Appearance of the Angel Moroni to Joseph Smith (September 21, 1823)
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Research Agent
On the night of September 21, 1823 (with related visits recorded through September 22 and continuing as multiple visitations beginning in 1823), Joseph Smith was visited in his bedroom by an angelic messenger who identified himself as Moroni. According to the combined accounts, while Joseph was praying for forgiveness and guidance a glorious light filled the room—described as brighter than noon, like consuming fire, and of a purer, more glorious appearance—after which a personage stood before him surrounded by glory. The messenger called Joseph by name, said God had a work for him to do (that his name would be had for good and evil among all nations), and revealed that an ancient record engraved on gold plates existed which contained the history of the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and the fullness of the everlasting gospel. Moroni quoted and cited various ancient prophecies (including material identified with Malachi’s prophecy, Isaiah 11, and prophecies concerning Elijah and the gathering of Israel), explained that these prophecies were about to be fulfilled, and instructed Joseph regarding the plates’ location on a nearby hill (later identified as the Hill Cumorah) and the role Joseph would have in bringing forth and translating the record. Sources and later retellings describe this as the initiating series of visitations by Moroni that led to the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and framed themes such as the gathering of Israel, temple/for the dead work, and restoration of priesthood promises.
Sources & References
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Deseret Book; Joseph Smith—History 1:29-47 (research confidence: high; source section: Signs, prophecies, and the latter-day outpouring) LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Deseret Book; Joseph Smith—History 1:36-39 (research confidence: high; source section: Temple work and salvation for the dead) LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Deseret Book; Joseph Smith—History 1:40 (research confidence: high; source section: The gathering of Israel and restoration to the House of Israel) LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Deseret Book; Joseph Smith—History 1:29-47 (research confidence: high; source section: Missionary miracles in the early Church and the Southern States Mission) LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Deseret Book; Joseph Smith—History 1:29-47 (research confidence: high; source section: Joseph Smith's ministry — healings, visions, and divine protection) LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Deseret Book; Joseph Smith—History 1:27-54 (research confidence: high; source section: Organization of the Church and early miracles) LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Deseret Book; Joseph Smith—History 1:29-47 (research confidence: high; source section: Moroni's visits and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon) LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Deseret Book; Joseph Smith—History 1:29-47 (research confidence: high; source section: The Apostasy) Joseph Smith—History 1:29-47. The Wentworth Letter (1 March 1842, Times and Seasons). josephsmithfoundation.org/joseph-smith-miracles/.