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The purpose of the following harmony is to demonstrate
the inherent unanimity and concurrence manifest by the nine known major
recitals of Joseph Smith's First Vision. The original texts of each of
the nine major accounts were taken in their entirety, allowing neither
addition nor deletions. These texts were each broken up into basic descriptive
units and then grouped according to topics. The final grouping necessitated
a shuffling of the original narrative sequence in many instances.
In order to fully appreciate this harmony it should be
laid out on a desk or table top in such a manner that all nine accounts
appear side by side. Bear in mind that each account was prepared at a sequentially
later date, and several of the accounts are dependent upon one or more
of the previous accounts.
To make it more easy to navigate I am including a linked
Table of Contents as follows:
Introduction
1832
A History of the life of Joseph Smith Jr. an account of his marvilous
experience and of all the mighty acts which he doeth in the name of Jesus
Chist the son of the living God of whom he beareth record and also an account
of the rise of the church of Christ in the eve of time according as the
Lord brough<t> forth and established by his hand <firstly> he receiving
the testamony from on high secondly the ministering of Angels thirdly the
reception of the holy Priesthood by the ministring of Aangels to adminster
the letter of the Gospel-- <--the Law and commandments as they were
given unto him--> and the ordinencs, forthly a confirmation and reception
of the high Priesthood after the holy order of the son of the living God
power and ordinence from on high to preach the Gospel in the administration
and demonstration of the spirit the Kees of the Kingdom of God confered
upon him and the continuation of the blessings of God to him &c–– |
1835
While sitting in his house this morning between the hours of ten and
eleven, a man came in and introduced himself to him calling himself Joshua,
the Jewish Minister, His appearance was something singular, having a beard
about three inches in length which is quite grey. his hair was also long
and considerably silvered with age. He had the appearance of a man about
50 or 55 years old. He was tall and straight, slender frame, blue eyes,
thin visage, and fair complexion. He wore a green frock coat and pantaloons
of the same color. He had on a black fur hat with a narrow brim. When speaking
he frequently shuts his eyes and exhibits a kind of scowl upon his countenance.
He (Joseph) made some inquiry after his name, but, received no definite
answer. The conversation soon turned upon the subject of Religion, and
after the subject of this narrative had made some remarks concerning the
bible, he commenced giving him a relation of the circumstances, connected
with the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, which were nearly as follows. |
1839
Owing to the many reports which have been put in circulation by evil-disposed
and designing persons, in relation to the rise and progress of the Church
of <Jesus Christ of> Latter day Saints, all of which have been designed
by the authors thereof to militate against its character as a church and
its progress in the world; I have been induced to write this history to
disabuse the publick mind, and put all inquirers after truth in possession
of the facts, as they have transpired, in relation both to myself and the
Church as far as I have such facts in my possession.
In this history I shall present the various events in relation to this
Church, in truth and righteousness as they have transpired, or as they
at present exist, being now the eighth year since the organization of the
said Church.
|
1840
---------- |
1842A
At the request of Mr. John Wentworth, Editor, and Proprietor of the
"Chicago Democrat," I have written the following sketch of the rise, progress,
persecution, and faith of the Latter-Day Saints, of which I have the honor,
under God, of being the founder. Mr. Wentworth says, that he wishes to
furnish Mr. Bastow, a friend of his, who is writing the history of New
Hampshire, with this document. As Mr. Bastow has taken the proper steps
to obtain correct information all that I shall ask at his hands, is, that
he publish the account entire, ungarnished, and without misrepresentation
.
|
1842B
---------- |
1843
The Lord does reveal himself to me. I will tell you about it. |
1844
---------- |
1850
The church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was first organized
in the Town of Manchester, Ontario County, State of New York, U.S.A., 6th
April 1830. Previous to this an holy angel appeared unto a young man about
fifteen years of age, a farmer's son, named Joseph Smith, and communicated
unto him many things pertaining to the situation of the religious world,
the necessity of a correct church organization, and unfolded many events
that should transpire in the last days, as spoken of by the Prophets.
