As people in the town began to find out about Joseph's experience they began to persecute him. Although he was just an insignificant boy of 14 he drew the attention of every religious leader in the area. He was hated and violently persecuted. But he would not deny what he saw and heard.
Three years later Joseph was again praying, this time in his bedroom. His room suddenly began to fill with light. He saw another Personage. This one identified himself as Moroni. He told Joseph that he had a great work for him to do. Moroni told Joseph of a book, written on gold plates, that was buried in the earth nearby. He said the book contained the fullness of the gospel as delivered by the Savior to the ancient inhabitants of this land. Moroni told Joseph that when the time was right, he would translate the book by the power of God.
Several years later Joseph was entrusted with these gold plates. And, as Moroni instructed, Joseph began to translate the book into English. This book is now known as The Book of Mormon.
Joseph was a young farm boy with very little formal education. There is no logical explanation as to how he was able to translate this book. There is no logical explanation to support the allegations that Joseph wrote the book himself. Modern scholars can not explain it.
After The Book of Mormon was printed, Joseph was commanded to organize a new religion. He was commanded to organize it in the same manner that Christ organized His church in ancient times. He was commanded to name this church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Overtime the fullness of Christ's church has been restored through Joseph Smith, Jr. The Priesthood power has been restored. The Sealing Power has been restored to seal families together for time and all eternity.
Through all this, Joseph and his followers continued to be brutally persecuted. They were driven from their homes countless times. Each time they would relocate they would be driven out again. They were subjected to unspeakable horrors. Joseph was incarcerated many times on false charges. The last time he was taken to jail he was shot by an angry mob. Many thought this was the end of the "Mormons" but they were wrong. This was never Joseph's church. It is Christ's church. Joseph's death would not stop this work from going forth. The senior Apostle, Brigham Young, was named the new leader and prophet. He led the Saints thousands of miles, on foot, across the plains to the Rocky Mountains where they tamed the desert and started over.
What began with 56 people in a log cabin has grown to more than 14 million members worldwide in only 180 short years.
The church has put out an amazing movie depicting these events. It can be found HERE. It is about an hour long and is absolutely worth your time. If you don't have an hour, the first fifteen minutes are key. Please watch it.
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God."
Sources: Joseph Smith History and Our Heritage
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