The Seer Stone and the Seeking Heart: A Legacy of Revelation and Discovery

Brothers and Sisters, we live in a time of gathering, a time when the echoes of ancient prophets resonate with a newfound urgency. Consider Samuel the Lamanite, climbing the walls of Jerusalem, a lone voice declaring truth in the face of opposition. Or Ammon, facing down Lamanites at the Waters of Sebus, a testament to unwavering faith. These are not merely stories; they are blueprints, patterns for our own journey.

The recent video from Mormonism with the Murph (see below) has stirred a compelling perspective on Joseph Smith’s early life and the prevalence of “seer stone” culture in his New England community. It's easy to dismiss these early experiences as mere superstition, but perhaps they were a divine preparation, a cultural context through which the Lord could reveal His power in a way that resonated with the people of that time. As Richard Bushman notes, “like many other New Englanders, they were familiar with searches for lost treasure by supernatural means.”

Think of the Stone cut without hands – Daniel 2:34 – a revelation unveiled in a time of prophecy and power. Joseph's early involvement in treasure-seeking, though often misunderstood, may have inadvertently primed him to receive the visitations of the Father and the Son. Lucy Mack Smith herself, in her history, defends her family against accusations of laziness, clarifying that their religious pursuits did not overshadow their work, but rather intertwined with it. As she states, “we endeavor to remember the service of and welfare of our souls through religion.”

This isn’t about condoning practices that are not of God. It’s about understanding the context of revelation, recognizing that the Lord often works in ways that may seem peculiar to us, using the tools and language of the culture to deliver His message. It’s about recognizing the Builders versus the Destroyers. Those who seek to understand, to learn, to build a Zion, versus those who tear down, who dismiss and condemn without seeking the light of knowledge. We are called to be Builders.

Consider the words of Elder Stephen Snow: “by 1825 young Joseph had a reputation in Manchester and Palmyra for his activities as a treasure seer.” This reputation, born of a cultural fascination with the supernatural, became the stage upon which a monumental event would unfold – the restoration of the gospel.

Just as Abinadi stood before King Noah, proclaiming a message that challenged the established order, Joseph Smith stood on the precipice of a revelation that would change the world. And just as the five smooth stones enabled David to overcome Goliath, so too did Joseph’s early experiences, however unconventional, prepare him for the trials and triumphs that lay ahead.

This is why we support the GatherIsrael.now map, connecting you to local churches and gatherings. Your engagement here – your shares, your comments, your contributions – fuels the charity flywheel, bringing the gospel to those who have never heard it. It supports the Missionary Fund, sending internet missionaries like Outback Jack into the digital wilderness, sharing the message with those who are seeking. Every click, every share, is a stone laid in the foundation of Zion.

Let us draw strength from these examples, embracing the challenges and uncertainties with faith and courage. Let us be like Ammon, unwavering in our commitment to truth. Let us be like Samuel, boldly proclaiming the word of the Lord. Let us be Builders, not Destroyers, creating a gathering place for all who seek the light.