As near as possible I will give the words as he related them to me.
|
Birth of the Prophet Joseph Smith
1832
I was born in the town of Charon in the <State> of Vermont North
America on the twenty third day of December AD 1805 of goodly Parents who
spared no pains to instructing me in <the> christian religion |
1835
---------- |
1839
I was born in the year of our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and five,
on the twenty third day of December, in the town of Sharon, Windsor County,
State of Vermont |
1840
Mr. Joseph Smith, jun. who made the following important discovery,
was born in the town of Sharon, Windsor county, Vermont, on the 23d December,
A.D. 1805. |
1842A
I was born in the town of Sharon Windsor co., Vermont, on the 23d of
December, A.D. 1805. |
1842B
Joseph Smith Jr., to whom the angel of the Lord was sent first, was
born in the town of Sharon, Windsor County, Vermont, on the 23rd of December,
1805. |
1843
---------- |
1844
---------- |
1850
---------- |
His early move to Palmyra and Manchester
1832
at the age of about ten years my Father Joseph Smith Siegnior moved
to Palmyra Ontario County in the State of New York
|
1835
---------- |
1839
My father Joseph Smith Senior left the State of Vermont and moved to
Palmyra, Ontario, (now Wayne) County, in the State of New York when I was
in my tenth year. <or thereabouts.>
In about four years after my father's arrival in Palmyra, he moved with
his family into Manchester in the same County of Ontario--
|
1840
When ten years old, his parents, with their family, moved to Palmyra,
New York; in the vicinity of which he resided for about eleven years, the
latter part in the town of Manchester. |
1842A
When ten years old my parents removed to Palmyra New York, where we
resided about four years, and from thence we removed to the town of Manchester. |
1842B
When ten years old, his parents with their family, moved to Palmyra,
New York, in the vicinity of which he resided for about eleven years, the
latter part in the town of Manchester. |
1843
---------- |
1844
---------- |
1850
---------- |
They were poor, and had a large
family
1832
and being in indigent circumstances were obliged to labour hard for
the support of a large Family having nine children and as it required the
exertions of all that were able to render any assistance for the support
of the Family |
1835
---------- |
1839
His family consisting of eleven souls, namely, My Father Joseph Smith,
My Mother Lucy Smith whose name previous to her marriage was Mack, daughter
of Solomon Mack, My brothers Alvin (who <died November 19th: 1823 in
the 26th year of his age.> is now dead) Hyrum, Myself,
Samuel-Harrison, William, Don Carloss, and my Sisters, Sophonia, Catherine
and Lucy. |
1840
---------- |
1842A
---------- |
1842B
As his parents were poor and had to take care of a large family, |
1843
---------- |
1844
---------- |
1850
---------- |
He learned farming
1832
---------- |
1835
---------- |
1839
---------- |
1840
Cultivating the earth for a livelihood was his occupation, in which
he employed the most of his time. |
1842A
My father was a farmer and taught me the art of husbandry. |
1842B
His only activity was to plow and cultivate the fields |
1843
---------- |
1844
---------- |
1850
---------- |
His education was limited
1832
therefore we were deprived of the bennifit of an education suffice
it to say I was mearly instructed in reading sss and writing and the ground
<rules> of Arithmatic which constuted my whole literary acquirements. |
1835
---------- |
1839
---------- |
1840
His advantages for acquiring literary knowledge, were exceedingly small;
hence, his education was limited to a slight acquaintance, with two or
three of the common branches of learning. He could read without much difficulty,
and write a very imperfect hand; and had a very limited understanding of
the ground rules of arithmetic. These were his highest and only attainments;
while the rest of those branches, so universally taught in the common schools,
throughout the United States, were entirely unknown to him. |
1842A
---------- |
1842B
his education was very limited. He could read without much difficulty,
and write a very imperfect hand; and had a very limited understanding of
the elementary rules of arithmetic. These were his highest and only attainments;
while the rest of those branches, so universally taught in the common schools
throughout the United States, were entirely unknown to him. |
1843
---------- |
1844
---------- |
1850
---------- |
Joseph became interested in spiritual
things
1832
At about the age of twelve years my mind became seriously imprest with
regard to the all importent concerns for the wellfare of my immortal Soul
thus from the age of twelve years to fifteen I pondered many things
in my heart concerning the sittuation of the world of mankind the contentions
and divions the wickeness and abominations and the darkness which pervaded
the of the minds of mankind
|
1835
---------- |
1839
---------- |
1840
When somewhere about fourteen or fifteen years old, he began seriously
to reflect upon the necessity of being prepared for a future state of existence;
but how, or in what way, to prepare himself, was a question, as yet, undetermined
in his own mind. |
1842A
When about fourteen years of age I began to reflect upon the importance
