Joseph Smith, Sr.'s Vision of the Judgment and Divine Mercy

“‘I thought I was walking alone; I was much fatigued, nevertheless I continued traveling. It seemed to me that I was going to meeting, that it was the day of udenmettt and that I was going to | be judged. ‘When I came in sight of the meeting-house, I saw multitudes of people coming from every direction, and pressing with great anxiety towards the door of this great building; but I thought I should get there in time, hence there was no need of being ina hurry. But, on arriving at the door, I found it shut; I knocked for admission, and was informed by the porter that I had come too late. I felt exceedingly troubled, and prayed earnestly for admittance. Presently I found that my flesh was perishing. I continued to pray, still my flesh withered upon my bones. I was almost in a state of total despair, when the porter asked me if I nad done all that was necessary in order to receive admission. I replied that I had done all that was in my power to do. ‘Then,’ observed the porter, ‘justice must be satisfied; after this, mercy hath her claims.’ | ‘It then occurred to me to call upon God, in the name of his son Jesus; and I cried out, in the agony of my soul, ‘Oh, Lord God, I beseech thee, in the name of Jesus Christ, to forgive my sins.’ After which I felt considerably strengthened, and I began to amend. The porter or angel then remarked that it was necessary to plead the merits of Jesus, for he was the advocate with the Father, and a mediator between God and man. | ‘I was now made quite whole, and the door was opened, but, on entering, I awoke.’ — Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith by His Mother, Chapter XVII”