WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.580 align:middle line:90% 00:00:04.580 --> 00:00:12.250 align:middle line:84% From small beginnings, great things come to pass. 00:00:12.250 --> 00:00:14.700 align:middle line:84% In the spring of 1820, a boy stepped 00:00:14.700 --> 00:00:18.450 align:middle line:84% in to a quiet grove looking for answers. 00:00:18.450 --> 00:00:20.770 align:middle line:84% A seed of faith had been nurtured 00:00:20.770 --> 00:00:22.650 align:middle line:90% in the soil of Western New York. 00:00:22.650 --> 00:00:25.690 align:middle line:90% 00:00:25.690 --> 00:00:28.570 align:middle line:84% In time it would blossom and then bear fruit. 00:00:28.570 --> 00:00:31.510 align:middle line:90% 00:00:31.510 --> 00:00:34.980 align:middle line:90% It would grow to fill the Earth. 00:00:34.980 --> 00:00:36.950 align:middle line:84% Millions would find renewed faith 00:00:36.950 --> 00:00:42.810 align:middle line:84% in Jesus Christ, all from one small step of faith. 00:00:42.810 --> 00:00:52.710 align:middle line:90% 00:00:52.710 --> 00:00:53.700 align:middle line:90% Joseph, help. 00:00:53.700 --> 00:00:59.140 align:middle line:90% 00:00:59.140 --> 00:01:00.130 align:middle line:90% I'm stuck. 00:01:00.130 --> 00:01:05.080 align:middle line:90% 00:01:05.080 --> 00:01:06.070 align:middle line:90% I slipped. 00:01:06.070 --> 00:01:13.520 align:middle line:90% 00:01:13.520 --> 00:01:17.220 align:middle line:84% I was born in the year 1805 of goodly parents 00:01:17.220 --> 00:01:19.150 align:middle line:84% who spared no pains in instructing me 00:01:19.150 --> 00:01:20.320 align:middle line:90% in the Christian religion. 00:01:20.320 --> 00:01:29.750 align:middle line:90% 00:01:29.750 --> 00:01:32.520 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Catherine. 00:01:32.520 --> 00:01:35.010 align:middle line:84% Yesterday, we were reading in the Gospel of John. 00:01:35.010 --> 00:01:38.370 align:middle line:90% 00:01:38.370 --> 00:01:41.750 align:middle line:84% For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten 00:01:41.750 --> 00:01:48.680 align:middle line:84% son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish 00:01:48.680 --> 00:01:50.090 align:middle line:90% but have everlasting life. 00:01:50.090 --> 00:01:53.270 align:middle line:90% 00:01:53.270 --> 00:01:56.390 align:middle line:84% Remember, children there is no other way 00:01:56.390 --> 00:02:00.470 align:middle line:84% to salvation except through Jesus Christ. 00:02:00.470 --> 00:02:03.720 align:middle line:84% Dear Lord, at the end of this day 00:02:03.720 --> 00:02:06.750 align:middle line:84% we gather as a family in prayer to thank 00:02:06.750 --> 00:02:09.990 align:middle line:84% Thee for the many blessings that we receive at Thy hand. 00:02:09.990 --> 00:02:13.600 align:middle line:90% 00:02:13.600 --> 00:02:16.280 align:middle line:84% Father was obliged to labor hard for the support 00:02:16.280 --> 00:02:17.560 align:middle line:90% of a large family. 00:02:17.560 --> 00:02:22.290 align:middle line:90% 00:02:22.290 --> 00:02:22.870 align:middle line:90% Look out, boy. 00:02:22.870 --> 00:02:23.840 align:middle line:90% Here it comes. 00:02:23.840 --> 00:02:27.700 align:middle line:90% 00:02:27.700 --> 00:02:29.750 align:middle line:84% Remember, horse-high and hog-tight. 00:02:29.750 --> 00:02:31.620 align:middle line:84% It required the exertions of all that 00:02:31.620 --> 00:02:33.100 align:middle line:84% were able to render any assistance. 