of being prepared for a future state, |
1842B
When somewhere about fourteen or fifteen years old, he began seriously
to reflect upon the necessity of being prepared for a future state of existence;
but how, or in what way to prepare himself, was a question, as yet, undetermined
in his own mind; |
1843
---------- |
1844
---------- |
1850
---------- |
There was a religious revival in his neighborhood
1832
---------- |
1835
---------- |
1839
Sometime in the second year after our removal to Manchester, there
was in the place where we lived an unusual excitement on the subject of
religion. |
1840
---------- |
1842A
---------- |
1842B
---------- |
1843
There was a reformation among the different religious denominations
in the neighborhood where I lived, |
1844
Br. Joseph tolt us the first call he had a Revival Meeting, |
1850
He said that "in the neighborhood in which he resided there was a religious
revival, (a thing very common in that country) |
Many people were converted
1832
---------- |
1835
---------- |
1839
It commenced with the Methodists, but soon became general among all
the sects in that region of country, indeed, the whole district of Country
seemed affected by it and great multitudes united themselves to the different
religious parties, |
1840
---------- |
1842A
---------- |
1842B
---------- |
1843
---------- |
1844
---------- |
1850
that many professed to be converted; among the number, two or three
of his father's family. |
The churches contended with each other for converts
1832
---------- |
1835
---------- |
1839
which created no small stir and division amongst the people, some crying,
"Lo here" and some Lo there. Some were contending for the Methodist faith,
Some for the Presbyterian, and some for the Baptist; |
1840
If he went to the religious denominations to seek information, each
one pointed to its particular tenets, saying--"This is the way, walk ye
in it;" while, at the same time, the doctrines of each were in many respects,
in direct opposition to one another. |
1842A
if I went to one society they referred me to one plan, and another
to another; each one pointing to his own particular creed as the summum
bonum of perfection: |
1842B
---------- |
1843
---------- |
1844
---------- |
1850
---------- |
They professed unity and harmony
1832
----------
|
1835
----------
|
1839
for notwithstanding the great love which the converts to the different
faiths expressed at the time of their conversion, and the great zeal manifested
by the respective Clergy who were active in getting up and promoting this
extraordinary scene of religious feeling in order to have everybody converted
as they were pleased to call it, let them join what sect they pleased
|
1840
---------- |
1842A
---------- |
1842B
---------- |
1843
---------- |
1844
---------- |
1850
in which several different denominations were united; |
Yet they practiced dissension
1832
and my intimate acquaintance with those of differant denominations
led me to marvel excedingly for I discovered that <they did not adorn>
instead of adorning their profession
by a holy walk and Godly conversation agreeable to what I found contained
in that sacred depository this was a grief to my Soul |
1835
---------- |
1839
yet when the Converts began to file off some to one party and some
to another, it was seen that the seemingly good feelings of both the Priests
and the Converts were mere pretence more pretended than
real, for a scene of great confusion and bad feeling ensued; Priest contending
against priest, and convert against convert so that all their good feelings
one for another (if they ever had any) were entirely lost in a strife of
words and a contest about opinions.
The Presbyterians were most decided against the Baptists and Methodists,
and used all the powers of either reason or sophistry to prove their errors,
or at least to make the people think they were in error. On the other hand,
the Baptists and Methodists in their turn were equally Zealous in endeavoring
to establish their own tenets and disprove all others.
|
1840
---------- |
1842A
and upon enquiring the plan of salvation I found that there was a great
clash in religious sentiment; |
1842B
He discovered a religious world working under numerous errors, which
through their contradicting nature and principles, gave cause to the organization
of so many different sects and parties, and whose feelings against each
other were poisoned through hate, envy, malice and rage. |
1843
---------- |
1844
---------- |
1850
When the revival was over, there was a contention as to which of these
various societies the person who was converted should belong. |
Joseph's mind was troubled
1832
my mind become excedingly distressed for I became convicted of my sins |
1835
Being wrought up in my mind respecting the subject of Religion, |
1839
During this time of great excitement my mind was called up to serious
reflection and great uneasiness, but though my feelings were deep and often
pungent,
My mind at different times was greatly excited for
the cry and tumult were so great and incessant.
|
1840
He saw, that if he understood not the way, it would be impossible to
walk in it, except by chance; and the thought of resting his hopes of eternal
life upon chance, or uncertainties, was more than he could endure.
