Multiple accounts of the First Vision/1832/Doesn't mention a revival

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Criticism

A revival is not mentioned in Joseph Smith's 1832 First Vision account. Since this detail does not show up in the narrative until the 1838 'official text' it provides evidence that the First Vision story evolved over time to become more elaborate and add dramatic elements.

Source(s) of the criticism

Richard Abanes, One Nation Under Gods: A History of the Mormon Church (New York: Four Walls Eight Windows, 2003), 16-17.

Response

Critics of Joseph Smith claim that no revival is mentioned in the 1832 First Vision account because the actual word 'revival' - or something similar - is not found within the text. But they have failed to notice a distinct pattern of words that demonstrate otherwise.

It should be noted that the 1838 account is NOT the first First Vision text to make an explicit reference to a revival. That distinction goes to Oliver Cowdery's December 1834 Church history article. (Messenger and Advocate, vol. 1, no. 3, December 1834, 42-43).

Oliver Cowdery states in this article that during "the 15th year of [Joseph Smith's] life" there was "a great awakening, or excitement raised on the subject of religion" in Palmyra, New York and its "vicinity." During this "reformation" there was:

• "much enquiry for the word of life"
• "in common with others, [Joseph Smith's] mind became awakened"
• "For a length of time the reformation seemed to move in a harmonious manner"
• "but, as the excitement ceased . . . a general struggle was made by the leading characters of the different sects, for proselytes"
• "Large additions were made to the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Baptist churches"
• "Then strife seemed to take the place of that apparent union and harmony . . . and a cry—I am right—you are wrong—was introduced"; "all professed to be the true church"
• "In this general strife for followers, [Joseph Smith's] mother, one sister, and two of his natural brothers, were persuaded to unite with the Presbyterians"
• This circumstance gave Joseph "further reflection"
• He received "strong solicitations to unite with one of those different societies"
• But "seeing the apparent proselyting disposition manifested with equal warmth from each, [Joseph Smith's] mind was led to more seriously contemplate the importance of a move of this kind"
• His "spirit was not at rest day nor night"
• Joseph did not want to "profess godliness without its benign influence upon [his] heart"
• He also did not want to "unite with a society professing to be built upon the only sure foundation, and that profession be a vain one"
• Joseph Smith felt that there would be "serious consequences of moving hastily, in a course fraught with eternal realities"
• He believed that "amid so many [denominations], some must be built upon the sand"
• "In this situation where could he go?"
• Joseph spent time "reflecting" on a passage of scripture
• He had a strong "degree of determination . . . relative to obtaining a certainty of the things of God"

Oliver Cowdery is clearly connecting the beginning of the Restoration to a religious revival. (Joseph Smith never connected the begining of the Restoration to the angel Moroni visitation).

A comparison of these themes with those found in the Prophet's 1838 First Vision account demonstrates a very close match of material. Since it is known that Oliver Cowdery was drawing straight from the 1832 First Vision document when he wrote his December 1834/February 1835 Church history articles it is clear that he understood that

Endnotes

None

Further reading

FAIR web site

• FAIR Topical Guide: