
A young farmer from early‑19th‑century New England recounts his restless search for spiritual certainty, describing how a series of vivid, otherworldly visions set him on a path far beyond the familiar churches of his day. In a quiet grove he encounters twin, radiant figures who declare all existing denominations misguided, urging him to await a fuller revelation. The narrative then shifts to a dramatic night when a brilliant, fire‑like light fills his home and an angelic messenger appears, announcing a divine mission that will reshape his destiny.
The account continues with the messenger’s description of an ancient people and the promise of sacred records etched on golden plates—etched in mysterious characters and bound together like a book. These revelations lay the groundwork for a new religious movement, offering listeners a glimpse into the formative moments of faith, prophecy, and the profound personal conviction that sparked a lasting spiritual legacy.
Language
en
Duration
~17 minutes (16K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Gutenberg@BYU and Philip MacCabe
Release date
2004-10-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1805–1844
A farm boy from upstate New York who went on to found the Latter Day Saint movement, he remains one of the most influential and debated religious figures in 19th-century America. His life joined visions, scripture, community-building, political conflict, and a violent death at age 38.
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