Without Disclosing My True Identity
timetable previously agreed upon by all of us, as (relatively) newly created advanced
humans assigned to this solar system.^43
Joseph didn’t need to understand everything at that time. Christ had impressed
his teenage mind before it had a chance to become prejudiced by his own free will and
the corrupt ideas and opinions prevalent in Joseph’s world. After that experience,
Joseph would listen to no man.^44 No one could influence his thinking; and nothing
would ever be able to persuade him away from the monumentally important task that
lay ahead of him.
The Aftermath of the Visitation
It was just past noon when Joseph returned home. The cup of coffee he drank
earlier had given him a physical lift, but the experience had depleted most of his
energy. He sat in a chair and then got up to get something to eat. He almost fainted as
his energy gave way. He staggered forward and caught himself near the fireplace. His
“mother inquired what the matter was. [He] replied, ‘Never mind, all is well—I am
well enough off.’”^45 Joseph ate something, rested a bit, and then joined his older
brothers and father outside.
Joseph’s discussions with Alvin would never be the same again. Although he
couldn’t reveal to Alvin exactly what he knew, Alvin was astonished at Joseph’s seemingly
instant wisdom and insight. Joseph would mention ideas that Alvin never considered.
“Where did you get that idea?” was often Alvin’s response to some of the things that Joseph
would bring up during their conversations. Over the next few years, the direction of their
discussions would change its course. Instead of Joseph listening to and contemplating all
that Alvin said, his older brother and mentor became the intent listener.
The rest of the year of 1820 was spent working hard around the farm and in
much conversation with Alvin. Joseph’s parents, and his older brother and sister,
Hyrum and Sophronia, were not as vocal as Alvin, and often enjoyed just sitting still and
listening to Joseph and Alvin’s conversations. Joseph’s younger brother Samuel (12 years
old at the time) took a great interest in listening to the discussions also. He would come
to respect Joseph for his great wisdom. William (age 9) was just beginning to understand
the constant discussions between his older brothers, with Joseph managing the course of
every conversation.
Joseph Smith, Jr. had been redeemed from the fall.^46 No longer could any man “act
upon” him. He had the proper knowledge of good and evil. The foundation was set for him
to become even greater than “Moses.” Because he knew the real truth, Joseph would, as
time went on, develop a confidence in himself and his ability to perform his role that many
others saw as arrogance.^47
This type of self-image and confidence was necessary to prepare the teenage Joseph
to perform his role. The confidence needed could not have been foundationalized in a
mortal man without the experience Joseph was allowed to have on April 6, 1820 with an
advanced human being, who just so happened to be our Christ.