Joseph Smith Sr.'s Dream
of the Barren Field
We moved thence to Tunbridge. Here we
had another son whom we named Samuel Harrison, born March 13, 1808. We
lived in this place a short time, then moved to Royalton, where Ephraim
was born, March 13, 1810. We continued here until we had another son,
born March 13, 1811, whom we called William.
About this time my husband's mind became much excited upon the subject
of religion; yet he would not subscribe to any particular system of
faith, but contended for the ancient order, as established by our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ and His Apostles.
One night my husband retired to his bed in a very thoughtful state of
mind, contemplating the situation of the Christian religion, or the
confusion and discord that were extant. He soon fell into a sleep, and
before waking had the following vision, which I shall relate in his own
words, just as he told it to me the next morning:
"I seemed to be traveling in an open, barren field, and as I was
traveling, I turned my eyes towards the east, the west, the north and
the south, but could see nothing save dead, fallen timber. Not a
vestige of life, either animal or vegetable, could be seen; besides, to
render the scene still more dreary, the most death-like silence
prevailed, no sound of anything animate could be heard in all the
field. I was alone in this gloomy desert, with the exception of an
attendant spirit, who kept constantly by my side. Of him I inquired the
meaning of what I saw, and why I was thus traveling in such a dismal
place. He answered thus: 'This field is the world, which now lieth
inanimate and dumb, in regard to the true religion, or plan of
salvation; but travel on, and by the wayside you will find on a certain
log a box, the contents of which, if you eat thereof, will make you
wise, and give unto you wisdom and understanding.' I carefully observed
what was told me by my guide, and proceeding a short distance, I came
to the box. I immediately took it up, and placed it under my left arm;
then with eagerness I raised the lid, and began to taste of its
contents; upon which all manner of beasts, horned cattle, and roaring
animals, rose up on every side in the most threatening manner possible,
tearing the earth, tossing their horns, and bellowing most terrifically
all around me, and they finally came so close upon me, that I was
compelled to drop the box and fly for my life. Yet, in the midst of all
this I was perfectly happy, though I awoke trembling." (From Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith, pp.46-47)