[Key Excerpts] On the religious revival context: Joseph describes an unusual excitement on the subject of religion in the Manchester and Palmyra area around 1820. He recounts that the Methodists, Presbyterians, and Baptists were all competing for converts, and that the strife among the preachers seemed to contradict the spirit of the gospel they professed. On the scriptural catalyst: While pondering the competing claims, Joseph read James 1:5, which counsels those who lack wisdom to ask of God. He describes this passage striking him with great force, and he resolved to do as directed — to ask God directly which of the churches was right. On the dark force: Upon kneeling to pray in a grove of trees near his home, Joseph describes being seized by a thick darkness and an unseen power that seemed bent on his destruction. He felt as if he were doomed to sudden destruction and exerted all his power to call upon God for deliverance. On the vision: Joseph describes a pillar of light descending gradually until it rested upon him. He then saw two personages standing above him in the air. One spoke, calling Joseph by name, and pointing to the other said: this is my Beloved Son, hear him. Joseph asked which church he should join, and was told he must join none of them, for they were all wrong. On the aftermath: Joseph describes being persecuted and ridiculed for telling others about the experience. He compares himself to the apostle Paul — like Paul, he had seen a vision, and though others disbelieved it, he knew it and could not deny it. Historical significance: This is the canonical account, first published in the Times and Seasons in 1842 and later included in the Pearl of Great Price (1880). It is by far the most well-known and widely cited of the four major accounts, and forms the basis of standard missionary and church educational discussions of the First Vision.