|
1842A
---------- |
1842B
He saw, that if he understood not the way, it would be impossible to
walk in it, except by chance; and the thought of resting his hopes of eternal
life upon chance or uncertainties, was more than he could endure. |
1843
---------- |
1844
---------- |
1850
His mind was troubled, he saw contention instead of peace, and division
instead of union; |
Several of his immediate family were converted
1832
---------- |
1835
---------- |
1839
My Father's family was<ere> proselyted to the Presbyterian
faith and four of them joined that Church, Namely, My Mother, Lucy, My
Brothers Hyrum, Samuel Harrison, and my sister Sophonia. |
1840
---------- |
1842A
---------- |
1842B
---------- |
1843
---------- |
1844
his Mother, Br. and Sisters got Religion. |
1850
One of his father's family joined one society, and another a different
one. |
Joseph desired to join one of the churches
1832
---------- |
1835
---------- |
1839
still I kept myself aloof from all these parties though I attended
their several meetings <as often> as occasion would permit. But in process
of time my mind became somewhat partial to the Methodist sect, and I felt
some desire to be united with them, |
1840
---------- |
1842A
---------- |
1842B
---------- |
1843
and I became serious, and was desirous to know what Church to join. |
1844
He wanted to get Religion too, wanted to feel and shout like the rest
but could feel nothing, |
1850
---------- |
But he could not tell which was right and which was
wrong
1832
---------- |
1835
and looking at the different systems taught the children of men, I
knew not who was right or who was wrong, |
1839
but so great was the confusion and strife amongst the different denominations
that it was impossible for a person young as I was and so unacquainted
with men and things to come to any certain conclusion who was right and
who was wrong.
In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said
to myself, what is to be done? Who of all these parties are right? Or are
they all wrong together? And if any one of them be right which is it? And
how shall I know it?
|
1840
He then reflected upon the immense number of doctrines, now in the
world, which had given rise to many hundreds of different denominations.
The great question to be decided in his mind, was--if any one of these
denominations be the Church of Christ, which one is it? Until he could
become satisfied in relations to this question, he could not rest contented.
To trust to the decisions of fallible man, and build his hopes upon the
same, without any certainty, and knowledge of his own, would not satisfy
the anxious desires that pervaded his breast. To decide, without any positive
and definite evidence, on which he could rely, upon a subject involving
the future welfare of his soul, was revolting to his feelings. |
1842A
---------- |
1842B
Nature had gifted him with a strong, discerning mind and so he looked
through the glass of soberness and good sense upon these religious systems
which all were so different; but nevertheless all drawn from the scripture
of truth.
After he had sufficiently assured himself to his own satisfaction that
darkness was covering the earth, and gross darkness the minds of the people,
he gave up hope ever to find a sect or party that was in the possession
of the pure and unadulterated truth.
|
1843
---------- |
1844
---------- |
1850
---------- |
Consequently, he turned to the scriptures
1832
which led me to searching the scriptures believeing as I was taught,
that they contained the word of God thus applying myself to them
and by searching the scriptures I found that mand <mankind>
did not come unto the Lord but that they had apostatised from the true
and liveing faith and there was no society or denomination that built upon
the gospel of Jesus Christ as recorded in the new testament and I felt
to mourn for my own sins and for the sins of the world
|
1835
---------- |
1839
---------- |
1840
The only alternative, that seemed to be left him was to read the Scriptures,
and endeavor to follow their directions. He, accordingly commenced persuing
the sacred pages of the Bible, with sincerity, believing the things that
he read. |
1842A
---------- |
1842B
He accordingly commenced persuing the sacred pages of the Bible with
sincerity, believing the things that he read. |
1843
---------- |
1844
---------- |
1850
---------- |
He received witness of God from the power and beauty
of nature
1832
for I looked upon the sun the glorious luminary of the earth and also
the moon rolling in their magesty through the heavens and also the stars
shining in their courses and the earth also upon which I stood and the
beast of the field and the fowls of heaven and the fish of the waters and
also man walking forth upon the face of the earth in magesty and in the
strength of beauty whose power and intiligence in governing the things
which are so exceding great and marvilous even in the likeness of him who
created him <them> and when I considered upon these
things my heart exclaimed well hath the wise man said the
<it is a> fool <that> saith in his heart there is no God my heart
exclaimed all all these bear testimony and bespeak an omnipotant and omnipreasant
power a being who makith Laws and decreeeth and bindeth all things in their
bounds who filleth Eternity who was and is and will be fron all Eternity
to Eternity and when I considered all these things and that <that> being
seeketh such to worship him as worship him in spirit and in truth |
1835
---------- |
1839
---------- |
1840
---------- |
1842A
---------- |
1842B
---------- |
1843
---------- |
1844
---------- |
1850
---------- |
He felt that God was not the author of confusion
1832
for I learned in the scriptures that God was the same yesterday to
day and forever that he was no respecter to persons for he was God |
1835
---------- |
1839
---------- |
1840
It also occurred to his mind that God was the author of but one doctrine,