00:02:33.100 --> 00:02:50.770 align:middle line:90% 00:02:50.770 --> 00:02:53.900 align:middle line:84% At an early age, my mind became seriously 00:02:53.900 --> 00:02:56.460 align:middle line:84% impressed with regard to the welfare of my soul. 00:02:56.460 --> 00:02:59.410 align:middle line:90% 00:02:59.410 --> 00:03:03.280 align:middle line:84% There was in the place where we lived an unusual excitement 00:03:03.280 --> 00:03:04.630 align:middle line:90% on the subject of religion. 00:03:04.630 --> 00:03:13.070 align:middle line:90% 00:03:13.070 --> 00:03:15.040 align:middle line:84% Great multitudes united themselves 00:03:15.040 --> 00:03:17.170 align:middle line:84% to the different religious parties, 00:03:17.170 --> 00:03:21.200 align:middle line:84% which created no small stir among the people, some 00:03:21.200 --> 00:03:24.270 align:middle line:84% contending for one faith, some for another. 00:03:24.270 --> 00:03:27.630 align:middle line:84% --sorrows in his anger, and they are as stubble before 00:03:27.630 --> 00:03:28.170 align:middle line:90% the wind-- 00:03:28.170 --> 00:03:30.140 align:middle line:90% Brother, have you been saved? 00:03:30.140 --> 00:03:31.270 align:middle line:90% Have you? 00:03:31.270 --> 00:03:34.110 align:middle line:90% How many of you have been saved? 00:03:34.110 --> 00:03:36.950 align:middle line:90% Before the world-- 00:03:36.950 --> 00:03:38.540 align:middle line:90% What does saved mean? 00:03:38.540 --> 00:03:40.600 align:middle line:90% Which of you would be saved? 00:03:40.600 --> 00:03:43.810 align:middle line:90% I'd like to know that myself. 00:03:43.810 --> 00:03:48.370 align:middle line:84% Now, God has told us repeatedly in a Holy Writ that fallen man 00:03:48.370 --> 00:03:50.430 align:middle line:90% cannot be saved. 00:03:50.430 --> 00:03:55.620 align:middle line:84% Only God can rescue us, but unless he wills it so it cannot 00:03:55.620 --> 00:03:56.410 align:middle line:90% be. 00:03:56.410 --> 00:04:01.020 align:middle line:84% Who will reach out for His mighty hand if He offers it. 00:04:01.020 --> 00:04:05.020 align:middle line:84% The grace of God is sufficient to save all sinners. 00:04:05.020 --> 00:04:08.430 align:middle line:84% So brethren and sisters, do you have faith? 00:04:08.430 --> 00:04:12.150 align:middle line:84% And are you willing to show the Lord evidence of your faith? 00:04:12.150 --> 00:04:18.350 align:middle line:90% 00:04:18.350 --> 00:04:20.270 align:middle line:90% Father? 00:04:20.270 --> 00:04:21.770 align:middle line:90% Yeah? 00:04:21.770 --> 00:04:23.460 align:middle line:84% How will we know if we are saved? 00:04:23.460 --> 00:04:28.840 align:middle line:90% 00:04:28.840 --> 00:04:32.040 align:middle line:84% I don't reckon God intends to save just a few 00:04:32.040 --> 00:04:33.990 align:middle line:90% of his children, Joseph. 00:04:33.990 --> 00:04:36.770 align:middle line:84% I do believe you can know where you stand. 00:04:36.770 --> 00:04:39.520 align:middle line:84% Remember what the Bible says, ask any you shall receive? 00:04:39.520 --> 00:04:42.470 align:middle line:90% 00:04:42.470 --> 00:04:47.230 align:middle line:84% If we ask in faith, God will show us what to do. 00:04:47.230 --> 00:04:56.560 align:middle line:90% 00:04:56.560 --> 00:05:00.000 align:middle line:90% Why doesn't father come? 00:05:00.000 --> 00:05:02.220 align:middle line:90% Father has a lot of faith, Will. 00:05:02.220 --> 00:05:06.620 align:middle line:84% He just shows it differently than some folks. 00:05:06.620 --> 00:05:09.870 align:middle line:84% Now, if you embrace wrong doctrine 00:05:09.870 --> 00:05:13.190 align:middle line:84% and you unite with a corrupt church, you can expect coldness 00:05:13.190 --> 00:05:16.420 align:middle line:90% and darkness all of your lives. 