Did you know that Joseph’s father, Joseph Sr., had 5 prophetic dreams or visions in the years of 1818 and 1819 in Palmyra before Joseph had his First Vision in 1820? Joseph Smith Sr. had a total of 7 visions. His first two visions were given to him before the family moved to Palmyra. All of Joseph Sr.’s visions were given to him to prepare him for the vision his son would have in 1820, and the restoration of the true religion which would follow. Lucy could not remember two of Joseph Sr.’s visions well enough to relate them in her history, so only three will be given here in this installment of her story The spirituality of Joseph Sr. gave him the ability to nurture and support a Prophet of God; a prophet who raised a Prophet of God may be the way to explain it. This is the time of religious revivals in the area, and after Joseph turns 14 years old an attempt is made to take his life.
During the first year on our farm in Palmyra, my husband had the following dream:
“I dreamed,” said he, “that I was traveling on foot, and I was very sick, and so lame I could hardly walk. My guide, as usual, attended me. Traveling some time together, I became so lame that I thought I could go no further. I informed my guide of this and asked him what I should do. He told me to travel on until I came to a certain garden. So, I arose and started for this garden. While on my way, I asked my guide how I should know the place. He said, ‘Proceed until you come to a very large gate; open this, and you will see a garden, blooming with the most beautiful flowers that your eyes ever beheld, and there you shall be healed.’
“By limping along with great difficulty, I finally reached the gate; and, on entering it, I saw the before mentioned garden, which was beautiful beyond description, being filled with the most delicate flowers of every kind and color. In the garden were walks about three and a half feet wide, which were set on both sides with marble stones. One of the walks ran from the gate through the center of the garden; and on each side of this was a very richly carved seat, and on each seat were placed six wooden images, each of which was the size and form of a very large man. When I came to the first image on the right side, it arose and bowed to me with much respect. I then turned to the one which sat opposite me, on the left side, and it arose and bowed to me in the same manner as the first. I continued turning, first to the right and then to the left, until the whole twelve had paid their respects, after which I was entirely healed. I then asked my guide the meaning of all this, but I awoke before I received an answer.”
When the time for making the second payment drew near, our son Alvin went from home to get work, in order to raise the money. After much hardship and fatigue, he returned with the required amount. This payment being made, we felt relieved, as this was the only thing that troubled us; for we had a snug log-house, neatly furnished, and the means of living comfortably.
It was now only two years since we entered Palmyra, almost destitute of money, property, and acquaintance. The hand of friendship was extended on every side, and we blessed God with our whole heart for his “mercy, which endured forever.” And not only temporal blessings were bestowed upon us, but also spiritual blessings were administered to us. The Scripture, which saith, “Your old men shall dream dreams,” was fulfilled in the case of my husband, for, about this time, he had another vision, his 6th vision, which I shall here relate:
Joseph Sr. said, “I thought I was walking alone; I was very fatigued, nevertheless I continued traveling. It seemed to me that I was going to a meeting, and it was the day of judgment, and I was going to be judged.
“When I came in sight of the meetinghouse, I saw multitudes of people coming from every direction, and pressing with great anxiety towards the door of this great building; but I thought I should get there in time, hence there was no need of being in a hurry. But, on arriving at the door, I found it shut; I knocked for admission and was informed by the porter or angel that I had come too late. I felt exceedingly troubled and prayed earnestly for admittance. Presently I found that my flesh was perishing. I continued to pray, still my flesh withered upon my bones. I was almost in a state of total despair, when the angel asked me if I had done all that was necessary in order to receive admission. I replied that I had done all that was in my power to do. ‘Then,’ observed the angel, ‘justice must be satisfied; after this, mercy hath her claims.’
“It then occurred to me to call upon God, in the name of his son Jesus; and I cried out, in the agony of my soul, ‘Oh, Lord God, I beseech thee, in the name of Jesus Christ, to forgive my sins.’ After which I felt considerably strengthened, and I began to mend. The porter or angel then remarked that it was necessary to plead the merits of Jesus, for he was the advocate with the Father, and a mediator between God and man.
“I was now made quite whole, and the door was opened, but on entering, I awoke.”
My husband had two other visions, but I will not relate them because I don’t remember them well enough to give them to you in full. The following spring we commenced making preparations for building another house, one that would be more comfortable for Joseph Sr. and myself in our old age. I shall here insert the seventh and last vision that my husband had, which vision was received in the year 1819. It was as follows:
“I dreamed,” said he, “that a man with a peddler’s bag on his back came in, and thus addressed me: ‘Sir, will you trade with me today? I have now called upon you seven times, I have traded with you each time, and have always found you strictly honest in all your dealings. Your measures are always heaped, and your weights overbalance; and I have now come to tell you that this is the last time I shall ever call on you, and that there is but one thing which you lack, in order to secure your salvation.’ As I earnestly desired to know what it was that I still lacked, I requested him to write the same upon paper. He said he would do so. I then sprang to get some paper, but, in my excitement, I awoke.”
Shortly after my husband received his 7th vision, there was a great revival on religion, which extended to all the denominations of Christians in the surrounding country in which we resided. Many of the world’s people becoming concerned about the salvation of their souls, came forward and presented themselves as seekers of religion. Most of them were desirous of uniting with some church but were not decided as to the particular faith which they would adopt.
When the numerous meetings were breaking up the candidates and the leading church members began to consult with one another upon the subject of adopting the candidates into some church or churches, as the case might be, a dispute arose, and there was great contention among them. While these things were going forward, Joseph’s mind became considerably troubled regarding religion.
After Joseph turned fourteen, an incident occurred which alarmed us a lot, as we did not know the cause of it. Joseph being a remarkably quiet, well-disposed child, we did not suspect that anyone had aught against him. He was out one evening on an errand about twilight and, on returning home, as he was passing through the door yard, a gun was fired across his pathway, with the evident intention of shooting him.
He sprang to the door, threw it open, and fell upon the floor with fright. We immediately went in search of the person who fired the gun but could find no trace of him that evening. The next morning, we found his tracks under a wagon where he lay when he fired; and the following day we found the balls which were discharged from the gun, lodged in the head and neck of a cow that was standing opposite the wagon, in a dark corner. We did not discover the man who made this attempt at murder, neither did we discover the cause thereof. We praised the Lord for protecting and preserving Joseph’s life.
Sources used: “History of Joseph Smith by His Mother Lucy Mack Smith” and “The Revised and Enhanced History of Joseph Smith By His Mother,” edited by Scot Facer Proctor and Maurine Jensen Proctor, 1996.