph Smith called “revivals” a circus..

Treeing the DevilTreeing the Devil

Joseph taught that the ministers gathered together prior to the Joseph taught that the ministers gathered together prior to the starting of the meeting (revival). They believed that since they starting of the meeting (revival). They believed that since they were there, the devil would be there also. were there, the devil would be there also.

The ministers and followers then began to “tree the devil.” They The ministers and followers then began to “tree the devil.” They gathered in a circle and crawled on there hands and knees gathered in a circle and crawled on there hands and knees barking like dogs. They eventually met at the tree because it barking like dogs. They eventually met at the tree because it was their belief that the devil would then be “caught in the tree.” was their belief that the devil would then be “caught in the tree.”

WhyWhy? ? Because they believed that the devil couldn’t Because they believed that the devil couldn’t stand stand the noise of a barking dog.the noise of a barking dog.

A few believers were assigned to continue to bark at the tree A few believers were assigned to continue to bark at the tree throughout the day and night. They performed this in shifts throughout the day and night. They performed this in shifts throughout the day to keep the devil “treed.”throughout the day to keep the devil “treed.”

The Assassination Attempt of The Assassination Attempt of Joseph SmithJoseph Smith

Joseph was a remarkably quiet well-disposed child, we did not Joseph was a remarkably quiet well-disposed child, we did not suspect that anyone had aught against him. He was out on an suspect that anyone had aught against him. He was out on an errand one evening about twilight. When he was returning errand one evening about twilight. When he was returning through the dooryard, a gun was fired across his pathway with through the dooryard, a gun was fired across his pathway with evident intention of killing him. He sprung to the door, threw it evident intention of killing him. He sprung to the door, threw it open, and fell upon the floor with fright.open, and fell upon the floor with fright.

We went in search of the person who fired the gun, but found We went in search of the person who fired the gun, but found no trace of him until the next morning when we found his tracks no trace of him until the next morning when we found his tracks under a wagon where he lay when he fired. We found the balls under a wagon where he lay when he fired. We found the balls that were discharged from his piece the next day in the head that were discharged from his piece the next day in the head and neck of a cow that stood opposite the wagon in a dark and neck of a cow that stood opposite the wagon in a dark corner, but we never found out the man, nor ever suspected the corner, but we never found out the man, nor ever suspected the cause of the act (cause of the act (this happened a few months before the first this happened a few months before the first visionvision).).

The First Visions 1816-27The First Visions 1816-27

For a year and a half after their For a year and a half after their arrival, the Smiths lived in Palmyra arrival, the Smiths lived in Palmyra without a farm. In Palmyra they without a farm. In Palmyra they survived by their labor alone.survived by their labor alone.

The wages of Alvin and Hyrum, The wages of Alvin and Hyrum, and the family’s industry allowed and the family’s industry allowed the Smiths to contract for a farm the Smiths to contract for a farm for the first time in fifteen years.for the first time in fifteen years.

RevelationsRevelations

In 1818 when Joseph Jr. was twelve, he began to be troubled about his sins, though apparently no one in the family knew about it.

Joseph’s religious struggles were unknown in the village. The publication of the Book of Mormon was a surprise to everyone.

The best barometer of the household’s religious climate were seven dreams Joseph Sr. had in the years before and after his son’s first vision. Lucy wrote down five of them, calling them visions (Lucy recorded them thirty years later, so there is no way of testing the accuracy of her memory).

Financial pressures increased in 1822 after Financial pressures increased in 1822 after Joseph’s elder brother, Alvin, began to build a Joseph’s elder brother, Alvin, began to build a frame house for the family. They managed this frame house for the family. They managed this extravagant undertaking by making a fatal extravagant undertaking by making a fatal mistake. Alvin, left home in order to raise the mistake. Alvin, left home in order to raise the money needed, and after much hardship and money needed, and after much hardship and fatigue, returned with the required amount. The fatigue, returned with the required amount. The payment was not applied to the mortgage. payment was not applied to the mortgage. Rather than putting the money aside for the Rather than putting the money aside for the inevitable time when the payment would be inevitable time when the payment would be required, it was spent on other things. required, it was spent on other things. Lucy felt Lucy felt the social pressure to move up from their log the social pressure to move up from their log househouse..

