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Multiple accounts of the First Vision/1832/Doesn't mention a revival: Difference between revisions
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==Criticism== | ==Criticism== | ||
Critics claim that a religious revival is not mentioned in Joseph Smith's 1832 handwritten First Vision account. They insist that since this detail does not show up in the narrative until the 1838 'official text,' it provides evidence that the First Vision story evolved over time and became more elaborate. | |||
===Source(s) of the criticism=== | ===Source(s) of the criticism=== | ||
Richard Abanes, ''One Nation Under Gods: A History of the Mormon Church'' (New York: Four Walls Eight Windows, 2003), 16-17. | *Richard Abanes, ''One Nation Under Gods: A History of the Mormon Church'' (New York: Four Walls Eight Windows, 2003), 16-17. | ||
==Response== | ==Response== | ||
Critics of Joseph Smith claim that no revival is mentioned in the 1832 First Vision account because the actual word 'revival' | Critics of Joseph Smith claim that no revival is mentioned in the 1832 First Vision account because the actual word 'revival'—or something similar—is not found within the text. But they have failed to notice a distinct pattern of words that demonstrate a definite link between the various First Vision accounts. | ||
'''7 March 1832''' | '''7 March 1832''' | ||
:On 7 March 1832 (just a few months before Joseph Smith penned his 1832 First Vision account) some Mormon missionaries in Pennsylvania were saying that during Joseph’s youth he had repented of his sins but was “not attached himself to any <font color="blue">party of Christians</font>, owing to the numerous <font color="red">divisions</font> among them,” and so he resorted to prayer | :On 7 March 1832 (just a few months before Joseph Smith penned his 1832 First Vision account) some Mormon missionaries in Pennsylvania were saying that during Joseph’s youth he had repented of his sins but was “not attached himself to any <font color="blue">party of Christians</font>, owing to the numerous <font color="red">divisions</font> among them,” and so he resorted to prayer.{{ref|fn1}} | ||
'''September—November 1832''' | '''September—November 1832''' | ||
:"At about the age of twelve years my mind became seriously impressed with regard to the all important concerns for the welfare of my immortal soul, which led me to searching the scriptures, believing as I was taught that they contained the word of God. Thus applying myself to them, and my intimate acquaintance with those of <font color="blue">different denominations</font>, led me to marvel exceedingly. For I discovered that they did not adorn their profession by a holy walk and godly conversation agreeable to what I found contained in that sacred depository. This was a grief to my soul. Thus, from the age of twelve years to fifteen I pondered many things in my heart concerning the situation of the world of mankind the <font color="red">contentions and divisions</font> the wickedness and abominations and the darkness which pervaded the minds of mankind. My mind became excedingly distressed, for I became convicted of my sins. And by searching the scriptures I found that mankind did not come unto the Lord but that they had apostatized from the true and living faith. And there was no <font color="blue">society or denomination</font> that built upon the gospel of Jesus Christ as recorded in the New Testament. And I felt to mourn for my own sins and for the sins of the world. For I learned in the scriptures that . . . . [A]nd when I considered all these things, and that that Being seeketh such to worship Him as worship Him in spirit and in truth, therefore I cried unto the Lord for mercy for there was none else to whom I could go and obtain mercy." | :"At about the age of twelve years my mind became seriously impressed with regard to the all important concerns for the welfare of my immortal soul, which led me to searching the scriptures, believing as I was taught that they contained the word of God. Thus applying myself to them, and my intimate acquaintance with those of <font color="blue">different denominations</font>, led me to marvel exceedingly. For I discovered that they did not adorn their profession by a holy walk and godly conversation agreeable to what I found contained in that sacred depository. This was a grief to my soul. Thus, from the age of twelve years to fifteen I pondered many things in my heart concerning the situation of the world of mankind the <font color="red">contentions and divisions</font> the wickedness and abominations and the darkness which pervaded the minds of mankind. My mind became excedingly distressed, for I became convicted of my sins. And by searching the scriptures I found that mankind did not come unto the Lord but that they had apostatized from the true and living faith. And there was no <font color="blue">society or denomination</font> that built upon the gospel of Jesus Christ as recorded in the New Testament. And I felt to mourn for my own sins and for the sins of the world. For I learned in the scriptures that . . . . [A]nd when I considered all these things, and that that Being seeketh such to worship Him as worship Him in spirit and in truth, therefore I cried unto the Lord for mercy for there was none else to whom I could go and obtain mercy."{{ref|fn2}} | ||
