This is the end of
the vision which we saw, which we were commanded to write while we were yet in
the Spirit. But great and marvelous are the works of the Lord, and the
mysteries of his kingdom which he showed unto us, which surpass all
understanding in glory, and in might, and in dominion; Which he commanded us we
should not write while we were yet in the Spirit, and are not lawful for man to
utter; Neither is man capable to make them known, for they are only to be seen
and understood by the power of the Holy Spirit, which God bestows on those who
love him, and purify themselves before him; To whom he grants this privilege of
seeing and knowing for themselves. (D&C 76:113-117; cf. Orson Pratt,
Journal of Discourses 19:17 [March 20, 1877])
In the above pericope, faithful,
sanctified Latter-day Saints are promised they can behold angelic visitations
and even have there hereafter made known to them.
An example of an early fulfilment of this
took place 3 April, 1833, just over a year after the reception of D&C 76.
As we read in the journal of James Murdock:
(On the 3rd day of
April 1833, Bro. [Brother] Zebedee Coltrin and myself started on a mission to
the eastern country.) During the winter that I boarded with Bro. [Brother]
Joseph, as just mentioned, we had a number of prayer meetings, in the prophet's
chamber, in which we obtained great blessings. In one of these meetings the
prophet told us if we could humble ourselves before God, and exercise strong
faith, we should see the face of the Lord. And about midday the visions of my
mind were opened, and the eyes of my understanding were enlightened, and I saw
the form of a man, most lovely, the visage of his face was sound and fair as
the sun. His hair a bright silver grey, curled in most majestic form, His eyes
a keen penetrating blue, and the skin of his neck a most beautiful white and he
was covered from the neck to the feet with a loose garment, pure white, whiter
than any garment I have ever before seen. His countenance was most penetrating,
and yet most lovely. And while I was endeavoring to comprehend the whole
personage from head to feet it slipped from me, and the vision was closed up.
But it left on my mind the impression of love, for months, that I never felt
before to that degree. (John Murdock, An Abridged Record of the Life of John
Murdock, p. 26; transcription found on BOAP Website)
