1
It seems as though the adversary was aware, at a very early period of my life, that I was destined to prove a disturber and an annoyer of his kingdom;
2
Else why should the powers of darkness combine against me?
3
Why the opposition and persecution that arose against me, almost in my infancy?
4
Some few days after I had this vision, I happened to be in company with one of the Methodist preachers, who was very active in the before mentioned religious excitement,
5
And, conversing with him on the subject of religion, I took occasion to give him an account of the vision which I had had.
6
I was greatly surprised at his behavior; he treated my communication not only lightly, but with great contempt, saying it was all of the devil,
7
That there were no such things as visions or revelations in these days; that all such things had ceased with the Apostles, and that there would never be any more of them.
8
¶ I soon found that my telling the story had excited a great deal of prejudice against me among professors of religion, and was the cause of great persecution, which continued to increase;
9
And though I was an obscure boy, and my circumstances in life such as to make a boy of no consequence in the world,
10
Yet men of high standing would take notice sufficient to excite the public mind against me, and create a bitter persecution;
11
And this was common among all the sects—all united to persecute me.
12
However, it was nevertheless a fact that had beheld a vision.
13
¶ I have thought since, that I felt much like Paul, when he made his defense before King Agrippa (Acts 26), and related the account of the vision he had when he saw a light, and heard a voice;
14
But still there were but few who believed him; some said he was dishonest, others said he was mad; and he was ridiculed and reviled.
15
But all this did not destroy the reality of his vision.
16
He had seen a vision, he knew he had, and all the persecution under heaven could not make it otherwise;
17
And though they should persecute him unto death, yet he knew, and would know to the last breath,
18
That he had both seen a light, and heard a voice speaking unto him, and all the world could not make him think or believe otherwise.
19
And so it was with me; I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two personages, and they did in reality speak to me.
20
And though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true.
21
¶ And while they were persecuting me, reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying;
22
I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth?
23
I have actually seen a vision, and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen?
24
For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it,
25
Neither dared I do it, at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God and come under condemnation.
26
I had now got my mind satisfied so far as the sectarian world was concerned;
27
That it was not my duty to join with any of them, but to continue as I was until further directed.
28
I had found the testimony of James to be true, that a man who lacked wisdom might ask of God, and obtain, and not be upbraided.
29
¶ So it was, and it was often the cause of great sorrow to myself.
30
And while in the attitude of calling upon the Lord in the 16th year of my age, a pillar of fire or light above the brightness of the sun at noonday came down from above and rested upon me;
31
And I was filled with the Spirit of God, and the Lord opened the heavens upon me and I saw the Lord.
32
¶ And he spoke unto me saying: Joseph, my son, thy sins are forgiven thee, go thy way walk in my statutes and keep my commandments;
33
Behold I am the Lord of glory, I was crucified for the world that all those who believe on my name may have eternal life.
34
Behold, the world lieth in sin and at this time and none doeth good no not one,
35
They have turned aside from the Gospel and keep not my commandments;
36
They draw near to me with their lips while their hearts are far from me.
37
And mine anger is kindling against the inhabitants of the earth to visit them according to their ungodliness,
38
And to bring to pass that which hath been spoken by the mouth of the prophets and Apostles.
39
Behold and lo, I come quickly as it is written of me; in the cloud clothed in the glory of my Father.
40
¶ And my soul was filled with love, and for many days I could rejoice with great joy, and the Lord was with me, but I could find none that would believe the heavenly vision;
41
Nevertheless, I pondered these things in my heart.