'''December 1834''' | '''December 1834''' | ||
| Line 43: | Line 39: | ||
*"In this situation where could he go?" | *"In this situation where could he go?" | ||
*Joseph spent time "reflecting" on a passage of scripture | *Joseph spent time "reflecting" on a passage of scripture | ||
*He had a strong "degree of determination . . . relative to obtaining a certainty of the things of God" | *He had a strong "degree of determination . . . relative to obtaining a certainty of the things of God"{{ref|fn3}} | ||
'''9 November 1835''' | '''9 November 1835''' | ||
:"being wrought up in my mind, respecting the subject of religion and looking at <font color="blue">the different systems</font> taught the children of men, <font color="red">I knew not who was right or who was wrong</font> and I considered it of the first importance that I should be right, in matters that involve eternal consequ[e]nces; being thus perplexed in mind . . . . information was what I most desired at this time, and with a fixed determination to obtain it" | :"being wrought up in my mind, respecting the subject of religion and looking at <font color="blue">the different systems</font> taught the children of men, <font color="red">I knew not who was right or who was wrong</font> and I considered it of the first importance that I should be right, in matters that involve eternal consequ[e]nces; being thus perplexed in mind . . . . information was what I most desired at this time, and with a fixed determination to obtain it"{{ref|fn4}} | ||
'''2 May 1838''' | '''2 May 1838''' | ||
:“multitudes united themselves to the <font color="blue">different religious parties</font>, which created no small <font color="red">stir and division</font> among the people, Some crying, <font color="red">‘Lo here’ and some ‘Lo there’</font>. Some were <font color="red">contending</font> for the <font color="blue">Methodist</font> faith, Some for the <font color="blue">Presbyterian</font>, and some for the <font color="blue">Baptist</font> . . . . a scene of <font color="red">great confusion and bad feeling</font> ensued; Priest <font color="red">contending</font> against priest, and convert against convert . . . <font color="red">a strife of words and a contest about opinions</font>”; “so great was the <font color="red">confusion and strife</font> amongst the <font color="blue">different denominations</font>”; “the <font color="red">cry and tumult</font> were so great and incessant"; “<font color="red">war of words, and tumult of opinions</font>”; “the <font color="red">contests</font> of these <font color="blue">parties of religionists</font>” | :“multitudes united themselves to the <font color="blue">different religious parties</font>, which created no small <font color="red">stir and division</font> among the people, Some crying, <font color="red">‘Lo here’ and some ‘Lo there’</font>. Some were <font color="red">contending</font> for the <font color="blue">Methodist</font> faith, Some for the <font color="blue">Presbyterian</font>, and some for the <font color="blue">Baptist</font> . . . . a scene of <font color="red">great confusion and bad feeling</font> ensued; Priest <font color="red">contending</font> against priest, and convert against convert . . . <font color="red">a strife of words and a contest about opinions</font>”; “so great was the <font color="red">confusion and strife</font> amongst the <font color="blue">different denominations</font>”; “the <font color="red">cry and tumult</font> were so great and incessant"; “<font color="red">war of words, and tumult of opinions</font>”; “the <font color="red">contests</font> of these <font color="blue">parties of religionists</font>”{{ref|fn5}} | ||
When the September—November 1832 First Vision account is compared with subsequent recitals (especially 1838), and one partial previous rendition, it appears that they are all telling the same story: Prior to the First Vision event there were contentions and divisions among the different religious denominations in connection with a revival. It seems, therefore, that the Prophet's handwritten 1832 account does indeed make a passing reference to revival activity. | When the September—November 1832 First Vision account is compared with subsequent recitals (especially 1838), and one partial previous rendition, it appears that they are all telling the same story: Prior to the First Vision event there were contentions and divisions among the different religious denominations in connection with a revival. It seems, therefore, that the Prophet's handwritten 1832 account does indeed make a passing reference to revival activity. | ||
There are several other phrases in the Prophet's 1832 account that can be interpreted as references to revivals. For instance, Joseph Smith said that when he was "about the age of twelve years" (23 December 1817—23 December 1818) he became seriously concerned about the welfare of his soul. Why did these feelings arise at this point in time? Possibly because there was a Methodist camp-meeting/revival from June 19th through the 22nd, 1818 held in Palmyra, New York.{{ref|fn6}} | |||