There would be no inheritances for Joseph’s There would be no inheritances for Joseph’s and Lucy ‘s sons. By the standard measures of and Lucy ‘s sons. By the standard measures of success in a rural society, they had failed.success in a rural society, they had failed.

From time to time Joseph Jr. drank too much. From time to time Joseph Jr. drank too much. As one Palmyran later said: “every body drank As one Palmyran later said: “every body drank them times. Joseph regretted his gratification them times. Joseph regretted his gratification of many appetites offensive in the sight of God.of many appetites offensive in the sight of God.

A turning point came in the fall of 1823. That A turning point came in the fall of 1823. That night after the others in the crowded little house night after the others in the crowded little house had gone to sleep, Joseph remained awake to had gone to sleep, Joseph remained awake to pray “to Almighty God for forgiveness of all his pray “to Almighty God for forgiveness of all his sins and follies.sins and follies.

Under the top stone was a box made of Under the top stone was a box made of five stones set in cement with their flat five stones set in cement with their flat sides turned in. Inside lay the plates, the sides turned in. Inside lay the plates, the Urim and Thummin, and the breastplate.Urim and Thummin, and the breastplate.

William said they were “melted to tears, William said they were “melted to tears, and believed all he said. He had made and believed all he said. He had made his first converts. It struck Lucy that her his first converts. It struck Lucy that her family presented the most peculiar aspect family presented the most peculiar aspect of any family that ever lived upon the of any family that ever lived upon the earth, all giving the most profound earth, all giving the most profound attention to a boy, eighteen years of age; attention to a boy, eighteen years of age; who had never read the Bible through in who had never read the Bible through in his lifehis life..

MoneyMoney

Less than two months after Joseph went to the hill, Less than two months after Joseph went to the hill, Alvin fell sick with Alvin fell sick with bilious colicbilious colic. Alvin had taken . Alvin had taken greater interest in the gold plates than any of the other greater interest in the gold plates than any of the other family members.family members.

With Alvin’s death, they now had at least two land With Alvin’s death, they now had at least two land payments to make and no Alvin to help out. Russell payments to make and no Alvin to help out. Russell Stoddard the carpenter who had completed the house Stoddard the carpenter who had completed the house sued the Smiths for payment in February of 1825.sued the Smiths for payment in February of 1825.

The Smiths were doomed to revert to tenancy, and The Smiths were doomed to revert to tenancy, and when old age overtook them, instead of the dignity of when old age overtook them, instead of the dignity of a house and land of their own, they would live as a house and land of their own, they would live as guests in the house of one of their childrenguests in the house of one of their children..

MarriageMarriage

Josiah Stowell Jr. said Joseph was “a fine likely Josiah Stowell Jr. said Joseph was “a fine likely young man and at the time did not profess religion, young man and at the time did not profess religion, he was not a profane man although I did once in a he was not a profane man although I did once in a while hear him swear, he never gambled to my while hear him swear, he never gambled to my knowledge…. I never knew him to get drunkknowledge…. I never knew him to get drunk..

Joseph met Emma while he and his father boarded Joseph met Emma while he and his father boarded at the Hale home in Harmony during the treasure-at the Hale home in Harmony during the treasure-hunting expedition. Isaac Hale objected to the hunting expedition. Isaac Hale objected to the relationship of Emma and Joseph because Joseph relationship of Emma and Joseph because Joseph was a stranger and followed a business that he did was a stranger and followed a business that he did not approve.not approve.

Joseph told his mother about Emma Hale and said Joseph told his mother about Emma Hale and said that she would be his choice in preference to any that she would be his choice in preference to any other woman he had ever seen.other woman he had ever seen.

Emma preferring to marry Joseph to any other man she Emma preferring to marry Joseph to any other man she knew. Joseph was 21 and Emma 22 when they eloped.knew. Joseph was 21 and Emma 22 when they eloped.

Emma described Joseph as handsome, over six feet tall with Emma described Joseph as handsome, over six feet tall with a broad chest and wide shoulders, light brown hair, blue a broad chest and wide shoulders, light brown hair, blue eyes, and long thick eye-lashes, bush brows, and a little eyes, and long thick eye-lashes, bush brows, and a little beard.beard.

The first time Isaac Hale saw Joseph after they eloped he The first time Isaac Hale saw Joseph after they eloped he tearfully rebuked Joseph for stealing his daughter and said he tearfully rebuked Joseph for stealing his daughter and said he would rather follow Emma to her grave than have her married would rather follow Emma to her grave than have her married to himto him. .

