Friday, July 28, 2023

Thomas Ford's 1847 Account of Joseph Smith's First Vision

  

The prophet in after-life pretended that an early age he became much concerned about the salvation of his soul. He went to the religious meetings of many sects to seek information of the way to heaven; and was everywhere told, “this is the way, walk ye in it.” He reflected upon the multitude of doctrines and sects, and it occurred to him that God could be the author of but one doctrine, and own but one church; he looked amongst all the sects to see which was this one true church of Christ, but he could not decide; and until he became satisfied, he could not be contented. His anxious desires lead him diligently to search the scriptures, and he perused the sacred pages, believing the things that he read. He now saw that the true way was to enquire of God, and then there was a certainty of success. He therefore retired to a secret place in a grove near his father’s house, and kneeling down, began to call upon the Lord; darkness gave way, and he prayed with fervency of spirit. Whilst he continued praying the light appeared to be gradually descending towards him; and as it drew nearer it increased in brightness and magnitude, so that by the time it reached the tops of the trees, the whole wilderness for quite a distance around, was illuminated in a glorious and brilliant manner. He expected the leaves of the trees to be consumed, but seeing no such effect of the light, he was encouraged with the hope to endure its presence. It descended slowly until he was enveloped in the midst of it. Immediately he was caught away in a heavenly vision, and saw two glorious personages alike in their features; and he was now confirmed that his sins were forgiven. Here we learned that none of the churches then in being, was the church of God; and received a promise at some future times of the fulness of the Gospel, and a knowledge of the true doctrine. After this, being still young, he was entangled in the vanities of the world, of which he sincerely and truly repented. (Thomas Ford, A History of Illinois, From its Commencement as a State in 1818 to 1847 [Chicago: S. C. Griggs and Co., 1854], 253-54)

 

For those wondering why I list this as 1847, not 1854, according to the Introduction by General James Shields, Ford passed on the manuscript to him for publication while Ford was on his deathbed in 1850 (Ibid., v). Ford wrote his introduction to the manuscript on April 12, 1847 (ibid., xvii)