Excerpt from The Historical Record, (Continuation of "Morgenstjernen"), Vol. 5: A Monthly Prodigal, Devoted Exclusively to Historical, Biographical, Chronological and Statistical Matters

Joseph Smith, the Prophet, was born in Sharon, Windsor Co., Vermont, Dec. 23, 1805. When ten years old, his parents and family removed to Palmyra Ontario Co., New York, in the vicinity of which he resided about eleven years. During the latter part of this period, he dwelt in the town of Manchester. He was by occupation a farmer, and his advantages of education were very limited.

Like Samuel of old, Joseph Smith was called of the Lord in his childhood, while his mind was yet unwarped by the false theories, traditions and creeds of uninspired men. When about fourteen years of age, he began seriously to reflect upon the necessity of being prepared for a future state of existence. He went among the different denominations that existed in the State of New York, and his mind became perplexed with the clashing and contention, which existed among those who professed the name of Christ.

Disgusted with the confusion which his researches disclosed, and encouraged by the promise of Saint James, "If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him, " he retired to a grove, and in earnest prayer besought the Lord to reveal the way of salvation. While thus engaged, he beheld two glorious beings, wrapped in a brilliant and glorious light, who informed him that all the religious sects of the present age had departed from the ancient Gospel of Jesus Christ and his Apostles, with its gifts and Priesthood, which should he made known to him in due season. Many glorious things were shown him in this vision.

About four years after, on the evening of Sept. 21, 1823, while Joseph Smith was engaged in prayer, and striving to exercise faith, the room was filled with light surpassing that of noon day, in the midst of which was a person whose countenance was as lightning, and yet so full of innocence and goodness, and of such a glorious appearance, as to banish all apprehension.

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