Jabez Woodard's Vision of the Future Millennial Morning

On September 16, 1852, while stationed in Lausanne, Switzerland, Elder Jabez Woodard was sitting in a solitary place when he experienced a profound spiritual event. Reflecting on the nearly two years he had spent away from his wife, children, and parents to serve the Italian mission, melancholy thoughts initially occupied his mind. Suddenly, a strange sensation swept over his spirit, and he found himself in a vision of futurity. The world seemed to spread out before him as he witnessed the progression of history. He saw Jerusalem inhabited by happy multitudes, with children playing in the streets and elderly people leaning on their staves; the ancient curse of the land had been removed, replaced by the brightness of the Millennial morn. He beheld the return of the Savior, whose presence caused all nature to smile. Myriads of noble beings gathered from towers and temples near the holy city to witness the Savior, who appeared before the vast host. As every knee bowed in reverence, the Savior raised his right hand and pointed toward Calvary. Addressing the multitude, He declared, 'Two thousand years ago I died upon that Mount for the sins of the world, but now my Father hath given me the crown of universal empire. Thus shall it be known through all His vast creations that sacrifice and obedience bring forth honor and immortality.' The vision then concluded, and Elder Woodard started as from a trance, finding himself once again surrounded by the rocks and snows of the Alpine wilds rather than the palm trees and flowers of the 'pleasant land' he had seen. The experience left a lasting, soothing balm upon his spirit.