and therefore could acknowledge but one denomination as his church, and
that such denomination must be a people who believe and teach that one
doctrine, (whatever it may be,) and build upon the same. |
1842A
considering that all could not be right, and that God could not be
the author of so much confusion I determined to investigate the subject
more fully, believing that if God had a church it would not be split up
into factions, and that if he taught one society to worship one way, and
administer in one set of ordinances, he would not teach another principles
which were diametrically opposed. |
1842B
He felt that there should be only one truth, and that those who would
understand it correctly, would understand it in the same manner. |
1843
---------- |
1844
---------- |
1850
and when he reflected upon the multifarious creeds and professions
there were in existence, he thought it impossible for all to be right,
and if God taught one, He did not teach the others, "for God is not the
author of confusion." |
He knew that the question was one of great importance
1832
---------- |
1835
but considered it of the first importance to me that I should be right,
in matters of so much moment, matter involving eternal consequences. |
1839
---------- |
1840
He perceived that it was a question of infinite importance, and that
the salvation of his soul depended upon a correct understanding of the
same. |
1842A
---------- |
1842B
he perceived that it was a question of infinite importance. |
1843
---------- |
1844
---------- |
1850
---------- |
He discovered James, chapter one verse five
1832
---------- |
1835
under a realizing sense, (if the bible be true) ask and you shall receive,
knock and it shall be opened, seek and you shall find, and again, if any
man lack wisdom, let of God who giveth to all men liberally & upbraideth
not. |
1839
While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contests
of these parties of religionists, I was one day reading the Epistle of
James, First Chapter and fifth verse which reads, "If any of you lack wisdom,
let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not,
and it shall be given him. |
1840
His mind soon caught hold of the following passage:--"If any of you
lack wisdom let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth
not; and it shall be given him."--James 1:5. |
1842A
Believing the word of God I had confidence in the declaration of James;
"If any man lack wisdom let him ask of God who giveth all men liberally
and upbraideth not and it shall be given him," |
1842B
His mind soon caught hold of the following passage--"If any of you
lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth
not; and it shall be given him."--James 1:5. |
1843
While thinking of this matter, I opened the Testament promiscuously
on these words, in James, Ask of the Lord who giveth to all men liberally
and upbraideth not. |
1844
opened his Bible of the first Passage that struck him was if any man
lack wisdom let him ask of God who giveth to all men liberallity &
upbraideth not. |
1850
In reading his bible, he was remarkably struck with the passage in
James, 1st chapter, 5th verse. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask
of ‘God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall
be given him." |
The passage had a strong impact on his mind
1832
---------- |
1835
---------- |
1839
Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart
of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great
force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again,
knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did, for how to act
I did not know and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had would
never know, for the teachers of religion of the different sects understood
the same passage of Scripture so differently as <to> destroy all confidence
in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible. |
1840
From this promise he learned, that it was the privilege of all men
to ask God for wisdom, with the sure and certain expectation of receiving
liberally; without being upbraided for so doing. This was cheering information
to him; tidings that gave him great joy. It was like a light shinning forth
in a dark place, to guide him to the path in which he should walk. |
1842A
---------- |
1842B
From this promise he learned that it was the privilege of all men to
ask God for wisdom, with the sure and certain expectation of receiving
liberally, without being upbraided for so doing. |
1843
---------- |
1844
---------- |
1850
---------- |
Joseph decided to pray
1832
therefore I cried unto the Lord for mercy for there was none else to
whom I could go and to obtain mercy |
1835
---------- |
1839
At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness
and confusion or else I must do as James directs, that is, Ask of God.
I at last came to the determination to ask of God, concluding that if he
gave wisdom to them that lacked wisdom, and would give liberally and not
upbraid, I might venture.
So, in accordance with this, my determination to ask of God, |
1840
He now saw that if he inquired of God, there was not only a possibility,
but a probability; yea, more, a certainty, that he should obtain a knowledge,
which, of all the doctrines, was the doctrine of Christ; and, which of
all the churches, was the church of Christ. |
1842A
---------- |
1842B
And thus he started to send the burning desires of his soul with a
faithful determination. |
1843
I just determined I'd ask him. |
1844
---------- |
1850
---------- |
He went into the woods to pray
1832
---------- |
1835
Being thus perplexed in mind I retired to the silent grove and there
bowed down before the Lord,
I called on the Lord for the first time in the place above stated,
|
1839
I retired to the woods to make the attempt. It was on the morning of
a beautiful clear day early in the spring of eighteen hundred and twenty.