There are several other phrases in the Prophet's 1832 account that can be interpreted as references to revivals. For instance, Joseph Smith said that when he was "about the age of twelve years" (23 December 1817—23 December 1818) he became seriously concerned about the welfare of his soul. Why did these feelings arise at this point in time? Possibly because there was a Methodist camp-meeting/revival from June 19th through the 22nd 1818 held in Palmyra, New York | |||
Joseph Smith pointed to a time period "from the age of twelve years to fifteen" (i.e., between 23 December 1817 and 23 December 1821) when he – | Joseph Smith pointed to a time period "from the age of twelve years to fifteen" (i.e., between 23 December 1817 and 23 December 1821) when he – | ||
| Line 71: | Line 61: | ||
*determined that God wanted to be worshipped in truth | *determined that God wanted to be worshipped in truth | ||
*decided to pray | *decided to pray | ||
Some of the themes enumerated above can be matched with the Prophet's other descriptions of things that happened during the revival activity of Palmyra and its vicinity. This matching of themes tends to support the argument that the 1832 text does indeed refer to revival activity. | Some of the themes enumerated above can be matched with the Prophet's other descriptions of things that happened during the revival activity of Palmyra and its vicinity. This matching of themes tends to support the argument that the 1832 text does indeed refer to revival activity. | ||
:('''1832''') "the scriptures . . . they contained the word of God"; ('''1834''') "that record called the word of God" | :('''1832''') "the scriptures . . . they contained the word of God"; ('''1834''') "that record called the word of God" | ||
| Line 84: | Line 72: | ||
:('''1832''') "the darkness which pervaded the minds of mankind"; ('''1838''') "At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness" or pray | :('''1832''') "the darkness which pervaded the minds of mankind"; ('''1838''') "At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness" or pray | ||
The phrase “I cried unto the Lord for mercy” in Joseph Smith's 1832 First Vision account has a strong ring of revivalism to it. Rev. George Peck recounted the happenings at a Methodist camp meeting held on 4 July 1816 in Plymouth, New York. He said that “There was an unbroken roar of fervent supplication all over the ground, while the awful voice of the preacher resounded.” One person then fell to the ground and cried for mercy.{{ref|fn7}} | |||
The phrase “I cried unto the Lord for mercy” in Joseph Smith's 1832 First Vision account has a strong ring of revivalism to it. Rev. George Peck recounted the happenings at a Methodist camp meeting held on 4 July 1816 in Plymouth, New York. He said that “There was an unbroken roar of fervent supplication all over the ground, while the awful voice of the preacher resounded.” One person then fell to the ground and cried for mercy | |||
==Conclusion== | ==Conclusion== | ||
The claim that there is no reference to a religious revival in Joseph Smith's 1832 First Vision account cannot be taken too seriously once a comparison of historical texts is carried out. The 'contentions and divisions' that are spoken of in the revival material of the 1838 text are matched by the very same terms in the 1832 recital. The 1832 text is a truncated version of events and | The claim that there is no reference to a religious revival in Joseph Smith's 1832 First Vision account cannot be taken too seriously once a comparison of historical texts is carried out. The 'contentions and divisions' that are spoken of in the revival material of the 1838 text are matched by the very same terms in the 1832 recital. The 1832 text is a truncated version of events and—as evidenced by other research—Joseph Smith had definite reasons for presenting only partial story themes in his initial attempt at recording his theophany for the public. | ||
==Endnotes== | ==Endnotes== | ||
'' | #{{note|fn1}}''The Fredonia Censor'', vol. 11, no. 50, 7 March 1832. | ||
#{{note|fn2}} Joseph Smith, 1832 vision account; found in {{PWJS|start=1|end=2}}; from MS Joseph Smith, "A History of the Life of Joseph Smith," in Joseph Smith Letterbook 1, pp. 1-6, Joseph Smith Collection, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City. {{link1|url=http://deseretbook.com/personalwritings/4}} | |||
#{{note|fn3}} {{MA|vol=1|num=3|date=December 1834|start=42|end=43}} | |||
#{{note|fn4}} Joseph Smith, Journal entry, 9 November 1835; found in {{PWJS1|start=22}} from MS Joseph Smith Journal, 1835-36, 193 pp., Joseph Smith Collection, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City. {{link1|url=http://deseretbook.com/personalwritings/6}} | |||
#{{note|fn5}}{{s||JS-H|1|5-6}} | |||
#{{note|fn6}}E. Latimer, ''The Three Brothers: Sketches of the Lives of Rev. Aurora Seager, Rev. Micah Seager, Rev. Schuyler Seager, D.D.'' (New York: Phillips and Hunt, 1880), 21–22, citing the Aurora Seager diary. This revival was never mentioned in the Palmyra newspapers. | |||
#{{note|fn7}}George Peck, ''The Life and Times of Rev. George Peck'' (New York: Nelson and Philips, 1874), chapter 2. | |||
==Further reading== | ==Further reading== | ||
Revision as of 05:45, 15 January 2007
Template:FirstVisionPortal
This article is a draft. FairMormon editors are currently editing it. We welcome your suggestions on improving the content.
