On a spring day in 1820 14-year-old Joseph Smith sought solitude in a grove of trees and prayed to know which church was true. God the Father and Jesus Christ, "two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description," appeared and spoke with him. This is a critical part of Mormon history. Wondering which of the many churches to join, Joseph had followed the counsel in the Bible's book of James: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God." The Lord told Joseph "that all the religious denominations were believing in incorrect doctrines" and that he was to await further instructions from on high. "In a state of calmness and peace indescribable," Joseph left that sacred grove knowing the reality of our Father in Heaven and His resurrected Son, Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith's first vision stands today as the greatest event in world history since the birth, ministry, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. After centuries of darkness, the Lord opened the heavens to reveal His word and restore His Church through His chosen prophet. Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, not once, but innumerable times throughout his life. He translated the Book of Mormon, organized the true Church of Jesus Christ upon the earth once more and restored the plain and precious truths which were lost due to the apostasy of men. He lived great and he died great in the eyes of God! Visit http://www.mormon.org