It was the first time in my life that I had <made> such an attempt,
for amidst all <my> anxieties I had never as yet made the attempt to
pray vocally.
After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to
go, having looked around me and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and
began to offer up the desires of my heart to God.
|
1840
He therefore, retired to a secret place in a grove, but a short distance
from his father's house, and knelt down, and began to call upon the Lord. |
1842A
I retired to a secret place in a grove and began to call upon the Lord, |
1842B
He, therefore, retired to a secret place, in a grove, but a short distance
from his father's house, and knelt down and began to call upon the Lord. |
1843
I immediately went out into the woods where my father had a clearing,
and went to the stump where I had stuck my axe when I had quit work, and
I kneeled down, and prayed, saying, O Lord, what Church shall I join? |
1844
Went into the Wood to pray, kneels himself Down, |
1850
Believing in the word of God, he retired into a grove, and called upon
the Lord to give him wisdom in relation to this matter. |
But the powers of darkness intervened
1832
---------- |
1835
or in other words, I made a fruitless attempt to pray |
1839
I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was <siezed> upon by
some power which entirely overcame me
Thick darkness gathered around me and it seemed to me for a time as
if I were doomed to sudden destruction.
|
1840
At first, he was severely tempted by the powers of darkness, which
endeavored to overcome him; |
1842A
---------- |
1842B
At first, he was severely tempted by the powers of darkness, which
endeavoured to overcome him. |
1843
---------- |
1844
---------- |
1850
---------- |
His mind was benighted with doubts
1832
---------- |
1835
---------- |
1839
---------- |
1840
---------- |
1842A
---------- |
1842B
The adversary benighted his mind with doubts, and brought to his soul
all kinds of improper pictures and tried to hinder him in his efforts and
the accomplishment of his goal. |
1843
---------- |
1844
---------- |
1850
---------- |
His tongue would not function right
1832
---------- |
1835
My tongue seemed to be swoolen in my mouth, so that I could not utter, |
1839
and <had> such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue
so that I could not speak. |
1840
---------- |
1842A
---------- |
1842B
---------- |
1843
---------- |
1844
his tongue was closet cleaveh to his roof--could utter not a word, |
1850
---------- |
He heard strange sounds
1832
---------- |
1835
I heard a noise behind me like some one walking towards me: I strove
again to pray, but could not; the noise of walking seemed to draw nearer;
I sprang upon my feet and looked round, but saw no person, or thing that
was calculated to produce the noise of walking. |
1839
---------- |
1840
---------- |
1842A
---------- |
1842B
---------- |
1843
---------- |
1844
---------- |
1850
---------- |
He exerted new strength
1832
---------- |
1835
I kneeled again, |
1839
But exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the
power of this enemy which had siezed upon me, and at the very moment when
I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction, not
to an imaginary ruin but to the power of some actual being from the unseen
world who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being. |
1840
but he continued to seek for deliverance, until darkness gave way from
his mind, |
1842A
---------- |
1842B
However, the overflowing mercy of God came to buoy him up, and gave
new impulse and momentum to his dwindling strength. Soon the dark clouds
disappeared, and light and peace filled his troubled heart. |
1843
---------- |
1844
---------- |
1850
---------- |
He was then able to resume prayer
1832
and the Lord heard my cry in the wilderness and while in <the> attitude
of calling upon the Lord |
1835
my mouth was opened and my tongue loosed; I called on the Lord in mighty
prayer. |
1839
---------- |
1840
and he was enabled to pray in feverency of the spirit, and in faith.
And while thus pouring out his soul, anxiously desiring an answer from
God, |
1842A
---------- |
1842B
And again he called upon the Lord with renewed faith and spiritual
strength. |
1843
---------- |
1844
felt easier after awhile-- |
1850
---------- |
Presently he saw a pillar of brilliant light
1832
a pillar of fire light above the brightness of the
sun at noon day come down from above and rested upon me |
1835
A pillar of fire appeared above my head; which presently rested down
upon me, and filled me with unspeakable joy. |
1839
Just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar <of> light exactly
over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gracefully
gradually untill it fell upon me. |
1840
he at length, saw a very bright and glorious light in the heavens above;
which, at first, seemed to be a considerable distance. He continued praying,
while 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 that it reached the tops of the trees, the whole wilderness, for some
distance around was illuminated in a most glorious and brilliant manner.
