--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 22 number: 5 published: 1919-03 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: "Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations, \"Editor's Table—The First Vision,\" *Improvement Era* 22, no. 5 (March 1919): 451–452." source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2205unse transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers. identifier: improvementera2205unse start_page: 451 end_page: 452 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1919-03) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2205unse publication_year: 1919 note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1919, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Editor's Table—The First Vision EDITORS' TABLE The First Vision On the morning of a beautiful, clear day, in the early spring of 1820, Joseph Smith, the prophet, who through the mercy of the Lord was the instrument in restoring the gospel and establishing the Church of Jesus Christ, went out into a grove to pray vocally, for the first time in his life. He did this in conformity with the scriptural statement: "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." Then it was that a light rested upon him and he saw two personages standing above him in the air. Their brightness and glory defied all description. These Holy Beings were God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. The former spake to him, in answer to his petition, and, pointing to the other, said: "This is my beloved Son, hear him." The object of the young man's inquiry was to learn which of all the religious sects was right. This question he asked, and further wished to know which of all he should join. He wai told to join none of them, for they were all wrong, their creeds were an abomination in the sight of the Lord, their professors corrupt, their hearts far from God,and they taught for "doctrines the commandments of men; having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof." He was again forbidden to join any of them. Upon this vision, supplemented by others that followed, was founded the "marvelous work and a wonder" known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The vision seems simple enough in itself, but when it is analyzed, we find that it proclaims not onlv a new conception of God, but far reaching possibilities for religious advancement in the world under divine authority. President Heber J. Grant recentlv wrote: "The coming of the Father and the Son to the Prophet Joseph is the greatest event that has taken place in all the world, since the birth of our Lord and Redeemer, Jesus Christ" The statement is true, and a grave responsibility rests upon all who hold the authority to proclaim the fact, for the message must be declared to every nation, kindred, tongue and people. The restoration of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ with authority 452 IMPROVEMENT ERA from God to act in its ordinances, which followed, must be called to the attention of the peoples of the whole world. The result of the vision, as we see it in the establishment, growth, development and progress of the Church, has proved a marvel in itself as well as a testimony to the world that God is a personage of body, parts, passions, in whose likeness man ia created; that He lives; that He did reveal Himself and his Son to Joseph in answer to prayer,and that His Church is founded upon revelation and directed by inspiration from the Most High. It is established in the earth with a priesthood having power and authority to preach the gospel of faith, repentance, baptism for the remission of sin; to officiate in its ordinances and to confer its blessings upon the repentant believer, to his spiritual and temporal welfare and happiness and his eternal salvation and glory. As we celebrate the occasion this spring, let us remember that it is the duty of the elders of the Church to bring the re- stored gospel to the attention of the peoples of the world. The young men of the Church should obtain a testimony for them- selves. The way to obtain it is pointed out by the act of Joseph. The reconstruction of the nations after the world war will pro- vide an opportunity for such testimony and proclamation, by granting to the people religious freedom. Seventies and elders of the Church of Christ are directly interested in this matter. They hold the keys of salvation and should be diligent in proclaiming the message and opening the doors of advancement to all who will listen, both at home and abroad. Other members of the Church who enjoy the true spirit of the gospel will stand back of them with all the spiritual and temporal aid at their com- mand. The one hundredth anniversary of this glorious vision, will doubtless be fittingly celebrated next spring, both in the organ- — ized stakes of Zion, and perhaps also in the Sacred Grove but particularly should this wonderful event create an awakening among all the Saints to its profound significance, impressing up- on them their deep responsibility as witnesses to the marvelous event which so gloriously presaged the restoration of the gospel to the earth, and which already has so grounded its influence upon the religions of the world.