“I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me.” — Joseph Smith Jr.1
In his early teens, Joseph attended different churches and studied various denominations, trying to figure out which one was right.2 He turned to the Bible for guidance, and in James 1:5, he read, "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."3 Joseph decided to ask God directly about which church he should join.
In the spring of 1820, as a young 14-year-old boy, Joseph walked into a grove of trees near his home and knelt to pray.4 As he started, Joseph was seized by a dark power that completely overcame him and bound his tongue so he could not speak. The thick darkness gathered around him and Joseph felt as if he was "doomed to sudden destruction."5 Joseph called out to God, asking for help. Just before he was ready to despair, Joseph saw a pillar of light over his head.5
The pillar of light descended, and Joseph saw two personages "whose brightness and glory defy all description."6 Joseph later recorded, "One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!"6 Joseph asked God the Father and Jesus Christ which church he should join. He was told to join none of them, as all were wrong.7
Joseph recorded this vision, now known as the First Vision, four times.8
