The Vision
Joseph stood at the door of his father's small log cabin, looking out over the fields and forest that surrounded the farm. In his mind he contemplated what he was about to do. It was the first time in his life that he had made the effort to pray vocally and he was unsure of how he should proceed or what the result would be. Would God really hear his prayer? Would He even answer? What would that answer be and how could the boy be sure? But as Joseph's worry began to stir, that scripture came back to him: "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."*
A comforting calm washed over Joseph. If God was willing, even eager, to give knowledge to those who asked for it in faith, why wouldn't He let Joseph know which church he should join?
So, mustering his courage, Joseph made his way across the freshly plowed fields to the woods at the far end of the family property. As he walked, he took in the beauty of his surroundings. He couldn't have asked for a more perfect morning than this. The sky was clear and blue with hardly a cloud to be seen. The cool 1820 New England spring air was filled with the sounds of life and the scents of rejuvenation, all which served to further call the greatness of God to one's mind. Surely the creator of such splendor could not be so uncaring as to leave one of his children in darkness and confusion, as Joseph was. All the different creeds and opinions on religion of his home town ministers had only added to the questions that the young man had rather than dispel them. And if he couldn't get satisfactory answers from those who professed to follow Christ's truth, Joseph reasoned to go to the source of that truth: Christ himself.
The fourteen-year-old youth made his way into the shade of the grove where he had determined to make his attempt. It was quite, secluded, and peaceful; the perfect place for prayer. After finding a suitable place among the trees, looking around to ensure he was alone, Joseph removed his hat, knelt down upon the ground, closed his eyes, and began to offer up his desires to God.
After a moment, Joseph's eyes flew open; he wasn't alone. He could sense a malevolent presence somewhere in the glade, one that filled his heart with dread. Joseph looked all around, but saw nothing. Yet it was unmistakable: someone was there, and that someone had murderous intent. Then, all at once, Joseph felt his body seized, not by human hands, but by an evil power which completely engulfed him. He tried to cry out, but the sound caught in his throat, as if his tongue had been tied within his mouth.
The feeling was like nothing Joseph had ever felt before. He was not physically restrained, for no temporal bond could be this powerful. It was like a heavy sheet of pure fear had been cast over him, and that dark terror is what held him bound. The boy couldn't even move, the feeling of dread was so strong. And underlying that dread was hatred. The purest malice was emanating from this demonic unseen being; the source of this paralyzing fear. And through that hatred, it was as if Joseph could sense the thoughts of this Adversary: Give up. Destruction awaits you. God will not hear you. I and I alone rule this world! I will not let you destroy my kingdom!!
Joseph was looking The Destroyer in his unseen face! How could he escape this Devil's influence? Was Joseph doomed to destruction? In the vaults of his mind, the boy cried to the heavens in desperation: God! Help Me!! Save Me!!!
In an instant, Joseph felt a loving peace and a great light fall upon him. The lad could almost hear the anguished cry of the Devil as that heavenly influence broke the dark distress which had held the boy captive. Joseph was free! God had heard his cry! And God had more than heard it. He was answering.
As Joseph looked up towards the source of the glow, he saw a pillar of the most radiant and brilliant light descending from the heavens, directly over his head. Joseph thought the very trees would burst into flame, the light was so bright. It was truly like lightning, the sun itself being no match. The glorious pillar continued to descend until it rested around the boy and when it did, he could clearly see two personages in the midst of it. They looked like ordinary men, though they were perfectly built and not a blemish could be found upon them. Their feet did not touch the ground, but instead they seemed to be standing in the air. Their countenance was beyond any description of the finite mind and Joseph was overwhelmed by the love and joy that emanated from them. And while they looked almost completely alike, the one to Joseph's left had several distinguishing features. As his eyes adjusted, Joseph could clearly see the deep marks in the personage's feet, hands, and wrists.
The being to Joseph's right looked upon the lad with a loving smile. He put his hand on His companion's shoulder, pointed to him and addressed the youth in a Fatherly and tender voice that rang through eternity: "Joseph, this is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!"
*James 1:5
Notes and References: As before stated, this is a partial and dramatized account of these events. The full account, written in Joseph Smith's own words, is found in the Pearl of Great Price (a book of latter-day scripture) under the heading Joseph Smith-History. It can also be found in History of the Church, Vol. 1, Chapters 1-5, published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Pearl of Great Price can be read online at scriptures(dot)lds(dot)org.
Thus ends my short retelling of these singular events. I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the World. Through His atoning sacrifice, we can all return to live with Heavenly Father if we simply live by the gospel that Christ set down for us to follow. I know that each of these events really happened and that the Father loves us with a love that only a Perfect Father can have. I encourage you to read the original scriptural accounts for yourselves and come to your own knowledge that Jesus is the Christ. This I say, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.