00:05:16.420 --> 00:05:19.590 align:middle line:84% So you must inquire as to which denomination 00:05:19.590 --> 00:05:21.940 align:middle line:90% comes nearest to the truth. 00:05:21.940 --> 00:05:27.290 align:middle line:84% And that is the church with which you must unite. 00:05:27.290 --> 00:05:29.510 align:middle line:84% But how can we know which doctrine is right? 00:05:29.510 --> 00:05:35.750 align:middle line:90% 00:05:35.750 --> 00:05:41.420 align:middle line:84% We must obtain from God that knowledge which man cannot give 00:05:41.420 --> 00:05:42.360 align:middle line:90% or take away. 00:05:42.360 --> 00:05:46.420 align:middle line:90% 00:05:46.420 --> 00:05:50.250 align:middle line:84% The Bible teaches there is one Lord and one faith, Joseph. 00:05:50.250 --> 00:05:54.090 align:middle line:90% Then why do doctrines disagree? 00:05:54.090 --> 00:05:57.580 align:middle line:84% We each strive to find the answer that is right for us. 00:05:57.580 --> 00:05:58.950 align:middle line:84% But shouldn't there be one answer 00:05:58.950 --> 00:06:00.820 align:middle line:90% that's right for everyone? 00:06:00.820 --> 00:06:04.190 align:middle line:90% 00:06:04.190 --> 00:06:06.360 align:middle line:84% So great were the confusion and strife 00:06:06.360 --> 00:06:08.700 align:middle line:84% among the different denominations, 00:06:08.700 --> 00:06:10.810 align:middle line:84% that it was impossible for a person young 00:06:10.810 --> 00:06:14.470 align:middle line:84% as I was to come to any certain conclusion who was right 00:06:14.470 --> 00:06:15.890 align:middle line:90% and who was wrong. 00:06:15.890 --> 00:06:20.960 align:middle line:90% 00:06:20.960 --> 00:06:21.720 align:middle line:90% There, see. 00:06:21.720 --> 00:06:23.220 align:middle line:90% That's how it's done. 00:06:23.220 --> 00:06:29.110 align:middle line:90% 00:06:29.110 --> 00:06:31.750 align:middle line:84% Fellow citizens of Palmyra, today we 00:06:31.750 --> 00:06:34.800 align:middle line:84% celebrate the anniversary of our freedom. 00:06:34.800 --> 00:06:39.530 align:middle line:84% Freedom purchased with the blood and tears of our own fathers. 00:06:39.530 --> 00:06:41.030 align:middle line:90% Joseph, keep your eye on things. 00:06:41.030 --> 00:06:42.530 align:middle line:84% I'm going to fetch more gingerbread. 00:06:42.530 --> 00:06:50.970 align:middle line:90% 00:06:50.970 --> 00:06:54.840 align:middle line:84% You haven't been coming to church, Joseph. 00:06:54.840 --> 00:07:00.850 align:middle line:84% I'm trying to do what you said, decide which doctrine is right. 00:07:00.850 --> 00:07:02.420 align:middle line:90% I see. 00:07:02.420 --> 00:07:06.090 align:middle line:90% Well, beware of pride, boy. 00:07:06.090 --> 00:07:07.490 align:middle line:90% Your eternal soul is at stake. 00:07:07.490 --> 00:07:10.680 align:middle line:90% 00:07:10.680 --> 00:07:12.440 align:middle line:84% Considering that God could not be 00:07:12.440 --> 00:07:15.060 align:middle line:84% the author of so much confusion, I 00:07:15.060 --> 00:07:18.980 align:middle line:84% determined to investigate the subject more fully. 00:07:18.980 --> 00:07:25.470 align:middle line:84% Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. 00:07:25.470 --> 00:07:34.200 align:middle line:90% 00:07:34.200 --> 00:07:37.870 align:middle line:90% Joseph, you worry too much. 00:07:37.870 --> 00:07:41.500 align:middle line:84% I'm just trying to do what's right, Alvin. 