He expected to have seen the leaves and boughs of the trees consumed, as
soon as the light came in contact with them; but perceiving that it did
not produce that effect, he was encouraged with the hope of being able
to endure its presence. It continued descending slowly, until it rested
upon the earth, and he was enveloped in the midst of it. |
1842A
surrounded with a brilliant light which eclipsed the sun at noon-day. |
1842B
---------- |
1843
Directly I saw a light, |
1844
-saw a fire toward heaven came near and nearer; |
1850
While he was thus engaged, he was surrounded by a brilliant light. |
And he was caught up in a heavenly vision
1832
and I was filled with the spirit of god and the <Lord> opened the
heavens upon me |
1835
---------- |
1839
It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy
which held me bound. |
1840
When it first came upon him, it produced a peculiar sensation throughout
his whole system; and immediately, his mind was caught away, from the natural
objects with which he was surrounded; and he was enwapped in a heavenly
vision, |
1842A
while fervently engaged in supplication my mind was taken away from
the objects with which I was surrounded, and I was enwrapped in a heavenly
vision |
1842B
At this sacred moment his mind was caught away from the natural objects
with which he was surrounded, and he was enwrapped in a heavenly vision, |
1843
---------- |
1844
---------- |
1850
---------- |
And saw two glorious personages
1832
and I saw the Lord |
1835
A personage appeared in the midst of this pillar of flame, which was
spread all around and yet nothing consumed.
Another personage soon appeared like unto the first:
He testified unto me that Jesus Christ is the son of God.
|
1839
When the light rested upon me I saw two personages (whose brightness
and glory defy all description) standing above me in the air. One of <them>
spake unto me calling me by name and said (pointing to the other) "This
is my beloved Son, Hear Him." |
1840
and saw two glorious personages, who exactly resembled each other in
their features or likeness. |
1842A
and saw two glorious personages who exactly resembled each other in
features, and likeness, |
1842B
and saw two glorious personages, who exactly resembled each other in
their features or likeness. |
1843
and then a glorious personage in the light,
and then another personage,
and the first personage said to the second, Behold my beloved Son, hear
him.--
|
1844
saw a personage in the fire, light complexion, blue eyes, a piece of
white cloth Drawn over his shoulders his right arm bear
after a while a other person came to the side of the first.
but this is my Beloved Son harken ye him,
|
1850
and two glorious personages presented themselves before him, who exactly
resembled each other in features, |
Joseph was told that his sins were forgiven him
1832
and he spake unto me saying Joseph <my son> thy sins are forgiven
thee. go thy <way> walk in my statutes and keep my commandments behold
I am the Lord of glory I was crucifyed for the world that all those who
believe on my name may have Eternal life |
1835
he said unto me thy sins are forgiven thee. |
1839
---------- |
1840
He was informed that his sins were forgiven. |
1842A
---------- |
1842B
---------- |
1843
---------- |
1844
---------- |
1850
---------- |
And in answer to his question -
1832
---------- |
1835
Information was what I most desired at this time, and with a fixed
determination to obtain it, |
1839
My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all
the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner therefore
did I get possession of myself so as to be able to speak, than I asked
the personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects
was right, (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all
were wrong) and which I should join. |
1840
---------- |
1842A
---------- |
1842B
---------- |
1843
I then addressed this second person, saying, O Lord, what Church shall
I join? |
1844
Mr. Smith then asked, must I join the Methodist Church. |
1850
---------- |
He was given information on those things which had
agitated his mind
1832
---------- |
1835
---------- |
1839
---------- |
1840
He was also informed upon the subjects, which had for some time previously
agitated his mind, |
1842A
---------- |
1842B
They told him that his prayers had been answered, and that the Lord
had decided to grant him a special blessing |
1843
---------- |
1844
comforted |
1850
and who gave him information upon the subjects which had previously
agitated his mind. |
He was told to join none of the churches
1832
<behold> the world lieth in sin and at this time
and none doeth good no not one they have turned asside from the gospel
and keep not <my> commandments they draw near to me with their lips
while their hearts are far from me and mine anger is kindling against the
inhabitants of the earth to visit them acording to thir ungodliness and
to bring to pass that which <hath> been spoken by the mouth of the prophets
and Apstles behold and lo I come quickly as it <is>written of me in
the cloud <clothed> in the glory of my Father |
1835
---------- |
1839
I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong,
and the Personage who addressed me said that all their Creeds were an abomination
in his sight, that those professors were all corrupt; that: "they draw
near to me with their lips but their hearts are far from me, They teach
for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of Godliness, but
they deny the power thereof."
