There was a great
revival in 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 after 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 about breaking up, and the candidates
and the various leading church members began to consult upon
the subject of adopting the candidates into some church or
churches, as the case might be, a dispute arose, and there
was a great contention among them. While these things were
going forward Joseph's mind became considerably troubled
with regard to religion.
Lucy Smith, History of the Prophet Joseph Smith, rev. George A. Smith and Elias Smith (1902), 73.
Marion G. Romney, Apostle, 1951–1988
Some people have said
that Joseph Smith was an unlearned man . . . in the things
of the world, but the day he came out of the grove,
following the first vision, he was the most learned person
in the world in the things that count.
In Conference Report, Apr. 1946, 37.
Neal A. Maxwell, Apostle, 1981–2004
What followed Joseph
Smith's prayer in the spring of 1820 irrevocably illuminated
our view of God, ourselves, others, life, even the universe!
A young boy in a small grove of trees began receiving
answers to mankind's oldest and largest questions!
"My Servant Joseph," Ensign, May 1992, 37.