00:07:41.500 --> 00:07:43.930 align:middle line:84% During this time of great excitement, 00:07:43.930 --> 00:07:46.540 align:middle line:84% my mind was called up to serious reflection 00:07:46.540 --> 00:07:48.880 align:middle line:90% and great uneasiness. 00:07:48.880 --> 00:07:52.870 align:middle line:84% Still, I kept myself aloof from all these parties, 00:07:52.870 --> 00:07:55.990 align:middle line:84% though I attended their meetings as often as occasion 00:07:55.990 --> 00:07:56.870 align:middle line:90% would permit. 00:07:56.870 --> 00:07:59.520 align:middle line:90% 00:07:59.520 --> 00:08:03.190 align:middle line:90% Ask and it shall be given you. 00:08:03.190 --> 00:08:04.690 align:middle line:90% Seek and ye shall find. 00:08:04.690 --> 00:08:07.450 align:middle line:90% 00:08:07.450 --> 00:08:10.700 align:middle line:84% Knock and it shall be opened unto you. 00:08:10.700 --> 00:08:27.380 align:middle line:90% 00:08:27.380 --> 00:08:31.600 align:middle line:84% For everyone that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh, 00:08:31.600 --> 00:08:32.100 align:middle line:90% findeth. 00:08:32.100 --> 00:08:36.550 align:middle line:90% 00:08:36.550 --> 00:08:38.040 align:middle line:90% It's time to go, boys. 00:08:38.040 --> 00:08:41.010 align:middle line:90% 00:08:41.010 --> 00:08:41.510 align:middle line:90% Bye. 00:08:41.510 --> 00:08:46.960 align:middle line:90% 00:08:46.960 --> 00:08:48.790 align:middle line:84% To believe that God answers prayers 00:08:48.790 --> 00:08:50.870 align:middle line:84% is to believe that he does not govern, but is 00:08:50.870 --> 00:08:53.400 align:middle line:90% governed by the prayers of men. 00:08:53.400 --> 00:08:56.750 align:middle line:84% I contend that God has given unto each and every one of us 00:08:56.750 --> 00:09:02.100 align:middle line:84% the ability to think, to reason for ourselves. 00:09:02.100 --> 00:09:06.420 align:middle line:84% In the midst of this war of words and opinions, 00:09:06.420 --> 00:09:10.500 align:middle line:84% I often said to myself, what is to be done? 00:09:10.500 --> 00:09:13.560 align:middle line:84% Who of all these parties are right? 00:09:13.560 --> 00:09:14.990 align:middle line:90% And how shall I know it? 00:09:14.990 --> 00:09:24.570 align:middle line:90% 00:09:24.570 --> 00:09:26.190 align:middle line:90% So what do you think? 00:09:26.190 --> 00:09:28.650 align:middle line:84% Well, father says the only real answers come from God. 00:09:28.650 --> 00:09:32.580 align:middle line:90% 00:09:32.580 --> 00:09:35.030 align:middle line:84% Your Lord answers in His own way, Joseph, 00:09:35.030 --> 00:09:37.960 align:middle line:90% and in His own time. 00:09:37.960 --> 00:09:39.410 align:middle line:90% But he does answer. 00:09:39.410 --> 00:09:47.280 align:middle line:90% 00:09:47.280 --> 00:09:51.840 align:middle line:84% If ye, then, know how to give good gifts unto your children, 00:09:51.840 --> 00:09:55.920 align:middle line:84% how much more shall your Father which is in heaven 00:09:55.920 --> 00:09:57.910 align:middle line:84% give good things to them That ask him. 00:09:57.910 --> 00:10:28.780 align:middle line:90% 00:10:28.780 --> 00:10:31.860 align:middle line:84% If any of you lack wisdom, let him 00:10:31.860 --> 00:10:36.510 align:middle line:84% ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, 00:10:36.510 --> 00:10:42.860 align:middle line:84% and upbraideth not, and it shall be given. 00:10:42.860 --> 00:10:44.420 align:middle line:90% But let him ask in faith. 