Joseph assured his father in law that his treasure seeking Joseph assured his father in law that his treasure seeking was behind him, and that “he expected to work hard for a was behind him, and that “he expected to work hard for a living, and was willing to do so.” living, and was willing to do so.”

Apparently convinced, Isaac offered to let the couple live on Apparently convinced, Isaac offered to let the couple live on the Hale property and to help Joseph get started in business.the Hale property and to help Joseph get started in business.

““I was merely instructed in I was merely instructed in reading, writing, and the ground reading, writing, and the ground rules of arithmetic which rules of arithmetic which constituted my whole literary constituted my whole literary acquirements’ (“acquirements’ (“History of Joseph History of Joseph Smith by HimselfSmith by Himself,” 1)” (,” 1)” (Church Church History in the Fullness of TimesHistory in the Fullness of Times, , 29-30).29-30).

A desolate world, a gloomy desert, A desolate world, a gloomy desert, a yearning for relief or redemption. a yearning for relief or redemption. The visions held the promise that The visions held the promise that beyond a gate, through a door, beyond a gate, through a door, under a tree could be found under a tree could be found healing and salvation. In some, healing and salvation. In some, Joseph Sr. reached his goal; in Joseph Sr. reached his goal; in others it hovered just beyond others it hovered just beyond reach, promised but not attained.reach, promised but not attained.

Seer StonesSeer Stones

After less than a month Joseph Jr. prevailed After less than a month Joseph Jr. prevailed upon Josiah Stowell to stop digging.upon Josiah Stowell to stop digging.

Joseph had discovered two stones, one in 1822 Joseph had discovered two stones, one in 1822 while digging a well for Willard Chase a half while digging a well for Willard Chase a half mile from the Smith farm. mile from the Smith farm.

The source of the other stone is uncertain.The source of the other stone is uncertain.

Emma Smith described one of them as “a small stone, Emma Smith described one of them as “a small stone, not exactly black, but was rather a dark color.” In not exactly black, but was rather a dark color.” In 1841 Joseph showed his other, whitish stone to the 1841 Joseph showed his other, whitish stone to the Council of the Twelve in Nauvoo and told them. Council of the Twelve in Nauvoo and told them. Brigham Young reported, “that every man who lived Brigham Young reported, “that every man who lived on the earth was entitled to a seer stone and should on the earth was entitled to a seer stone and should have one, but they are kept from them in consequence have one, but they are kept from them in consequence of their wickednessof their wickedness.”.”

In 1888, when Wilford Woodruff consecrated a seer In 1888, when Wilford Woodruff consecrated a seer stone upon an altar in Manti, Utah, he wrote that it was stone upon an altar in Manti, Utah, he wrote that it was the stone “that Joseph Smith found by revelation some the stone “that Joseph Smith found by revelation some thirty feet under the earth (ground), and carried by him thirty feet under the earth (ground), and carried by him through life.” For a time Joseph used a seer stone to through life.” For a time Joseph used a seer stone to help people find lost property and other hidden things, help people find lost property and other hidden things, with his reputation reaching Josiah Stowellwith his reputation reaching Josiah Stowell..

Money digging was epidemic in Money digging was epidemic in upstate New Yorkupstate New York

Josiah Stowell was an upright Josiah Stowell was an upright Presbyterian and an honored man in Presbyterian and an honored man in his community. The so-called his community. The so-called credulity of the money-diggers can be credulity of the money-diggers can be read as evidence of their general faith read as evidence of their general faith in invisible forces.in invisible forces.

The visit of the angel and the discovery of the The visit of the angel and the discovery of the gold plates confirmed the belief in gold plates confirmed the belief in supernatural powers.supernatural powers.

It may have taken Joseph four years to purge It may have taken Joseph four years to purge himself of his treasure-seeking greed. Joseph himself of his treasure-seeking greed. Joseph Jr. never repudiated the stones or denied their Jr. never repudiated the stones or denied their power to find treasurepower to find treasure..

Martin Harris supported, remembered Joseph Martin Harris supported, remembered Joseph saying that “the angel told him he must quit saying that “the angel told him he must quit the company of the money-diggers.the company of the money-diggers.