Criticism
Critics claim that a religious revival is not mentioned in Joseph Smith's 1832 handwritten First Vision account. They insist that since this detail does not show up in the narrative until the 1838 'official text,' it provides evidence that the First Vision story evolved over time and became more elaborate.
Source(s) of the criticism
- Richard Abanes, One Nation Under Gods: A History of the Mormon Church (New York: Four Walls Eight Windows, 2003), 16-17.
Response
Critics of Joseph Smith claim that no revival is mentioned in the 1832 First Vision account because the actual word 'revival'—or something similar—is not found within the text. But they have failed to notice a distinct pattern of words that demonstrate a definite link between the various First Vision accounts.
7 March 1832
- On 7 March 1832 (just a few months before Joseph Smith penned his 1832 First Vision account) some Mormon missionaries in Pennsylvania were saying that during Joseph’s youth he had repented of his sins but was “not attached himself to any party of Christians, owing to the numerous divisions among them,” and so he resorted to prayer.[1]
September—November 1832
- "At about the age of twelve years my mind became seriously impressed with regard to the all important concerns for the welfare of my immortal soul, which led me to searching the scriptures, believing as I was taught that they contained the word of God. Thus applying myself to them, and my intimate acquaintance with those of different denominations, led me to marvel exceedingly. For I discovered that they did not adorn their profession by a holy walk and godly conversation agreeable to what I found contained in that sacred depository. This was a grief to my soul. Thus, from the age of twelve years to fifteen I pondered many things in my heart concerning the situation of the world of mankind the contentions and divisions the wickedness and abominations and the darkness which pervaded the minds of mankind. My mind became excedingly distressed, for I became convicted of my sins. And by searching the scriptures I found that mankind did not come unto the Lord but that they had apostatized from the true and living faith. And there was no society or denomination that built upon the gospel of Jesus Christ as recorded in the New Testament. And I felt to mourn for my own sins and for the sins of the world. For I learned in the scriptures that . . . . [A]nd when I considered all these things, and that that Being seeketh such to worship Him as worship Him in spirit and in truth, therefore I cried unto the Lord for mercy for there was none else to whom I could go and obtain mercy."[2]
December 1834
- During "the 15th year of [Joseph Smith's] life" there was "a great awakening, or excitement raised on the subject of religion" in Palmyra, New York and its "vicinity."
- There was "much enquiry for the word of life"
- "in common with others, [Joseph Smith's] mind became awakened"
- "For a length of time the reformation seemed to move in a harmonious manner"
- "but, as the excitement ceased . . . a general struggle was made by the leading characters of the different sects, for proselytes"
- "Large additions were made to the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Baptist churches"
- "Then strife seemed to take the place of that apparent union and harmony . . . and a cry—I am right—you are wrong—was introduced"; "all professed to be the true church"
- "In this general strife for followers, [Joseph Smith's] mother, one sister, and two of his natural brothers, were persuaded to unite with the Presbyterians"
- This circumstance gave Joseph "further reflection"
- He received "strong solicitations to unite with one of those different societies"
- But "seeing the apparent proselyting disposition manifested with equal warmth from each, [Joseph Smith's] mind was led to more seriously contemplate the importance of a move of this kind"
- His "spirit was not at rest day nor night"
- Joseph did not want to "profess godliness without its benign influence upon [his] heart" [i.e., 'repenting of sins' theme]
- He also did not want to "unite with a society professing to be built upon the only sure foundation, and that profession be a vain one"
- Joseph Smith felt that there would be "serious consequences of moving hastily, in a course fraught with eternal realities"
- He believed that "amid so many [denominations], some must be built upon the sand"
- "In this situation where could he go?"
- Joseph spent time "reflecting" on a passage of scripture
- He had a strong "degree of determination . . . relative to obtaining a certainty of the things of God"[3]
9 November 1835
- "being wrought up in my mind, respecting the subject of religion and looking at the different systems taught the children of men, I knew not who was right or who was wrong and I considered it of the first importance that I should be right, in matters that involve eternal consequ[e]nces; being thus perplexed in mind . . . . information was what I most desired at this time, and with a fixed determination to obtain it"[4]
2 May 1838
- “multitudes united themselves to the different religious parties, which created no small stir and division among the people, Some crying, ‘Lo here’ and some ‘Lo there’. Some were contending for the Methodist faith, Some for the Presbyterian, and some for the Baptist . . . . a scene of great confusion and bad feeling ensued; Priest contending against priest, and convert against convert . . . a strife of words and a contest about opinions”; “so great was the confusion and strife amongst the different denominations”; “the cry and tumult were so great and incessant"; “war of words, and tumult of opinions”; “the contests of these parties of religionists”[5]
When the September—November 1832 First Vision account is compared with subsequent recitals (especially 1838), and one partial previous rendition, it appears that they are all telling the same story: Prior to the First Vision event there were contentions and divisions among the different religious denominations in connection with a revival. It seems, therefore, that the Prophet's handwritten 1832 account does indeed make a passing reference to revival activity.