00:10:44.420 --> 00:10:48.030 align:middle line:90% 00:10:48.030 --> 00:10:50.420 align:middle line:84% Never did any passage of scripture 00:10:50.420 --> 00:10:53.290 align:middle line:84% come with more power to the heart of man 00:10:53.290 --> 00:10:56.420 align:middle line:84% than this did at this time to mine. 00:10:56.420 --> 00:10:58.200 align:middle line:84% It seemed to enter with great force 00:10:58.200 --> 00:11:01.050 align:middle line:90% into every feeling of my heart. 00:11:01.050 --> 00:11:04.820 align:middle line:84% I reflected on it again and again, 00:11:04.820 --> 00:11:08.310 align:middle line:84% knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, 00:11:08.310 --> 00:11:13.990 align:middle line:90% I did, for how to act I did not. 00:11:13.990 --> 00:11:16.860 align:middle line:84% The Almighty is telling us that our eternal salvation-- 00:11:16.860 --> 00:11:20.040 align:middle line:84% The teachers of religion understood the same passage 00:11:20.040 --> 00:11:24.150 align:middle line:84% of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence 00:11:24.150 --> 00:11:27.600 align:middle line:84% in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible. 00:11:27.600 --> 00:11:30.160 align:middle line:90% I often found the Scriptures-- 00:11:30.160 --> 00:11:32.530 align:middle line:84% At length I came to the conclusion 00:11:32.530 --> 00:11:36.010 align:middle line:84% that I must either remain in darkness and confusion, 00:11:36.010 --> 00:11:41.250 align:middle line:84% or else I must do as James directs, that is, ask of God. 00:11:41.250 --> 00:13:06.580 align:middle line:90% 00:13:06.580 --> 00:13:09.540 align:middle line:84% After I had retired to the place where I had previously 00:13:09.540 --> 00:13:13.900 align:middle line:84% designed to go, finding myself alone, 00:13:13.900 --> 00:13:17.040 align:middle line:84% I kneeled down and began to offer up 00:13:17.040 --> 00:13:18.240 align:middle line:90% the desires of my heart. 00:13:18.240 --> 00:13:40.780 align:middle line:90% 00:13:40.780 --> 00:13:44.960 align:middle line:84% I saw a pillar of light above the brightness 00:13:44.960 --> 00:13:48.080 align:middle line:84% of the sun, which descended gradually 00:13:48.080 --> 00:13:49.520 align:middle line:90% until it fell upon me. 00:13:49.520 --> 00:13:59.210 align:middle line:90% 00:13:59.210 --> 00:14:05.520 align:middle line:84% When the light rested upon me I saw two personages 00:14:05.520 --> 00:14:11.020 align:middle line:84% whose brightness and glory defy all description. 00:14:11.020 --> 00:14:15.340 align:middle line:84% One of them spake unto me, calling me by name, 00:14:15.340 --> 00:14:23.560 align:middle line:84% and said pointing to the other, Joseph, this is my beloved Son. 00:14:23.560 --> 00:14:24.360 align:middle line:90% Hear Him. 00:14:24.360 --> 00:14:41.370 align:middle line:90% 00:14:41.370 --> 00:14:44.050 align:middle line:84% My object in going to inquire of the Lord 00:14:44.050 --> 00:14:47.880 align:middle line:84% was to know which of all the sects was right. 00:14:47.880 --> 00:14:51.980 align:middle line:84% I was answered that I must join none of them. 00:14:51.980 --> 00:14:54.550 align:middle line:84% And many other things did he say unto me. 00:14:54.550 --> 00:15:34.040 align:middle line:90% 00:15:34.040 --> 00:15:34.540 align:middle line:90% Mother. 00:15:34.540 --> 00:15:40.620 align:middle line:90% 00:15:40.620 --> 00:15:43.040 align:middle line:84% There are no such things as visions and revelations 00:15:43.040 --> 00:15:44.300 align:middle line:90% in these days. 00:15:44.300 --> 00:15:47.680 align:middle line:84% I don't blame anyone for not believing my history. 00:15:47.680 --> 00:15:51.110 align:middle line:84% If I had not experienced what I have, 00:15:51.110 --> 00:15:52.360 align:middle line:90% I would not believe it myself. 00:15:52.360 --> 00:15:55.810 align:middle line:90% 00:15:55.810 --> 00:16:01.700 align:middle line:84% It was nevertheless a fact that I had beheld a vision. 00:16:01.700 --> 00:16:07.490 align:middle line:84% I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light 00:16:07.490 --> 00:16:08.750 align:middle line:90% I saw two personages. 00:16:08.750 --> 00:16:11.680 align:middle line:90% 00:16:11.680 --> 00:16:15.730 align:middle line:84% And they did in reality speak to me. 00:16:15.730 --> 00:16:17.990 align:middle line:90% I knew it. 00:16:17.990 --> 00:16:20.020 align:middle line:90% And I knew that God knew it. 00:16:20.020 --> 00:16:21.840 align:middle line:90% And I could not deny it. 00:16:21.840 --> 00:16:43.770 align:middle line:90% 00:16:43.770 --> 00:16:46.310 align:middle line:84% The truth of any work can be seen 00:16:46.310 --> 00:16:50.540 align:middle line:84% in the blessings which flow from it. 00:16:50.540 --> 00:16:52.980 align:middle line:90% Joseph had been called of God. 00:16:52.980 --> 00:16:54.940 align:middle line:90% He had a Work to do. 00:16:54.940 --> 00:16:57.860 align:middle line:90% 00:16:57.860 --> 00:17:02.890 align:middle line:84% Through him, the Lord revealed new Scripture, 00:17:02.890 --> 00:17:06.080 align:middle line:84% a record which contained a fullness of the Gospel. 00:17:06.080 --> 00:17:09.440 align:middle line:90% 00:17:09.440 --> 00:17:13.060 align:middle line:84% There shall be no other name given-- 00:17:13.060 --> 00:17:17.060 align:middle line:84% It was translated through the gift and power of God. 00:17:17.060 --> 00:17:21.450 align:middle line:84% Only in and through the name of Christ-- 00:17:21.450 --> 00:17:24.770 align:middle line:84% And published as the Book of Mormon, 00:17:24.770 --> 00:17:26.990 align:middle line:84% another Testament of Jesus Christ. 00:17:26.990 --> 00:17:31.280 align:middle line:90% 00:17:31.280 --> 00:17:34.480 align:middle line:84% And if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, 00:17:34.480 --> 00:17:39.690 align:middle line:84% having faith in Christ, He will manifest the truth 00:17:39.690 --> 00:17:42.250 align:middle line:84% of it unto you by the power of the Holy Ghost. 00:17:42.250 --> 00:17:46.020 align:middle line:90% 00:17:46.020 --> 00:17:49.790 align:middle line:84% And by the power of the Holy Ghost, 00:17:49.790 --> 00:17:51.450 align:middle line:84% ye may know the truth of all things. 00:17:51.450 --> 00:18:03.230 align:middle line:90% 00:18:03.230 --> 00:18:08.140 align:middle line:84% Through His living Prophet, the Lord restored his Church. 00:18:08.140 --> 00:18:11.050 align:middle line:90% 00:18:11.050 --> 00:18:13.480 align:middle line:84% The fullness of the Gospel was available 00:18:13.480 --> 00:18:15.490 align:middle line:90% again in beautiful simplicity. 00:18:15.490 --> 00:18:25.400 align:middle line:90% 00:18:25.400 --> 00:18:27.870 align:middle line:84% Wherefore, by the Lord, knowing the calamity 00:18:27.870 --> 00:18:32.090 align:middle line:84% which had come upon the inhabitants of the earth, 00:18:32.090 --> 00:18:36.240 align:middle line:84% called upon My servant, Joseph Smith, Jr., and spake unto him 00:18:36.240 --> 00:18:39.540 align:middle line:84% from heaven, and gave unto him commands, 00:18:39.540 --> 00:18:41.790 align:middle line:84% that the fullness of My Gospel might 00:18:41.790 --> 00:18:45.590 align:middle line:84% be proclaimed unto the ends of the world. 00:18:45.590 --> 00:19:18.200 align:middle line:90%