Get to know Joseph Smith Part 4: Persecution
Joseph Smith Receives Persecution Over His Vision
I would imagine any 14-year-old boy, like Joseph Smith Jr. would want to share such an overwhelming vision to validate his experience. Joseph shared his vision with a methodist preacher, but rather than a positive reception, he faced persecution. Joseph describes the encounter, saying:
“He treated my communication not only lightly, but with great contempt, saying, it was all of the devil, 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.” (Comprehensive History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1:56-57).
This attitude toward Joseph would only be one of the first of many. Joseph later recalled that he experienced “the most bitter persecution and reviling.” The persecution continued throughout his life— and I would add that it continues today.
Reflecting on this, Joseph came to believe that he must be a “character of sufficient importance to attract the attention of the great ones of the most popular sects of the day”.
Joseph Smith Sticks to His Convictions Amid the Persecution
Even with all of the hatred he faced, young Joseph remained true to his experience. Joseph continued to share his first vision and declared:
“I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of of that light I saw two personages and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to say in my heart, why persecute me for telling the truth? 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? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dare I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation.” (Comprehensive History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1:56-57).
Personal Thoughts and a Challenge
As I wrote this, I found myself reflecting on how lightly or with what level of respect or even contempt, do I treat Joseph Smith’s account of the First Vision? What Joseph had to share is of great importance! I believe that Joseph Smith did, in fact, see God the Father and Jesus Christ in that grove of trees in Upstate New York, but do I fully appreciate God’s design behind it all?
If you’re reading this, I hope it’s because you’re seeking information about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My challenge to you is this: don’t take what I’ve written as automatically true or false. Instead, take this question directly to the Creator. Pray and ask God whether Joseph Smith truly saw God the Father and Jesus Christ.
Also, go back and reread Joseph’s First Vision as I quoted in part 3. As yourself: Why would Joseph continue to tell such a fantastic story, even while facing constant persecution, unless what he said was really true?”
For me, I’ll be praying for a deeper understanding and appreciation of what Joseph Smith’s vision means in context of the great Plan of Salvation.
Continue the story in Part 5
Image Credit: Screenshot from film Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration
