I was born of goodly parents who spared no
pains in instructing me in the Christian religion.
Father was obliged to labor hard for the support
of a large family.
It required the exertions of all that were
able to render any assistance.
There was in the place where we lived and
unusual excitement on the subject of religion.[Preaching
in the background.
"Brothers and sisters, let me make this perfectly
clear.
Before the world was, God determined which
of you would be saved and which would not.]
I often asked myself, what is to be done?
Who of all these parties is right?
[Preaching in the background.
"God has not determined the final fate of
His children.
That doctrine places responsibilities on God
and excuses man.
It cannot be reconciled with the doctrine
of free will."
Joseph: How do I know who's right?
Preacher: It cannot be understood by the finite
mind Joseph.
Faith is the gift to believe.
You must pray for faith and God will manifest
His will.
I was one day reading the Epistle of James.
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of
God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth
not and it shall be given him."
Never did any passage of scripture come with
more power to the heart of man that this did
at this time to mine.
At length I came to the conclusion that I
must either remain in darkness and confusion
or else I must do as James directs, that is,
ask of God.
It was on the morning of a beautiful clear
day early in the spring of 1820.
After I had retired to a place where I had
previously designed to go, and finding myself
alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up
the desires of my heart to God.
I had scarcely begun to do so when I was seized
upon by some power, which entirely overcame
me, and had such astonishing power over me
as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak.
Just at this moment of great alarm, I saw
a pillar of light exactly over my head above
the brightness of the sun, which descended
gradually until it fell upon me.
When the light rested upon me, I saw two personages
whose brightness and glory defy all description
standing above me in the air.
One of them spake unto me, calling me by name,
and said, pointing to the other, "This is
my Beloved Son.
Hear Him."
