The "Seven Accounts of the First Vision

First Vision painted by Michael Bedard & Seven account of the First Vision by Joseph Smith and others who  new him. poster 18 x 24   $24.95 www.bedardfine art.com

Crop of the seven accounts First Vision of the Restoration poster

Crop  of the Seven accounts First Vision of the Restorationposter

The "Seven Accounts of the First Vision of the Restoration, by Joseph Smith and others who knew him" poster, provides  seven different accounts starting in 1832 and ending in 1844.

1. 1832 account  by Frederick G. Williams & Joseph Smith Jr.
2. 1835 account   "   Warren A. Cowdery.
3. 1838 account   "   Joseph Smith History: Vol. II : 10-20
4. 1842 account   "  Orson Hyde
5. 1842 account   "  Wentworth letter
6. 1843 account   "   Non- Mormon newspaper
7. 1844 account   "  German immigrant, Alexander Neibaur testimony

Each one provides a different paradigm that adds to our understanding of what took place when Joseph, a fourteen year old boy, sought out the Lord in his quest to find out which of all the religious sects was the correct one, if any, of his day. 

Multiple accounts make for a sure foundation of truth. All  court cases prefer  to have more witnesses than one alone. Multiple stories, like witnesses in court, provide root, trunk and branch. Thus we see the whole tree at once. What a great blessing to the sincere truth seeker!

An example of the advantage of multiple accounts can be found  in the four Gospels 0f the New Testament. Each gospel writer told the same story but left out, or added parts, which provided a deeper view of the gospel of Jesus Christ and His mission, and the saving principles and ordinances.

1. Mathew
2. Mark
3. Luke
4. John

In addition, there are the stories of the Tree of Life found in the Book of Mormon. Put them all together and we are able to fathom Lehi's vision of the tree of life, and all its ramifications for those seeking the paths of righteousness or wickedness. 

1. 1 Nephi 8:22-37 Lehi's vision of the Tree of Life.  Book of Mormon
2. 1 Nephi 11: 1-36  Nephi's vision of  the Tree of Life.  Book of Mormon
3. 1 Nephi 15: 21-36 Nephi's interpretation of the Tree of Life to his brothers. Book of Mormon