He again forbade me to join with any of them |
1840
viz.--that all the religious denominations were believing in incorrect
doctrines; and consequently, that none of them was acknowledged of God,
as his church and kingdom. And he was expressly commanded, to go not after
them; |
1842A
They told me that all religious denominations were believing in incorrect
doctrines, and that none of them was acknowledged of God as his church
and kingdom. And I was expressly commanded to "go not after them," |
1842B
He was told not to join any of the religious sects or any party, as
they were all wrong in their doctrines and none of them was recognized
by God as His Church and kingdom. |
1843
He replied, "don't join any of them, they are all corrupt." |
1844
No, they are not my People, have gone astray There is none that Doeth
good, not one, |
1850
He was given to understand that the churches were all of them in error
in regard to many things; and he was commanded not to go after them; |
And he was told that the truth would be made known
to him
1832
---------- |
1835
---------- |
1839
---------- |
1840
and he received a promise that the true doctrine the fulness of the
gospel, should, at some future time, be made known to him; |
1842A
at the same time receiving a promise that the fulness of the gospel
should at some future time be made known unto me. |
1842B
He received a promise that the true doctrine--the fulness of the gospel--should,
at some future time, be made known to him; |
1843
---------- |
1844
---------- |
1850
and he received a promise that the fulness of the gospel should at
some future time be unfolded unto him; |
Other things also occurred
1832
and there were many things which transpired that cannot be writen |
1835
I saw many angels in this vision. |
1839
and many other things did he say unto me which I cannot write at this
time. |
1840
---------- |
1842A
---------- |
1842B
---------- |
1843
---------- |
1844
---------- |
1850
---------- |
Then the vision withdrew
1832
---------- |
1835
---------- |
1839
When I came to myself again I found myself lying on <my> back looking
up into Heaven. |
1840
after which, the vision withdrew, |
1842A
---------- |
1842B
after which, the vision withdrew, |
1843
The vision then vanished, and when I came to myself, I was sprawling
on my back |
1844
---------- |
1850
after which the vision withdrew |
Leaving him weak, but filled with great joy
1832
and my Soul was filled with love and for many days I could rejoice
with great Joy and the Lord was with me |
1835
---------- |
1839
When the light had departed I had no strength, but soon recovering
in some degree, |
1840
leaving his mind in a state of calmness and peace, indescribable. |
1842A
---------- |
1842B
leaving his mind in a state of calmness and peace indescribable. |
1843
and it was some time before my strength returned. |
1844
I endeavored to arise but felt uncomen feeble-- |
1850
leaving his mind in a state of calmness and peace. |
He went home
1832
---------- |
1835
---------- |
1839
I went home. & as I leaned up to the fireplace. Mother enquired
what the matter was. I replied never mind all is well.--I am well enough
off. I then told my mother I have learned for myself that Presbyterianism
is not true.-- |
1840
---------- |
1842A
---------- |
1842B
---------- |
1843
When I went home |
1844
got into the house |
1850
---------- |
When he told the story he was persecuted
1832
but could find none that would believe the hevnly vision nevertheless
I fell into transgression and sinned in many things which brought wound
upon my soul
and my Fathers family have suffered many persecutions and afflictions
|
1835
---------- |
1839
It seems as though the adversary was aware at a very early period of
my life that I was destined to prove a disturber & an annoyer of his
kingdom, or else why should the powers of Darkness combine against me,
why the opposition and persecution that arose against me, almost in my
infancy? |
1840
---------- |
1842A
---------- |
1842B
---------- |
1843
and told the people that I had a revelation, and that all the churches
were corrupt, they persecuted me, and they have persecuted me ever since. |
1844
told the Methodist priest, said this was not a age for God to Reveal
himself in Vision Revelation has ceased with the New Testament. |
1850
---------- |
At the time of this vision he was 14 years old
1832
<in the 16th year of my age> |
1835
I was about 14 years old when I received this first communication. |
1839
I was at this time in my fifteenth year. |
1840
---------- |
1842A
---------- |
1842B
---------- |
1843
He revealed himself first to me when I was about fourteen years old,
a mere boy |
1844
---------- |
1850
---------- |
NOTES
1. It is instructive that in the John Taylor account,
"an holy angel" (1850 Introduction) was equivalent to "two glorious personages
. . . who exactly resembled each other in features" (1850 And saw two glorious
personages).
2. The description of seeing "the Lord" (1832), first
one personage and then another (1835, 1843, 1844), or two personages (1839,
1840, 1842A, 1842B, 1850) is a matter of detail, not discrepancy.
3. The statement "it had never entered into my heart that
all were wrong" (1839 And in answer to his question) means that he did
not believe it. The possibility had entered his mind (1832 Consequently,
he turned to the scriptures).
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