There are several other phrases in the Prophet's 1832 account that can be interpreted as references to revivals. For instance, Joseph Smith said that when he was "about the age of twelve years" (23 December 1817—23 December 1818) he became seriously concerned about the welfare of his soul. Why did these feelings arise at this point in time? Possibly because there was a Methodist camp-meeting/revival from June 19th through the 22nd, 1818 held in Palmyra, New York.[6]
Joseph Smith pointed to a time period "from the age of twelve years to fifteen" (i.e., between 23 December 1817 and 23 December 1821) when he –
- applied himself to studying the scriptures
- noticed the hypocrisy of some persons who claimed to be religious
- pondered the "contentions and divisions" among men [revival imagery seen in other First Vision accounts]
- pondered the "wickedness and abominations" and "darkness" of mankind
- was grieved by what he saw around him; felt to mourn for the sins of the world
- became "exceedingly distressed" because he felt "convicted of [his] sins" and felt to "mourn" for them
- did not recognize any religious denomination that followed the biblical pattern completely
- determined that God wanted to be worshipped in truth
- decided to pray
Some of the themes enumerated above can be matched with the Prophet's other descriptions of things that happened during the revival activity of Palmyra and its vicinity. This matching of themes tends to support the argument that the 1832 text does indeed refer to revival activity.
- (1832) "the scriptures . . . they contained the word of God"; (1834) "that record called the word of God"
- (1832) "I became convicted of my sins"; (1834) "arouse the sinner to look about him for safety"
- (1832) "that Being seeketh such to worship Him as worship Him in spirit and in truth"; (1834) "All professed to be the true church"
- (1832) "society or denomination that built upon the gospel of Jesus Christ as recorded in the New Testament"; (1834) "a society professing to be built upon the only sure foundation"
- (1832) "those of different denominations . . . they did not adorn their profession by a holy walk and godly conversation"; (1834) "they were certainly hypocritical"
- (1832) "my mind became exceedingly distressed"; (1838) "my mind was called up to serious reflection and great uneasiness"
- (1832) "the darkness which pervaded the minds of mankind"; (1838) "At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness" or pray
The phrase “I cried unto the Lord for mercy” in Joseph Smith's 1832 First Vision account has a strong ring of revivalism to it. Rev. George Peck recounted the happenings at a Methodist camp meeting held on 4 July 1816 in Plymouth, New York. He said that “There was an unbroken roar of fervent supplication all over the ground, while the awful voice of the preacher resounded.” One person then fell to the ground and cried for mercy.[7]
Conclusion
The claim that there is no reference to a religious revival in Joseph Smith's 1832 First Vision account cannot be taken too seriously once a comparison of historical texts is carried out. The 'contentions and divisions' that are spoken of in the revival material of the 1838 text are matched by the very same terms in the 1832 recital. The 1832 text is a truncated version of events and—as evidenced by other research—Joseph Smith had definite reasons for presenting only partial story themes in his initial attempt at recording his theophany for the public.
Endnotes
- [note] The Fredonia Censor, vol. 11, no. 50, 7 March 1832.
- [note] Joseph Smith, 1832 vision account; found in Dean C. Jessee, The Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, revised edition, (Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book, 2002), 1–2.; from MS Joseph Smith, "A History of the Life of Joseph Smith," in Joseph Smith Letterbook 1, pp. 1-6, Joseph Smith Collection, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City. direct off-site
- [note] Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate 1 no. 3 (December 1834), 42–43.
- [note] Joseph Smith, Journal entry, 9 November 1835; found in Dean C. Jessee, The Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, revised edition, (Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book, 2002), 22. from MS Joseph Smith Journal, 1835-36, 193 pp., Joseph Smith Collection, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City. direct off-site
- [note] JS-H 1꞉5-6
- [note] E. Latimer, The Three Brothers: Sketches of the Lives of Rev. Aurora Seager, Rev. Micah Seager, Rev. Schuyler Seager, D.D. (New York: Phillips and Hunt, 1880), 21–22, citing the Aurora Seager diary. This revival was never mentioned in the Palmyra newspapers.
- [note] George Peck, The Life and Times of Rev. George Peck (New York: Nelson and Philips, 1874), chapter 2.