| Joseph's 1832 account |
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In his 16th year, Joseph
is concerned for the welfare of his soul and prays in the wilderness. A
pillar of light descends from heaven and Joseph sees the Lord, who tells
him his sins are forgiven, He was crucified for the world, the world lies
in sin, and He comes quickly. |
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¶ Joseph
Smith's 1832 History |
| Joseph's 1835 accounts |
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November 9, 1835 diary
account: When he is "about 14," he becomes "wrought up"
about religion and goes to a grove to pray. Hearing footsteps drawing closer,
he jumps up and looks around, then prays fervently. A pillar of fire descends
and he sees one personage, then a second. The second personage tells Joseph
that his sins are forgiven and testies that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. |
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1835
Accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision |
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November 14, 1835 diary
account: Joseph gives a visitor an account of his experiences from age six
"up to the time I received the first visitation of Angels, which was
when I was about 14. years old." |
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¶
1835 Accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision |
| Orson Pratt's 1840 account |
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At age 14 or 15, Joseph,
concerned about salvation and desiring to know which church is true, goes
to a grove to pray. He is tempted by the powers of darkness but continues
to pray until a bright light appears in the heavens. His mind is "caught
away" and he is "enwrapped in heavenly vision." He sees two
personages and is told that his sins are forgiven, all churches wrong, he
is not to join any, and the fullness of gospel will be made known to him
later. |
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Orson
Pratt's 1840 Account of Joseph Smith's First Vision |
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This first published
account of the vision appears in Orson's A [sic] Interesting Account
of Several Remarkable Visions, and of the late Discovery of Ancient American
Records, printed in late September or early October 1840 in Scotland. |
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Joseph Smith's Other Visions
Visions
Miracles
Beliefs and Practices
Joseph Smith
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