from God.

The testimony of this lad is, that in response to his
supplication, drawn forth by the admonition of an inspired
apostle, he received a divine ministration; heavenly beings
manifested themselves to him--two, clothed in purity, and alike
in form and feature. Pointing to the other, one said, "This is
my beloved Son, hear Him." In answer to the lad's prayer, the
heavenly personage so designated informed Joseph that the Spirit
of God dwelt not with warring sects, which, while professing a
form of godliness, denied the power thereof, and that he should
join none of them. Overjoyed at the glorious manifestation thus
granted unto him, the boy prophet could not withhold from
relatives and acquaintances tidings of the heavenly vision. From
the ministers, who had been so energetic in their efforts to
convert the boy, he received, to his surprise, abuse and
ridicule. "Visions and manifestations from God," said they, "are
of the past, and all such things ceased with the apostles of old;
the canon of scripture is full; religion has reached its
perfection in plan, and, unlike all other systems contrived or
accepted by human kind, is incapable of development or growth.
It is true God lives, but He cares not for His children of modern
times as He did for those of ancient days; He has shut Himself
away from the people, closed the windows of heaven, and has
suspended all direct communication with the people of earth."

The persecution thus originating with those who called themselves
ministers of the gospel of Christ spread throughout the
community; and the sects that before could not agree together nor
abide in peace, became as one in their efforts to oppose the